Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory

Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

Enabling Assessment Lake Ecosystem Analysis

Name Keith Ashley C. Sabal Date 11/23/23
Teacher Mrs. Jocelyn Luyon CYS MEB26
Points Time Allotment 120 minutes Score

A. LIGHT PENETRATION AND ABSORPTION

Table 7.1 Measurement of depth and amount of light penetration in lake.

Direct Light Reflected Light % Light
Station/Depth Readings
(lux) (lux) Absorption
1 876 347 60.39%

A: 2.8 meters / 280 2 869 271 68.81%

cm 3 798 269 65.95%

Average 847.67 295.67 65.12%

1. How much light is absorbed by the lake? Give the importance of light in lake.
Water in the lake absorbs more than 50% of the visible light energy within the first 10
meters. Light in lake is essential for plant growth and all living things that depend on plants in
aquatic habitat.

2. What are the factors affecting the light absorption in lake?

The factors that affects light absorption in lake are its intensity at the surface, angle of
contact of light with surface, differences in latitude, seasonal differences, diurnal differences
and suspended materials.

Table 7.2 Measurement of depth and amount of light penetration in lake.

Disappearance Reappearance Ave. Light % Light
Station/Depth Readings
(cm) (cm) Penetration Penetration
1 37.48 35.2 36.34 12.98%

A: 2.8 meters 2 34.8 33.5 34.15 12.20%

or 280 cm 3 33.55 31.25 32.4 11.57%

Average 35.28 33.32 32.30 12.25

1. How deep is the photic or epilimnion? Give the importance of the photic zone.
The photic zone depth ranges up to 200 meters below. Photic zone in lakes is critically
important for tiny photosynthetic organisms (phytoplanktons) to supply nearly all of the energy
and nutrients to the rest of the marine food web, in which most other marine organisms live in
or at least visit the photic zone.

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Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
MEB26
Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

2. How deep is the hypolimnion or aphotic zone? Give the importance of the aphotic zone
The aphotic zone depth ranges below 1,000 meters. Dead organic matter that sinks to the
aphotic zone of the lakes decomposes and feeds the bacteria and other organisms at this
level. Also, it incorporates the vast majority of the water in the lakes, as well as in the ocean,
incorporating most of the water on Earth

3. What is compensation depth or metalimnion? How deep is the compensation depth

The compensation depth, also known as metalimnion, is thin middle layer which separates
the top and bottom layers of the layer and is characterized by a rapid change in water
temperature. It is the the depth at which rates of photosynthesis and respiration are equal.
The compensation depth varies greatly from 100 m in the clearest ocean waters, and below
100m to turbid bodies of water.

B. TEMPERATURE
Table 7.3 Measurement of Temperature.
Readings Epilimnion (°C) Hypolimnion (°C) Difference (°C)

1 28° 27° 1°

2 28° 27° 1°

3 27.5° 27° 0.5°

Average 27.83° 27° 0.83°

1. Is there any difference between the temperature of the surface and bottom? Explain the
difference.
Yes, there is a difference between the temperature of the surface and bottom. The
difference between the two was ranging from 0.5 up to 1 degree celsius below. The depth of
the water affects the light distribution of it, thereby affecting its temperature. The relationship
between temperature and water depth is indirectly proportional such as a water depth
increases, temperature decreases. This is due to the fact that water absorbs and retains heat
differently than air.

2. What is the importance of temperature in the lake?

Temperature in lake is important because it influences the rate of chemical and biological
reactions. It also affects the dissolved oxygen level in water, photosynthesis of aquatic plants,
metabolic rates of aquatic organisms, and the sensitivity of these organisms to pollution,
parasites, and disease.

3. Give 2 factors affecting the temperature of the lake. Explain how these factors affect the lake.
-Light: As sunlight warms the water, wind cools it down. Most lakes go through a process
called thermal stratification. Thermal stratification refers to a lake's three main layers, each
with a different temperature range. (Epilimnion, Metalimnion, & Hypolimnion)

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MEB26 Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

-Humidity: Small droplets of moisture in the air help the air hold on to heat better.
Atmospheric humidity affects the boiling temperature of water because humid air contains
more water vapor than dry air.

B. TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS

Table 7.4 Measurement of TSS
Pre-weighed Epilimnion Air TSS Pre-weighed Hypolimnion Air TSS
Filter Paper Dried Filter Paper (g) Filter Paper Dried Filter Paper (g)

1.39 1.45 0.06 1.42 1.45 0.03

1.46 1.50 0.04 1.45 1.50 0.05

1.48 1.48 0 1.47 1.50 0.03

Average 1.47 0.03 Average 1.48 0.04

1. Is there any difference between the TSS of the surface and bottom? Explain the difference .
Yes, there is a difference between the Total Suspended Solids of the surface and bottom
of the lake. The Total Suspended Solids in the surface water (epilimnion) is lower than the
bottom water (hypolimnion). With this, we can include that the bottom water has more
suspends which could either be a sand, sediment, or a plankton.,

2. What is the importance of TSS in the lake?

To measure wastewater treatment operations and as a parameter for environmental
health, determining the quantity of Total Suspended Solids is important. It analyzes
wastewater quality and serves as an indicator to determine the degree of pollution in the lake.

3. Give 2 factors affecting the TSS of the lake. Explain how these factors affect the lake.
-Erosion: When erosion in a particular land where a lake is located happens, suspended
particles released from soil and dirt can settle across the water bed, giving it an opaque
appearance.
-Runoff: When a runoff occurs, due to inability of a neighboring land to further absorb a
soil, excess solid particles flows across the surface of the water and into nearby creeks, streams,
or ponds.

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MEB26 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

B. CHEMICAL LIMITING FACTORS OF LAKE ECOSYSTEM

A. NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS AND HARDNESS

Table 7.5 Measurement of N, P and Hardness in Lake.

Station/Depth Readings Nitrite/Nitrate Phosphorus Hardness

1 2/1 5 250 ppm (15 gpg)

Surface 2 2/1 5 120 ppm (7 gpg)

3 2/1 5 120 ppm (7 gpg)

Average 2/1 5 163.33 ppm

1 2/0.3 5 120 ppm (7 gpg)

Bottom 2 2/1 5 120 ppm (7 gpg)

3 2/1 5 120 ppm (7 gpg)

Average 2/0.76 5 120 ppm

1. Identify the source of nitrite and nitrate in the lake? Give the importance of nitrite and nitrate
in lake.
As nitrite easily oxidizes into nitrate, it can mostly be found in both surface and
groundwater. It can also be found in a fertilized soil, wastewater, landfills, animal feedlots,
septic systems, or urban drainage near lakes. These two are important source of nitrogen
for plants and other organisms in the lake. However, excess amounts they can cause
significant water quality problems like eutrophication.

2. Identify the source of phosphorus in the lake? Give the importance of phosphorus in lake.
Phosphorus can be found from plant decomposition, atmospheric deposition, waterfowl
waste, and fertilizers. Lakes from wastewater contains nitrogen and phosphorus from
human waste, food and certain soaps and detergents. Phosphorus is called as the "limiting
nutrient" in lakes. It has control in the production of algae and aquatic plants. It can also be
used by vegetation and soil microbes for normal growth.

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MEB26 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

3. What element or compounds comprise the hardness? Give the importance of hardness in
the lake.
The elements that comprises the hardness are calcium ions, magnesium ions, and
manganese. Hard water is high in dissolved minerals, largely calcium and magnesium. It is
important because the harder the water, the lower the toxicity of metals present. Hard water
also contains high concentrations of magnesium and calcium sp drinking it can help intake
of these essential minerals.

B. SALINITY, TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS AND CONDUCTIVITY

Table 7.6 Measurement of salinity, conductivity and TDS in lake.

Station/Depth Readings Salinity TDS Conductivity

1 0.20 ppt 204.4 mg/L 424 μS/cm

Surface 2 0.20 ppt 205.4 mg/L 427 μS/cm

3 0.20 ppt 205.3 mg/L 427 μS/cm

Average 0.20 ppt 205.03 mg/L 426 μS/cm

1 0.21 ppt 207.5 mg/L 429 μS/cm

Bottom 2 0.21 ppt 206.77 mg/L 429 μS/cm

3 0.21 ppt 206.1 mg/L 427 μS/cm

Average 0.21 ppt 206.79 mg/L 428.33 μS/cm

1. What elements or compounds comprise the salinity? Give the importance of salinity in lake.
Salinity is the dissolved salt content of a body of water comprising of sodium, potassium,
magnesium, calcium, carbonate, silicate, and halide concentrations. Salinity is essential for
governing physical characteristics of water such as density and heat capacity. It is also a
strong contributor to conductivity and helps determine many aspects of the chemistry of
natural waters and the biological processes within them.

2. What element or compounds comprise the TDS? Give the importance of TDS in lake.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is comprised of inorganic salts as well as some amounts of
calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides and sulfate. Its significance
is to indicate the presence of contaminants to determine whether the drinking water is fit for
consumption, requires filtration or is highly contaminated.

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MEB26 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

3. What element or compounds comprise the conductivity? Give the importance of conductivity
in lake.
The elements that comprises conductivity in water are negatively charged ions such as
chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate or positively charged ions such as sodium,
magnesium, calcium, iron, and aluminum. Conductivity measures the general quality of the
water. It is a rapid and convenient way to detect pollution events or other changes in the
system.

C. pH and DISSOLVED OXYGEN

Table 7.7 Measurement of pH and Dissolved Oxygen in lake.

Station/Depth Readings pH DO

1 7.25 pH 8.06 mg/L

A. Surface
2 7.34 pH 8.12 mg/L

3 7.35 pH 8.08 mg/L

Average 7.31 pH 8.09 mg/L

1 7.23 pH 7.24 mg/L

B. Bottom 2 7.23 pH 7.29 mg/L

3 7.23 pH 7.32 mg/L

Average 7.23 pH 7.28 mg/L

1. Is there any difference in the pH of the surface and bottom of lake? Give the importance of
pH in lake.
Yes, there is a difference in the pH of the surface and bottom of lake. Surface water
garnered an average pH of 7.31 while groundwater having an average pH of 7.23, the
experiment's findings tells us that the pH levels of the two areas in the lake are almost
identical. pH in lake is important because it determines the overall value and quality of water.
It controls the availability of nutrients, biological functions, microbial activity, and the behavior
of chemicals in the lake.

2. Is there any difference in the DO of the surface and bottom of lake? Give the importance of
DO in lake.
Yes, there is a difference in the DO of the surface and bottom of lake. Surface water got
an average DO of 8.09 mg/L, while the bottom water got an average DO of 7.28 mg /L. DO
is one of the most important indicators of water quality. It is essential for the survival of
aquatic organisms because it measures how much oxygen is dissolved in the water and
determines the amount of oxygen available to living organisms in lake.

3. Give 2 factors affecting the DO of the lake. Explain how these factors affect the lake.

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MEB26 Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

-Temperature: (indirect/inverse proportional relationship) When the lake temperature is

low, the dissolved oxygen concentration is high, whilst when the water temperature is high,
the dissolved-oxygen concentration is often lower.
-Salinity: (indirect/inverse proportional relationship) As salinity increases, dissolved
oxygen exponentially decreases, whilst when salinity decreases, dissolved oxygen
exponentially increases

D. PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY OF LAKE

Table 7.8 Measurement of Primary Productivity

Station/Depth Readings Initial DO Final DO Difference

1 4.97 mg/L 8.06 mg/L 3.09 mg/L

Clear BOD 2 4.97 mg/L 8.12 mg/L 3.15 mg/L

Surface
3 4.97 mg/L 8.08 mg/L 3.11 mg/L

Average 4.97 mg/L 8.09 mg/L 3.12 mg/L

1 4.97 mg/L 7.24 mg/L 2.27 mg/L

Dark BOD 2 4.97 mg/L 7.29 mg/L 2.32 mg/L

Surface
3 4.97 mg/L 7.32 mg/L 2.35 mg/L

Average 4.97 mg/L 7.28 mg/L 2.31 mg/L

1. What is the photosynthetic rate of the lake? Give the importance.

Photosynthetic rate = Difference / 60mins

CLEAR BOTTLE 1 = 3.09 mg/L / 60mins = 0.0515

CLEAR BOTTLE 2 = 3.15 mg/L / 60mins = 0.0525
CLEAR BOTTLE 3 = 3.11 mg/L / 60mins = 0.05183333
AVERAGE: 0.0519444333

Importance:
The growth of aquatic plants and algae, which utilize sunlight as a source of energy to build
organic matter (photosynthesis) is determined by the lake's photosynthetic rate. This is
important because it establishes the general restrictions on the flow of materials and serves

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MEB26 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

as the main energy source for all aquatic life. It helps monitor the health of ecosystems and
track the effects of climate change.

2. What is the respiration rate of the lake? Give the importance

Respiration rate = difference/60mins

DARK BOTTLE 1 = 2.27 mg/L / 60mins = 0.03783333

DARK BOTTLE 2 = 2.32 mg/L / 60mins = 0.03866667
DARK BOTTLE 3 = 2.35 mg/L /60mins = 0.03916667
AVERAGE: 0.03855556667

Importance:
Respiration in lakes are responsible in recycling organic carbon that arises from
photosynthesis back to inorganic carbon. Prior to this transformation, the organic carbon is
potentially available to support secondary production. It is important, especially for plants
and organisms, as it plays a vital role in maintaining plant’s tissues, carbon balancing in
individual cells and ecosystems.

3. What is the primary productivity of lake. Give 2 factors affecting the primary productivity of
the lake. Explain how these factors affect the lake.

Primary Productivity = Photosynthetic rate - Respiration rate

Primary Productivity 1 = 0.0515 - 0.3783333 = -0.3268333
Primary Productivity 2 = 0.0525 - 0.03866667 = 0.01383333
Primary Productivity 3 = 0.05183333 - 0.03916667 = 0.01266666
AVERAGE: -0.100

The primary productivity of a lake is the productivity of organisms and photosynthesizers which
are located at the bottom of the aquatic food web/chain in the lake ecosystem. An example of
this is planktons and microscopic floating plants.

Factors:
1.) Light: As depth increases, the light energy decreases. Primary production is of
course a function of light or more precisely the photon flux density that can be
absorbed by the phytoplankton photosynthetic pigments. It is therefore, both the
intensity and spectral composition of the light that influences the rate of
photosynthesis.
2.) Nutrients: If an essential nutrient is in shortage, primary productivity will be limited
(limiting nutrient). The growth of crop plants is typically limited by one or more
nutrients that must be taken up by plants through their roots.

D. BOD5

1. Give the importance of BOD5.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand, also known as BOD, is the amount of oxygen needed for
bacteria to consume an organic material in water. Organic material that is discharged into
natural waters causes a rapid increase in the growth of microorganisms that deplete the

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MEB26 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

oxygen required for other aquatic life. It is used as a measurement to determine the amount
of oxygen consumed by microorganisms in decomposing organic matter in stream water.
These organic matter can be a dead organism, left over food, manure, insects or stems and
branches of a tree

2. How do you determine the BOD5? Explain your answer,

Measurement of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) can be determined by taking two
sample at the same site. The first one is tested immediately for dissolved oxygen while the
2nd one is incubated for 5 days before testing its dissolved oxygen. BOD testing is also used
to calculate sewage/wastewater treatment to find the destruction of organic wastes by
aerobic microbes.

C. BIOTIC COMPONENTS
Instructions: Fill up the data on Table 7.9 and Table 7.10 and answer all the questions given.
Planktons
Table 7.9 Total counting of planktons in the lake.
Total Number of
Station Station Station Actual Species
No. Species
1 2 3 count (AC)
(AC x EF)
1 Keratella cochrealis 5 3 6 4.67 31.13
Paracyclops
2 fimbriatus 6 0 3 3 20
Ectocyclops
3 pharelatus 4 2 1 2.33 15.54
Ceridodaphnia
4 cornuta 10 2 4 5.33 35.55
5 Moina macropora 3 7 1 3.67 24.48
6 Keratella tropica 1 2 1 1.33 8.87
7 Brachionus forficula 8 4 2 4.67 31.15
8 Trichocerca capucina 2 5 3 3.33 22.21
9 Anabaena torulosa 4 3 1 2.67 17.81
Microcystis
10 aurigenosa 4 5 4 4.33 28.88
11 Pediastrum simplex 5 4 6 5 33.35
12 Euglena viridis 6 3 2 3.67 24.48
Length of one strip = 50 mm
Width of one strip = 1.0 mm
Depth of one strip = 1.0 mm
Number of strips used = 3
1. Which species is the most abundant? Explain why the species is the most important in

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Sabal, Keith Ashley C.
MEB26 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

relation with the factors affecting the organisms.

Based on the gathered data of the experiment, the abundant species is the
Ceridodaphnia cornuta, garnering total number of 35.55. It is because this species is one
of the most efficient bacteria consumers of all zooplankton species. It is also stated that the
Ceridodaphnia cornuta feed at higher rates when the water temperature is high, and this
species could also filter bacteria at the rate of 0.31 ml anim.

2. Give the importance of plankton in the lake.

Having plankton present in lakes is important because it is the main producer, wherein a
change of the community present in a lake could change the entire ecosystem structure,
function, and stability. Plankton serves as the base of the entire marine food web, and
therefore influences the growth and population of other organisms.

Littoral Vegetation (Macrophytes)

Table 7.10

Individua Abundanc
Species Classification Rank
l Count e
Water fern (Azolla sp.) 10 free-floating 9.43 5
Arrowhead (Syngonium sp.) 12 submerged -
floating 11.32 4
Water cabbage (Pistia sp.) 8 free-floating 7.55 6
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia 20
crassipes) free-floating 18.87 2
Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon 24
zizanioides) emergent 22.64 1
Cattails (Typha sp.) 14 rooted
emergent 13.21 3
Water lily (Victoria sp.) 10 submerged -
floating 9.43 5
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) 8 submerged 7.55 6

Guide Questions:
1. Which species is the most abundant? Explain why the species is the most important in relation
with the factors affecting the organisms.
The most abundant species is the Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) garnering an
abundance of 22.64. The species Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is the most important
because it has higher individual count compared to the rest of the species. The species may had
been able to adapt on the lake environment, including its temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved
oxygen, light, and total suspended solids that coexist in the lake ecosystem. They may also grow

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MEB26 Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

faster than the other ones by the process of photosynthesis.

2. Give the importance of macrophytes in the lake.
Macrophytes in the lake are the provider of covering for fishes, and acts as substrate for
aquatic invertebrates. Aside from that, they also provide food for some fish and wildlife animals.
On the other hand, macrophytes are an important source of livelihood for local people. As they
respond to a variety of environmental conditions, they also acts as bio indicators.

Conclusion:
To conclude the experiment, we were able to obtain the results of different physico-chemical
factors in the De La Salle University Lake by using different parameters to do so. We are able to
attain the results for the Light Penetration and Absorption, Temperature and Total Suspended
Solids for Physical Factors, while Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Hardness, Salinity, TDS, and
Conductivity, pH and Dissolved Oxygen, and Primary Producitivity of Lake for Chemical Factors.
We also determined the abundance of phytoplanktons and macrophytes using the available mock
datas. We also enjoyed the kayak experiment and learned a lot from the onsite experiment. 

References:
 Florida. (2023). Learn More: Salinity - Lake County Water Atlas - Lake.WaterAtlas.org.

Usf.edu. https://lake.wateratlas.usf.edu/library/learn-

more/learnmore.aspx?toolsection=lm_salinity#:~:text=The%20salinity%20of%20any%20

waterbody,chances%20of%20development%20into%20adults.

 Geiler, R. (2020, March 30). Why Is Water Hardness Important? Geiler.com; The Geiler

Company. https://www.geiler.com/blog/why-is-water-hardness-important

 Total Dissolved Solids. (2015). Knowyourh2o.com.

https://www.knowyourh2o.com/indoor-6/total-dissolved-

solids#:~:text=Total%20dissolved%20solids%20(TDS)%20comprise,that%20are%20dis

solved%20in%20water.

 Nitrate/Nitrite Toxicity: Where Are Nitrates and Nitrites Found? | Environmental Medicine

| ATSDR. (2023, May 25). Cdc.gov. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/nitrate-

nitrite/where_are.html

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MEB26 Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

 Organic Contaminant - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Wwwsciencedirectcom.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/organic-

contaminant#:~:text=Organic%20contaminants%20including%20dye%2C%20humic.

 Indicators: Conductivity | US EPA. (2013, November 21). US EPA.

https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/indicators-

conductivity#:~:text=Why%20is%20it%20important%20to,comparison%20with%20regul

ar%20conductivity%20measurements.

 Florida. (2023). Learn More: Dissolved Oxygen - Sarasota County Water Atlas -

Sarasota.WaterAtlas.org. Usf.edu. https://sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu/library/learn-

more/learnmore.aspx?toolsection=lm_dissolvedox

 What Affects Dissolved Oxygen Levels In Water | Atlas Scientific. (2021, October 21).

Atlas Scientific. https://atlas-scientific.com/blog/what-affects-dissolved-oxygen-levels-in-

water/

 Florida. (2023). Learn More: Dissolved Oxygen - Sarasota County Water Atlas -

Sarasota.WaterAtlas.org. Usf.edu. https://sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu/library/learn-

more/learnmore.aspx?toolsection=lm_dissolvedox \

 Geng, Y., Li, M., Yu, R., Sun, H., Zhang, L., Sun, L., Chen Lv, & Xu, J. (2022). Response

of planktonic diversity and stability to environmental drivers in a shallow eutrophic lake.

Ecological Indicators, 144, 109560–109560.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109560

 Webb, P. (2023). 7.3 Factors Influencing Production. Pressbooks.pub; Pressbooks.

https://rwu.pressbooks.pub/webboceanography/chapter/7-3-factors-influencing-
production/

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Sabal, Keith Ashley C.
MEB26
Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory
Module 7: Lake Ecosystem Analysis

PHOTODOCUMENTATION:

Figure 1: Kayak Figure 2: Measuring DO Figure 3: Water Collection

Figure 4: Measuring DO Figure 5: Kayak Assembly Figure 6: Measuring Conductivity

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