Background:
pH is a measurement that specifies whether the substance is acidic, neutral or basic. The pH of a substance is measured on a scale which ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Substances with a pH below 7 are acidic and those with a pH above 7 are basic, or also known as alkaline.
There are many factors that contribute to the varying pH of water, including the quantity of plant and animal life, the rocks and minerals the water may be exposed to, and the pH of substances that flow or are dumped into the water. Often, changes in the pH can be harmful to many organisms. Some aquatic organisms may die if the pH is even slightly off the optimal range grid.
The most frequent test done on water is the pH test. In natural waters, a large or abrupt change in pH can upset an entire ecosystem, as discussed about above. Organisms that are unable to adapt or leave can die. Therefore, many waters need to have constant pH levels.
Research Question:
What is the effect of the time of day at 10:00 AM and at 4:00 PM of the water of the Henry Hudson River as measured by pH value?
Predictions:
The pH of the water as measured at different times of day- 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM will vary. There should be a significant difference due to the different times of day. This should, therefore, affect the types of fish that can be found in the shores of the Hudson River.