The effect of changes in pH on algae growth

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This assignment consists of completing a partial project proposal. We are working in groups, so it is my resposibilty to write sections 1-4 (detailed below).

The overall proposal should be 3-4 pages long excluding references, double- spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, with 1-in. margins.
It will be a hypothesis- driven science project, not discovery science and based on a controlled experiment.

Keep in mind that:

• The hypothesis is a tentative explanation of why you are seeing a particular pattern or what is causing a particular problem.


• Predictions are "if/then" statements derived from your hypothesis. They should be specific and testable.

Projects should use statistics to analyze the data. To gain statistical significance when running a T-test, you must have at least 3 samples per group. So there must be 3 containers for each experimemtal group.

The proposal itself should be an outline of the project.
The proposal will be graded for its clarity, science, practicality, and presentation.

The proposal should include all of the following components: 
1. Title: "The effect of changes in pH on algae growth". It doesnt necessarily have to be this specific title but something along these lines, since this is what our experiment is testing. (If you have any suggestions for a different project proposal topic please let me know).

• Another Example Title: "The effect of indenpendent variable on these 4 independent variables"

2. Pattern, Problem, Correlation: The project should be a hypothesis- driven science project, not discovery science.

• You need to identify a pattern or problem that you want to investigate. Hence, you must do background research. In general, this section should provide background on the topic and the rationale for the experimental hypothesis that is being tested.


• EXAMPLES: What is known about your topic?, what is unknown?, Objective of the experiment- why is it important?, What is the global issue/ big picture the research proposal addresses?


• This section should include at least 4 references with correct citations. Citations should be listed alphabetically in the works cited. Cite your sources within the text appropriately.


• Snap shots of the books describing the specific citation guidelines will be provided.

3. Hypothesis: Clearly state the hypothesis/ purpose of the experiment. Remember: The hypothesis is a tentative explanation of why you are seeing a particular pattern or what is causing a particular problem.

4. Predictions: List at least 4 predictions (one for each dependent variable) that your experiment will test. Remember: Predictions are "if/then" statements derived from your hypothesis. They should be specific and testable.

Only alter one parameter of the water (the independent variable): pH in our case, and at least 4 aspects of Water Quality Index (4 dependent variables).

Recommendations for Water Quality Index Measurements

• 1. Temperature


• 2. pH (our independent variable) 


• 3. Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The concentration of DO in an aquatic environment is an important indocator of the environment"s water quality.


• 4. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (DOB): directly correlated with dissolved oxygen levels.


• 5. Total Solids: A measure of all the suspended, colloidal, and dissolved solids in a sample of water including dissolved salts such as NaCl, and solid particles such as silt and plankton.


• 6. Total Phosphate: Phosphorus is the limiting factor in plant and algal growth. While plants and algae are extremely important for the ecosystem, only a very small amount is needed and an excess of phosphorus can easily occur. Excess phosphorus is usually considered a pollutant because it can lead to eutrophication. Phosphorus determines the level of eutrophication that occurs. High levels of phosphates are associated with increased BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and decresed DO (Dissolved Oxygen).


• 7. Nitrates: tests to measure the concentartion of nitrate ions, NO3-