Question

1. design a monitoring plan: youre a water quality scientist studying a local stream that receives runoff from a coal mine. describe how you would monitor ph to assess water quality? when would you measure? where would you measure? what other parameters would you measure with ph? why is this monitoring plan appropriate for this situation? part 7: real - world connections 22. a fish kill has occurred in a local pond. the ph is measured at 4.2. using evidence from the factsheet, explain what likely happened and what might have caused it: 23. climate change is increasing rainfall intensity in many regions. based on the factsheet, how might this affect water ph? explain your reasoning:

Explanation:

Step1: Design monitoring plan for pH in stream

Measure pH during and after rainfall events (when runoff from coal - mine is likely to be high), at regular intervals (e.g., daily or weekly depending on variability). Measure at the inlet of the stream where runoff enters, at multiple points along the stream's length, and at the outlet. Also measure parameters like dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, conductivity, and heavy - metal concentrations (such as iron, sulfur, etc. which are common in coal - mine runoff) along with pH. This plan is appropriate as rainfall triggers runoff, and measuring at critical points along the stream and with related parameters gives a comprehensive view of water quality affected by coal - mine runoff.

Step2: Analyze fish - kill situation

A pH of 4.2 in the local pond is highly acidic. Likely, acidic substances have entered the pond, possibly from industrial or agricultural runoff, or acid rain. Acidic water can damage fish gills, disrupt their osmoregulation, and make it difficult for them to breathe, leading to fish - kill.

Step3: Consider impact of rainfall intensity on pH

Increased rainfall intensity can wash more acidic substances (e.g., from atmospheric pollutants like sulfur and nitrogen oxides) into water bodies, lowering the pH. Also, it can mobilize acidic substances in soil and sediments near water bodies, further contributing to acidification.

Answer:

1. When: During and after rainfall events, at regular intervals. Where: At the inlet of the stream (where runoff enters), multiple points along the stream, and at the outlet. Other parameters: Dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, heavy - metal concentrations. Why appropriate: Rainfall triggers runoff, and measuring at key points and with related parameters gives a full picture of water quality affected by coal - mine runoff.
2. Likely, acidic substances entered the pond, possibly from runoff or acid rain. Acidic water damaged fish gills and osmoregulation, causing fish - kill.
3. Increased rainfall intensity can wash more acidic substances into water bodies from the atmosphere and mobilize acidic substances in soil/sediments, lowering the pH.