The Effects of Immediate Temperature Change on Algae Growth

Abstract

Algae has recently started being used as biofuel because it is an easily cultured renewable resource (Bauer et. al. 2016). It is also a food source for fish and other wildlife. Algae undergoes photosynthesis and when the temperature increases it should undergo metabolic reactions at a rapid rate (Sherner et. al. 2016). We predict that since temperature effects the rate of photosynthesis, then if the temperature decreases then the amount of algae cells will decrease as will the amount of oxygen produced. Samples were collected from two ponds and the temperatures were manipulated over twenty minutes. Algae cells were counted from a microscope and the amount of oxygen produced was measured from a dissolved oxygen sensor. The water that was warmed had a lower algae count than the cooled pond water, therefore our prediction was not validated. However, a limitation could have occurred in cell counting and a longer manipulated time should have been used. When increasing algae amounts pond ecosystems and energy resources can be benefitted.