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Phytoplankton Growth: Are Terrestrial Fertilizers the Answer?

CSEF · 2019 Microbiology (General)

Brett E. Swertfager · Mar Vista Elementary School, Aptos, Santa Cruz County

Overview

Objectives The objective is to determine which nutrient or terrestrial fertilizer will have the most phytoplankton growth. Methods Phytoplankton (Nannochloropsis oculata), iron sulfate, used coffee grounds, Kelp meal, Miracle Gro, Viridis Mix, Petri Dishes, Microscope 400x, digital camera, PH strips. Two samples of every nutrient/fertilizer (control, used coffee grounds, iron sulfate + used coffee grounds, Viridis Mix, Kelp Meal, Miracle Gro), which I counted for growth of phytoplankton daily for 8 days. Results All nutrients/fertilizers increased phytoplankton growth more than my control, with iron sulfate+used coffee grounds resulting the highest growth. Conclusions The iron sulfate + used coffee grounds mixture resulted in the highest phytoplankton growth. With iron sulfate and used coffee grounds being inexpensive and plentiful resources, this combination could be a viable option in increasing diminishing phytoplankton populations as ocean water temperatures rise due to climate change.

Summary statement

My project is about determining the best nutrient or fertilizer to increase phytoplankton growth to counter the impact of rising ocean temperatures.

Help received

I planned and executed the samples and testing. I conducted the daily microscopic sample review, counting, and averaging.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2019 Microbiology (General) · Entry J1519

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