Pollutant Effects Lab

Description: Algae, which are normally present in fresh water and aquatic ecosystems, will undergo a series of changes when phosphate and nitrate compounds are added. These changes can influence the quality of the entire body of water resulting in an “algal bloom”.

This lab activity allows you to simulate a controlled experiment to observe and determine what changes occur in water as a result of the addition of fertilizers high in phosphate and/or nitrate.

Students will be assigned to a group of six students, and each group will conduct the activity with a sample of freshwater from a nearby site (waterway) or with a sample supplied by the instructor.

Number of Activities: 1