1. Jaffrey Lake – Lab prep answers!

2. Background Information
Nitrates:
A nitrogen joined to 2 or 3 oxygen atoms.
Nitrates are an important source of nitrogen for plants.
Nitrogen is part of amino acids; amino acids make up proteins. All living things require proteins!
Nitrates primarily come from synthetic fertilizer run-off.
Nitrates also come from animal waste.
Nitrates in drinking water are especially hazardous to young children and may result in “blue baby” syndrome.
Nitrates are soluble in water.
Nitrates lead to eutrophication of lakes.

3. Background Information
Phosphates:
A phosphorus joined to oxygen.
Phosphorus is part of ATP – the energy for all living cells.
Phosphorus is also a part of the DNA molecule
Phosphorus is found in animal waste. Feed lots are a point source of phosphate water contamination.
Human sewage treatment plants also may discharge phosphate in their effluent.
Phosphates also come from fertilizer run off, detergents and cleaning products.
Only very high levels of phosphates are toxic to humans.
Phosphates contribute to eutrophication.

4. Background Information
Define/give examples
Point sources can be traced to a single source such as a sewage treatment plant, farm or factory.
Non-point sources cannot be traced to a single source. Examples are oil drips from all the cars on the road.

5. EUTROPHICATION

6. EUTROPHICATION

7. Jaffrey Lake Phosphates and Nitrates
Data
Jaffrey Lake Phosphates and Nitrates
Location #
Cup #
Phosphates (ppm)
Nitrates (ppm)

8. data Parts per million (ppm) All your measurements will be in ppm.
Most public pools have chlorine levels of 1ppm. (1 milligram of chlorine per kilogram or liter of water)
Even small concentrations can have a big impact:
Nicotine can be fatal at 1ppm in the bloodstream.
Ammonia can be detected by your nose at 5ppm

9. JAFFREY LAKE PROCEDURE
Meet with your lab group. Decide on 12 locations to test. Enter these into your data table.
Follow the procedure outlined on the laminated goldenrod lab handout CAREFULLY
Fill out the data table.
Record your observations (as instructed) on your “Jaffrey Lake Water Testing” document. (everyone does this) using COLOR

10. Analysis q’s
Please complete AQ’s 1, 3, 4 on pages