Which nutrients are important for algal growth? Have you ever seen ' foam ' on the beach and wondered what it is and where it came from?
Nitrates and phosphates reach the sea by rivers and these nutrients are partly responsible for the explosion of algal blooms. In the North Sea this is reflected in the formation of foam on the beach. The use of ecological products and the reduction of fertilizers in agriculture (human impact) can contribute to nutrient reduction in water.
Experiment
In this experimental tool you will test your research skills by analysis of a seawater sample under the microscope for phytoplankton species. By using an egg we will also try to mimic the foam phenomenon. Chemical analysis (measurement of nitrate and phosphate concentrations) is performed on two samples, natural samples and strongly polluted samples (produced by the addition of chemical fertilizers used in gardens), in order to create awareness about the impact of these human-induced nutrient addition to aquatic environments.