The perfect thing to liven up a rainy day, school vacation, or moment of boredom. Measure the actual concentration of nitrates and phosphates present in your samples using water testing kits. Place 200 mL of pond water into the remaining cups. Pour 40 mL of the 10X fertilizer solution into the 400 mL of pond water in the cup labeled 1X. Sulfur (in British English: sulphur) is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. just too great. Nitrogen makes up the majority of our atmosphere, but plants are not able to use the form of nitrogen found in the atmosphere, called diataomic nitrogen (N2.) These kits can be ordered from science supply stores such as. Mix the contents of the 0.06X cup with a clean plastic spoon. If you have any comments (positive or negative) related to purchases you've made for science projects from recommendations on our site, please let us know. This type of pond is usually called a “wildlife” pond, and is kept healthy with natural bacteria, plants, and a strong nitrogen cycle which will benefit from added aeration and oxygen. Now dissolve 15 mL (1 tablespoon) of fertilizer in 4 liters of distilled water in your second plastic container. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds from fertilizers are among the most common pollutants. Wikipedia Contributors. (2009, October 24). Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution say these algae blooms, which can appear in different colors, produce toxins that can be harmful. Graph you results, with the growth on the y-axis and the time on the x-axis. Study the Effect of Fertilizers on Algal Growth. About the same. "Too Much of a Good Thing? I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. Other plants that have lower nitrogen needs end up dying, causing a decline in native species, according to the Ecological Society of America. Proceeds from the affiliate programs help support ... Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds from fertilizers are among the most common pollutants. (2009, October 28). Collect water that appears relatively clear, without sediment or large amounts of algae. Mix the contents in the cup with a clean plastic spoon. Performing the procedure several times shows that your results are repeatable. Using your graduated cylinder, place 400 mL of pond water into the cup labeled. Record the value, 1 to 5, for the amount of growth each day for each culture. Write to us at. Transfer 200 mL from the cup labeled 1X to the cup labeled 0.5X. Overall, how would you rate the quality of this project? Gardeners and homeowners sometimes might need to add nitrogen fertilizer to their gardens and lawns to provide just the right food for their plants. Find information from Penn State Extension about agronomic crops. Too much phosphorus can create water quality problems. While fertilizer overuse causes this change, nitrogen-polluted air, caused by nitrates from automobiles and industrial plants, also results in this acidification of the soil when acid rain falls. As algae dies and decomposes, organic matter in the water increases. Compared to a typical science class, please tell us how much you learned doing this project. to make sure the algae cultures don't get contaminated, What problems did you encounter? If nitrate-nitrogen levels are extremely high (greater than 110 mg/l) up to 90 percent may be removed. the water i collected from a river source was not that clean, Can you suggest any improvements or ideas? Our top priority is student learning. Phosphorus is also often present in fertilizers in the form of phosphate. Ecological Society of America: Excess Nitrogen in the U.S. Students who do not have access to a pond or a lake might want to look at some of the variations, at the end of the project, which use purchased algae cultures. Nitrate. You will need access to a pond or a lake from which to collect water. Make a data table in your lab notebook listing the concentrations of fertilizer in each cup and the amount of algae growth. View feedback on this project from other users, Hide feedback on this project from other users, Dust Busters: How No-Plow Farmers Try to Save Our Soil. But many activities leave these water sources polluted and unfit for personal consumption. A soluble substance, nitrogen soaks deeply into the soil after a rainstorm or after irrigation, reaching ground water and nearby wells. Her articles have appeared in the "Daily Press," "The Packer" and "Indian Country Today." Phosphate-containing chemicals deliver the essential element phosphorus to plants in a readily absorbable form. deepesh32 said: Mix the contents of the 0.25X cup with a clean plastic spoon. What is the chemical formula for nitrate? (2020, November 20). Science Buddies materials are free for everyone to use, thanks to the support of our sponsors. It is abundant, multivalent and nonmetallic.Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecules with a chemical formula S 8.Elemental sulfur is a bright yellow, crystalline solid at room temperature. Plastic container, with lid, 4-liter (L) capacity (2), Graduated cylinder, 100-milliliter (mL); available from online suppliers, such as, Fertilizer, 8-ounce size; available at local garden stores. In the soil, too much nitrogen also creates an imbalance of nutrients that causes a depletion of other important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. Transfer 200 mL from the cup labeled 0.125X to the cup labeled 0.06X. This is actually a tremendous website. Determine the concentration of the fertilizer chemicals in your dilutions based on label information. In the coastal areas of the western United States, soils have higher levels of nitrogen, which feed nonnative grasses. Science Buddies participates in affiliate programs with What are sources of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in freshwater? I can not wait to read much more from you. With a raised bed garden, a good-quality garden soil should be used and non-soil growing media are used in container gardens. Environment: Trends, Risks and Solutions, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Drinking Water: Nitrate-Nitrogen, San Francisco Chronicle: Red Tied Isn't Red, but It Is Toxic, Nature: Variable Effects of Nnitrogen Additions on the Stability and Turnover of Soil Carbon. Mix the contents of the 0.5X cup with a clean plastic spoon. It is obviously of critical importance to keep sources of fresh water as clean and unpolluted as possible. Because nitrogen is odorless and colorless, only testing can determine whether contamination has occurred. If the site is poorly drained or the topsoil layer is thin or has too much sand or clay, raised beds or container gardening may be a better alternative. Try one of our science activities for quick, anytime science explorations. In California, for example, the National Science and Technology Council reports that too much nitrogen encourages the growth of nonnative grasses and kills off lichens on trees. Disclaimer: Read breaking headlines covering politics, economics, pop culture, and more. Transfer 200 mL from the cup labeled 0.25X to the cup labeled 0.125X. When babies under a year old and elderly people ingest water with high nitrogen levels, they can develop symptoms such as gastrointestinal swelling and irritation, diarrhea, and protein digestion problems, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Wikipedia Contributors. no. When nitrogen levels in rivers and streams increase, they aid in algae overgrowth. Transfer 200 mL from the cup labeled 0.5X to the cup labeled 0.25X. When these organisms die, the decomposition process then depletes oxygen in the water, killing fish and other aquatic life. These symptoms result from the condition methemoglobinemia, also called "blue baby syndrome," which occurs when nitrates mix with iron in red blood cells, leaving the blood unable to transport oxygen to the body's cells. Sulfur is the tenth most common element by mass in the universe, … If you have any comments (positive or negative) related to purchases you've made for science projects from recommendations on our site, please let us know. Unfortunately, remaining nitrate-nitrogen may still result in drinking water that exceeds the standards of 10 mg/l nitrate-nitrogen. Add this information to your data table. When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. We depend on fresh water from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for drinking, as well as for recreational activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Without the oxygen, fish, crabs and other aquatic life die. Make a scale from 1 to 5 for the relative amount of algae growth. Naturally, knowing the original nitrate concentration in the water is important. Much of the current cost relates to the payment of Chernobyl-related social benefits to some seven million people across the three countries. Call this the. Though nitrogen serves to aid plants in their growth, weeds and nonnative plants tend to grow more readily with additional nitrogen supplies. High, Compared to a typical science class, please tell us how much you learned doing this project. Nitrogen at higher levels causes a loss of certain plant species, depletion of soil nutrients, death of fish and aquatic organisms, and contamination of drinking water. Nitrogen in the form of nitrates works very well as a plant fertilizer and is produced in large quantities for this purpose. Mix the contents of the 0.125X cup with a clean plastic spoon. Collect 2 L of pond water from a local pond using the 4-L plastic container. All rights reserved. Have an adult come along to help. Nitrogen is supplied in fertilizers because it is necessary for plant growth, but is often in short supply in soils. Our top priority is student learning. Phosphates. Figure 2. scibuddy@sciencebuddies.org. Produce and sell corn, grains, hemp, barley, and more. Swedish chemist, Carl Wilhelm Scheele was a fan of phlogiston too and probably discovered oxygen before Priestly did. Place the algae cultures in a spot indoors that is well-lit during daylight hours. When these chemicals are introduced into a natural water source, such as a pond, they can upset the ecological balance that exists, causing some organisms to flourish (such as algae) at the expense of others (such as fish). A native of Virginia, Bobbie Whitehead has worked as a reporter and freelance writer since 1983. Grow algae in several concentrations of fertilizer and observe its effect on algal growth. Make a Lemon Volcano - Fun Science Experiment. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Write to us at For phosphate? They contribute to pollution by causing algae and bacteria in the water to reproduce rapidly. The remaining "control" cup should not have any fertilizer. Amazon.com, For any other use, please contact Science Buddies. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. Moss is Boss: Using Plants to Determine Direction. Live algae and nitrate- and phosphate-containing chemicals can be ordered from science supply companies, such as. The amount used typically depends on plant and seed instructions as well as on the other sources of nitrogen, such as manure, already applied to the soil. Phosphorus, like nitrogen, is a critical nutrient required for all life. Too Much of a Good Thing? Please log in (or create a free account) to let us know how things went. Study the Effect of Fertilizers on Algal Growth.". What would you tell our sponsors about how Science Buddies helped you with your project? Manage pests, weeds and diseases, and improve soil quality. OK, What is your enthusiasm for science after doing your project? The shift in plant species increases the chances of wildfires because these new grasses are flammable, the ESA explains. Record the appearance of the pond water in your lab notebook. In your lab notebook, describe the appearance of the algae cultures each day for 10 days. Each cup will have 1/2 the concentration of fertilizer as the previous cup, but the algae will stay the same. These kits are easy to use and will add an extra level of analysis to your project. Science Buddies Staff. We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. Science Buddies, a 501(c)(3) public charity, and keep our resources free for everyone. Pond Algae Control Products ; ... the National Science and Technology Council reports that too much nitrogen encourages the growth of nonnative grasses and kills off lichens on trees. Find the latest U.S. news stories, photos, and videos on NBCNews.com. Therefore, it is important to consider means to prevent or reduce the amount of fertilizer that finds its way into natural bodies of fresh water when considering ways to deliver fertilizer to crops and lawns. Feel free to alter the steps or materials in the procedure, just make sure you keep good notes. Eutrophication (from Greek eutrophos, "well-nourished"), is a limnological term for the process by which a body of water becomes progressively enriched with minerals and nutrients.Water bodies with very low nutrient levels are termed oligotrophic and those with moderate nutrient levels are termed mesotrophic.Eutrophication may also be referred to as dystrophication or … Have an adult come along to help. Based on your research, what organisms produce nitrates as part of the. To obtain quantitative measurements of the algae growth, consider the methods in this Science Buddies science fair project: Design a procedure using a single species of algae and precise amounts of nitrates and phosphates. When the nitrogen abundance reduces important minerals, toxic elements such as aluminum can proliferate and harm plants as well as fish in rivers. A significant economic impact at the time was the removal of 784,320 ha (1,938,100 acres) of agricultural land and 694,200 ha (1,715,000 acres) of forest from production. Collect 2 L of pond water from a local pond using the 4-L plastic container. Science Buddies Staff. Some of the nitrates and phosphates in fertilizer wash off lawns, golf courses, and agricultural fields into freshwater sources. What is your enthusiasm for science after doing your project? Plants require a form of nitrogen that they can readily absorb and use to promote growth and reproduction. Home Science Tools, Repeat the above procedure two more times. 2018-01-07 23:01:40, What was the most important thing you learned? While an addition of nitrogen to the lawn and garden may be necessary, homeowners often use more than what's recommended, and over time this excess nitrogen pollutes water and air. In the San Francisco Bay Delta, for example, blue-green algae blooms occur in numbers during the warmer months, especially when the conditions such as increased nitrogen occur, according to the California Department of Health. This process uses up oxygen, causing levels to drop. Overall, how would you rate the quality of this project? Phosphate (PO4), which plays major roles in the formation of DNA, cellular energy, and cell membranes (and plant cell walls). Transfer 200 mL from the cup labeled 0.06X to a sink or other disposal area. Whitehead holds a Master of Arts in English from Old Dominion University. Carolina Biological, and Please enter a search term in the text box. Based on your observations, you may think of ways to improve on the procedure. In this environmental science fair project, you will investigate the effect of varying concentrations of fertilizers on the growth of freshwater algae. You can find this page online at: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/EnvSci_p054/environmental-science/effect-of-fertilizers-on-algal-growth. Copyright © 2002-2021 Science Buddies. Jameco Electronics. In January 2013, the California State Water Resources Control Board reported that more than 400 private wells and more than 200 water systems in the state were contaminated with nitrates. Science Buddies, a 501(c)(3) public charity, and keep our resources free for everyone. You will now perform a series of 2X dilutions so that you can test a range of fertilizer concentrations. Sources polluted and unfit for personal and classroom educational use many activities leave these water sources polluted unfit... 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Nitrogen, is a critical nutrient required for all life nitrogen is supplied in in. Water from a local pond using the 4-L plastic container grasses are flammable, the decomposition process depletes... Kits are easy to use, thanks to the support of our sponsors about science! Of the algae cultures do n't get contaminated, what problems did you encounter Carl Wilhelm Scheele was fan! The procedure knowing the original nitrate concentration in the water, killing fish and other aquatic.! Symbol S and atomic number 16 Wilhelm Scheele was a fan of phlogiston too probably! Oxygen before Priestly did 1 to 5, for the amount of algae growth. `` day 10! These new grasses are flammable, the ESA explains of pond water in U.S! Helped you with your project whether contamination has occurred and agricultural fields into freshwater sources disposal...., knowing the original nitrate concentration in the cup labeled 0.25X manage pests, weeds and nonnative plants to. A 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) public charity, and Jameco Electronics the of... Sure you keep good notes absorbable form 2X dilutions too much nitrogen in pond that you can a. To a sink or other disposal area written permission is strictly prohibited fair,! Chemicals deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics for quick, anytime explorations. Videos on NBCNews.com, place 400 mL of pond water in your using! Other disposal area too much nitrogen in pond, you will need access to a pond or a lake which...