How do ammonia levels from agricultural runoff affect the diversity and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates in a pond near farmland compared to the Orco River Valley in Italy?”

omplete Equipment List for Ammonia Testing and Macroinvertebrate Sampling  

1. Ammonia Testing Equipment  

HI 3824 Ammonia Test Kit for Fresh Water:  

1 plastic beaker (20 mL) with cap  

1 color comparator cube  

Ammonia Reagent 1 (20 mL bottle with dropper)  

Nessler Reagent (20 mL bottle with dropper)  

Purpose: To measure ammonia concentrations in water samples from the pond and Orco River Valley.  

Sample Containers:  

Clean, labeled water bottles for collecting water samples (if testing will be done off-site).  

Field Notebook or Data Sheets:  

To record ammonia concentration results, sample locations, and other observations.  

Pens/Pencils and Clipboard:  

For recording data in the field.  

Camera or Smartphone (optional):  

To document sampling locations and water conditions.  

2. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling Equipment  

Sampling Nets:  

Kick Net: For river sampling (Orco River Valley) to collect organisms from the riverbed.  

D-Net or Pond Net: For pond sampling (near farmland) to sweep through water and vegetation.  

White Sorting Trays:  

To sort and examine macroinvertebrates collected from water samples.  

Forceps or Plastic Spoons:  

For gently handling and sorting small macroinvertebrates.  

Sample Vials or Containers (if preserving specimens):  

Ethanol or another suitable preservative if necessary and ethical.  

Magnifying Glass or Portable Microscope:  

To help identify small or intricate macroinvertebrates.  

Macroinvertebrate Identification Guides:  

Field guides or identification keys specific to freshwater macroinvertebrates in Italy.  

3. Additional Water Quality Testing Equipment (optional)  

If desired, you can enhance your investigation with these additional measurements:  

pH Meter or Test Strips: To measure the pH, which affects ammonia toxicity.  

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Meter or Test Kit: To assess oxygen levels.  

Thermometer: To measure water temperature.  

Turbidity Tube or Secchi Disk: To evaluate water clarity.  

4. Data Recording Materials  

Field Notebook or Data Sheets:  

To record all water quality measurements and macroinvertebrate counts systematically.  

Pens/Pencils and Clipboard:  

For reliable data recording in the field.  

Camera or Smartphone:  

To take photos of sampling sites and macroinvertebrate samples (optional but useful for documentation).  

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)  

Rubber Gloves (Nitrile or Latex):  

For handling chemicals during ammonia testing and biological samples.  

Safety Glasses:  

For protection when working with chemical reagents.  

Rubber Boots or Waterproof Footwear:  

To safely access the pond and river without getting wet or slipping.  

Background:  

Agricultural activities are known to contribute significant nutrient pollution to nearby water bodies through runoff. Fertilizers containing nitrogen compounds, such as ammonia and nitrate, are particularly influential in altering water chemistry. Elevated ammonia levels can be toxic to aquatic organisms, especially fish and invertebrates, while nitrates can lead to eutrophication, resulting in oxygen depletion and harmful algal blooms.  

In this study, I collected water samples from both a river and two different ponds near agricultural areas. These samples were tested for ammonia and nitrate levels to determine how the proximity to farmland affects water quality. This analysis is essential for understanding the impact of agricultural runoff on freshwater ecosystems, with particular focus on benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators.  

Hypotheses:  

Null Hypothesis (H₀): There is no significant difference in ammonia or nitrate levels between the river and pond water samples.  

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): The pond water samples, especially those closer to agricultural areas, will exhibit higher ammonia and nitrate concentrations due to agricultural runoff, which could negatively affect water quality.  

Methodology:  

Sampling Sites:  

River Samples: Collected from a river, representing less agricultural influence.  

Pond Samples: Collected from two ponds, one near farmland (Pond 1) and another pond farther from direct agricultural influence (Pond 2).  

Equipment:  

Ammonia Testing: HI 3824 Ammonia Test Kit, with reagents and color comparator cube.  

Nitrate Testing: Dedicated nitrate test strips and reagents.  

Procedure:  

Collected five water samples from each site (river, Pond 1, Pond 2).  

Conducted ammonia and nitrate tests on-site using testing kits.  

Recorded ammonia (mg/L) and nitrate (mg/L) levels for each sample.  

Observed and documented water characteristics (e.g., clarity, color).  

  this is my ptoject write me a full ESS IB IA with graphs and make it as detailed possible  

Pound water samples  

Sample 1 : ammonia = 1.5 /  

Sample 2 : ammonia = 1.5 /  

Sample 3 : ammonia = 1.5 /  

Sample 4 : ammonia = 1 /  

Sample 5 : ammonia = 1 /  

*sample 4 and 5 are another pound  

The water was yellower than in the lake  

Water sample 2 (river) 

Sample 1 : ammonia = 0.5 /  

Sample 2 : ammonia = -0.5 /  

Sample 3 : ammonia = 0.5 /  

Sample 4 : ammonia = 0.5 /  

Sample 5 : ammonia = 0.5 /  

wider range  

Pound water samples  

Sample 1 : ammonia = 1.5 /  

Sample 2 : ammonia = 1.5 /  

Sample 3 : ammonia = 1.5 /  

Sample 4 : ammonia = 1 /  

Sample 5 : ammonia = 1 /  

*sample 4 and 5 are another pound  

The water was yellower than in the lake  

aquatic life fund  

Hydra  

worms  

spring tails