A researcher wants to determine if ponds and lakes downwind of a coal-burning power plant are affected by the plant's emissions. Which of the following would be the best parameter from the water in the ponds and lakes to measure in order to determine the effect of the plant's emissions on the aquatic ecosystems?

A) pH

B) Biological oxygen demand (BOD)

C) Carbon Dioxide

D) Volatile organic compounds (VOC's)

A researcher wants to determine if ponds and lakes downwind of a coal-burning power plant are affected by the plant's emissions. The best parameter from the water in the ponds and lakes to measure in order to determine the effect of the plant's emissions on the aquatic ecosystems is

A) pH

Explanation:

PH stands for Potential of Hydrogen. It refers to the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. The majority of aquatic creatures prefer a pH range of 6.5-9.0, though some can live in water with pH levels outside of this range. Aquatic pH levels. The optimum pH levels for fish are from 6.5 to 9.0. Outside of optimum ranges, organisms can become stressed or die. It is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The PH value ranges from 0 to 14 on a pH scale. pH can be measured by measuring the voltage produced between two special electrodes immersed in the liquid solution. One electrode, made of a special glass, is called the measurement electrode. PH is zero that means hydronium ion concentration is zero and pH is 14 that means hydronium ion concentration is 1. Acids and bases have various strengths, all depending on their pH. An extremely strong base would be more dangerous than a weak acid, and vice versa.