What is one of the consequences of stagnant water on lab analysis?

Stagnant water can significantly affect lab analysis due to the potential growth of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms in the water. When water is still, it creates an environment conducive to microbial growth, which can alter the composition and properties of the samples collected. This biological activity can lead to the introduction of variables that skew results, such as changes in nutrient levels, pH, or the presence of contaminants.

In many analyses, the presence of these microorganisms and their metabolic byproducts can interfere with chemical reactions or contribute to misleading readings, ultimately compromising data integrity. Thus, having stagnant water can result in inaccurate lab results, making it crucial for labs to take careful measures to mitigate such impacts when working with water samples.