Monday, 26 September 2016

How And Why Is Water Quality Measurement Done?

When someone turns on the tap and fills up water for uses in the kitchen or bathroom, or when someone takes a dip in the ocean or eats fish caught from a local lake, it is generally taken for granted that the water being used is safe for human consumption. However, determining whether the source of water in question is safe or not, takes a lot of technique and various safety parameters have to be considered.
Scientists work with quality measuring equipment frequently to determine that the water is safe for humans as well as aquatic life. Be it lakes, rivers, or oceans, any source of water that can potentially humans are tested for quality and monitored. So why is water quality monitoring a crucial practice?

The Importance of Water Quality Assessment
World water assessment bodies have found that around two million tons of waste matter is dumped into waterways and this is why keeping a frequent tab on the quality of this crucial natural resource is important. Quality management using environmental instruments for water mainly serves the following purposes:
·The data received from these quality measurements helps in tracking any changes or trends may have developed in the chemical or physical structure of the water body over an extended period of time.
·The information received is of utmost importance in the designing and development of pollution management and prevention strategies. The data collected from water assessment has indicated that 70% of the total industrial waste produced worldwide is dumped into water bodies.

·Apart from identifying existing problems, regular quality monitoring can help in the identification of any future problems that may arise in relation to water quality. For e.g. the increased flow of pesticides and insecticides into water bodies has shown a potential increase in nitrogen production in rivers by 20% in the next few years.

·By measuring the quality of water, scientists can keep tabs on the effect of radiation leeks and oil spills on the water body. This helps in determining if the water is safe for use by humans.

·Several government, communities, industries, and businesses are now required to meet certain water quality requirements in the face of extensive water pollution. Environmental instruments for water can be used to determine if the regulation standards are being met or not.

Quality testers use a wide range of techniques to get data, like collecting samples and testing chemical conditions, testing fish to track the presence of metals, pesticides, or oils and testing sediments. This extensive process is crucial for the health of the planet.