Why so basic? The effect of acidic and basic environments on algal growth

Abstract

Previous research on this topic led us to our hypothesis: if the pH is more acidic, then the algae will grow at a slower rate, and if the pH is more basic it will grow at a faster rate. To evaluate our hypothesis we tested the amount the algae grew in a week with varied levels of pH. We found that the algae grew the best right around an alkaline pH, but compared to acidic or basic, the algae grew more in a basic environment than an acidic environment. Our data correlated to the results of other studies in that the algae grew the best around an alkaline pH, but when it comes to basic or acidic environment, the algae grows more in a basic environment.