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3 Selected Parmeter

TABLE 1

Based on DOE WQI we select four parameters for our sample (G3 lake)

- pH value
- Biochemical Oxygen Demand
- Chemical Oxygen Demand
- Ammoniacal Nitrogen
- Dissolved Oxygen
1. pH value

 A range of pH 6.5 to pH 8.2 is optimal for most organisms.


 Most organisms have adapted to life in water of a specific pH and may die if it changes
even slightly. The toxicity level of ammonia to fish, for example, varies tremendously
within a small range of pH values.
 Acid rain containing nitric and sulferic acids can sharply lower the pH of a stream as the
rain runs quickly off streets and roofs into creeks. Acidic water can cause heavy metals
such as copper and aluminum to be released into the water. Copper from worn
automobile brake pads is often present in runoff.
 Rapidly growing algae remove carbon dioxide from the water during photosynthesis,
which can result in a significant increase in pH levels.

Note: If pH is less than 2.0 or greater than 12.0,


the quality index equals 0.

2. Dissolve Oxygen

 Fish, invertebrates, plants, and aerobic bacteria all require oxygen for respiration.
 Much of the dissolved oxygen in water comes from the atmosphere. After dissolving at
the surface, oxygen is distributed by current and turbulence. Algae and rooted aquatic
plants also deliver oxygen to water through photosynthesis.
 The main factor contributing to changes in dissolved oxygen levels is the build-up of
organic wastes. Decay of organic wastes consumes oxygen and is often concentrated in
summer, when aquatic animals require more oxygen to support higher metabolisms.
 Depletions in dissolved oxygen can cause major shifts in the kinds of aquatic organisms
found in water bodies.
 Temperature, pressure, and salinity affect the dissolved oxygen capacity of water. The
ratio of the dissolved oxygen content (ppm) to the potential capacity (ppm) gives the
percent saturation, which is an indicator of water quality.

Note: If dissolved oxygen is greater than 140%,


the quality index equals 50.
3. Chemical oxygen demand

 Chemical Oxygen Demand or COD is a measurement of the oxygen required to oxidize


soluble and particulate organic matter in water.
 Chemical Oxygen Demand is an important water quality parameter because, similar to BOD,
it provides an index to assess the effect discharged wastewater will have on the receiving
environment. Higher COD levels mean a greater amount of oxidizable organic material in
the sample, which will reduce dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. A reduction in DO can lead to
anaerobic conditions, which is deleterious to higher aquatic life forms. The COD test is often
used as an alternate to BOD due to shorter length of testing time.

4. Biochemical Oxygen Demand

 Biochemical oxygen demand is a measure of the quantity of oxygen used by


microorganisms (e.g., aerobic bacteria) in the oxidation of organic matter.
 Natural sources of organic matter include plant decay and leaf fall. However, plant
growth and decay may be unnaturally accelerated when nutrients and sunlight are overly
abundant due to human influence.
 Urban runoff carries pet wastes from streets and sidewalks; nutrients from lawn
fertilizers; leaves, grass clippings, and paper from residential areas, which increase
oxygen demand.
 Oxygen consumed in the decomposition process robs other aquatic organisms of the
oxygen they need to live. Organisms that are more tolerant of lower dissolved oxygen
levels may replace a diversity of more sensitive organisms.
Note: If biochemical oxygen demand is greater than 30 ppm,
the quality index equals 2.

WQI FORMULA AND CALCULATION

FORMULA

WQI = (0.22* SlDO) + (0.19*SIBOD) + (0.16*SICOD) + (0.15*SIAN) + (0.16 * SISS) +


(0.12 * SipH)
where;
SIDO = Sublndex DO (% saturtlon)
SIBOD = Sublndex BOD
SICOD = Sublndex COD
SIAN = Sublndex NH3-N
SISS = Sublndex SS
SipH = Sublndex pH
0 ≤ WQI ≤ 100

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