proposal,draft #2 Algae Growth in Relation to Light Intensity

This topic submitted by Todd Spangler, Jim MacMillan, Brittany Reece, Kahlil Francis ( spanglt2@MUohio.edu ) on 10/18/05. [Section: McCollum]

Natural Systems 1 Syllabus---Western Program---Miami University

Algae Growth in Relation to Light Intensity

Introduction
Algae are a common plant that can often cause damage to pond ecosystems when it becomes an invasive species. A large algal bloom has the potential to destroy ecosystems by depleting the water of oxygen. As a group we are curious to discover a natural way to control the growth. Knowing that sunlight is essential to most plants growth, we plan on testing its relation to algae. If sunlight is beneficial to the algae's growth we could find a natural solution to control algae growth by shading. Shading may be done be the edge of the pond with trees and shrubbery and in water gardens with ÒfloatingÓ plants such as water lilies, water lettuce, or water hyacinth, which create shade.

Background Information
Algae are microscopic single celled plants that occur in most habitats ranging from freshwater to the desert. There are over 184,000 inventoried specimens, most of which are asexual. They vary tremendously in size from small, single-celled forms to complex multi-cellular forms that are capable of growing to more than 60 meters in length, forming dense marine forests.

Most species of algae are not harmful and serve as the energy producers at the base of the food chain, being essential for higher life on the planet. Yet a small number of species are capable of producing potent nuero toxins, which can be transferred through the food chain, eventually killing the higher forms of life that feed off of it, even humans. Toxic algae can also cause skin irritation to swimmers, as seen in Maryland, a state with major algae problems that are being vigorously studied.

Algae doesnÕt have to be toxic to be a problem. Its high growth rate is a problem in itself because of its effect on the ecosystem. It is capable of removing oxygen through respiration or through the decomposition process as the bloom dies. In these situations there may not be enough oxygen remaining in the water to support aqueous life in the area.

Algae can even have a major effect on the economy. When growing in abundance it affects the commercial fishing industry. It also affects tourism due to covering desirable aqueous locations and when mass amounts of algae die, often due to seasonal changes, it may leave a horrible aroma and a musty taste.

Websites:
www.nmnh.si.edu/botany/projects/algae/AlgIntro.html
www.whoi.edu/redtide/whathabs/whathabs.html
www.watergarden.com/pages/pond-algae.html
www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/hab/microcystis2.html
http://www.redtide.whoi.edu/hab/species/species.html

Journals:
Harmful Algae. Vol: 1. Issue: 4, December, 2002 pp.401-418
Harmful Algae. Vol: 3 Issue: 4, November, 2004 pp.343-360
Harmful Algae. Vol: 4. Issue: 4, June, 2005 pp.697-715
Harmful Algae. Vol: 4. Issue: 5, August, 2005 pp.811-821
Harmful Algae. Vol: 4. Issue: 5, August, 2005 pp.841-858
Harmful Algae Vol. 4, Issue 5, August, 2005 pp. 859-874
Aquaculture Magazine Vol. 245 Issue 1-4 March 2005 pp 321-329
Aquaculture Magazine 2004 Products issue pp. 34-36
International Journal of Remote Sensing Vol 24 issue 4 pp. 859

Books:
Freshwater Algae of North America: Ecology and Classification- John D. Wehr and Robert G. Sheath
Photosynthesis in Algae- Anthony W.D. Larkum, Susan E. Douglas and John A.
The Water Environment: Algal Toxins and Health- Wayne W. Carmichael
A Biology of The Algae- Philip Sze
Harmful Algal Blooms in Coastal Waters Options for Prevention-Donald F. Boesch
Lake Tropics State and Algal growth as Influenced by Cation Concentrations- A.R. Batcherfield

Research Design
See Methods.

Materials
4 Aquariums
3 Heat Lamp Lights- 60 watts, 100 watts, 150 watts
Lamps with clamps
Thermometer
Scientific scale
Distilled water
Algae
Coffee Filters
Rubber gloves
Aqueous Plant Fertilizer Tablets

Methods
1. Distribute and equal amounts of distilled water into each aquarium.
2. Put 1 Fertilizer Tablet into each tank.
3. Collect algae from natural source of water.
4. Weigh the algae and distribute equal amounts into the aquariums with the distilled water.
5. Keep one tank with out a light source. Clamp a single lamp on each of the other 3 aquariums (in the same spot). Each lamp should have a different wattage bulb (60, 100, 150 watts). These steps should be completed by October 20, 2005.
6. Starting the next Tuesday, check the temperature in each of the tanks twice a week- Tuesday and Thursday.
7. Monitor growth and record observations for a 6-week period (Until November 29, 2005).
8. On November 21st, as a class, empty tanks out while filtering the water through a new coffee filter and then scrape the remaining algae off of the sides of the aquarium.
9. Let the collected algae dry.
10. Measure the dry algaeÕs mass.

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