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We chose this topic to help spread the information about the cleanliness of the water in Monroe. The natural water sources in Monroe were tested using water testing strips and were compared to the control of drinking water. These water sources were limited as to the lack of access to materials and transportation due to the recent pandemic.

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Data

We collected and documented data from 6 locations across Monroe. This was hindered due to the pandemic outbreak but we decided to still proceed with the testing. We collected samples on testing stops and graphed work. More information can be found in the data tab.

Materials

Testing

  1. Identify a body of water that might show elevated or no water pollution.

  2. Dip a water test strip into the water for 2 seconds.

  3. Remove the water test strip and shake off excess fluid carefully.

  4. Hold strip horizontally for 30 seconds

  5. Compare colors on the test strip against the colors on the given color chart.

Experimental Errors

  • Weather

    • Our group made sure that the 3 days before any testing was relatively the same. However, there will always be variations in the weather that could affect the amount of pollution that would runoff into these sources.

  • Human Interference

    • Some of the samples could have been disrupted or disturbed from their usual amounts of activity. For example, in the petting zoo runoff, two kids were playing around inside the water which most likely would not typically happen. This could have reduced the concentration when water was splashed outside.

Takeaway

Using all of this information from the water samples, we can conclude that some specific substances in water can be very harmful. 

 

Fluoride is added into the water for dental health and strength. If there is more than 4 ppm in water, it can cause many detrimental risks. It could cause dental fluorosis (discoloration of teeth), skeletal fluorosis (pain and damage to bones and joints), thyroid problems (hyperparathyroidism which secretes parathyroid hormones in great quantities), neurological problems (fluoride is a neurotoxin which can harm children during pre-birth development), and many more. 

 

The hardness of water is simply dissolved minerals in water such as calcium and magnesium. When such water is heated, calcium carbonate deposits form which can damage equipment, increase the cost for heating water, and clog pipes. 

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Chlorine is added to water to kill germs and viruses. In limited amounts, it is, in fact, necessary for our welfare and safety. But, too much of it can cause skin and eye irritation, smell triggering asthma, and excess drying of the hair. 

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Iron in very small amounts in water is harmless but in larger amounts, it can be harmful. It affects the skin (infections and wrinkles, eczema, and acne), there would be a lot of bacteria as it feeds off the iron, damage to some organs (liver, pancreas, and heart), and can cause diabetes, stomach problems, nausea, and more.

Copper in very small amounts is in most water sources and foods but too much can also cause health problems. It causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and more. 

 

Lead is a toxic substance found in many water sources that has been hurting people for centuries. It can affect creative thinking, planning, attention, learning, and memory by affecting parts of the brain, specifically the frontal cortex and the hippocampus. 

 

Nitrate is a non-identifiable (by taste, smell, or sight) substance present in water.  Nitrate is harmless until it is reduced to nitrite. Nitrite can cause methemoglobinemia which affects blood circulation. Babies are at the highest risk of getting it. It causes the skin to turn bluish, decreases blood pressure, increases heart rate, causes stomach cramps, and more. 

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pH level can also impact water. Pure water has a pH level of 7. Anything below that is acidic and anything above that is alkaline.  If water is acidic, it corrodes metal pipes. It ruins equipment and other materials that come in contact with it. Alkaline water has more detrimental effects on human health. It can reduce gastric acidity (kills pathogens when acidic), skin irritation, and metabolic alkalosis (causes nausea, vomiting, confusion, and tremors). 

 

Thus, it is important to be aware of the appalling effects of all of these common substances in water. In addition, it is essential that we are all more vigilant about the water we are drinking and if there is any way to purify it, perhaps with better filtration systems. Awareness about such hazards can greatly increase the probability that we will stay healthy and safe from some toxins.

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