LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

QUARTER I/ SEMESTER I
Name:________________________________________________Score:_______

Grade & Section _________________________Subject: EARTH SCIENCE

Name of Teacher: GAYLORD BRENT R. RABANG Date: _____________

I. Title: Water Quality

II. Type of Activity: Concept notes with formative activities

LAS for summative assessment ( Written Work Performance

Task)

III. MELC: Explain how different activities affect the quality and availability of
water for human use (S11ES-Ig-16 )

IV. Learning Objective/s: Identify the determinants of water quality

Elaborate factors in the degradation of water quality
Site actual water pollution incidents in the country
V. V. Reference/s
For Print Material/s:

Olivar III, J. T. Rodolfo, R. S. & Cabria, H. Exploring Life Through Science Series-
Earth Science, pp. 94-96.

Religioso, T. F.& Vengco, L. G., Discovering Earth and Solar System, pp. 246-247,
p. 250

For Online Resource/s: (

Determinants of Water Quality. Retrieved at https://netsolwater.com/determinants-of-

water-quality.php?blog=7 on August 1, 2020

Water pollution in the Philippines. Retrieved at

https://www.borgenmagazine.com/water-pollution-in-the-philippines/#prettyPhoto on
August 4, 2020

What are the key factors that influence water quality? Retrieved at
https://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water_quality/quality2/j-19-08-key-factors-
influencing-water-quality.htm on August 4, 2020.

Eutrophication Explained. Retrieved at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtxD68U2E4o Youtube on August 6, 2020.

Coral Bleaching. Retrieved at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNB-2AgIMIE on

August 7, 2020.

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VI. Concept notes with formative activities

Water Quality
Water quality is measured by several
factors, such as the concentration of
dissolved oxygen, bacteria levels, the
amount of salt (or salinity), or the amount of
material suspended in the water (turbidity)
Water quality is dependent to water
use/purpose so saying water is good is very
relative. What could be good for water as
watering farm crops might not be good for
drinking.
Seagrass and coral reef communities thrive
in clean water that is relatively low in
nutrients. Too many nutrients in the water
can cause excess growth of algae, which
can smother corals and seagrass. Pollutants
such as metals, oils, pesticides, and
fertilizers run off from land into the waters,
causing excess algae growth and other
harmful impacts.
The following water properties are important in determining water quality:
Temperature: Water temperature is important to fish and aquatic plants.
Temperature can affect the level of oxygen, as well as the ability of organisms to
resist certain pollutants. However, temperature affects the solubility and reaction
rates of chemicals. In general, the rate of chemical reactions increases with
increasing water temperature.it also affects reproduction, metabolism and growth.
Acidity – pH: The measurement of pH is a measure of the amount of hydrogen
ions (H+) present in a substance such as water. Knowing the amount of hydrogen
in a substance allows us to judge whether it is acidic, neutral, or basic. Water pH
affects both biological and chemical processes. Values of pH below 4.5 and above
9.5 are usually lethal to aquatic organisms, and even less extreme pH values can
affect reproduction and other biological processes.

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pH affects the solubility of
organic compounds, metals,
and salts. In highly acidic
waters, certain minerals can
dissolve and release metals
and other chemical
substances into the water.
For instance, ammonia is a
common toxic chemical in
water, and takes two forms:
ammonia, NH3, and the
ammonium ion, NH+. The
relative proportion of the two
forms depends on pH and temperature. Un-ionized ammonia (NH3) is more toxic to
aquatic organisms because it can cross biological membranes such as gills. As pH
or temperature rises, the relative proportion of NH3, and hence the toxicity to
aquatic organisms, increases.
But changes pH will always be dependent on the water input from surface run off.
Run-off gets in contact with the land dissolving minerals. Water run-off from forests
and swamps are naturally
acidic.
Dissolved Oxygen: A small
amount of oxygen, about ten
molecules of oxygen per
million molecules of water, is
dissolved in water. Fish and
microscopic organisms need
dissolved oxygen to survive.
The maximum solubility of
oxygen in water at 1 atm
pressure (standard air
pressure at sea level) ranges from about 15 mg/L at 0ºC to 8 mg/L at 30ºC—that is,
ice-cold water can hold twice as much dissolved oxygen as warm water (Wetzel
2001). The solubility of oxygen decreases as water temperature increases.
Oxygen could have two entries in a body of water-through the atmosphere or
through photosynthesis. Remember that water with oxygen is a solution having
equally scattered oxygen molecules with water molecules. Even though there might
be an abundance of oxygen in the atmosphere it still can’t accommodate all oxygen
since it requires spacing and equal distribution of oxygen to water molecules. So if
oxygen gets out of the water, a molecule of oxygen will replace such.
Photosynthesis contributes dissolved oxygen by sea grass, microorganisms like
cyanobacteria, and phytoplankton and dinoflagellates.

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This is also the same reason why saltiness could also affect the concentration of of
dissolved oxygen since salt dissolve in water and evenly distributes salt particles in
it, taking the place the supposed to be oxygen
Turbidity: Turbidity makes the water cloudy or opaque. Turbidity is the amount of
particulate matter (such as clay, silt, plankton, or microscopic organisms)
suspended in water.
Specific Conductance: Specific conductance measures the capacity of water to
conduct an electrical current. It depends on the amount of dissolved solids, such as
salt, in the water. These conductive ions come from dissolved salts and inorganic
materials such as alkalis, chlorides, sulfides and carbonate compounds
(electrolytes).
Conductivity, in particular specific conductance, is one of the most useful and
commonly measured water quality parameters. In addition to being the basis of
most salinity and total dissolved solids calculations, conductivity is an early indicator
of change in a water system. Most bodies of water maintain a fairly constant
conductivity that can be used as a baseline of comparison to future measurements.
Significant change, whether it is due to natural flooding, evaporation or man-made
pollution can be very detrimental to water quality.
Salinity is important in particular as it affects dissolved oxygen solubility. The higher
the salinity level, the lower the dissolved oxygen concentration.
Most aquatic organisms can only tolerate a specific salinity range. The physiological
adaption of each species is determined by the salinity of its surrounding
environment. Most species of fish are stenohaline, or exclusively freshwater or
exclusively saltwater. However, there are a few organisms that can adapt to a range
of salinities. These euryhaline organisms can be anadromous, catadromous or true
euryhaline. Anadromous organisms live in saltwater but spawn in freshwater.
Catadromous species are the opposite – they live in freshwater and migrate to
saltwater to spawn. True euryhaline species can be found in saltwater or freshwater
at any point in their life cycle. Estuarine organisms are true euryhaline.
Euryhaline species live in or travel through estuaries, where saline zonation is
evident. Salinity levels in an estuary can vary from freshwater to seawater over a
short distance 21. While euryhaline species can comfortably travel across these
zones, stenohaline organisms cannot and will only be found at one end of the
estuary or the other. Species such as sea stars and sea cucumbers cannot
tolerate low salinity levels, and while coastal, will not be found within many
estuaries. Some aquatic organisms can even be sensitive to the ionic composition

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 of the water. An influx of a specific salt can
negatively affect a species, regardless of
whether the salinity levels remain within an
acceptable range.
Discharges such as pollution can also
contribute to salinity and TDS, as
wastewater effluent increases salt ions and
an oil spill increases total dissolved solids
Unusual conductivity and salinity levels are
usually indicative of pollution 1. In some
cases, such as excessive rainfall or
drought, they can be connected to extreme
natural causes. Regardless of whether the
result was caused by manmade or natural
sources, changes in conductivity, salinity
and TDS can have an impact on aquatic life
and water quality.
Most aquatic species have adapted to
specific salinity levels. Salinity values
outside of a normal range can result in fish
kills due to changes in dissolved oxygen
concentrations, osmosis regulation and TDS toxicity
Suspended Sediment: Suspended sediment is the amount of soil circulating in
water. The amount depends in part on the speed of the water flow. Fast-flowing
water can pick up and hold, or suspend, more soil than calm water
Anthropogenic Activities Affecting Quality and Quantity of Water
• Population growth
• Movement of large number of people from the countryside to cities
• Demands for greater food security & higher living standards
• Increased competition between different uses of water resources
The degradation of ecosystems is one of the serious threats, which occur due to
changes in landscapes-deforestation, conversion of natural landscapes into farm or
residential areas, urban growth, road-building, and surface mining. Sedimentation is a
product of these leading finer sediments to deposit in bodies of water.
Mining caused surface water to become acidic producing a discharge called acid mine
drainage.
Improper wastes disposal in urban areas affects water with these three things.
- Damage in aquatic ecosystem
- Impairs water quality
- Hinders water transport in large bodies of inland waters.

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Wetlands are now also being converted to fishponds for aquaculture altering the
wetland ecosystem and the disturbance on the balance on symbiosis. These further
aggravates flooding and promotes groundwater withdrawal.
Freshwater pollution sources are industrial wastes, sewage, runoff from farmland,
cities, and factory effluents, and the build-up of sediments.
Acid rain triggered by polluting the atmosphere also affects both surface and
underground water.
Overexploitation (overdependence/overconsumption/overuse) of the surface and
groundwater resources often causes irreversible effects. Lakes and streams have
dried up in some regions due to excessive water with withdrawal and improper
management.
As a result, withdrawal include reduced spring yields, diminished river flow poorer
quality, damage to natural habitats and the gradual sinking of land known as
subsidence (areas in CAMANAVA, Metro Manila, Cavite)
Climate change
Extreme conditions such as drought have forced people to pump out more
groundwater or divert stream flows. Floods are very common and more severe,
increase in sedimentation. Global warming shrink glaciers
Eutrophication
The process by which a body of water becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients that
stimulate the growth of aquatic plant life usually resulting in the depletion of dissolved
oxygen.
Eutrophication generally meaning “well-
nourishing” body of water. For a
producer to thrive, it would require,
carbon dioxide, sunlight, water and
minerals mainly Nitrogen, Phosphorus
and potassium. But in a body of water,
there is a small chance of existence for
producers like algae and other aquatic
due to minerals as limiting factors.
Meaning even there is abundance of the
three elements, the quantity of the
minerals will determine the feasibility of
growing other organisms. Proliferation
of algal bloom comes when there are
enough minerals introduced in the system for nutrients are the food for algae. This is
characterized by a thick layer of green algae floating on a river. As a consequence,
sunlight won’t be able to reach organism on the bed like sea grass that needs to
photosynthesize. Later on, organisms die as well as algae dies when it eats up all the
nutrients. Bacteria the starts to break down dead plants and algae and later on
releases nutrients back to water continuing algal bloom cycle. Such bacteria under

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aerobic respiration needs oxygen to decompose dead organisms which reduces the
dissolved oxygen present in the body of water, later on reduces the dissolved oxygen
allotted for other creatures.
Coral Bleaching
Coral is likened to a
jellyfish, it uses
tentacles to get prey.
What special for
corals being a living
organism is that it
able to produce its
skeleton made of
limestone and
produces thicker
layers over the year.
Corals are
invertebrates, that if you would zoom in, you would see invertebrates called the polyps.
Giving the color of this polyps is a microscopic algae called Symbiodinium
(zooxanthellae) which harness the sunlight for photosynthesis, produce food taken in
by the polyps release oxygen to be used for cell respiration and even nutrients. These
algae live symbiotically inside the cells of polyps that 90% of energy of the corals come
from the algae.

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Now what is happening? Due to the influx of
temperature due to the increase of carbon
emissions, it destroys the photosystems II of the
algae. Due to excess photons and heat experienced
by the photosystems II, it breaks and loses its
function. As energy still gets in, it converts to reactive
oxygen molecules that damages the cells if the
polyps. In return, the cell spits the Symbiodinium. As
polyps loses its food generator, it suddenly turns into
dull white, it dies and what remains is just the
limestone.
The Great Barrier Reef- the largest coral region in the
world has manifested coral bleaching for over 20
years and had peaked its bleaching by 2016,
bleaching the northern part of the reef with over
2,300 kilometers. Philippines, being part of the coral
region is also risked to same phenomenon. Live coral
cover ranging from 0.7 to 46 percent and up to 80
percent in Bolinao has been the recorded mortality
rate for the past 20 years.
Water pollution in the Philippines
Water pollution is a major problem in the Philippines. According to Water Environment
Partnership in Asia (WEPA), 32% of the Philippines’ land mass, approximately 96,000
km2 is used for agriculture. Being an archipelagic country, the asses of having
surrounded by water imposes high regard to clean waters. Water pollution’s effects
cost the Philippines approximately $1.3 billion annually. According to government
monitoring data, up to 58 percent of the groundwater tested was contaminated with
coliform, and approximately one third of illnesses monitored during a five-year period
were caused by water-borne sources. In addition to this, during the dry season, many
areas experience water shortages.
On its website, Greenpeace reports that out of the Philippines’ 421 rivers, as many as
50 are considered dead and unable to support any but the healthiest life.
Manila bay being a pollution hot spot has been noted to have high concentrations of
coliform directly constituted to improper sewage management and the lack of water
treatment facility. Also, heavy metals concentrations from unknown establishments
and leaks from ports.
Solutions employed to Manila Bay:
1. Over 77,000 connections to water and sewage were provided between 2005 and
2012.
2. Approximately 50,000 more septic tanks were de-sludged per year from 2008 to
2012 for a total of over 262,000.

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3. Over 3.5 million people were educated by the project’s “public information
campaign” from 2005 to 2012.
4. Connection to water gave women and children better health and hygiene and
more time since they did not have to spend time collecting and sanitizing water.
SUMMATIVE TEST
EASY
True or False. Write T if the statement is true and F is the statement is false

Excessive agriculture is major factor to eutrophication.

Untreated sewage is contributory to eutrophication.

Melting of the glacier covers has direct impact to coral beaching.

Increased demand for energy is not contributory to coral bleaching.

Crowding of fish pens in river causes eutrophication.

MODERATE
Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the correct answer.

1. This factor affecting the quality of water is directly constituted to the groundwater
depletion due to increasing demand.
A. Population Growth B. Demand for food security
C. Movement of people from rural to city D. Pollution

2. Factor that says that water is the catch basin for all contaminants in air and water.
A. Population Growth B. Demand for food security
C. Movement of people from rural to city D. Pollution

3. How does farmlands affect the declining of the quality of water?

A. Sediments are carried from farm lands
B. Nutrients from fertilizers run-off to the river
C. Farmers tend to dispose their feedstock to the river
D. River water is used for irrigation

4. This involves the reduction of mineral resources by taking salt out of seawater.
Such process is called __________.
A. Hydrolysis B. Saltwater intrusion
C. Desalination D. Water potation

5. In the country, which source contributes much in the degradation of water?

A. Sewage B. Factory effluents C. Oil spills D. Wastes

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Determing the effects/implications of the following conditions in the water.
(disregard fish kill as an effect)

pH of river at 3.0

Temperature records an increase of 7.0 degrees-celcius in the month of May

Sea grass naturally grows to river of San Sebastian, but due to mine tailings, fine
materials have been lurking in the river for a week, resulting to a murky appearance.

The sea has higher salinity levels than estuary.

CHALLENGING
Read an FB post from UP Materials Science Society
It’s Wisdom Wednesday!
Over the past few days, dolomite has rocked the headlines of different media outlets.
This was after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources used it as
artificial sand and dumped it along Manila Bay. Many were left wondering why DENR
made such a move and what will be its effect on the polluted bay. But the more
important question is: what is dolomite in the first place?
Calcium magnesium carbonate, generally known as dolomite, is a rock-forming
mineral commonly found with limestone and other sedimentary rocks. It was first
characterized by the French naturalist and geologist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu in
1791. He described dolomites as rocks that form mountains in northern Italy. The
mountain where Dolomite collected his rock samples is now known as the Dolomite
Alps of Italy and the mineral is now named after him.
Dolomite has a hexagonal crystal system. It is commonly found in groups of
rhombohedral crystals, with curved, saddle-like faces. Looking at its structure,
magnesium cations occupy one layer followed by a layer of carbonate anions. It is
followed by a layer of calcium cations which is then followed by another layer of
carbonate anions. This arrangement can be attributed to the considerable size
difference between calcium and magnesium cations. The structure is more stable
when the ions are grouped according to their size.
Although dolomite crystals are usually colorless or white, impurities give them other
colorations. Iron impurities cause a yellow to brown tint while manganese gives a rosy
pink color. Dolomite scored 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs hardness scale. Mohs hardness is a
measure of a material's resistance to scratching and abrasion.
Dolomite is mostly used as a construction material. It is used in the foundation bases
of roads and buildings. Raw dolomite is also crushed and sized for use as an
aggregate for cement and asphalt concrete. Apart from these, dolomite is also used
in the manufacture of glass and other ceramic materials.

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This mineral is also used as a soil fertilizer and an additive in animal feed. Calcium
provides valuable nutrients while magnesium matches the pH of the soil to the plants’
needs. Calcium helps animals absorb nutrients better. It is also a vital mineral for the
egg-shell formation of different poultries. Calcium is also important in good bone
development. On the other hand, magnesium improves the digestibility of feed. It also
improves the reproduction of sows and cattle. Moreover, magnesium encourages
weight gain and egg production of laying hens.
Its high calcium and magnesium content also made dolomite a nutrient source for
humans. However, its usage as a supplement is now highly discouraged because
dolomite ores include a significant amount of lead and other toxic elements.
Furthermore, a study conducted at the University of Alberta revealed that dolomite is
insoluble in stomach acid and it is eliminated from the body before magnesium or
calcium can be absorbed.
Lastly, dolomite is now used to help in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. How will this
affect us?
Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to crushed dolomite poses a handful of health
risks. According to a safety data report by Lehigh Hanson Inc., exposure to dolomite
dust may cause skin and serious eye irritation. Prolonged or repeated exposure may
cause damage to the lungs and it may even cause cancer. This was also observed in
the study conducted by Masoud Neghab and his colleagues. Their study showed that
cough, phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath are more prevalent among workers
exposed to crushed dolomite.
How will crushed dolomite affect bodies of water and marine life? Since the beginning
of industrialization, our oceans have been acidified. This is because a part of the
carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels dissolves into the ocean. Scientists
have concluded that a 26% increase in acidity has happened since the Industrial
Revolution.
And when carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, carbonic acid is produced. Our
seawater has a natural buffer system, where dissolved carbon dioxide is neutralized
by carbonate ions to produce bicarbonate ions. However, so much carbon dioxide is
being dissolved that natural buffering hasn’t been able to keep up. Moreover, buffering
is not instantaneous. It would take several years for the ocean to neutralize the
dissolved gas.
Carbonate minerals, such as dolomite, are unstable in contact with acids. In an article
by Hobart King, 5% to 10% hydrochloric acid was used to test the reactivity of different
minerals. Regular dolomite has a weak reaction with the acid. But when it is in
powdered form, a more visible reaction occurred. This is because reducing dolomite’s
particle size will increase its surface area, thereby making it more available to the acid.
With this in mind, powdered dolomite has the possibility to react with seawater.
What are its impacts on ocean life? Some species will thrive in an acidic environment,
while other species will suffer. For example, acidification may limit coral growth. They
can also corrode existing coral reefs. This also the case for shelled animals, such as
mussels, clams, and starfish. Acidification also takes a toll on the health of a fish. To

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achieve homeostasis with seawater, a fish’s cell will absorb carbonic acid. This will
result in a condition called acidosis. It will need extra energy to excrete the acid out of
its body. On the other hand, acidification may be a good thing for plants and algae.
They use carbon dioxide and sunlight to make their energy.
In conclusion, dolomite is a simple material that has a wide range of usage. Dolomite
is in the spotlight right now, albeit for the wrong reasons. This solidifies the importance
of knowing the properties and uses of common materials around us. Understanding
the properties of different materials will help us use them properly and accordingly.
Guide Question:
Share your thoughts in the Manila Bay Rehabilitation with the use of dolomite. Make
sure to elaborate your answer by relating your readings on the issue. If there be other
thoughts about other alternatives (strategies/materials/techniques) in improving the
water quality of the bay, suggest them down but still, make sure you have readings
from articles researches that supports your eyed alternative.
VII. Notes to teachers:
Scoring Rubrics for Essay
Criteria 4 3 2 1 %
Included events are Most of the included events are Some events included Many major events
important and important or interesting. One or are trivial, and major are excluded, and
25
Quality of interesting. No major two major events may be events are missing. too many trivial
content details are excluded. missing. events are included.
The timeline contains at The timeline contains at least The timeline contains at The timeline contains
least 5–6 events related 3–4 events related to the topic least 2-3 events related 1 or no event.
30
Quantity to the topic being being studied. to the topic being
of facts studied. studied.
Facts are accurate for allFacts are accurate for almost Facts are accurate for Facts are often
events reported on the all events reported on the most (~75%) of the inaccurate for events
Accuracy 25
timeline. timeline. events reported on the reported on the
of content
timeline. timeline.
Sequence Events are placed in Almost all events are placed in Most (~75%) of the Most events are
of content proper order. proper order. events are placed in incorrectly placed on 10
proper order. the timeline.
Events are clearly Events are described well, but Events are not described Events are described
Sentence described using accurate language is sometimes vague well and language is using vague
fluency and vivid language. or inaccurate. often vague or language or 5
inaccurate. inaccurate
information.
Punctuation, spelling and Punctuation, spelling and Punctuation, spelling, There are many
capitalization were capitalization were checked by and capitalization are punctuation, spelling,
Mechanics checked by another another student and are mostly mostly correct, but were and capitalization 5
student and are correct correct. not checked by another errors.
throughout. student.

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