However, in streams and lakes, fecal coliform bacteria most often bond to disease causing pathogens - which are often difficult to detect. Biologists use fecal coliform counts to estimate if unsafe numbers of disease-causing bacteria are present Temperature Through the temperature test, students determine whether thermal pollution is affecting the river. Students take the temperature at the test site as well as at one mile upstream. A sudden temperature change could indicate that there is thermal pollution. Total Phosphorous Total phosphorous includes organic and inorganic phosphate.
Organic phosphates come from once-living plants and animals.
Phosphates are also found in laundry detergents and commonly bond with soil particles. In the river, phosphorous stimulates plant and algae growth . Total Solids Total solids include the dissolved solids and suspended solids in the river. High concentrations of total solids can adversely impact water quality in several ways. As solids settle out, they can affect the habitats of other organisms at the bottom of the river bed.