The Algae Analogy

Abstract

Our group noticed greater algae growth in waters with higher nutrient content. Such observations led us to question, does increased phosphate levels cause an increase in cell growth? Our hypothesis stated that an increase in phosphate levels would increase the growth of algae. We tested our hypothesis by adding 4 mL of algae to 8 bioreactors. In 4 of these reactors we added 40 µL of sodium phosphate. The other 4 reactors were kept constant without added phosphate. The reactors were placed under constant light and temperature conditions for a week. Results supported our hypothesis. Algae growth was showed to be directly affected by phosphate addition. Phosphates increased cell concentration in the bioreactors compared to the reactors lacking such phosphate concentration. These results support the idea that phosphates increase the amount of algae growth when present.