Algae with a Pinch of Salt; How Salt Concentration Impacts Algae Growth (Picochlorum Oklahomensis)

Abstract

In this experiment, we measured the abundance of algae in different salt concentrations. This algae, Picochlorum Oklahomense, is naturally found in the salty plains of Oklahoma and thrives in higher salt measures. To test this we made eight photo bioreactors to house the algae during growth. Four of these were for the experimental group consisting of twenty grams of salt and the other four for the control group consisting of eight grams. Our results showed that the experimental group contained a higher abundance of algae than the control. This study showed that algae thrives better when more salt is present.