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Effects of Nitrogen Dilution on Algal Growth in Lake Erie Water Samples

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This study examines the influence of nitrogen dilution on algal growth in Lake Erie, known for its problematic summer algal blooms. These blooms negatively affect tourism and can be toxic to wildlife and humans. We explore the hypothesis that limiting nitrogen will reduce algal growth. Water samples from Gibraltar Island and Sandusky Bay were diluted and incubated, with chlorophyll-a used to estimate algal biomass. Results indicated nitrogen dilution showed some effect on algal growth, but phosphorus limitation was more significant, suggesting other nutrient constraints may be present.

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Effects of Nitrogen Dilution on Algal Growth in Lake Erie Water Samples

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  1. Effects of Nitrogen Dilution on Algal Growth inLake Erie Water Samples Nathan Arroyo Summer REU 2011

  2. Acknowledgements • Stone Lab REU Program • Dr. Bade • Matt Thomas • NOAA/Ohio Sea Grant • Summer 2011 Limnology Class

  3. Introduction • Lake Erie plagued with late summer algal blooms • Thick mats of algae are unappealing • hurt tourism • cause fish kills • toxic to animals and humans

  4. Background • Eutrophication studied for over a century • Schindler- 1970’s Phosphorous Paradigm • Recently challenged with idea of nitrogen limitation

  5. Questions Asked • What is the best strategy to remediate the Lake? • Can the growth of algae in Lake Erie be curbed by limiting nitrogen? • Hypothesis: By removing nitrogen, the growth of algae in Lake Erie can be reduced.

  6. Nutrient Dilutions • Samples from Gibraltar Island and Sandusky Bay • Samples diluted with artificial Lake Water • Gibraltar Island - no Ca+2 or Si+4 • Sandusky Bay - no Ca+2

  7. Nutrient Dilutions Lake Water 100% 80% 60% 40% Artificial Water 0% 20% 40% 60%

  8. Nutrient Dilutions • Samples incubated at alligator bar for a week • Algal biomass estimated from Chlorophyll a using fluorometer

  9. GibraltarDilutions

  10. Sandusky Bay Dilutions

  11. Summary • Gibraltar dilution- some limitation from nitrogen dilution, overwhelming phosphorous limitation • Sandusky Bay Dilution-slightly phosphorous limited, results point to possible other nutrient limitation (Si)

  12. Conclusion

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