Module 1 Intro

1.18. Lab 1

Module 1—Energy Flow and the Cycling of Matter

Lesson 3 Lab: Assessing Water Quality

You have previously seen that water quality can seriously affect human health and the health of other organisms within an ecosystem. Water pollution caused by human activities can decrease the quality of fresh water.

Access the Virtual Lab Assessing Water Quality to explore how pollution can affect organisms in the biosphere. Make sure you read the information about acid rain and pH levels included with the lab.

Follow the instructions given in the simulation in order to complete the lab. Print the table located as a link in the bottom of the virtual lab, and record the changes you observe as you conduct the experiment. Once you have completed and repeated the experiment, you will generate a laboratory report by following the template in the Lesson 3 Assignment. Follow the instructions included in the template, save a copy in your course folder, and then submit a copy to your instructor for assessment. In your report, make sure you explain the role carbonic acid had in the experiment. Identify the process in the hydrologic cycle that could expose freshwater ecosystems to an acid.