Pond Water Lab Report
Effects of Phosphate and Nitrate on Pond Water
By Claudia Phillips
September 6, 2014
Block Two
INTRODUCTION This lab was designed to study and observe the effects of phosphate and nitrate applied to pond water (1). Phosphorous, commonly used in fertilizers, is a necessary and vital element for life but can enhance the effects of eutrophication (the over-enrichment of nutrients in water) (2). Nitrate is a common source of food for most algae, but too much can make living conditions in water harsh (3). They are both common pollutants found in fresh water systems throughout the world. The lab’s main objective was to analyze how the two compounds physically affect fresh water. Through a daily detailed analysis and recording of …show more content…
8 Cup 6 on day 8, the day upon returning to school. Exceptional amount of algal growth on the bottom of the cup after applying triple the amount of phosphate and nitrate solution. Photo courtesy of Adrian Pavone. Day 9 of the experiment, the last day of observation, showed little change from that observed on day 8 (Figure 9). More algae grew at the bottom at the same pace, but no drastic changes occurred except of that in Cup 3. Cup 3 showed a dramatic change overnight it seemed. A lot more algae growth occurred. Although nothing like Cup 6, Cup 3 showed significant growth in just over a day compared to the other cups that showed either a staggered or slow amount of growth. This can more than likely be attributed to the doubled amount of drops we applied the previous day.
Fig. 9 All cups on day 10, the last day of the lab. Cup six (column one, middle) having the most growth while the others had significant particles. Cup four displayed the least amount of growth in this lab. Photo courtesy of Adrian …show more content…
We believed that one of the solutions would cause growth while the other would inhibit it. That is not true at all. Both nitrate and phosphate result in a growth of algae. An increase in nitrate can sometimes be followed by an increase in phosphate, which in turn encourages algae bloom (6). Had I or my lab mates known that, the hypothesis would have been altered to reflect this information. The lab could have been improved by studying these samples for a longer time or having a more quantifying way to measure the algae. Recording only observations sufficed for this short-term experiment, but having a way to physically record the growth of the algae in a numerical format would have been more beneficial to see the full extent of algae
By Claudia Phillips
September 6, 2014
Block Two
INTRODUCTION This lab was designed to study and observe the effects of phosphate and nitrate applied to pond water (1). Phosphorous, commonly used in fertilizers, is a necessary and vital element for life but can enhance the effects of eutrophication (the over-enrichment of nutrients in water) (2). Nitrate is a common source of food for most algae, but too much can make living conditions in water harsh (3). They are both common pollutants found in fresh water systems throughout the world. The lab’s main objective was to analyze how the two compounds physically affect fresh water. Through a daily detailed analysis and recording of …show more content…
8 Cup 6 on day 8, the day upon returning to school. Exceptional amount of algal growth on the bottom of the cup after applying triple the amount of phosphate and nitrate solution. Photo courtesy of Adrian Pavone. Day 9 of the experiment, the last day of observation, showed little change from that observed on day 8 (Figure 9). More algae grew at the bottom at the same pace, but no drastic changes occurred except of that in Cup 3. Cup 3 showed a dramatic change overnight it seemed. A lot more algae growth occurred. Although nothing like Cup 6, Cup 3 showed significant growth in just over a day compared to the other cups that showed either a staggered or slow amount of growth. This can more than likely be attributed to the doubled amount of drops we applied the previous day.
Fig. 9 All cups on day 10, the last day of the lab. Cup six (column one, middle) having the most growth while the others had significant particles. Cup four displayed the least amount of growth in this lab. Photo courtesy of Adrian …show more content…
We believed that one of the solutions would cause growth while the other would inhibit it. That is not true at all. Both nitrate and phosphate result in a growth of algae. An increase in nitrate can sometimes be followed by an increase in phosphate, which in turn encourages algae bloom (6). Had I or my lab mates known that, the hypothesis would have been altered to reflect this information. The lab could have been improved by studying these samples for a longer time or having a more quantifying way to measure the algae. Recording only observations sufficed for this short-term experiment, but having a way to physically record the growth of the algae in a numerical format would have been more beneficial to see the full extent of algae