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A Heated Competition: Anabaena vs. Spirogyra

CSEF · 2026 Earth & Environmental Sciences (Junior Division)

Finn Shipp

Overview

During Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Clear Lake, California, the lake is not safe for swimming. This experiment compared the effect of temperature on the growth of a cyanobacteria, Anabaena, and a green alga, Spirogyra, two phytoplankton found in Clear Lake. After growing Anabaena and Spirogyra, the solutions were filtered and their dry weight masses were compared. The results showed that Anabaena grew more in warmer waters, while Spirogyra grew in colder waters. The Anabaena grew more in 80°F waters than Spirogyra. These findings could possibly be used to predict when HABs might occur in Clear Lake, as cyanobacteria, like Anabaena, are a cause of HABs.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Earth & Environmental Sciences (Junior Division) · Entry J-08-32

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