High levels of dissolved oxygen allow for diverse aquatic communities within a stream. Conversely, low levels of dissolved oxygen limit both the sum and variety of fish and insects. Fecal Coliform Fecal coliform are a naturally occurring bacteria in the human and other warm blooded animals' digestive systems. 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 .