Chapter 4.4 Questions

a) Define the term BOD, explain how you can measure this.
The Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is a measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen
required to break down the organic material in a given volume of water through aerobic
biological activity. BOD is used to indirectly measure the amount of organic matter in a sample.
BOD is measured in the following way:
1. Take a sample of water of measured volume
2. Measure oxygen level
3. Place the sample in a dark place at 20 C in an airtight container for 5 days (lack of light
prevents photosynthesis which would release oxygen and give artificially low BOD)
4. After 5 days, re-measure the oxygen level
5. BOD is the difference between the 2 measurements
b) Explain how indicator species are used, use examples of particular species.
Indicator species are used to determine the level of oxygen and pollution. Some species are
more tolerant of organic pollution and low oxygen levels, and hence are found in high densities
where an organic pollution incident occurs. Thus, by being able to identify the indicator species
correctly, we would be able to determine whether the level of oxygen is higher or lower. Some
examples of indicator species are stonefly nymph (low level of pollution) and tubifex (high level
of pollution.
c) What is the Trent Biotic Index and how does it work?
A biotic index indirectly measures pollution by assaying the impact on species within the
community according to their tolerance, diversity and relative abundance. The Trent Biotic Index
is based on the disappearance of indicator species as the level of organic pollution increases in
a river.
The index has a maximum of 10. The indices are in the form of marks out of 10 and give a
sensitive assessment of pollution level: 10 indicates clean water and zero indicates highly
polluted water. In order to measure it, sort the samples, separating the animals according to
their group, count the number of groups and note which indicator species are present, using the
indicator species for the Trent Biotic Index table.
d) Explain the process and impacts of eutrophication. Please copy Figure 4.23 into paper,
take a photo and copy into your google doc
(Eutrophication is a process that is often examinable)! **
Eutrophication refers to the nutrient enrichment of streams, ponds and groundwater. It is caused
when increased levels of nitrogen or phosphorus are carried out into water bodies. It can cause
algal blooms, oxygen starvation and eventually the decline of biodiversity in aquatic
ecosystems.
Impact of eutrophication:
- Nitrogen compounds can cause undesirable effects in aquatic ecosystems especially
excessive growth of algae
- The loss of fertilizer is an economic loss for farmers
- High nitrate concentrations in drinking water may affect human health, and have been
linked to increased rates of stomach cancer
e) Evaluate the impact of eutrophication by summarising two case studies (p. 258-259). Aim
for 150-200 words.
Eutrophication of Lake Erie

Eutrophication of Lake Erie caused algal and cyanobacterial blooms, which caused changes in
the water quality, which led to a decline in biodiversity. The increase in cyanobacteria led to
fewer primary producers as it led to oxygen depletion, which leads to a decline in biodiversity.
Algae and bacteria further caused the clog of the gills of fish, causing asphyxiation. Hence, the
indigenous species of fish disappeared as they were replaced with species that were tolerant to
eutrophication conditions. The death of macrophytes on the lake floor increased the build up of
dead organic matter in the thickening lake sediments. Rotting bacterial masses covered
beaches and shorelines.
Eutrophication in England and Wales
In England and Wales over 35% of the population derive their water from the aquifers of
loweland England and over 5 million people live in areas where there is too much nitrate in the
water. Nitrates from the surface make their way down to the groundwater zone, which leads to
the contamination of one of the biggest sources of water in England and Wales. The cost is very
high and the high consumption of nitrates in the water affects how blood carries oxygen and can
cause methemoglobinemia.

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a) Define the term BOD, explain how you can measure this.

c) What is the Trent Biotic Index and how does it work?

Eutrophication of Lake Erie

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