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The physical characteristics of water are perhaps the oldest set of factors that people have used to assess water quality. For the most part, these features can be crudely evaluated simply by using our five senses, although special instruments are used to accurately measure them. The five most commonly considered physical characteristics are temperature, taste, colour, odour and turbidity.

he biological characteristics of a water body refer to a variety of living organisms that can be found in water. These include microscopic viruses, bacteria and protozoans; as well as phytoplankton (microscopic algae), zooplankton (tiny water animals), insects, worms, large plants and fish. Of significance to humans is that disease-causing viruses and bacteria can be present and transported in water. Many of these pathogens can enter the water system in sewage (human and animal waste).

Scientists have devised a method of determining if water has been contaminated with sewage by identifying and measuring certain bacteria called fecal coliforms. These bacteria are known to live in the intestines of mammals. Although not dangerous in themselves, the presence of fecal coliforms in water indicates that sewage is present and that other disease causing organisms may also be in the water.

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14y ago

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