Aquatic Micro

Bio Lab

3/20/13

Aquatic Microcosm

Introduction:

The purpose of this lab is to conduct an experiment that involves the role of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, decomposition, and nutrient cycling as well knowing what components must be present in healthy ecosystems.

This lab will be conducted by at least 2 students in a group.

First step in the lab is setting up your microcosm using certain amounts of plants, animals, sand and water. After that you want to tightly seal it for the duration of the experiment for about 7 weeks.

After finishing making your ecosystem water tests will be conducted. In these test you will be looking at dissolved oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide, nitrate and ammonia, phosphate and ph. After that you and your partner take notes for 7 weeks if any changes occur during the whole process.

Journal log:

Around the first two weeks of the experiment the ecosystem did not undergo any changes what’s so ever. Around the third week the isopods had died and the elodea plant was still alive. The water still clear no movement from the snails still attached to the wall of the container. The fourth week the plants started dying, and one of the snails had died as well. Around the 5th and 6th week plants lost pigmentation and snails and all aquatic life had died. All life showed signs of decomposition.

Table 1

group# D.O CO2 Nitrate Ammonia phosphate pH

1 6.8 0.5 4 0.50 2.0 7.01

2 6.8 0.5 4 0.25 2.0 7.01

3 7.4 0.5 4 0.50 3.0 7.01

4

5 7.1 1 4 0.50 3.0 7.01