pH levels

Aim/Purpose:

To measure the pH of the water sample.

Note:

pH plays a vital role in the well-being of aquatic life. pH is the measure of hydrogen ions in the water and has a range between 0-14, where 0 is acidic and 14 is basic or alkaline. Most rivers and lakes have a pH of 7 and it goes higher or lower depending on the conditions. Anything below 5 or above 9 is considered to be unsafe and needs attention.

Apparatus/Materials:

• pH meter or
• pH paper

Method:

• Use the meter or pH paper in your water sample. Either read off the meter or compare the colour with the chart supplied in the kit.
• Test your water body from different places and compare the results.

Conclusion:

pH can be affected by acid rain or industrial wastes. Acid rain is caused by the release of sulphur or nitrogen into the air. It then turns into sulphuric acid.

S + O2 = SO2

SO2 + H2+ O2 = H2 SO4

This will then fall either directly on the water or burn trees and fall onto the soil. Either way, it will kill many tress and aquatic life causing damage that is very expensive. Decide what could be causing the change in pH levels Please look around the water before you look at the water. The problem might be staring at you before you even look at the water itself.

Any questions must go to the webauthors.
This webpage is made for Thinkquest.
All materials are by the team Limnology: Facts and Fun

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