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This dashboard provides a comprehensive analysis of pH and dissolved oxygen levels in the groundwater and surface waters of US Native Lands. By visualizing data from various monitoring stations, users can explore critical water quality indicators that affect aquatic ecosystems and human health.
The Water Quality Portal (WQP) is the premier source of discrete water-quality data in the United States and beyond. This cooperative service integrates publicly available water-quality data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and over 400 state, federal, tribal, and local agencies. By integrating such extensive datasets, the WQP provides a comprehensive resource for understanding and managing water quality. For more information, visit the Water Quality Portal.
Hypoxia means there is not enough oxygen in the water for fish and other aquatic animals to survive. When the oxygen level drops below 2-3 milligrams per liter of water (mg/L), it can create serious problems for these creatures. Different animals need different amounts of oxygen: for example, bottom feeders like crabs and oysters can survive with just 1-6 mg/L, while shallow-water fish need more oxygen, typically between 4-15 mg/L.
Oxygen enters the water in two main ways: from the air and through plants. It can mix with the water when wind creates waves or when water flows quickly, like in rapids or waterfalls. Even things like aquarium pumps or waterwheels can add oxygen to water. Additionally, plants like algae and seaweed produce oxygen as they photosynthesize.
Several factors affect how much oxygen can dissolve in water. Warmer water holds less oxygen, while colder water holds more. High salt levels also decrease oxygen levels, while higher pressure (like in deeper water) increases the amount of oxygen the water can hold. This means that water at lower altitudes has more dissolved oxygen than water at higher altitudes, and deeper water can also hold more oxygen due to the weight of the water above it.
pH measures how acidic or basic water is, which can significantly affect the health of aquatic life. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower numbers indicating more acidity (like lemon juice) and higher numbers indicating more basic conditions (like soap). Most freshwater ecosystems thrive in a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. When pH levels drop below 6.5, it can harm fish and other organisms by increasing the toxicity of certain metals and disrupting biological processes. Conversely, when pH levels rise above 8.5, it can make nutrients less available, which can also harm aquatic life.
pH levels in water are influenced by various factors, including natural processes and human activities. For example, rainwater is slightly acidic due to carbon dioxide from the air, which forms carbonic acid. Additionally, pollution, runoff from agricultural areas, and wastewater can all impact pH levels by introducing chemicals into the water.
Changes in temperature and plant growth also affect pH. Warm water tends to be less acidic, while plant photosynthesis can raise pH levels during the day and lower them at night. Maintaining a stable pH is crucial for the health of fish, plants, and other organisms in aquatic ecosystems, as extreme pH levels can lead to a decline in biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.
Users can interact with the dashboard to explore the levels of pH and dissolved oxygen across various US Native Lands. By selecting specific Native Lands, you can view detailed information about water quality, including the spatial distribution of monitoring stations and their corresponding data. The summary dashboard provides a high-level overview of pH and dissolved oxygen levels, helping to identify trends and potential areas of concern.
To start, click on a Native Land area to see a breakdown of pH and dissolved oxygen levels within that region. This tool is designed to facilitate the analysis of water quality and its implications for aquatic ecosystems, supporting informed decision-making and conservation efforts.
Explore the dashboard to gain valuable insights into the water quality data for surface water and groundwater on U.S. Native Lands.
If you are interested in learning more about dissolved oxygen and pH, start here:
