Cracking the Water Code

Cracking the Water Code

Cracking the Water Code Understanding the data we collect is vital! Here's what various water quality parameters can tell us: Water quality parameters measure various chemical, physical, and biological indicators nitrates, phosphates, and oxygen levels. Nitrates and Phosphates are nutrients that are essential for plant life and freshwater biodiversity. However, excess nitrates and phosphates can trigger harmful algal blooms. Eutrophication is harmful because it blocks sunlight from reaching underwater plants, and, in some cases, release toxins that are harmful to aquatic life. When the algae die, bacteria break them down, consuming large amounts of the oxygen dissolved in the water. This depletion of oxygen, known as hypoxia, can result in "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive due to the lack of oxygen . Eutrophication is a process in which excess nutrients accumulate in a body of water. Eutrophication increases the growth of aquatic plants and can lead to harmful algal blooms  Definition FreshWater Watch data location