Having studied the data for patterns and trends, you should now be able to draw some

Question

conclusions and make predictions about the general water quality of each major body of
water. Address the following in your final paragraphs:
● Is the general water quality of this body of water declining or improving? Cite
evidence from the data to support your conclusion.
● Based on the most recent data, what do you predict will be the biggest
environmental risk factors facing this body of water in the coming years? Consider
both the data and what you have learned about the causes and effects of changes
in pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity.
● Relate your conclusions and predictions about different parameters of water quality
with potential effect on biodiversity.

1. The Chesapeake Bay
2. The Gulf Of Mexico
3. The Great Lakes

Answer 1

1. The general water quality of the Chesapeake Bay has improved slightly over the years, but it still faces many challenges. For example, the nutrient levels in the Chesapeake Bay are still high, which contribute to algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels in the water. However, efforts to reduce nutrient pollution and improve wastewater treatment have led to some improvements in water quality. Overall, the water quality is not declining, but it is not improving rapidly either.

2. The general water quality of the Gulf of Mexico has been declining due to a variety of factors, including nutrient pollution, oil spills, and overfishing. The hypoxic zone (an area with very low levels of oxygen) in the Gulf is a major concern, as it is harmful to many species of fish and other aquatic life. The recent oil spill in the Gulf also had a significant impact on water quality. While efforts are being made to improve water quality, such as reducing nutrient pollution and restoring wetlands, the Gulf of Mexico will likely continue to face environmental risks in the coming years.

3. The general water quality of the Great Lakes varies depending on the lake and the location within the lake. Some lakes, such as Lake Superior, have relatively pristine water quality, while others, like Lake Erie, have been heavily impacted by nutrient pollution and algal blooms. Overall, efforts to reduce nutrient pollution and improve wastewater treatment have led to some improvements in water quality, especially in Lake Ontario and Lake Michigan. However, these efforts will need to continue to address ongoing challenges such as invasive species and climate change. The biggest environmental risk factors in the coming years will likely include continued nutrient pollution, increased temperatures, and the potential for more extreme weather events.

In terms of biodiversity, declines in water quality can have significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems. For example, changes in pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity can impact the growth and survival of different species of fish and other aquatic life. Additionally, declines in water quality can lead to the accumulation of pollutants in the food chain, which can harm not only aquatic life but also birds and mammals that rely on them. Therefore, efforts to improve water quality are not only important for the health of the water body itself but also for the biodiversity that relies on it.