Sea tomatoes on shore of lake (Photo by Laura Lukes, 2011)
This study's aim was to research the relationship between water quality and the growth of large Nostoc cyanobacteria (species unidentified) blooms near the Kangerlussuaq area. To explore this, water samples were taken within the lakes to test the water quality in terms of: pH, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, ammonia, and water hardness. Based on the data collected, the only noticeable growth point of this species of cyanobacteria is the small range of pH, which is approximately 8.5 to 8.8, where the other lakes have a much greater variation. Though this data has been collected, more experimentation is required to discover if this is the cause of the growth of cyanobacteria or if these conditions are a result of the growth of the blooms. To test further, an attempt to grow the bacteria will be made. This will be done by utilizing simulated growth environments; these environments will be monitored throughout the experiment to make environment changes more observable.
Research questions
Are there specific water conditions that the sea tomatoes thrive in or create?
Is there a pattern to the distribution of the sea tomatoes?
Group members
Vincent Ader (USA)
Evan Lanese (USA)
Aima Jensen (Greenland)
Paarnannguaq. J. InûsugtoK´ (Greenland)
Hypothesis and predictions
The sea tomatoes change the quality of the water drastically enough to control the ecology of the lakes they are found in.
Methodology
We collected water samples from lakes containing sea tomatoes and lakes lacking sea tomatoes to compare water quality (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, calcium/magnesium, and pH). We are looking for any correlation in chemical levels and sea tomato presence and charateristics.
We collected sea tomatoes from the lakes that had sea tomatoes present. We catalogued them to compare characteristics, looking for any correlation with water quality (size, shape, and color). We hope to gain a better understanding of the growth process.
Data/Results
Organisms found in sea tomatoes. Photo by Laura Lukes, 2011.
Links to photos and blogs
Evan's photos: