Chemicals We Are Testing In Water:
Nitrate Molecule
Nitrates:
Nitrates react with organic materials, algae and other plants feed on it. It is found commonly in fertilizer runoff, and is found in many bodies of water and soils. Algae can overgrow if the amount of nitrates is not moderated. Nitrate is fine in small amounts, but will cause damage in large amounts. It can build up in blood of organisms causing poisoning and damage to the body.
Nitrates react with organic materials, algae and other plants feed on it. It is found commonly in fertilizer runoff, and is found in many bodies of water and soils. Algae can overgrow if the amount of nitrates is not moderated. Nitrate is fine in small amounts, but will cause damage in large amounts. It can build up in blood of organisms causing poisoning and damage to the body.
Nitrite Molecule
Nitrites:
Nitrite is a naturally occurring inorganic ion. It happens from the decay of ammonia. It usually comes from things such as animal waste and fertilizer. It has no benefits and can be toxic in large amounts. It can be harmful if there is a large quantity in groundwater, where it is generally found. More than 1 mg/L is considered toxic. Toddlers and elders are especially sensitive to the toxicity of this chemical. Some effects may be carcinogenic and potentially cause cancer.
Nitrite is a naturally occurring inorganic ion. It happens from the decay of ammonia. It usually comes from things such as animal waste and fertilizer. It has no benefits and can be toxic in large amounts. It can be harmful if there is a large quantity in groundwater, where it is generally found. More than 1 mg/L is considered toxic. Toddlers and elders are especially sensitive to the toxicity of this chemical. Some effects may be carcinogenic and potentially cause cancer.
Ammonia Molecule
Ammonia:
Ammonia is part of the natural nitrogen cycle, and is produced as a natural byproduct through urination and defecation of most animals. Even at low levels, ammonia can be toxic to organisms living in the water.
Ammonia is part of the natural nitrogen cycle, and is produced as a natural byproduct through urination and defecation of most animals. Even at low levels, ammonia can be toxic to organisms living in the water.
pH Strip
pH:
pH is used to measure whether a liquid is more acidic or more basic. The lower the pH, the more acidic the liquid is. pH is measured on a scale of 1-14. For example, the pH of lemon juice (an acid) is 2. The pH of bleach (a strong base), for comparison, is about a 13.
pH is used to measure whether a liquid is more acidic or more basic. The lower the pH, the more acidic the liquid is. pH is measured on a scale of 1-14. For example, the pH of lemon juice (an acid) is 2. The pH of bleach (a strong base), for comparison, is about a 13.
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High Range pH:
High range pH measures higher levels than the regular pH . It can measure a high range of 7.4 to 8.8 where as normal pH levels range from 6.0 to 7.5. This is mostly measured in aquariums that have alkaline water such as tap water. |
Temperature:
Temperature of the water is also an important factor in how the water, and ultimately the trout is affected. The warmer, or colder, the water is from its ideal temperature, the more any life in the water is affected. Some plants and fish are adjusted for warmer temperatures, while others are adjusted for colder temperatures. Attempting to raise a fish in a temperature it is not adjusted to can lead to death of the fish. For the Steelhead Trout, the hottest the water can be is 27.2° Celsius, and the coldest it can go is near freezing - in some cases to 6° Celsius.
Temperature of the water is also an important factor in how the water, and ultimately the trout is affected. The warmer, or colder, the water is from its ideal temperature, the more any life in the water is affected. Some plants and fish are adjusted for warmer temperatures, while others are adjusted for colder temperatures. Attempting to raise a fish in a temperature it is not adjusted to can lead to death of the fish. For the Steelhead Trout, the hottest the water can be is 27.2° Celsius, and the coldest it can go is near freezing - in some cases to 6° Celsius.
All Image Credits: K. Cunningham and L. Chung