Virtual Lab #2
1: What are four types of water pollution? Define each.
2: Which fish species are the least tolerant of water pollution? Which species are the most
tolerant? How do you arrive at your conclusion?
Trouts are the least tolerant due to very specific needs of the environment. Catfish are
the most tolerant as they don't require as much being able to adapt to a variety of environments.
3: Which invertebrates are the least tolerant of water pollution? Which species are the most
tolerant? How do you arrive at your conclusion?
Stone flies are least tolerant as they need clean water with good oxygen. The most tolerant are
are Midge Larvae because they are adaptable to mostly anything polluted or not.
4: What might a high level of bacteria indicate about DO levels? What is the relationship
between bacteria and water pollution?
A high level of bacteria might indicate a low DO level. The relationship of bacteria to water pollution
is that it if there is a lot of bacteria, then the pollution is also high.
5: Based on the lab results, what conclusion can be drawn about each site? Which river was the
most polluted? How did you arrive at your conclusion?
The most polluted site had to be site one. This is due to it's high temperatures keeping a low amount of
oxygen available to the organisms. Bacteria growth all competed for oxygen which in turn meant that
pollution was present in the area.
- Thermal: The release of hot water heating up the environment for the sea life.
- Chemical: Toxins released into the water
- Domestic: Pollution from urban areas running off into the water
- Soil: Corroded soil runs into the water.
2: Which fish species are the least tolerant of water pollution? Which species are the most
tolerant? How do you arrive at your conclusion?
Trouts are the least tolerant due to very specific needs of the environment. Catfish are
the most tolerant as they don't require as much being able to adapt to a variety of environments.
3: Which invertebrates are the least tolerant of water pollution? Which species are the most
tolerant? How do you arrive at your conclusion?
Stone flies are least tolerant as they need clean water with good oxygen. The most tolerant are
are Midge Larvae because they are adaptable to mostly anything polluted or not.
4: What might a high level of bacteria indicate about DO levels? What is the relationship
between bacteria and water pollution?
A high level of bacteria might indicate a low DO level. The relationship of bacteria to water pollution
is that it if there is a lot of bacteria, then the pollution is also high.
5: Based on the lab results, what conclusion can be drawn about each site? Which river was the
most polluted? How did you arrive at your conclusion?
The most polluted site had to be site one. This is due to it's high temperatures keeping a low amount of
oxygen available to the organisms. Bacteria growth all competed for oxygen which in turn meant that
pollution was present in the area.