The Effects of Varying Light Waves on Algal Growth
School Name
Southside High School
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Environmental Science
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
Unwanted algal growth remains an issue in many aquatic systems. The presence of algae may present a wide array of problems ranging from rendering water impotable to having detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. These negative aspects of algal growth demonstrate why it is often beneficial to have the ability to control the growth and spread of algae. Information regarding the effects of various light waves on algal growth may be used not only to better control the growth of algae, but also to prevent future unwanted algal growth that may have harmful effects. This experiment demonstrates the relationship between the length of light waves absorbed by algae samples and the resulting amount of algal growth. Light wavelengths associated with red, blue, and violet of the visible light spectrum have been obtained through applying colored filters to white light. Different samples of algae have been exposed to one of these types of light waves. The effects on algal growth have then been observed through spectrophotometry, revealing a relationship in which certain lengths of the light waves absorbed by algae result in greater amounts of algal growth.
Recommended Citation
Meng, Lillian, "The Effects of Varying Light Waves on Algal Growth" (2015). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 138.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2015/all/138
Start Date
4-11-2015 8:45 AM
End Date
4-11-2015 9:00 AM
The Effects of Varying Light Waves on Algal Growth
Unwanted algal growth remains an issue in many aquatic systems. The presence of algae may present a wide array of problems ranging from rendering water impotable to having detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. These negative aspects of algal growth demonstrate why it is often beneficial to have the ability to control the growth and spread of algae. Information regarding the effects of various light waves on algal growth may be used not only to better control the growth of algae, but also to prevent future unwanted algal growth that may have harmful effects. This experiment demonstrates the relationship between the length of light waves absorbed by algae samples and the resulting amount of algal growth. Light wavelengths associated with red, blue, and violet of the visible light spectrum have been obtained through applying colored filters to white light. Different samples of algae have been exposed to one of these types of light waves. The effects on algal growth have then been observed through spectrophotometry, revealing a relationship in which certain lengths of the light waves absorbed by algae result in greater amounts of algal growth.
