Eutrophication of water samples with algae and decomposers in the sample

Abstract

In the experiment that we are conducting is to determine the answer of the question of “Why do some bodies of water have less dissolved oxygen than others?” (French 2014). Our hypothesis is that water will have less dissolved oxygen in it when decomposers and pollutants are present in the water source because decomposers use more oxygen then the algae in the water can produce. We tested this by having samples of clean and polluted water both containing a decomposer and either an organic or inorganic compound. Our hypothesis is supported from our tests because decomposers use oxygen in the water rather than produce oxygen, therefore lowering the amount of DO in the water.