Environmental Indicators

Factors of the environment identified and used as a way of assessing the overall condition of an environment.

tolerance to chemical and physical conditions within which an organism will live, grow, and function normally

The point where physical and chemical conditions become harmful to an organism

Any condition that approaches or exceeds an organisms limits of tolerance.

The description of an organisms structural and functional role in an ecosystem

A species that occupies a broad ecological niche and feeds on many kind of food

Organisms which have very specialised niches and feed on very few types of food

through the chemical composition of the atmosphere

Physical (Physical feature)

Chemical (Chemical factor)

Biological (Effects on a plant or animal)

Socio-economic (effects on people)

Measure of suspended fine particles in water

Measure of the amount of sunlight reaching a surface

The measure of acidity or alkalinity (basic) of water or soil

a measure of how much oxygen is dissolved in the water - the amount of oxygen available to living aquatic organisms.

amount of organic material (e.g waste) in the water

salt levels (measured in mg/L)

Measured by conductivity - measures the number of inorganic salt materials dissolved in a soil or water sample (Conductivity probe)

phosphorus and nitrogen

Phosphorus: Needed for metabolism and growth Nitrogen: Needed for the production of proteins

Frogs are amphibians which absorb pollutants and and other environmental stressors They are usually the first to be affected by environmental changes

The presence of native fish is used as a good indicator, as they are easy to identify and live for long periods. This means the effects of the environment can be seen in them

Algae indicates nutrient levels in water