Students analyzed water quality parameters like temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity from various locations around La Union, Spain. The results showed little variation across locations. Water temperatures were all 24°C and turbidity was low everywhere. Dissolved oxygen levels were 4ppm, pH ranged from 7-8, and nitrate levels were uniformly 5ppm. This suggests the water sources are either the same or receive similar treatment.

1. Water analysis of La Union and surrounding areas Comenius Project

2. Index 1.Introduction 2.Methodology 2.1.Water temperature 2.2.Water turbidity 2.3.Oxygen 2.4.PH 2.5.Salinity 3.Results 4.Conclusions

3. 1.Introduction Who are we? We are a group of students of 4ºESO, of Biology-Geology of the IES Sierra Minera. Where are we ? Our institute is found on the outskirts of La Union.

4. What are we going to do? We are going to analyzethe water from La Union and other towns close by such as, Roche, El Estrecho, Portmán and El Beal.

6. 2.Methodology The following activities can be carried out by groups of about 20 students at any level of the ESO They will be performed using equipment of the Science laband equipment provided from the protection of water quality association . We will mesure the parametres exposed below.

7. 2.1.Temperature The temperature determines the kind of creatures that can inhabit the ecosystem, and living in a certain temperature range. There is an influence of other factors that relate to it as the amount of gases dissolved in water and the pH. Nothing could be easier to measure temperature. We use a thermometer.

8. Stick the thermometer in the water and keep it there for five minutes. Then take it out and see the result.

10. 2.2.Water turbidity Turbidity is the lack of transparency of the water by the presence of suspended particles. The more you have the greater the turbidity. Turbid water does not mean contaminated, as it may be turbid from natural causes Turbidity is measured with the Secchi disk, as explained in the following activity

11. 1.- Remove the protective sticker from the Secchi disk. 2.- Attach the sticker to the bottom of the container on the inside. 3.- Fill the container to the turbidity line located on the outer tag of the container. 4.- Keep the turbidity chart at the top of the jar. Looking inside the jar, compare the drawing aspect to the Secchi disk in the container with the graph. 5.- Write if the turbidity is low, medium or high

13. 2.3.Dissolved oxygen Dissolved oxygen is the gaseous oxygen that is dissolved in the water. It is very important for the existence of the biocenosis and the need for respiration . The main source of dissolved oxygen in water is absorbed from the atmosphere and released by the water plants during photosynthesis. Keep in mind that in moving water there is more dissolved oxygen because it facilitatates its dissemination .

14. 1.- Submerge the small tube in the water sample. Carefully Remove the sample tube, keeping it filled to the top . 2.- Put two TesTabs ® tablets in the tube to measure the dissolved oxygen. 3.- Close the tube with the black cap. Make sure no bubbles are in the sample . 4.- Dissolve the tablets gently shaking the tube . 5.- Wait five minutes to take a water sample color. 6.- Compare the color of the sample with the color chart for dissolved oxygen. Write the result as parts per million (ppm) of dissolved oxygen.

16. PH This value tells us the acidity of water. Ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic) with 7 as neutral pH value. Is determined by the concentration of H + (more quantity, more acidic). The pH can be determined by various factors such as spills, air pollution, types of rocks, etc..

17. Procedure 1.- Fill the test tube to the 10 mL line with the water sample. 2.- Put in a TesTabs® tablet to measure the pH. 3.- Cover the test tube and mix by shaking several times to dissolve the tablet. 4.- Compare the color of the sample with the pH color chart. Write the result.

18. 1. 2. 3. 4.

19. 2.5. Salinity Defined as the amount of dissolved salts that the water carries. We will study the nitrates. Nitrate is a compound consisting of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen. Its an anion and its symbol is NO3-. It can come from industrial pollution and agricultural activities (fertilizer). Its consumption is harmful to man but its a nutrient for plants and can accelerate the growth of algae.

20. Procedimiento 1.- Fill the same tube that was used to measure the pH to the 5 mL line 2.- Put in a pill for the nitrate analysis 1 (2799) 3.- Cover the tube and shake until the tablet dissolves completely. 4.- Waita 5 minutes. 5.Compare the colour of the solution with the color chart and write the result as ppm. 1

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22. Results TEMPERATURE - La Unión : 24º - El Estrecho : 24º - El Beal : 24º - Comercial : 24º - Portmán : 24º

23. Results WATER TURBIDITY - La Unión : baja - El Estrecho : baja - El Beal : baja - Comercial : baja - Portmán : baja

24. Results Dissolved oxygen - La Unión : 4ppm - El Estrecho : 4ppm - El Beal : 4ppm - Comercial : 4ppm - Portmán : 4ppm

25. Results PH - La Unión : 7 - El Estrecho : 8 - El Beal : 7 - Comercial : 7 - Portmán : 7

26. Results Nitrates -La Unión: 5ppm -El Estrecho: 5ppm -El Beal: 5ppm -Comercial: 5ppm -Portmán: 5ppm Carbonates -La Unión: 7 x 40 =280ppm -El Estrecho: 7 x 40 =280ppm -El Beal: 7 x 40 =280ppm -Comercial: 7 x 40 =280ppm -Portmán: 7 x 40 =280ppm

27. Conclusions Given the close resemblance of the properties of water, it can easily deduce that either the water comes from the same swampor is treated at the center of purification. What is certain is that they have a common origin .