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How to Increase the Longevity of Plankton Samples

CSEF · 2003 Zoology

Kyla M. Fenning · Forster (Marco F.) Middle School, San Juan Capistrano

Overview

Objectives/Goals Problem Statement: Can the longevity of plankton samples be increased by providing aeration or changing the temperature and lighting conditions? Hypothesis: Creating conditions similar to the ocean environment by maintaining the samples at ocean temperature, with natural light fluorescent aquarium lighting, and with strong aeration should increase the longevity of the plankton samples. It is expected that the temperature variable will have the most individual benefit and the lighting variable the least individual benefit. Methods/Materials Materials: 1 Sample of plankton from Ocean Institute (approximately 1-1 ½ cup) 4 Airstones and tubing 2 Empty fish tanks (approximately 20 x 10 in) 8 Uniform sized glasses 1 15 watt aquarium fluorescent light bulb 2 Air pumps 2 15 watt aquarium incandescent light bulbs 5 Floating thermometers Ice and tap water (as needed) 4 Plastic bowls 1 Eyedropper; 3 inch rectangular glass specimen slide with indentation in center; 8 fl. oz. glass measuring cup; clear plastic petrie dish; tablespoon; plastic straw; microscope; black permanent ink Sharpie; poster board; plastic bucket with approximately 5 quarts of reverse osmosis water Procedure: A. Receive sample from Ocean Institute B. Allocate plankton sample C. Eight test samples: 1-(Control) room temperature, no aeration, incandescent light; 2- variable: ocean temperature; 3- variable: fluorescent light; 4- variable: aeration; 5- variables: ocean temperature, fluorescent light; 6- variables: ocean temperature, aeration; 7- variables: fluorescent light, aeration; 8- variables: ocean temperature, fluorescent light, aeration

Summary statement

My project investigated the potential of increasing the longevity of plankton samples by controling lighting conditions, aeration, and temperature .

Help received

Several people at the Dana Point Ocean Institute helped me with my project including arranging for the plankton samples to be drawn for me, giving advice, and answering any questions I had. They also provided me with the microscope.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2003 Zoology · Entry J1909

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