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Measuring Ammonia and Phosphate Uptake Efficacy for Two Species of Seaweed to Reduce Eutrophication

JSHS · 2020

Esha Agarwal, Mr. Brian Wood · Enloe High School Raleigh, NC

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Overview

Nitrogen and Phosphorus are essential nutrients for photosynthetic plants and are used in fertilizers. Runoff from agrarian and urban areas contain large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus; such contaminants entering water bodies leads to Harmful Algal Blooms and eutrophication due to excess nutrients. The creation of a natural barrier using freshwater seaweed can prevent nitrogen and phosphorus in runoff water from entering a body of water. In this experiment, the change in ammonia and phosphate concentrations by two seaweed species was investigated through a controlled simulation. Three different concentrations and a control were studied in Chara and Aegagropila linnaei (Marimo Moss). Nutrient concentrations were referenced from Jordan Lake/NC runoff water data. Water samples were monitored eight weeks; three trials were done to ensure accuracy of the results. Both Chara and Marimo Moss were found effective in reducing ammonia and phosphate concentrations, respectively, with statistical significance. Chara immediately removed ammonia from the water over all three concentrations and results were also significant for the days studied. Marimo Moss removed phosphate from the water over all concentrations studied but the data was not significant over a period of time. Chara was found not as effective in the absorption of phosphate as Marimo Moss, Marimo Moss was not as efficient at removing ammonia as quickly as Chara. Results remained consistent after three trials. The freshwater seaweed Chara and Marimo Moss provide a potential solution to eutrophication when used as a natural barrier for water bodies and can be an excellent example of bioremediation.

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Awards (1)

  • Poster Peer Awardee

Competition history

  • JSHS 2020 Category not listed

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Source: Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

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