Question

At Point B of a stream the temperature reading is 12°C. At Point C, farther down the stream the temperature reading is 20°C. What can you say about the water quality at Point C based on the temperature test? How do you know? What might be the reason for these results?

Answer 1

An increase in stream temperature from 12°C to 20°C suggests a heat source between two points affecting water quality by potentially reducing dissolved oxygen levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the temperature reading increasing from 12°C at Point B to 20°C at Point C downstream, it suggests that there may be a source of heat entering the stream between these points. The increase in temperature could affect water quality at Point C, possibly reducing the levels of dissolved oxygen, as warmer water generally holds less oxygen. This could be due to natural processes or human activities. For example, a power plant using the water for cooling and returning it to the stream could increase the temperature. Additionally, the specific heat capacity of water means that it takes a significant amount of heat to raise its temperature, indicating a considerable heat source for such change.