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ESS Model IA
ESS Model IA
Oxygen is a
byproductof photosynthesis in plants. Oxygen is vital for all living things. Respiration by
aquatic animals,decomposition, and other chemical reactions consume oxygen. An
example would be waste water contains organic materials which are decomposed,
using oxygen in the process. Other sources include runoff, and septic systems. Oxygen
is measured in its dissolved form as dissolved oxygen (DO). Aquatic animals are very
sensitive to DO levels. DO is measured by in milligrams per liter. Milligrams per liter are
the amount of oxygen in a liter of water. DO is determined by the Winkler method. The
Winkler method is performed by filling a sample tube completely, no air bubbles at all.
Then a series of drops are added to the water, which then change the color in
accordance to the DO level. The climate in Virginia is variable. In the area studied, the
average high for November is 59° Fand the average low is 37° F (15° C and 2.78°
C respectively). The average rainfall for the area is 3.61inches (9.17cm). There are five
distinct climate regions in Virginia; the Tidewater region, the Piedmont region, Northern
Virginia, Western Mountains, and Southwestern Mountains .Previous results indicate
cold water will contain more DO than warmer waters. DO ratesfluctuate with water
temperature and diurnally. If DO levels drop below unhealthy levels, the body ofwater
will begin the process of eutrophication, or the excessive growth of algae. The algae
then dies andDO levels drop, killing all living things in the water.
Research Question
Is there a correlation between dissolved oxygen levels and the water temperature?
Hypothesis
If the temperature of the water increases, then the dissolved oxygen levels will
decrease.
Data Section
the trial number. The water samples will be on the chart with the letter “b” after the trial
number. I will use the DO testing kit to perform the tests after gathering the
samples. I will be using athermometer (connected to a LabQuest), a barometer, and
an anemometer.Materials