The Effect of Nitrogen in the Form of Potassium Nitrate and Urea on Algal Growth

Abstract

Algae are single or multiple-celled phytoplankton that are found in bodies of water and are necessary to aquatic ecosystems. When the algal blooms are too large, this can be detrimental for the aquatic life and end in the death of many aquatic plants and animals. We hypothesized that the amount of nitrogen present will increase the algal growth. We tested the effect of nitrogen on algae growth by using potassium nitrate (KNO3) and urea (CH4N2O). After our algae grew for two weeks, we analyzed the samples under a hemocytometer to collect the algal density.  Our results supported our hypothesis because both urea and potassium nitrate boosted the algae growth much more than the control group. These results can be applied to areas of eutrophication, which could potentially help with the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.