Which tools are commonly used to assess water quality?

Dissolved oxygen meters and pH meters are essential tools for assessing water quality because they provide crucial information about the health of aquatic ecosystems. Dissolved oxygen is vital for the survival of aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates. Measuring this parameter helps determine if the water can support aquatic life. A pH meter measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water, which affects chemical reactions and biological processes in the environment. Different organisms thrive at specific pH levels, so monitoring pH is critical for assessing whether conditions are favorable for them.

In contrast, the other tools listed serve different purposes. Soil augers and compasses primarily assist in soil analysis and navigation, without focusing directly on water quality. Thermometers and rain gauges measure temperature and precipitation, which can influence water quality indirectly but do not provide immediate metrics on water conditions. Wind vanes and barometers relate more to meteorological conditions and atmospheric pressure than to water quality.