On a field trip to two local ponds, a group of students observed a difference between the two ponds in the diversity of worms and insect larvae living in the mud and debris near the edges of the ponds. Numerous factors, both biotic and abiotic, influence the distribution of aquatic organisms. The students decided that they would investigate some of the abiotic factors. a) List three water-quality tests that could be conducted and explain what information each test provides. Include in your answers a description of the impact of each factor on the distribution of aquatic organisms.

Three test

Level of carbon dioxide

Temperature

Nutrient level in water

Explanation:

The observer will conduct the following three tests  

a)Level of carbon dioxide – The observer will measure the  amount of dissolved carbon dioxide which shall in turn determine the extent of photosynthetic activities and the pH level of water. The higher the dissolved CO2, the higher will be the pH and the lower the dissolved CO2, the higher will be the photosynthetic activities

b)Temperature – By observing the temperature, the observer can determine the extent of dissolved oxygen, biological stress, sensitivity to toxic waste and disease and rate of metabolism. The higher is the temperature, the higher is the rate of metabolism, sensitivity and biological stress and lower is the dissolved oxygen.

c)Nutrient level in water – It is measured to determine the extent of biological activity. The higher is the nutrient level in the water, the higher is the biological activity