Question

Study the figure below and predict which of the following components would best indicate the overall biotic health of an aquatic ecosystem?

A.) Particulate amounts
B.) Sedimentation rates
C.) Species abundance
D.) Water quality

Answer 1

“Water quality” is the traditional physico-chemical indicator which indicates the overall quality of a given aquatic ecosystem.

The water quality indicator includes the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, and salinity of the aquatic ecosystem.

It also indicates the levels of toxicants like metals, herbicides, insecticides and other harmful chemicals.