FIELD ECOLOGY JOURNAL the college school
Chemistry Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry In order to determine the healthiness of environments that we studied, chemists conducted tests on significant macronutrients in the soil and water. The research that previous scientists have done has helped us understand the meaning of the data that we have collected. The tests that both Soil and Water Chemists conducted were pH, nitrates, and phosphorus levels. The pH levels of the soil and water determine the acidity or alkalinity of the water and soil. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, 0 being acidic, 14 being alkaline, and 7 being neutral. Levels of pH can be impacted by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and pollution (Nelson, 2018). The pH of soil and water helped us determine the types of plants that could grow in certain environments because different plants need different pH levels to survive. Another test that all the chemists ran was a nitrate test. Nitrogen is a key component for life on Earth, and it is needed by all plants and animals to survive. If nitrate levels are too high, it can be fatal for wildlife in that area. Decomposing plants and animals release nitrates into the water and soil (The Environmental Literacy Council, 2015). The last test that both Soil and Water Chemists conducted was for phosphate levels. Phosphates are needed for growth in plants and animals. This compound plays a critical role in cell development. High levels of phosphorus can cause overgrowth of plants and animals and can lead to high levels of bacterial activity (BD Editors et. al, 2019). Excess phosphorus can come from human and animal waste, farming runoff, and pollution (Science Learning Hub, 2013). Two tests that only Soil Chemists conducted were moisture and potassium. Moisture levels are important because different plants vary in different areas because of the soil moisture. For example, plants and animals that are adapted to dryer conditions could not survive in wet areas like wetlands. Potassium is needed by plants and animals to form enzymes, which help make chemical reactions go faster (Hillel, 2008). Water Chemists conducted tests for ammonia, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. Ammonia is used in fertilizer and in the production of plastics, paper, and rubber. High levels of ammonia indicates polluted water (Earth Force Low Cost Water Monitoring by earthforce. org).
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