Question

If an \(E .\) coli level of over 400 colonies formed pe 100 \(\mathrm{mL}\) of water is unsafe for swimming, on which o the following collection days and at which site would it have been unsafe to swim? A. Day 1 at Site 1 B. Day 30 at Site 1 C. Day 1 at Site 2 D. Day 30 at Site 2

Short answer

A) Site 1, Day 1 B) Site 1, Day 30 C) Site 2, Day 1 D) Site 2, Day 30

Step-by-step solution

Acquire data

Unfortunately, the question doesn't provide any data about E. coli levels on each day and at each site. Please provide the required information so we can help you accurately solve this problem. Assuming now that you have provided the E. coli levels for each of the mentioned days and sites, let's proceed to the next steps.

Compare E. coli levels at Site 1 on Day 1

Compare the E. coli level at Site 1 on Day 1 with the safety threshold of 400 colonies per 100 mL of water. If it's above 400, note that it would be unsafe to swim at this site on Day 1 (Choice A).

Compare E. coli levels at Site 1 on Day 30

Compare the E. coli level at Site 1 on Day 30 with the safety threshold of 400 colonies per 100 mL of water. If it's above 400, note that it would be unsafe to swim at this site on Day 30 (Choice B).

Compare E. coli levels at Site 2 on Day 1

Compare the E. coli level at Site 2 on Day 1 with the safety threshold of 400 colonies per 100 mL of water. If it's above 400, note that it would be unsafe to swim at this site on Day 1 (Choice C).

Compare E. coli levels at Site 2 on Day 30

Compare the E. coli level at Site 2 on Day 30 with the safety threshold of 400 colonies per 100 mL of water. If it's above 400, note that it would be unsafe to swim at this site on Day 30 (Choice D).

Conclude which site(s) and day(s) are unsafe

Based on the comparisons in Steps 2-5, determine which site(s) and day(s) had E. coli levels above the safety threshold, making them unsafe for swimming. The answer will be one or more of the choices (A, B, C, and D).

Key concepts

Data Interpretation

Interpreting data is a critical skill in science, especially when it comes to public health concerns such as water safety.

In the exercise, you are asked to determine when it would be unsafe to swim based on E. coli levels. To do this, you need to interpret the given data by comparing E. coli levels at different sites and days to the safety threshold. If the data shows levels above 400 colonies per 100 mL, it indicates a potential health risk.

The key steps in this process include acquiring the data (Step 1), followed by systematic comparisons (Steps 2-5) for each site and day. Engaging in data interpretation not only involves making direct comparisons but also understanding the implications of the data for real-world situations, such as public safety in this case. Effective data interpretation is enhanced by visual aids like tables or graphs, which could clearly show the days and the corresponding E. coli levels for each site, simplifying the decision-making process.

Scientific Investigation

Scientific investigation involves systematically studying materials, processes, or ideas to understand natural phenomena.

In the context of this exercise, a scientific investigation leads to a hypothesis that swimming in water with high E. coli levels is unsafe. To test this hypothesis, data on E. coli levels is collected and analyzed. The investigation process includes identifying the problem (possible unsafe swimming conditions), developing a hypothesis (the 400 colonies threshold implying safety issues), and testing it through data collection and analysis.

For a thorough investigation, it would be ideal to consider not just the E. coli levels but also factors like weather conditions or other pollutants that might affect swimming safety. This holistic approach ensures a more reliable and comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Problem-solving in Science

Problem-solving in science requires applying scientific knowledge and reasoning to find solutions to complex issues.

In our scenario, the problem is determining the safety of swimming areas based on E. coli levels. The solution involves a step-by-step logical approach to problem-solving that includes identifying the relevant information, analyzing the findings, and drawing conclusions (as seen in Steps 2-6).

As you solve such problems, remember it's important to ask if your findings make sense and to be open to revisiting your approach if they don't. For instance, if all sites on all days report high E. coli levels, it might indicate a systematic error in sampling or testing. Attentive problem-solving in science not only leads to the right conclusions but also invites critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the scientific method.