Pre Lab

Cassie Cotter P7-8

Questions:
How does increasing the algae content affect the stability of the biogeochemical cycles
in an aquatic ecosystem?

Background:
Biogeochemical cycles are systems that continuously occur in nature and they help
balance the states of ecosystems. Examples of biogeochemical cycles include the water cycle,
the carbon cycle, the nitrogen cycle, etc.
In a pond ecosystem, temperature and pH measurements can tell scientists information
about the state of the pond. How acidic the water is can be determined by measuring the pH of
the pond. Differences in temperatures may suggest that the pond is polluted.
Human activity can significantly affect these cycles. For example, burning fossil fuels, we
are adding more and more CO2 to the atmosphere, causing it to warm up at an alarming rate.
Another example of human interference includes the Haber Process. This process was
designed for the manufacturing of explosives and fertilizer, but because of it, we are now
removing nitrogen from the atmosphere faster than it can be naturally replenished.

Hypothesis:
If 3 pipets of algae are added to the aquarium, then the aquatic animals will begin to lose
access to vital nutrients because the additional algae will prevent the plant from getting sunlight,
causing it to deteriorate.

Experiment:
Materials
Aquarium and lid
Gravel
Springwater
Permanent marker
Elodea
Mixed crustaceans
Mixed green algae
Pond snails
2 Pipets
4 Nitrite/nitrate test strips
4 pH test strips
4 Hydrogen sulfide test strips
4 Phosphate test strips
Graduated cylinder
Vial
Color charts

Procedure
1. Spread the gravel evenly across the bottom of the aquarium.
 2. Use the graduated cylinder to measure spring water to fill the aquarium.
Add water until the aquarium is 3/4 full of water. Record the total amount
of water in the data table
3. Use a pipet to add 2 pipets of green algae mixture to the aquarium.
4. Put two or three elodea sprigs in the aquarium. You may have to gently
bend the stems of the elodea to fit them in the aquarium.
5. Use a second pipet to add to pipets of mixed crustaceans to the
aquarium.
6. Gently place three or four pond snails in the aquarium.
7. Use the thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in the
aquarium. Record this measurement in the data table.
8. Use a pipet to remove water from the aquarium, and place a drop into the
center of the pH strip. This portion of the strip will change color to indicate
the pH of the pond. Match the center squares color to the color chart on
the strip. The pH strip reads 1.0 increments From a pH of 1 (red) to a pH
of 12 (purple). Record your measurement in the data table.
9. Use the pipet to remove a sample of water from the aquarium, and place
it in a small vial. Follow the instructions on the color chart to measure the
amount of nitrites and nitrates in the water. Record your measurement in
the data table.
10. Discard the water in the vial. Repeat the preceding step to measure the
hydrogen sulfide and phosphate concentrations in the aquarium. Record
your measurements in the data table.
11. Observe the aquarium and, in the data table, check off the organisms You
observe.
12. Mark the water line on the outside of the aquarium with a permanent
marker.
13. Place the aquarium in a sunny window or under a fluorescent light bank,
as specified by your instructor.
14. When you start the investigation (Week 3), add three pipets of algae
to the aquarium.

Weekly Measurements and Observations

1. After adding three pipets of algae to the aquarium, continue to
record any changes that occur afterwards.
2. Use the thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in the
aquarium. Record the measurement in the data table.
3. Use the graduated cylinder to measure spring water and add it to the
mark you made on the outside of the aquarium. In the data table, record
how much water you added.
4. Use the pipet to remove a drop of water from the aquarium and place it
onto the center of the pH strip. Match the center squares color to the
color chart on the strip. Record your measurement in the data table.
5. Use the pipet to remove a sample of water from the aquarium, and place
it in a small vial. Follow the instructions on the color chart to measure the
 amount of nitrates and nitrites in the water. Record your measurements in
the data table.
6. Discard the water in the vial. Repeat the test to measure the hydrogen
sulfide and phosphate concentrations in the aquarium. Record these
measurements in the data table.
7. Observe the aquarium and, in the day the table, check off the organisms
you observe. Note any changes that have occurred since your last
observation.
8. Return the aquarium to the location specified by your instructor.

Data Tables
Aquarium Measurements
Parameter Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5
(Initial)

Water 1600 mL 1600 mL 1600mL 1600mL 1600mL

Temperature 18 17.7 20.5 17.6 21.7

pH 7.5 8 8 7.5 7

Hydrogen 0 0 0 0 0
Sulfide

Phosphate 500 500 500 0 0

Nitrite/ 0/50 1/50 0.5/50 2/50 0.5/20

Nitrate

Aquarium Organisms
Organism Initial (Week Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5
1)

Elodea 3 3 3 3 3

Pond Snails 3 3 3 3 3
Crustaceans 5 5 5 3 1

Green Algae 2 2 5 5 5
(Pipets)

Analysis:

Conclusion: