Envirothon Aquatics

Why do county SWCD’s work tirelessly to prevent sediment from entering rivers and streams in their watersheds? *

• Murky water is clearer and is therefore better for human consumption

• Sedimentation decreases the cost of treating drinking water in a river system due to fewer coagulants being used

• Water with a higher sediment concentration causes more natural vegetation to grown in the water providing shelter for fish and other aquatic species

• Sediment in stream beds disrupts the natural food chain by destroying habitat where the smallest stream organisms (macroinvertebrates) live and can cause a decline in fish populations

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Temperature of the water is an important factor in the health of an aquatic ecosystem. The trees in the riparian buffer shade the stream which has a cooling effect on the water. Which statement is true?

• Warmer water allows for larger spaces between water molecules where oxygen can readily escape

• Colder water allows for smaller spaces between water molecules where oxygen can readily escape

• Cold water is bad for a stream

• Warm water feels more comfortable for humans and is therefore preferred for a healthy stream ecosystem

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Reestablishing a forested riparian buffer is one of the most important factors in bringing a river system back to a healthy state. Which of the following is a benefit that the riparian corridor provides?

• Provides detritus which is food for many macro-invertebrate organisms

• Allows water temperatures to spike in the summer months

• Allows more water to flow into the stream

• Creates sloping banks and wide, shallow streams

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What percentage of earth’s total fresh water is liquid and available for humans to utilize for everyday activities?

• 1.2%

• 30.1%

• 68.7%

• 96.5%

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This type of aquatic habitat acts as a sponge to slow down flood water as it heads to the ocean. It is can also release water into the ground during dry periods and protect crops from freezing temperatures. Which aquatic habitat is it?

• Lakes

• Rivers

• Ponds

• Wetlands

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Which of the following best describes the definition of a watershed?

• Which of the following best describes the definition of a watershed?

• All the land that drains to a specific body of water.

• Boundary of the service area for a wastewater treatment plant.

• Porous land surface where water can soak into the ground.

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Management of algal growth in bodies of water is best accomplished by which procedure?

• Application of nitrogen fertilizer to bring the nitrogen and phosphorus ratios back to a level that fosters green algae growth rather than blue-green algae growth.

• Removal of wetlands and “green belts” that intercept nutrients before they reach the waterbody

• Management of livestock production and row crops so nutrients do not runoff these operations

• Ignoring programs that promote and advocate proper maintenance of sewage septic systems since these are minor sources of nutrients

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Which of the following group of tests would you perform to determine if a stream is being polluted with fertilizers?

• Dissolved Oxygen and Cryptosporidium

• Nitrogen and Phosphorus

• Ammonia and heavy metals

• Fecal coliform and Conductivity

Which of the following group of tests would you perform to determine if a stream is being polluted with animal wastes?

• Phosphate and Cryptosporidium

• Nitrate and Turbidity

• Ammonia and heavy metals

• Fecal coliform and Conductivity

Which of the following are the two greatest long-term threats to coral reefs?

• ocean acidification and overfishing

• damage by divers and predation

• climate change and acidification

• erosion and sea-level rise

• climate change and predation

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