Chemistry and How It Affects Water Quality

Have you ever thought about the chemical reactions

happening inside the water you drink? Water isn't just
a clear liquid; it's a place where many chemicals can
interact and change. These changes can affect the
quality of the water and the health of the living things
that depend on it.

In this lesson, we'll learn about the water cycle and

how it works in nature. We'll also explore some basic
physical properties and chemical reactions that
happen in water, and how these can impact our
environment.

Water is special because it can dissolve many different substances. It can also exist as a solid, liquid,
or gas, which is why we can find it as ice, water, or vapor. Water is essential for life on Earth. All
living things have a membrane that separates them from their environment, and water moves
through this membrane carrying the nutrients needed for life and carrying waste products out.

Understanding Check points

✓ The importance of water: Water is vital for all forms of life.

✓ Chemical reactions in water: Various reactions occur that can alter water quality.
✓ The water cycle: A natural process that describes the movement of water through different
states.
✓ Physical properties of water: Water can exist as a solid (ice), liquid (water), or gas (vapor).
✓ Water's dissolving ability: Its capacity to dissolve substances is crucial for biological
processes.

Earth's Watery World

Imagine our planet Earth! It's a big blue marble floating in space. What makes Earth special? It's
the water! About 70% of our planet is covered in water, which is why we call it the "Blue Planet."
Where is all this water?
• Oceans and Seas: Most of Earth's water is found in big
oceans and seas. This water is salty and not good for
drinking.
• Freshwater: A small part of Earth's water is fresh water,
which means it's not salty. You can find fresh water in
rivers, lakes, and underground.
• Water Vapor: Water can also be a gas! When water
heats up, it turns into vapor and goes up into the sky.
This is why we have clouds.

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 • Ice: Water can also be a solid, like ice. You can find ice in cold places like the North and
South Poles, on top of mountains, and in glaciers.
So, Earth is a very watery planet! The water on Earth is important for all living things, including us.
Egypt has a variety of water environments, including the Nile River, the Gulf of Suez, the Gulf of
Aqaba, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and many salt and freshwater lakes.

Understanding Check points

✓ Earth is mostly covered in water.

✓ Water can be a solid, liquid, or gas.
✓ Most of Earth's water is salty.
✓ Fresh water is important for life.

The Water Cycle on Earth

Water is always moving and changing from one form to another. This constant movement of water
is called the water cycle. It's like a big circle where water travels from the Earth to the sky and back
again.
How does the water cycle work?
• Evaporation: When the sun heats up water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, it turns into vapor
and rises into the sky.
• Condensation: The water vapor in the sky cools down and forms clouds.
• Precipitation: When the clouds get heavy, the water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or
hail.
• Collection: The water that falls back to Earth collects in oceans, lakes, rivers, and
underground.
Other parts of the water cycle:
• Plants: Plants also release water vapor into the air through their leaves. This is called
transpiration.
• Groundwater: Some rainwater seeps into the ground and becomes groundwater.
• Acid rain: Sometimes, water vapor in the clouds mixes with pollution in the air and forms
acid rain. Acid rain can harm plants, animals, and buildings.
So, the water cycle is a never-ending process that shapes our planet."

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 Research Activity
Using various resources, research the following:

1. What tools and measurements do meteorologists use to measure the annual amount of
rainfall in a specific area of the Earth's surface?
2. Can scientists predict future changes in the Earth's water cycle?

Chemical Composition of Water:

Water is made up of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen. In each water molecule, there are two
hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Oxygen makes up about 88.89% of the mass of a water
molecule, while hydrogen makes up about 11.11%. The two hydrogen atoms are bonded to the
oxygen atom at an angle of approximately 104.5 degrees.
Chemical Properties of Water:
H₂O The water found on Earth is not pure; it contains various ions and chemicals that interact with
it in different ways. Let's explore three of water's main properties.

Topic 1: Water Polarity

H₂O The oxygen atom in a water molecule has a much stronger pull on electrons than the hydrogen
atoms. This means that the electrons in the bond between oxygen and
hydrogen are pulled more towards the oxygen atom. As a result, the
oxygen atom develops a slightly negative charge, while the hydrogen
atoms develop slightly positive charges. This uneven distribution of
charge makes the water molecule polar.

The polarity of water molecules allows them to attract each other,

forming hydrogen bonds. These hydrogen bonds also allow water
molecules to attract other polar molecules. This property gives water
the ability to dissolve many substances, breaking them down into their individual ions. These ions
become surrounded by water molecules, a process called hydration.

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Example:

Dissolving NaCl in water.

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Hydrogen Bonding and Water's Unique Properties
The ability of water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other is a key factor in many of
water's unique properties. For example, hydrogen bonding is responsible for water's high boiling
point of 100°C at standard atmospheric pressure. This is much higher than the boiling point of similar
compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, which boils at -61°C.

Hydrolysis
A small fraction of water molecules ionize into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). When
salts dissolve in water, they can undergo a process called hydrolysis, which affects the balance of
these ions. Hydrolysis can make a solution acidic or basic.
Example:
• Sodium chloride (NaCl): When salt is dissolved in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na⁺)
and chloride ions (Cl⁻). These ions do not react with water, so the solution remains neutral.
• Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃): When sodium bicarbonate dissolves in water, it undergoes
hydrolysis, which decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and increases the
concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻). This makes the solution basic.
• Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl): When ammonium chloride dissolves in water, it undergoes
hydrolysis, which decreases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and increases the
concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺). This makes the solution acidic.

Acid-Base Balance
The acid-base balance in water depends on the relationship between the concentration of hydrogen
ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). This relationship is measured using a value called pH.
The pH scale is a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, meaning that the
concentration of hydrogen ions is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions. A pH less than 7
indicates an acidic solution, while a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.

pH of Different Water Sources

• Seawater: The pH of seawater typically ranges from 7.5 to 8.4, depending on the location
and environmental factors.
• Freshwater (rivers and lakes): The pH of freshwater usually ranges naturally from 6.5 to 8.5.
• Distilled water: Distilled water has a pH of approximately 7 because it is free of most
impurities and ions that contribute to the acidity or alkalinity of other natural water sources.
• Groundwater: The pH of groundwater varies depending on the type of rocks in the area.
Groundwater is often neutral or basic, and its pH can be influenced by the presence of
calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate.
• Clouds: The pH of clouds generally have a slightly acidic pH, ranging from 4.5 to 5. This
acidity is primarily due to the presence of dissolved carbon dioxide and other acidic gases
in water droplets.

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 These pH values can vary depending on various environmental factors and human activities
in a given area, which can influence the pH level during cloud formation or rainfall.

Factors Affecting pH
Several factors can affect the pH of water, including:
• Presence of acids or bases: Acids increase the concentration of hydrogen ions, lowering
the pH, while bases increase the concentration of hydroxide ions, raising the pH.
• Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, which lowers the
pH.
• Temperature: Temperature can affect the solubility of gases like carbon dioxide, influencing
pH.
• Biological activity: Organisms in water can produce acids or bases, affecting the pH.

Importance of pH
The pH of water is important for many reasons, including:
• Aquatic life: Many aquatic organisms have specific pH requirements for survival.
• Chemical reactions: pH can affect the rate and extent of chemical reactions in water.
• Corrosion: Acidic water can corrode metals and concrete.
• Agriculture: The pH of soil water affects plant growth.

To mitigate the potential negative impacts of salt hydrolysis on water quality and aquatic life, it is
crucial to closely monitor salinity levels and changes in ionic composition within natural water bodies.
Proper waste disposal practices can significantly reduce the addition of harmful salts to water bodies,
thereby preserving water quality for wildlife habitats and human consumption.

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Formative Assessment
1. What is the primary factor that influences the pH of cloud water?
a) Temperature
b) Humidity
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Wind
2. Which of the following is not a potential negative impact of salt hydrolysis on water
quality?
a) Increased salinity
b) Decreased pH
c) Improved aquatic habitat
d) Impaired water quality for human consumption
3. How can proper waste disposal practices help protect water quality?
a) By reducing the amount of harmful chemicals in water bodies
b) By increasing the flow rate of rivers and streams
c) By improving the aesthetic appeal of water bodies
d) By decreasing the temperature of water bodies
True or False Questions
1. The pH of clouds generally ranges from 4.5 to 5.
2. Salt hydrolysis always increases the pH of water.
3. Monitoring salinity levels in water bodies is important for assessing water quality.
4. Human activities have no impact on the pH of cloud water.
5. Proper waste disposal practices can help reduce the negative effects of salt hydrolysis on
water quality.

Answer Key:
Multiple Choice:
1.c 2.c 3.a
True or False:
1.T 2. F 3.T 4.F 5.T

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The Physical Properties of Water and Their Impact on Living Organisms
Water possesses special physical properties that set it apart from other liquids and gases. These
unique characteristics, such as its decreasing density as it freezes and its high specific heat,
influence many natural phenomena and the distribution of living organisms in various
environments.
Density:
Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume at a specific temperature. Since matter is
composed of particles, density depends on the mass of these particles and the spaces between
them. In the case of pure water, the mass of 1 cm³ at 4°C is equal to 1 gram, meaning the density
of water at 4°C is 1 g/cm³, or 1000 kg/m³ in the international unit for density. As the temperature
of water decreases below 4°C and it approaches its freezing point, its density decreases, as
shown in the figure. The ratio between the density of a substance and the density of pure water at
the same temperature is called the relative density of the substance.

graph showing the relationship between water temperature and density

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The density or relative density of liquids can be measured using
a hydrometer. A hydrometer is a hollow, sealed glass container
with a wider lower part for buoyancy. It contains lead (or
mercury) weights to help maintain vertical balance and is
connected to a long, thin glass stem that is graduated with
density units. The lower graduation indicates the highest
density the hydrometer can measure, while the upper
graduation indicates the lowest density.

Understanding Check Points:

✓ Water's density is highest at 4°C.
✓ As water cools below 4°C, it becomes less dense.
✓ Ice is less dense than liquid water, which is why ice floats.
✓ This unique property of water has significant implications for life on Earth.

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How it works:
• The hydrometer is placed in the liquid to be tested.
• The hydrometer will float to a specific level, depending on the density of the liquid.
• The density of the liquid can be read from the scale on the hydrometer's stem.
Measuring density in different water bodies:
• Seawater: Seawater has a higher density than freshwater due to the presence of salts. A
hydrometer designed for seawater will have a different scale than one used for freshwater.
• Lakes and ponds: The density of freshwater in lakes and ponds can vary depending on
factors such as temperature, dissolved minerals, and the presence of pollutants.
• Wells: The density of groundwater in wells can also vary, depending on the source of the
water and the minerals it contains.
Detecting contamination:
Hydrometers can be used to detect contamination in water bodies by measuring changes in
density. For example, if a pollutant is denser than the surrounding water, it can cause the density
of the water to increase. This change in density can be detected using a hydrometer.
Other uses of hydrometers:
• Measuring the concentration of sugar in beverages
• Testing the battery acid level in cars
• Monitoring the quality of industrial processes

Water Density and Ocean Currents

The density of ocean water is influenced by three main factors: pressure, salinity (the amount of
salt), and temperature.
• Pressure: As you go deeper into the ocean, the pressure increases. This increased
pressure squeezes the water molecules closer together, making the water denser.
• Salinity: Saltwater is denser than freshwater. The more salt there is in the water, the denser
it becomes. The average salinity of seawater is about 35 grams of salt per liter of water,
which is like adding two teaspoons of salt to a cup of water.
• Temperature: Cold water is denser than warm water. As water cools down (until it reaches
4°C), its molecules move closer together, taking up less space, and making the water
denser.
Why does density matter?
Differences in water density cause ocean currents. These currents move heat, salt, and nutrients
around the planet.

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For example, ocean currents can carry warm water from the tropics to the poles and cold water
from the poles to the tropics. They also help to distribute nutrients from the deep ocean to the
surface, which is important for marine life.
Understanding Check points
✓ The density of ocean water is affected by pressure, salinity, and temperature.
✓ Denser water sinks, while less dense water rises.

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✓ These density differences create ocean currents that play a crucial role in Earth's climate and
marine ecosystems.

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Density of Water in Polar Regions
Have you ever wondered why ice floats on water? It's all about density! Density is how much
stuff is packed into a certain space. For most things, when you heat them up, they take up more
space. But water is a little bit strange.
Water's Weird Trick Usually, when something gets colder, it shrinks. But water does something
different. As it cools from 4°C to 0°C, it actually expands! This means that ice is less dense than
liquid water, which is why ice cubes float in your drink.
Why is this important? Imagine a lake in a cold place, like the Arctic. As the air gets colder, the
top layer of the lake starts to cool down. When it reaches 4°C, it's at its densest. But if it gets colder
than 4°C, it starts to expand and become less dense. This means the colder water floats on top of
the warmer water.
What happens next? When the top layer of the lake reaches 0°C, it turns into ice. Since ice is less
dense than water, it floats on top. This creates a layer of ice on the surface of the lake, insulating
the water below from the cold air.
Why is this good for the fish? If ice formed at the bottom of a lake, all the water would eventually
freeze solid. This would be bad news for all the plants and animals that live in the lake. But
because ice floats on top, the water underneath can stay liquid, providing a home for fish and other
aquatic creatures.

Understanding Checkpoints:
• Water is weird: It expands when it freezes.
• Ice floats: Because it's less dense than liquid water.
• Lakes freeze from the top down: Due to the way water density changes with temperature.
• This is good for aquatic life: It creates a protective layer of ice that allows the water below
to stay liquid.
Experiment: The Effect of Density on Water Movement
Materials:
• Ice cube trays
• Food colouring
• Fresh water
• Salt water (with salinity similar to seawater)
• Two clear containers of equal size
Procedure:
1. Create Colourful Ice Cubes:
o Fill ice cube trays with water and add a few drops of food coloring to each.

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 o Freeze the trays until the water turns into ice cubes.
2. Prepare the Water:
o Fill one clear container with fresh water.
o Fill the other clear container with salt
water. Make sure the salt concentration is
similar to that of seawater.
3. Observe the Melting:
o Place one coloured ice cube in the fresh
water and another in the salt water.
o Observe what happens to each ice cube.
Questions to Ponder:
• Which ice cube melts faster, the one in fresh water or the one in salt water?
• What do you notice about the movement of water after each ice cube melts?
Conclusion:
• Density: Saltwater is denser than freshwater. This means that saltwater weighs more for the
same volume.
• Melting Rate: The ice cube in freshwater will melt faster because freshwater is less dense.
This allows the cold, melted ice water to mix more easily with the surrounding water.
• Water Movement: When freshwater from melting ice enters the ocean, it tends to stay on
the surface because it's less dense than the salty ocean water. This is similar to what
happens in our experiment.
Understanding Checkpoints:
• Density: Can you explain why saltwater is denser than freshwater?
• Melting: Why does the ice cube in freshwater melt faster?
• Water Layers: Why does the freshwater from the melting ice cube stay on the surface of
the saltwater?

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Graph Analysis:
• As temperature increases, the volume of
water increases. This means that the same
mass of water occupies a larger volume.
• Since density is mass divided by volume,
and volume is increasing, density is
decreasing. Therefore, as the temperature
of water increases, its density decreases.

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Aquatic Environments

It is natural for rivers and seas to contain sufficient levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide to
sustain aquatic life, including plants, marine animals, fish, and microorganisms such as bacteria
and algae. Oxygen dissolves in water at a low rate, and the main source of oxygen is the
atmosphere. In addition, phytoplankton, algae, and aquatic plants play a role in producing
oxygen in water through photosynthesis.
Impact on Aquatic Organisms:
• Temperature and density affect the distribution of nutrients and dissolved gases.
Colder, denser water tends to sink, carrying nutrients to deeper parts of the ocean. Warmer,
less dense water stays at the surface.
• Changes in water temperature can affect the metabolic rates of aquatic organisms.
Warmer water can increase metabolic rates, leading to increased oxygen demand.

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• Stratification: The formation of layers in water bodies due to differences in density can
affect the distribution of organisms. For example, some organisms prefer colder, deeper
waters, while others thrive in warmer, surface waters.

Example:
• Thermal pollution: When factories or power plants discharge warm water into rivers or
lakes, it can reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. This can lead to fish kills,
as fish require oxygen to breathe.
•

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Aquatic Ecosystems:

• Oxygen: Essential for aquatic respiration.
• Carbon Dioxide: Used by aquatic plants for photosynthesis.
• Factors affecting dissolved gases: Temperature, pressure, and salinity

Solubility of Gases in Water

Introduction:
Have you ever wondered why fish can breathe underwater? The answer lies in the solubility of
gases in water. Gases, like oxygen and carbon dioxide, can dissolve in water, allowing aquatic
organisms to respire. In this lesson, we will explore the factors affecting the solubility of gases
in water, particularly focusing on oxygen and carbon dioxide.

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Solubility of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide:
• Oxygen: Although oxygen is more abundant in the air compared to carbon dioxide (about
500 times more), it is less soluble in water (about 30 times less). This means that even
though there is more oxygen in the air, less of it can dissolve in water.
• Carbon Dioxide: Carbon dioxide is more soluble in water compared to oxygen. However,
its solubility is still influenced by various factors.
Factors Affecting Solubility
• Temperature: As the temperature of water increases, the solubility of both oxygen and
carbon dioxide decreases. This means that cold water can hold more dissolved gases than
warm water.
• Salinity: The presence of salts in water, such as in seawater, reduces the solubility of gases
compared to pure water. This means that seawater can hold less dissolved oxygen and
carbon dioxide than freshwater.
• Pressure: Increasing the pressure on a gas increases its solubility in a liquid. However, this
factor is less significant in natural water bodies compared to the effects of temperature and
salinity

The Relationship between Temperature and Solubility

The graph provided shows the relationship between temperature and the solubility of oxygen
and carbon dioxide in freshwater. As the temperature increases, the solubility of both gases
decreases, but the decrease is more pronounced for carbon dioxide.

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The solubility of gases in seawater is significantly lower than in freshwater, with a reduction of
about 20-30% in oceanic saltwater compared to pure water. Generally, the solubility of gases
decreases at higher temperatures; as temperature rises, the concentration of dissolved
carbon dioxide in water decreases more rapidly than that of oxygen. This relationship is
illustrated in a graph showing how the solubility of oxygen and carbon dioxide varies in
freshwater at different temperatures under natural atmospheric conditions.
Effects of Increased Dissolved Oxygen in Water:
Enhanced Respiration: Aquatic organisms rely on dissolved oxygen for respiration. An
increase in oxygen levels improves their respiratory efficiency.
Metabolic Improvement: Higher levels of dissolved oxygen can support metabolic processes
in aquatic life, promoting growth and overall health.
Increased Activity: Adequate dissolved oxygen levels stimulate aquatic organisms to engage
more actively in swimming, hunting, and reproduction.
Ecosystem Balance: Maintaining a healthy balance of dissolved oxygen is crucial for
sustaining a stable aquatic ecosystem, supporting diverse populations of fish, invertebrates,
and plants.

Implications for Aquatic Life

The solubility of gases in water has significant implications for aquatic ecosystems:
• Temperature and Aquatic Life: As water temperatures rise due to climate change, the
decrease in dissolved oxygen can have harmful effects on aquatic organisms, especially
fish, which rely on oxygen for respiration.
• Carbon Dioxide and Ocean Acidification: The increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere lead to more carbon dioxide being absorbed by the oceans. This process,
known as ocean acidification, can have negative impacts on marine life, particularly
organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.
Understanding Checkpoints
• Solubility: The ability of a substance to dissolve in another substance.
• Factors Affecting Solubility: Temperature, salinity, and pressure.
• Temperature and Solubility: As temperature increases, the solubility of gases in water
decreases.
• Salinity and Solubility: Saltwater can hold less dissolved gas than freshwater.
• Implications for Aquatic Life: Changes in water temperature and carbon dioxide levels
can have significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
Reflective Questions
1. Why is oxygen less soluble in water than carbon dioxide, even though it is more abundant in
the air?
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2. How does temperature affect the solubility of gases in water?
3. Why is the solubility of gases lower in saltwater compared to freshwater?
4. What are the implications of decreasing oxygen levels in water for aquatic life?
5. How does ocean acidification occur, and what are its potential consequences?
By understanding the factors affecting the solubility of gases in water, we can better appreciate
the complex interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, and aquatic life

Sources of Carbon Dioxide in Water

The Atmosphere: Our Biggest Contributor
The main source of carbon dioxide (CO2) in water is actually the air around us. Imagine the
atmosphere as a big bubble. CO2 from the air can dissolve into water, just like sugar dissolves
in a glass of tea. This process is called gas exchange.
Living Things: Breathing Underwater
Even sea creatures breathe! When marine animals and plants breathe, they release CO2 as a
waste product. This CO2 then dissolves into the surrounding water.
Human Impact: Pollution
Human activities also contribute to the amount of CO2 in water. For example:
• Industrial Pollution: Factories and industries often release CO2 into the air. This CO2 can
then be carried by the wind and end up in our oceans.
• Agricultural Runoff: When it rains, fertilizers and other chemicals from farms can wash into
rivers and eventually reach the ocean. As these substances break down, they release CO2.
In Summary
CO2 in water comes from three main sources:
1. The atmosphere: CO2 from the air dissolves directly into water.
2. Marine organisms: Sea creatures release CO2 as they breathe.
3. Human activities: Pollution from industries and agriculture adds to the CO2 levels in water.

Understanding Checkpoints
• Gas exchange: Gases like CO2 can move between the air and water.
• Respiration: All living things, including marine organisms, breathe and release CO2.
• Pollution: Human activities, like industrial processes and agriculture, contribute to
increased CO2 levels in water.

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The Impact of High Carbon Dioxide Levels in Water on Aquatic Organisms
The rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in water can have several negative effects on aquatic
organisms. Understanding these impacts is crucial for the health of aquatic ecosystems,
particularly as human activities contribute to increased CO2 concentrations. Here are some of
the primary effects:
1. Acidification
When atmospheric CO2 levels are elevated, more of this gas dissolves in water, leading to an
increase in carbonic acid (H2CO3) and a subsequent decrease in the water's pH level. This
process, known as ocean acidification, can be particularly harmful to many aquatic species,
especially those that are sensitive during critical life stages such as eggs and larvae.
• Effects on Marine Life: Acidification can disrupt the physiological processes of fish and
invertebrates, impairing their ability to grow, reproduce, and survive. Species like corals and
shellfish are especially vulnerable because they rely on stable pH levels to maintain their
calcium carbonate structures.
2. Reduced Oxygen Levels
High concentrations of carbon dioxide in water can lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen
levels, which is essential for the respiration of aquatic organisms.
• Respiratory Challenges: Fish and other aquatic animals depend on dissolved oxygen for
survival. When CO2 levels rise, the balance between oxygen production (through
photosynthesis) and consumption (through respiration) can be disrupted, leading to
hypoxic conditions (low oxygen levels). This can result in stress or even death for many
aquatic species.
3. Impaired Calcification
Many marine organisms, such as corals, mollusks, and certain types of plankton, rely on
calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to form their shells or skeletons. Increased CO2 levels cause a shift
in the chemical equilibrium of carbonate ions in seawater.
• Chemical Changes: As CO2 dissolves in water, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid,
which then dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+). This process
reduces the availability of carbonate ions (CO3-2), which are necessary for calcification. As a
result, organisms may struggle to build or maintain their shells and skeletons.
• Consequences for Ecosystems: The decline in calcifying organisms can have cascading
effects throughout marine ecosystems. For example, coral reefs—critical habitats for
numerous marine species—may become weaker and more susceptible to damage from
storms and other environmental stressors.

The Impact of Low Carbon Dioxide Levels in Water on Aquatic Organisms

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential for the survival and growth of aquatic plants and algae. When
the levels of CO2 in water decrease, it can have significant negative effects on various aspects

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of aquatic ecosystems. This lesson explores the consequences of low CO 2 levels on
photosynthesis, food chains, and pH balance in aquatic environments.
1. Reduced Photosynthesis
Aquatic plants and algae rely on carbon dioxide to perform photosynthesis, a process that
converts light energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis, these organisms absorb
CO2 from the water and use it, along with sunlight and water, to produce glucose (a form of
energy) and oxygen.
Consequences of Low CO2 Availability
• Energy Production: A decrease in the availability of carbon dioxide limits the ability of
aquatic plants and algae to produce energy. This reduction can lead to a decline in their
growth rates and overall productivity.
• Ecosystem Productivity: Since aquatic plants are primary producers, their reduced
productivity directly affects the entire ecosystem. Less energy produced means less food
available for herbivores, which can cascade through the food web.
2. Effects on Food Chains
Changes in carbon dioxide levels can significantly impact the food chains within aquatic
ecosystems.
Impact on Primary Producers
• Phytoplankton and Algae: These organisms are vital as they form the base of the food
chain. A decline in their populations due to insufficient CO2 can lead to reduced food
availability for higher trophic levels, including zooplankton, fish, and other marine animals.
Higher Trophic Levels
• Cascading Effects: As primary producers decline, herbivores may struggle to find enough
food, leading to decreased populations of these species. Consequently, predators that rely
on these herbivores for food will also be negatively impacted, leading to potential
declines in fish populations and other higher-level consumers.
3. Disruption of pH Balance
Low concentrations of carbon dioxide in water can also disrupt the pH balance of aquatic
environments.
Increased pH Levels
• Effects on Aquatic Life: When CO2 levels drop, the pH of water may increase (become
more alkaline). Many aquatic organisms are adapted to thrive within specific pH ranges. A
significant shift in pH can create stressful conditions for these species.
• Sensitivity of Species: Species that are sensitive to changes in pH—such as certain fish,
amphibians, and invertebrates—may experience adverse effects on their health,
reproduction, and survival rates.

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Biological Adaptations of Aquatic Organisms
In the world of aquatic creatures, every living organism possesses a set of adaptations that
enable it to survive in its watery environment, whether in deep oceans or shallow lakes. How do
fish adapt to changes in temperature? How can organisms survive in saline or low-oxygen
aquatic environments? In this lesson, we will explore the physiological, behavioural, and
structural adaptations that allow aquatic organisms to thrive in diverse ecological conditions.

1. Physiological Adaptations
Aquatic organisms have developed specific physiological adaptations that enable them to
survive in their environments. These adaptations refer to modifications in how they perform
their vital functions. For example, some fish that inhabit the deep ocean possess unique
abilities to regulate their respiration in conditions of low oxygen.
A. Respiratory Adaptations
In deep-sea environments, where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at the surface,
certain fish species have evolved specialized gills that enhance their ability to extract oxygen
from water. These gills are highly efficient and can function effectively even when oxygen is
scarce.

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B. Pressure Adaptations
To cope with the highwater pressure found at great depths, deep-sea fish have strong minute
and resilient arteries and veins that can withstand this pressure. Additionally, they possess
the ability to adjust their blood pressure
effectively, keeping it in balance with the
external pressure.
A well-known example of such an adaptation is
the Electric Eel, which can live at depths of
several thousand meters where oxygen levels
are critically low. Which has the ability to slow
down its “Metabolism’’ in order to decrease its
need for oxygen.

C. Osmosis and Osmotic Pressure

Osmosis is the phenomenon of water moving or spreading from a dilute solution to
a concentrated solution through a semipermeable membrane that separates the two
solutions, as illustrated in the diagram.

Osmotic pressure is the pressure that arises from the presence of solute particles in a solution.
This pressure is caused by a difference in solute concentration across the semipermeable
membrane, leading to the movement of water molecules. When there is a higher concentration
of solute in one solution, it creates a stronger osmotic pressure compared to a solution with
lower solute concentration. This difference causes water to move from the area of lower solute
concentration to the area of higher solute concentration.
In summary, the solution with higher concentration has higher osmotic pressure, which allows
it to draw water from the less concentrated solution, as shown in the diagram.
Understanding Checkpoints
1. What is osmosis?

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 • Osmosis is the movement of water from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution
through a semipermeable membrane.
2. What causes osmotic pressure?
• Osmotic pressure is caused by differences in solute concentration between two
solutions separated by a semipermeable membrane.
3. Why does water move during osmosis?
• Water moves towards the area with higher solute concentration because it seeks to
equalize the concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
4. How does osmotic pressure affect water movement?
• The higher the osmotic pressure of a solution, the more it can attract water from
another solution with lower osmotic pressure.

Experiment: Osmosis Experiment

Required Materials:

• Sugar solution

• Funnel (flower funnel)

• Cellophane paper
• Glass beaker filled with tap water
• Rubber band
• Stand
Steps:
1. Secure the Cellophane: Firmly attach the cellophane paper over the opening of the funnel
using the rubber band.
2. Prepare the Funnel: Fill the funnel with the sugar solution, then immerse it in the beaker filled
with water, ensuring it is held vertically.
3. Mark the Solution Level: Make a mark on the stem of the funnel at the level of the solution.
4. Observe the Experiment: Allow the setup to sit for a sufficient amount of time and observe
what happens, while recording your notes.
Observations:
• You will notice that the level of the sugar solution in the stem of the funnel rises, indicating
that water is being drawn from the beaker through osmosis. This occurs because the
concentration of sugar in the funnel is higher than that in the water in the glass beaker.

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 Conclusions:
• What is Osmosis: It is the process by which water moves from an area of lower concentration
to an area of higher concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
• Why does this rise occur: Because water moves from the beaker, where its concentration
is lower, to the funnel, where its concentration is higher, leading to an increase in the volume
of the sugar solution.
D. Osmotic Pressure and Adaptation
The previous experiment demonstrated what can happen to an organism living in freshwater due
to the lower osmotic pressure of the water compared to the osmotic pressure of the solutions
within the bodies of those organisms. In such cases, the bodies of these organisms absorb large
amounts of water, leading to the swelling of their cells.
Cellular Response to Osmotic Pressure
For unicellular organisms like Euglena, Paramecium, and Amoeba, they possess a specialized
organelle called the contractile vacuole. This vacuole collects excess water from the cell and
then expels it through the cell membrane, as illustrated below.

• Contractile Vacuole Function:

• Water Accumulation: The vacuole gathers surplus water.
• Water Expulsion: It then pushes this water out of the cell, preventing it from bursting.
On the other hand, multicellular organisms like fish eliminate excess water that enters their bodies
through their skin, mouth, and gills by using their kidneys, which excrete it as dilute urine. The
kidneys in fish are located in the abdominal cavity on either side of the spine.
• Kidney Function in Fish:
• Location: Situated in the abdominal cavity.
• Water Regulation: They filter out excess water and salts, maintaining osmotic balance.

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Adaptation Mechanisms
How do these organisms adapt to the characteristics of freshwater environments?
1. Unicellular Organisms:
• They utilize contractile vacuoles to manage water intake efficiently. This adaptation
prevents cellular lysis (bursting) due to excessive water absorption.
2. Multicellular Organisms (Fish):
• Fish have evolved osmoregulatory mechanisms that allow them to maintain a stable
internal environment despite external changes in salinity. They continuously produce
large volumes of dilute urine to excrete excess water while actively absorbing
necessary ions through their gills.

Adaptations of Marine Fish to Saline Environments

Fish that inhabit saltwater environments face unique challenges due to the high salinity of
their surroundings. Unlike freshwater fish, which absorb water through osmosis because of
lower external solute concentrations, saltwater fish must actively manage water loss. Here’s
a detailed look at how these fish adapt to their saline habitats.

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Water Intake and Osmoregulation
• Water Absorption
To compensate for the loss of water from their bodies through osmosis, saltwater fish need to
ingest large quantities of water. The primary source of this water is the highly saline
seawater in which they live. However, simply drinking seawater presents its own challenges
due to the high concentration of salts.

• Salt Excretion
To maintain homeostasis, these fish have developed specialized mechanisms for excreting
excess salts. They utilize their kidneys and specialized cells in their gills to remove surplus
sodium and chloride ions from their bodies. The kidneys filter the blood and produce a
concentrated urine that contains minimal water, thereby conserving as much fluid as possible
while effectively eliminating salts.

• Urea Regulation in Sharks

Among the various adaptations seen in marine fish, sharks exhibit a remarkable physiological
strategy for osmoregulation. Sharks maintain a high concentration of urea in their
bloodstream. Urea is a nitrogenous waste product that is typically excreted in urine by many
animals. However, sharks retain a significant amount of urea, which increases the osmotic
pressure of their blood.
By elevating the concentration of urea in their bodies, sharks can closely match the osmotic
pressure of the surrounding seawater. This adaptation minimizes water loss from their
bodies to the hypertonic environment, effectively reducing dehydration risks.

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Benefits of High Urea Concentration
The retention of urea not only aids in osmoregulation but also serves other physiological
functions:
Osmotic Balance: By maintaining a urea concentration similar to that of seawater, sharks can
prevent excessive water from leaving their bodies.
Toxin Management: Urea can also play a role in detoxifying ammonia—a byproduct of protein
metabolism—allowing sharks to manage waste more efficiently.

Understanding Checkpoints

Types of Adaptations
- Physiological Adaptations: Internal processes that help organisms maintain homeostasis (e.g.,
urea retention in sharks).
- Behavioural Adaptations: Actions taken by organisms to survive in their environment (e.g.,
seeking out freshwater sources).
- Structural Adaptations: Physical features that enhance survival (e.g., specialized gill cells in fish
for salt excretion).

Osmotic Pressure
- Definition: The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable
membrane.
- Importance: Osmotic pressure influences water movement in and out of cells, affecting
hydration and nutrient absorption.
- Impact on Marine Life: High osmotic pressure in saltwater forces fish to adapt to prevent
dehydration.
Electric Eel Adaptation
- Electric Organ: Specialized cells called electrocytes that generate electric charges for hunting
and self-defense.
- Osmoregulation: Electric eels also manage salt and water balance, allowing them to thrive in
freshwater environments despite their electric capabilities.
- Pressure AdaptationsTo cope with the highwater pressure found at great depths, deep-sea fish
have strong minute and resilient arteries and veins that can withstand this pressure.

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Formative Assessment: Multiple Choice Questions
• Choose the correct answer

1. What is osmosis?
- A) Movement of water from high concentration to low concentration
- B) Movement of solutes from low concentration to high concentration
- C) A type of cellular respiration
- D) None of the above

2. What adaptation helps sharks maintain osmotic balance?

- A) High concentration of glucose
- B) Retention of urea
- C) Increased gill surface area
- D) Decreased body size

3. Which type of adaptation involves physical features?

- A) Behavioural
- B) Physiological
- C) Structural
- D) Environmental

4. What is the primary source of water for saltwater fish?

- A) Freshwater lakes
- B) Seawater
- C) Rainwater
- D) Groundwater

5. How do saltwater fish excrete excess salts?

- A) Through their skin
- B) Through their gills and kidneys
- C) By sweating
- D) By breathing

6. What is the role of electrocytes in electric eels?

- A) To regulate body temperature
- B) To generate electric charges
- C) To filter toxins from water
- D) To aid in digestion

7. Which of the following is a behavioral adaptation?

- A) Thick fur in polar bears
- B) Migration patterns in birds
- C) Long necks in giraffes
- D) Bright colors in poisonous frogs

8. What happens to marine fish when they are placed in freshwater?

- A) They thrive without any issues
- B) They lose water through osmosis and may die
- C) They become more active
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 - D) They adapt instantly

9. Why do sharks retain urea in their blood?

- A) To increase buoyancy
- B) To match the osmotic pressure of seawater
- C) To improve digestion
- D) To enhance their sense of smell

10. Which type of environment do electric eels primarily inhabit?

- A) Saltwater oceans
- B) Freshwater rivers and streams
- C) Desert habitats
- D) Arctic tundra

11. What is a physiological adaptation?

- A) Changes in behavior due to environmental changes
- B) Internal processes that help maintain balance within an organism
- C) Physical changes that occur over generations
- D) None of the above

12. How do fish regulate their internal salt concentrations?

- A) By drinking seawater only
- B) By excreting excess salts through specialized cells
- C) By absorbing salts through their skin
- D) Both B and C

13. What could happen if a shark's urea levels drop significantly?

- A) It would float to the surface
- B) It would lose its ability to swim
- C) It could become dehydrated
- D) It would become more aggressive

14. How does high salinity affect marine life?

- A) It increases nutrient availability
- B) It can lead to dehydration if not managed properly
- C) It enhances reproduction rates
- D) It has no effect

15. Which adaptation allows electric eels to hunt effectively?

- A) Camouflage
- B) Electric shock
- C) Speed
- D) Sharp teeth

• Complete the following sentence

1. Fish living in saltwater need to drink large amounts of water to compensate for the loss of
water through __________.

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2. The process by which water moves from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high
solute concentration is called __________.

3. Saltwater fish excrete excess salts using their __________ and specialized cells in their gills.

4. Sharks maintain a high concentration of __________ in their blood to help balance osmotic
pressure with seawater.

5. The __________ is a structure found in single-celled organisms that helps remove excess water
from the cell.

6. Electric eels have adaptations that allow them to generate electric fields, which help them
navigate and hunt in __________ environments.

7. The kidneys of saltwater fish produce concentrated urine to minimize __________ loss.

8. A contractile vacuole helps single-celled organisms manage water intake by expelling excess
water through __________.

9. Osmotic pressure is important for maintaining fluid balance in both __________ and freshwater
organisms.

10. The adaptation of retaining urea in sharks helps them reduce water loss to the surrounding
__________.

11. In freshwater environments, fish have adaptations that allow them to absorb water through
their __________.

12. The function of the kidneys in fish is to filter blood and regulate the balance of __________
and water.

13. Electric eels can adapt to high-pressure environments by using specialized cells called
__________ to generate electricity.

14. When saltwater fish drink seawater, they must actively excrete the excess __________ they
take in.

15. The presence of a contractile vacuole allows organisms like paramecium to survive in
__________ environments by controlling water levels.

2. Behavioural Adaptations
harsh conditions or to better exploit available resources. These adaptations are crucial for
survival and reproduction in varying environments.

• Salmon Migration
One prominent example of behavioural adaptation is observed in salmon, which migrate
between freshwater and saltwater environments for breeding and survival.
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Life Cycle of Salmon
1. Birth in Freshwater:
• Salmon are born in freshwater rivers or streams. This environment provides a safe
habitat for the young fish, known as fry, to grow and develop.
2. Migration to the Sea:
• After spending some time in freshwater, the young salmon begin their migration to
the ocean. This journey is essential as the ocean offers abundant food resources and
a larger habitat for growth.
• During this phase, the salmon undergo significant physiological changes to adapt to
the saline environment.
3. Adaptation Process: Smoltification:
• As salmon transition from freshwater to saltwater, they experience a biological
process known as smoltification. This process allows them to adapt their bodies to
the higher salinity levels of seawater.
• Smoltification involves several changes:
• Physiological Changes: The gills of the salmon adjust to regulate salt intake
and excretion effectively.
• Behavioural Changes: Young salmon become more active and start to seek
out deeper waters, which helps them avoid predators.
• Coloration Changes: Their coloration may also change, helping them blend
into their new environment.
4. Adult Life in the Ocean:
• Once adapted, adult salmon spend most of their lives in the ocean, where they can
grow significantly larger and mature sexually.
5. Return Migration for Reproduction:
• Upon reaching sexual maturity, salmon exhibit remarkable navigation skills that guide
them back to the exact rivers where they were born. This return migration is critical
for spawning.
• The journey back is fraught with challenges, including navigating through various
obstacles such as dams and predators.
6. Spawning:
• Upon reaching their natal river, salmon lay eggs in gravel beds, ensuring the next
generation has a safe start in life.
• After spawning, many adult salmon die, contributing nutrients back into the
ecosystem, which supports other life forms.

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Physiological Adaptations
The ability of salmon to transition between different environments is not solely behavioral; it
also involves complex physiological adaptations:
• Circulatory System Adjustments: Salmon can modify their circulatory system to cope with
varying levels of salinity. This includes changes in blood composition and pressure
regulation.
• Respiratory Adaptations: Their respiratory system adapts to different oxygen levels
found in freshwater versus saltwater environments. In freshwater, oxygen levels are typically
higher but can fluctuate based on temperature and flow rates.

Conclusion
The behavioural adaptations of salmon highlight an intricate relationship between behaviour
and environmental challenges. By migrating between freshwater and saltwater environments,
salmon not only ensure their survival but also contribute significantly to their ecosystems
through nutrient cycling during spawning. Understanding these adaptations provides insight
into the resilience of species in changing environments and underscores the importance of
preserving natural habitats for future generations
Hiding and Camouflage
Some aquatic organisms have developed behaviours such as hiding or using camouflage to
avoid predators. For example, certain species of flatfish can change their colour and texture to
blend in with the ocean floor, making them less visible to both predators and prey.
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3. Structural Adaptations
Structural adaptations refer to the physical changes in the bodies of living organisms that help
them survive in their environments. For example, fish that inhabit the depths of the oceans
possess very large eyes to enable them to see in the dark. Additionally, their bodies are
compressed to withstand the extremely high pressure found in deep waters.

One notable example is the icefish

(Channichthyidae), which lives in the cold
Southern Ocean at depths reaching up to
2000 meters. Icefish are specially adapted
to thrive in subzero temperatures, where
they dominate 95% of the biomass
surrounding the Antarctic continent.

General Structural Adaptations of Fish

- Streamlined Body: Fish have a streamlined shape that reduces water resistance, allowing
for easier movement through water.
- Gills: The gills enable fish to extract dissolved oxygen from water, which is essential for
their survival.
- Scales and Mucus: Their bodies are covered with scales and a layer of mucus, which helps
reduce water resistance while swimming and protects against pathogens.
- Fins: Fins serve as locomotion organs, aiding in navigation and stability in water.

Unique Adaptations of Icefish

Icefish exhibit some remarkable adaptations:
- Lack of Hemoglobin: Unlike most fish, icefish do not have hemoglobin, which is typically
responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Instead, they have a leathery skin that
allows oxygen to diffuse directly across it, taking advantage of the high oxygen solubility in
cold water.
- Antifreeze Proteins: They produce antifreeze glycoproteins that prevent ice crystal
formation in their blood and tissues, allowing them to survive in freezing temperatures.
- White Flesh and Gills: Due to the absence of hemoglobin, icefish have white flesh and gills,
which is unusual compared to other fish.

Understanding Checkpoints
- What are structural adaptations? : These are physical changes in organisms that enhance
their ability to survive and reproduce in specific environments.
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- How do icefish adapt to extreme cold?: Icefish utilize antifreeze proteins and rely on skin
diffusion for oxygen instead of haemoglobin.

- Why is a streamlined body important for fish? A streamlined body minimizes resistance
against water, facilitating smoother movement.

Questions for Reflection

1. What advantages do antifreeze proteins provide to icefish compared to other fish species?
2. How might the lack of hemoglobin affect the behavior and ecology of icefish in their habitat?
3. In what ways do you think climate change could impact the adaptations seen in icefish?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Lionfish Adaptations:
• Structural Adaptations:
• The lionfish has long, venomous spines that deter predators.
• Its striking coloration serves as both camouflage among coral reefs and a warning
signal to potential threats.
• Behavioural Adaptations:
• Lionfish are known for their ambush hunting strategy, using their spines to capture
prey quickly.
Colorful Octopus Adaptations:
• Camouflage:
• The octopus can change its skin color and texture to blend into its surroundings,
evading predators and surprising prey.
• Physiological Adaptations:
• This species possesses specialized cells called chromatophores that allow rapid
color changes.
• It has a highly flexible body that enables it to squeeze into tight spaces for hiding or
hunting.

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Formative Assessment
Choose the correct answer:
1. What is a physiological change in ocean fish?
a) Compressed body
b) Increased blood pressure
c) Strong arteries
d) Large gills
2. Which of the following adaptations allows deep-sea fish to cope with low oxygen levels?
a) Slowing metabolic rate
b) Compressed body
c) Increased salt concentration in cells
d) Strong blood vessels
3. What type of osmotic adaptation do salmon exhibit?
a) Behavioural adaptation
b) Physiological adaptation
c) Structural adaptation
d) Combined adaptation
4. Which of the following is a similarity between amoebas and fish?
a) Cellular respiration
b) Physiological adaptation
c) Body complexity
d) Osmoregulation methods
5. Which of the following helps reduce water resistance for fish movement in water?
a) Scales only
b) Mucus only
c) Streamlined body and mucus
d) Streamlined body, mucus, and scales
6. Physiological adaptations require structural adaptations to occur. Provide one example of
this.
7. What challenges do deep-sea fish face, and how do they adapt structurally to these
challenges?
8. What effect does freshwater have on the osmotic pressure of freshwater organisms' cells,
and how do these organisms cope with that effect?

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