Introduction

The objective of our field studies was to help know the types of species living in the water and type of water quality.  And to help us observe and collect data in the real world.

 

Connections

The four spheres are the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. The field studies connect to the four spheres because the field study involves water, which is the biosphere, Land, rocks, etc. which is the geosphere, the air, sky temperature, which are atmosphere and the living organisms/bacteria which are biosphere.

Coquitlam River Site

For the Coquitlam water, my group and I approximate water quality index was 83.3.  we also measured some other water quality like Dissolved Oxygen, PH, Temperature change, Nitrates, Phosphates, Turbidity, and Total Dissolved Salts.

The water quality index of 83.3 for the Coquitlam water suggests that the health of the river is quite good. This indicates that the water is relatively clean and suitable for supporting aquatic life and human use. However, it’s important to monitor and address any potential issues with specific water quality parameters such as Dissolved Oxygen, PH, Temperature change, Nitrates, Phosphates, Turbidity, and Total Dissolved Salts to ensure the continued health of the river.

 

Invertebrates’ life

As a class, divided into small groups, we all found some living invertebrate organisms in the Coquitlam River. Some of the invertebrates we found were caddisfly and red worms.  We also found some animals that are not invertebrates. For example, fishes.

 

    

I would say that the presence of diverse and abundant invertebrate populations, such as the ones we found in the Coquitlam River, is a positive indication of the health of the river. This suggests that the water quality and overall ecosystem are in good condition. However, it’s always important to continue monitoring and studying these populations to ensure the long-term health of the river.

My Prediction

Before heading to the Coquitlam River, I was confident that the water would be clean and fresh. As expected, when we arrived, the water was indeed clear and clean just as I had predicted. Although it wasn’t entirely suitable for swimming or drinking, it was clean enough that we could see the rocks at the bottom of the river.

 

Oxbow pond Site

As a group, we had approximately 68.9 for the water quality index. In order to find the water quality index, we measured the Dissolved Oxygen, PH, Temperature Change, Nitrates, Phosphates, Turbidity, and Total Dissolved Salts, then we found the Q-factor value. After, we found the weighted Q-value for all of them, and we summed them. That was how we had the water quality index.

 

Based on the information provided, the water quality index for the Oxbow Pond was approximately 68.9. This indicates that the health of the pond is decent, but not as high as the water quality index for the Coquitlam River. The index reflects that the water is acceptable for supporting aquatic life and some forms of human use. However, it also suggests that there may be some areas of concern that need to be monitored and potentially addressed, such as specific water quality parameters like Dissolved Oxygen, PH, Temperature Change, Nitrates, Phosphates, Turbidity, and Total Dissolved Salts to ensure the continued health of the pond.

Invertebrates

Some invertebrates we found in the invertebrates were a stonefly, mayfly, fishfly larva, water mite, caddisfly, bug skin, and worm. We also found some animals that are not invertebrates. For example, fishes.

The presence of invertebrates such as caddisflies and worms in the pond indicates a healthy ecosystem. These organisms are indicative of good water quality and an abundance of organic matter for them to feed on. Additionally, the presence of fishes suggests that the pond has a well-established food web, contributing to the overall balance and health of the aquatic environment.

 

Prediction

Before going to the pond, I predicted that the water quality was going to be very bad, but instead, it wasn’t too bad like I predicted it would. It wasn’t too bad because there were living things inside and some weren’t even detritivore, but they were living.

Comparing the two sites 

The water quality in the Coquitlam River was relatively high, with a water quality index of 83.3, indicating that the river’s health is quite good. On the other hand, the Oxbow Pond had a lower water quality index of approximately 68.9, suggesting that the health of the pond is decent but not as high as that of the Coquitlam River.

In terms of invertebrate life, both the river and the pond had similar invertebrate populations, including caddisflies and worms. However, the Coquitlam River also had a diverse range of invertebrates such as stoneflies, mayflies, fishfly larvae, and water mites, which indicated a positive indication of the river’s health. Therefore, in comparison, the Coquitlam River exhibited a higher diversity and abundance in invertebrate populations than the Oxbow Pond.

Water quality is closely related to the diversity and number of invertebrates found in a waterway. High water quality typically supports a greater diversity and abundance of invertebrates. Invertebrates are sensitive to changes in their environment, especially to pollution and habitat degradation. Therefore, in a healthy waterway with good water quality, there tends to be a wider variety of invertebrate species present, and they are likely to exist in greater numbers. On the other hand, poor water quality can lead to decreased diversity and abundance of invertebrates, as many species are unable to survive in polluted or degraded environments. Monitoring the presence and health of invertebrates in a waterway can therefore serve as an important indicator of overall water quality and ecosystem health.

 

Reflection

The field studies activities help me understand how the four spheres connects to one another even better. I also helped me know different types of living organisms living in the water.

Some science skills I’ve improve were observing, recording, and making hypothesis. I think I Have improve on these skills because at the beginning of the semester I was not too good with applying them.

Before going to the field studies, I never  knew  that fish could survive in low water quality like the pond. Before going to the field studies, I had no idea about the specific processes and methods used to measure water quality parameters such as Dissolved Oxygen, PH, Temperature Change, Nitrates, Phosphates, Turbidity, and Total Dissolved Salts. Additionally, I was not aware of the different types of invertebrate organisms that can be found in bodies of water and their significance in indicating the health of the ecosystem. Through the field studies, I learned a lot about the impact of various water quality parameters on the overall health of rivers and ponds and their importance in supporting aquatic life and human use. And I would want to know more about the breeding of invertebrates.