Name: ______

Harmful Algal Bloom Lab

Brainstorm with your partner! What are some environmental conditions that can lead to growth of harmful algal blooms?

Background:

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, climate change is predicted to change many environmental conditions that could affect the natural properties of fresh and marine waters both in the US and worldwide. Changes in these factors could favor the growth of harmful algal blooms and habitat changes such that marine HABs can invade and occur in freshwater. An increase in the occurrence and intensity of harmful algal blooms may negatively impact the environment, human health, and the economy for communities across the US and around the world.

In order to study the effects of climate change on algae growth, you and your partner will design your own experiment. You will focus on one of the contributing factors of Global Climate Change, which could include light, temperature, acidity, CO2, nutrient availability, salinity, or a creative example that you and your partner pick. You will set up your “bioreactor bottle.” This treatment will be compared to the class control bioreactor. The bioreactors will be identical in every way except for the condition you are testing. Once set up, you will record results each day by comparing the observed color of your bottle and the class control to the pictures of previously recorded optical measurements to determine the amount of algal growth

Directions to get you started:

1. Choose what variable you will use in your experiment. ______

2. Gather your supplies

Name: ______

- 2- bottles What size are you using? ______

- Stock algae solution for each bottle as per chart

- Nutrient solution (liquid miracle grow) for each bottle as per chart. Serial Dilution of 40mg/L Nitrogen content (40% Nitrogen content in solution)

- Determined amount of your variable

Name: ______

3. Label your bottles “Control” and “Sample” and your period number, and your group member’s names

4. Fill both bottles ¾ with de-chlorinated water

5. Using the chart below add the algae and nutrient solutions according to your bottle size.

Size of bottle / 16.9 oz / 20 oz / 1L / 2L
Algae Solution / 2.5mL / 3mL / 5mL / 10mL
Nutrient Solution / 15mL / 18mL / 30mL / 60mL

6. Add a set amount of your variable

7. Shake and compare your bottle and the control to the photograph to determine your starting point.

8. Record these results under Day 1.

Name: ______

Over the next 4 school days you will record your data on the chart provided with your lab write-up. You must shake your bottle before comparing it to the picture. If you are using a colored bottle, you should remove some of the water in order to compare the color accurately.

Name: ______

Be sure to fill out your lab write-up as you progress with the lab each day. Each member of your group will need to submit their own individual lab-write up. They should not be identical. Please do your own work and use your own words.