Abstract

     There is a large body of evidence supporting Lemna Minor and algae, small aquatic organisms, having an enormous impact on the quality of water. Agricultural and human activities have resulted in higher levels of pollution and flow of contaminants into important waterways. Over time this has created a significant negative impact on aquatic ecosystems because the home of many species is unhealthy. The purpose of this experiment was to explore whether or not adding organic and inorganic contaminants to water would increase the absorbance level of Chlorella and surface area of Lemna Minor. Selected contaminants included Urea, Copper Fungicide, Glyphosate herbicide, and gasoline. It was believed that when tested, the water quality of both Lemna Minor and Chlorella would have results that improved from the beginning of the experiment.

     For the procedure, trials were run for both Chlorella and Lemna Minor with a control and four water contaminant variable groups. Samples were treated with an 8% contaminant solution. Containers were filled with one liter of water, were treated with 0.25mL of Fritz A and B, and the organisms were added. The absorbance levels and surface areas of the samples were measured. Data was then graphed and analyzed, and a reflection upon the original hypothesis took place. At the conclusion of this experiment, the data supported that Lemna Minor may have done an overall better job than Chlorella in positively affecting filtration of contaminants in water. This experimental study lends itself to support further research on overall water quality.