pH casues measures that acid content of water. Affects most chemical and biological processes in the water. It has a strong influence on what can live in the water.
Conductivity causes measures that waters abillity to conduct an electrical current. The pur water is a poor conductor. It dissolves solids and especially salts.
Dissolved oxygen levels is probably the most important thing since that enables life in the water. when sunlight hits the water it produces oxgen in the water and thats how oxygen gets into the water then the water dissolves it, hence why its called dissolved oxygen. when there is alot of turbidity it blocks the sunlight and no oxygen can be dissolved , and aquatic life dies.
Water temperature is easily measured but is important so scientists can understand hydrology, dissolved oxygen levels, pH and conductivity. Temperature is good because it enables diversity in aquatic life, lakes that are cold have little plant life in the winter but bloom in the spring. Warm water can potentially be fatal to fish and other aquatic life because warm water tends to have less oxygen levels.
Turbidity as a high concentrations of microscopic algae caused by elevated nutrient levels, suspended sediment from erosion and sediment transport, seasonal weather, especially large storm events.
Alkalinity is important for fish and aquatic life because it protects or buffers against rapid pH changes. Living organisms, especially aquatic life, function best in a pH range of 6.0 to 9.0. Alkalinity is a measure of how much acid can be added to a liquid without causing a large change in pH. Higher alkalinity levels in surface waters will buffer acid rain and other acid wastes and prevent pH changes that are harmful to aquatic life.
E. coli is used as the water quality indicator for fecal contamination in surface water. E. coli is a species of bacteria present in the intestinal tracts and feces of warm-blooded animals. Although most strains of E. coli are generally not harmful, its presence indicates the possible existence of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria and viruses.
