In this tutorial, we are going to examine the relationship between several water quality parameters, specifically dissolved oxygen, date, and temperature. These are some of the measures that are typically used to assess the health of aquatic environments and the impacts of human activity.
Part B: Examine the Data Set
Let’s look at seasonal variation in dissolved oxygen in a wetland in the Everglades.
Date
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l)
1/5/2009
6.92
1/20/2009
5.51
2/2/2009
10
3/2/2009
9.69
4/14/2009
4.29
5/12/2009
6.23
6/8/2009
2.89
7/6/2009
2.37
8/3/2009
3.27
9/14/2009
3.85
10/12/2009
3.62
11/9/2009
5.17
12/7/2009
3.35
1/11/2010
9.22
3/9/2010
9.4
4/13/2010
3.65
05/10/2010
2.96
06/08/2010
2.17
07/13/2010
0.83
08/09/2010
1.2
09/13/2010
2.34
10/12/2010
4.96
11/08/2010
2.62
12/13/2010
7.29
Table
1.
Which of these most accurately describes what we need to do with the data?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Correct.
Incorrect.
2.
What type of graph is most appropriate for these data?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct.
Incorrect.
Activity results are being submitted...
Part C: Build the Graph
Instructions: Create a graph below. Begin by giving it a relevant title. Label the X axis as “Date”, and the the Y axis as "Dissolved Oxygen mg/l". Input the actual data into the graph. Connect each of the points to make a continuous line graph.
Date
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l)
1/5/2009
6.92
1/20/2009
5.51
2/2/2009
10
3/2/2009
9.69
4/14/2009
4.29
5/12/2009
6.23
6/8/2009
2.89
7/6/2009
2.37
8/3/2009
3.27
9/14/2009
3.85
10/12/2009
3.62
11/9/2009
5.17
12/7/2009
3.35
1/11/2010
9.22
3/9/2010
9.4
4/13/2010
3.65
05/10/2010
2.96
06/08/2010
2.17
07/13/2010
0.83
08/09/2010
1.2
09/13/2010
2.34
10/12/2010
4.96
11/08/2010
2.62
12/13/2010
7.29
Table
3.
Examine your graph. What is the relationship between dissolved oxygen and time of year?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct.
Incorrect.
Part D: Apply Skills
There appears to be a relationship between season and dissolved oxygen levels. Consider how a graph showing the rise and fall of temperatures with the seasons would overlap with your graph.
Date
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l)
1/5/2009
6.92
1/20/2009
5.51
2/2/2009
10
3/2/2009
9.69
4/14/2009
4.29
5/12/2009
6.23
6/8/2009
2.89
7/6/2009
2.37
8/3/2009
3.27
9/14/2009
3.85
10/12/2009
3.62
11/9/2009
5.17
12/7/2009
3.35
1/11/2010
9.22
3/9/2010
9.4
4/13/2010
3.65
05/10/2010
2.96
06/08/2010
2.17
07/13/2010
0.83
08/09/2010
1.2
09/13/2010
2.34
10/12/2010
4.96
11/08/2010
2.62
12/13/2010
7.29
Table
4.
What is the most likely relationship between water temperature and dissolved oxygen?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct.
Incorrect.
5.
Why is the relationship between temperature and dissolved oxygen important? It helps us
