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BREWBAKER

BROWN

CARDOSO

DAVIS

DORTIC

GONZALEZ

HAUSER

HAYES

KASSIS

MARCUCCILLI

OLIVIA

REMACHE

RESZEK

SCHULTZ

STRAWN

WAMBA

WEAVER

The Impacts of Road Deicers on the Environment BIOS 210 Environmental Biology Introduction An estimated 365 tons of de-icers are applied in the Northampton each year, and this impacts the environment because much of it gets washed to water bodies potentially harming our ecosystem. This experiment focuses on testing the impact of commercial chemical deicers on the environment and identifying safer alternatives . Eman Kassis Department of Biology Northampton community college , Bethlehem , PA USA Results The results are that: the toxicity of the product in respect to their primary chloride salt could be ranked as follows (from the most to least toxic) MgCl>CaCl>NaCl>Urea>beet juice>sand. The exposure of each protozoan sample differed with the amount of salt used which is typical with real life applications. Figure 3. A microscopic zoom on protozoan in a sample Discussion and Conclusions Based on the analysis of results of this experiment the results demonstrate that chloride-based de-icer shave a toxic effect on environment because they affect the Ph levels. It is best for community to use non-chloridebased de-icers that are environmentally friendly if we are to save our ecosystem. Figure 1. Shows the different de-icer solutions used: NaCl, CaCl, MgCl and Urea Methods and Materials The materials used in this experiment: NaCl, MgCl, CaCl and Urea de-icer solutions, sand and beet juice mixture. Protozoan samples were collected, and salt solutions added. The solutions were left for two weeks undisturbed, and any protozoans presents were recorded for further analysis. Figure 2. Relative toxicity of de-icing salts. Acknowledgments A special thank you to Northampton Community College, Professor Karen Klein. How UV Radiation Effects Plant Growth BIOS 210 Environmental Biology Introduction UV radiation comes from 10% of the total light from the sun and can be absorbed by Earth’s ozone layer. All plants need UV radiation to grow but higher levels of radiation can negatively affect the growth of plants. As the ozone depletes more UV radiation would reach earth’s surface. In this experiment we expose plants to UV light and observe the changes of the plants. Hayley Brewbaker Department of Biology Northampton Community College Results The grass that was exposed to UV-C radiation did not have a lot of growth and was withered, dying, and yellow in color. The grass was visibly unhealthy. The grass that was put in normal conditions was very healthy looking. The grass had lots of growth and was green in color. Description of grass Grass not exposed to UV radiation (Control) Green, Healthy, lots of growth Grass exposed to UV radiation Dying, yellow, withered Figure 1. UV radiation absorbed by earth’s ozone Methods and Materials For this experiment paper cups were filled with soil and some grass seeds were sprinkled into the soil and watered. One of the cups was placed in a UV-C light box for 7 sessions over a period of 3 weeks. The other cup grew in regular greenhouse conditions. Figure 2. Observations of grass growth Figure 3. Healthy grass Discussion and Conclusions UV radiation in high levels is harmful to plants. The more that the ozone depletes the more UV radiation will get to earth’s surface and will be dangerous for all the crop foods around the world. The more UV radiation that is able to pass through the ozone could be a problem for our food sources in the future. Acknowledgments A special thanks to Professor Klein and the Environmental Biology spring semester for helping collect data. The Treatment of Wastewater though Filtration Systems Morgan Brown Department of Biological Sciences Northampton Community College BIOS210 Environmental Biology Introduction Results Contamination of drinking water has been a deadly problem for centuries and longer. Nature has always managed to handle a certain amount of contaminants, but nature alone cannot handle the current output of wastewater by humanity. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to remove this excess before the water is released back into nature. The wastewater treatment system cleared nearly all of the nutrient contaminants, although it did add a .1 ppm of chlorine. The system also only barely brought the pH down from 10 to 9.5. Fresh water is typically around 7. The treatments also removed most of the primary and secondary sludge as well as the scum and remaining suspended particulates. Color Nitrates Nitrites Chlorine pH Discussion and Conclusion Methods and Materials A container of wastewater was first put through a layer of cheese cloth and then a pipette was used to skim off the surface scum as the primary treatment, wherein large solids are removed from the wastewater. Aluminum sulfate was added as a flocculate in order to clump the remaining organic contaminants as part of the secondary treatment, as was pouring the wastewater through a sand and charcoal filter. For the final, tertiary treatment, a disinfectant was used to kill the remaining biologics. While these treatments were effective at removing the nitrates and nitrites, there introduced a chlorine contaminant and barely lowered the pH. Both of those two remaining problems can be deadly to aquatic life. The treatment also by no means made the resulting water safe to drink. These methods, also, cannot remove pharmaceuticals, pesticides, or herbicides which can be toxic and many can be cancerous. It does, however, remove the major contaminants with the hope that nature has the capacity to remove the remaining pollutants. Start Brown 50 10 0 10 Filter 1 Lighter Brown -------- -------- -------- ----- Skim Lighter Brown -------- -------- -------- ----- AlSO4 Tan -------- -------- -------- ----- Sand/ Charcoal Yellowish -------- -------- -------- ----- Acknowledgements Chlorine Light yellow 9.5 I would like to thank Professor Klein and the other students for directly assisting with the data collection, as well as Northampton Community College for providing the tools necessary to complete the experiment. 0 0 .1 Steps on the Filtration Systems that Treat our Wastewater Michella Cardoso Institution Logo Department of Environmental Sciences Northamapton Community College, Bethlehem PA USA BIOS 210 Environmental Biology Introduction Wastewater is water that we humans have contaminated. It has been used for commercial, agricultural, domestic or industrial use. Before being released back into our oceans, lakes and rivers it must be clean enough. Results After the Wastewater was filtered, we tested the water for any presence of nitrates, nitrites, chlorine and the pH. We also checked the color, clarity and if there was any odors noticed. Even though the nitrates and nitrites were brought down to 0, the pH was at 9.5 and chlorine went from 0 to 0.2. Figure 3. Lehigh Valley Waterways Figure 1. Steps in Wastewater Treatment Methods and Materials There are three main steps in the removal of contaminants process; Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. The objective of this lab was to determine and observe the changes in the water after each treatment step is performed and to understand the reasoning for each process. Steps Color Part 1; raw wastewater before filtration Brown/ dark green Cloudy Oily Part 2; after initial filtration Brown Cloudy Oily n/a n/a n/a n/a Part 3; after skimming Brown Cloudy Oily n/a n/a n/a n/a Part 4; after adding flocculant Brown Cloudy Brown Cloudy Oily Oily n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Light Cloudy Brown Oily Part 5; after 3 pour overs in sand/chlorine unit Part 6; after adding chlorine Clarity Odor Instructor Demo; over "wetland" Light Less Cloudy Light oily Brown more clarity smell Nitrates Nitrites 50 Chlorine 10 pH 0 10 0 0.5 0.2 9.5 0 0 0 9.5 Figure 2. Data Results of Wastewater Running Through Filters Discussion and Conclusions Wastewater makes a huge impact for us humans and our ecosystems. Many toxins If not properly treated before being discharged back into the environment can harm the wildlife and plants that live in or near these waters. By filtering out using the 3 steps we are able to remove major contaminants and solids. And then we are able to reuse the water for other needs. Acknowledgments A special thanks to Northampton Community College’s Biology Department (Professor Karen Klein) as well as my laboratory classmates who participated in this lab as well! BIOS_210 Environmental Biology The Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorous on Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems: An investigation of Plant Growth and Eutrophication Introduction The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the effect commercial fertilizers have on terrestrial plant growth, as well as the effects these fertilizers have on algae growth in aquatic ecosystems. Regan Davis Environmental Science Northampton Community College Results The more fertilizer added to the grass, the overall height of the plant decreased. The more fertilizer added to the water, increased the amount of algae growth. Table 1. Average height of grass per week. Week Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 A: No B: 1x Fertilizer Fertilizer (control) (mm) (mm) 0 mm 0 mm 18 mm 34 mm 108 mm 71 mm C: 2x Fertilizer (mm) 0 mm 10 mm 90 mm Table 2. Amount of algal growth per week. Methods and Materials Materials needed for this experiment included an ecocolumn set-up; potting soil (without fertilizer); grass seeds; spring water (or creek water) and “Miracle- Gro” brand plant fertilizer. We filled the bottom of the eco-column 1/3 with the spring or creek water, placed the potting soil in the top of the eco-column and planted the grass seeds and stayed in the Greenhouse and was watered often. Week B: 1x Fertilizer Week 1 A: No Fertilizer (control) Clear Week 2 Clear Week 3 Clear but slightly yellow Clear but yellow Yellow and cloudy Clear C: 2x Fertilizer The arrow points to the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico caused by the overuse of fertilizers used on agricultural fields carried by the Mississippi River- a direct cause for the eutrophication in the ocean. Discussion and Conclusions The control group of plants grew the tallest with no fertilizers. The group with the most algae was the one given the most amount of fertilizer, proving that more fertilizers than necessary added weaken plant growth and causes eutrophication in water. In this situation, less is more. Clear Yellow and cloudy Cloudy and green/yellow color Acknowledgments I’d like to give appreciation for my institution Northampton Community College for holding a space for learning and research, and a special thanks to Professor Klein for aiding in the research. BIOS_210 Environmental Biology The Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorous on Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems: An investigation of Plant Growth and Eutrophication Introduction The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the effect commercial fertilizers have on terrestrial plant growth, as well as the effects these fertilizers have on algae growth in aquatic ecosystems. Regan Davis Environmental Science Northampton Community College Results The more fertilizer added to the grass, the overall height of the plant decreased. The more fertilizer added to the water, increased the amount of algae growth. Table 1. Average height of grass per week. Week Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 A: No B: 1x Fertilizer Fertilizer (control) (mm) (mm) 0 mm 0 mm 18 mm 34 mm 108 mm 71 mm C: 2x Fertilizer (mm) 0 mm 10 mm 90 mm Table 2. Amount of algal growth per week. Methods and Materials Materials needed for this experiment included an ecocolumn set-up; potting soil (without fertilizer); grass seeds; spring water (or creek water) and “Miracle- Gro” brand plant fertilizer. We filled the bottom of the eco-column 1/3 with the spring or creek water, placed the potting soil in the top of the eco-column and planted the grass seeds and stayed in the Greenhouse and was watered often. Week B: 1x Fertilizer Week 1 A: No Fertilizer (control) Clear Week 2 Clear Week 3 Clear but slightly yellow Clear but yellow Yellow and cloudy Clear C: 2x Fertilizer The arrow points to the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico caused by the overuse of fertilizers used on agricultural fields carried by the Mississippi River- a direct cause for the eutrophication in the ocean. Discussion and Conclusions The control group of plants grew the tallest with no fertilizers. The group with the most algae was the one given the most amount of fertilizer, proving that more fertilizers than necessary added weaken plant growth and causes eutrophication in water. In this situation, less is more. Clear Yellow and cloudy Cloudy and green/yellow color Acknowledgments I’d like to give appreciation for my institution Northampton Community College for holding a space for learning and research, and a special thanks to Professor Klein for aiding in the research. The Impacts of Road Deicers on the Environment: Protozoans in Bethlehem PA, USA BIOS 210 Environmental Biology Introduction Deicing roads impacts many aspects of the environment including the water and soil quality, terrestrial plants and mammals and human health. A protozoan community was exposed to different types of de-icers to determine the impact. Lindsay Dortic Department of Biology Northampton Community College Results The road salts MgCl and NaCl were the most harmful to the protozoan community with nothing living. The sand and beet juice did the least amount of damage to the protozoans. Figure 3. Damaged vegetation from road salt Discussion and Conclusions It can be concluded from the experiment that the NaCl and MgCl road salts are the most harmful to the environment, whereas the sand and beet juice are the least harmful. Towns around the globe should work towards using less harmful deicers such as sand and beet juice. Excessive amounts of chlorine from road salts are damaging vegetation, water and soil. Figure 1. Trucks spreading de-icer on the roads which increases the amount of chlorine in surrounding areas Methods and Materials Pond water was evaluated for the presence of algae and protozoa by looking at a sample under a microscope. After the evaluation was done, the assigned de-icer was added. In 7 days the sample was evaluated for the presence and abundance of various protozoans. Figure 2. Table showing the abundance of various protozoans after being exposed to various de-icers Acknowledgments A special thanks to NCC’s Biology Department as well as Professor Klein and fellow students. How Affective Filtration Systems Are at Eliminating Contaminants in Wastewater BIO 210 Environmental Biology Gabrielle Weaver Department of Biology Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA USA Introduction Methods and Materials Contaminated water was and still is an issue. As time progressed, it evolved from simple methods of removing solids and boiling water to the modern sytems shown below in figure 1. With newer technology, scientist are figuring out if the current methods are enough to turn wastewater into safe water ready for reuse. The purpose of this experiment was to determine how affective modern wastewater plants are at eliminating contaminants from water. Wastewater was created using dish soap, sand, soil, glitter, fertilizer, nails, grass, and coffee. The wastewater was tested for levels of nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, and pH prior to filtration system. It was then run through a cheesecloth to simulate the initial filtration. The wastewater was allowed to settle and anything floating on the top was removed to simulate the skimming process. After that, flocculate was added to clump waste together. It was then run through a charcoal and sand filter 3 times. The final step was to add chlorine to the filtered wastwater and swirled. The water was again tested. An extra step was completed by running the water through a grassland filter 3 times to represent a wetland filter. Levels were again tested. Figure 1. Image showing the primary, secondary, and tertiary steps to modern water filtration systems. Raw Wastewater Nitrate Nitrites Chlorine pH s 50 10 0 10 After Filtration 0 0 .2 9.5 After Filtration and 0 Wetland 0 0 10 Acknowledgments A special thank you to Northampton Community College, Professor Karen Klein, and fellow students for materials, instruction, and participation in experiment. Figure 2. Record of different levels in wastewater throughout experiment. Figure 3. Photo of an aeration tank Results The inital levels for the wastewater before filtration was 50 for nitrates, 10 for nitrites, 0 chlorine, and a pH of 10. After running the filtration process, it was 0 for nitrates and nitrites, .2 for chlorine, and a pH of 9.5. After the introduction of a wetland the levels were 0 for nitrates, nitrites, and chlorine, and the pH was 10. Discussion and Conclusions By taking the different levels of the wastewater at different stages, it allowed for a clear view of what methods were the most effective at eliminating contaminants. In conclusion, wastewater was proven to be cleaned by the modern processes used and when ran through a wetland, better results showed. Knowing how to purify wastewater allows for a greater attempt to provide safe water for those who still do not. The Impacts of Road Deicers on the Health of Plants BIOS 210: Thursday Lab ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY Introduction The purpose of this experiment was to assess the overall impacts various deicers have on the environment. Deicers have been known to have detrimental effects on aquatic life and kill plants and trees living on the side of roadways. This deicer experiment further established the harm deicers have on the environment. Hannah Hauser Biology Department Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA Results One week after adding each of the deicers to grass samples, we were able to conclude which deicers caused the largest environmental impact. The MgCl and NaCl based deicers caused the grass to nearly completely die off. The CaCl and HCOONa caused the grass to begin to turn yellow and no longer remained healthy. The control group, beet juice, and sand all ended in the grass remaining healthy and green. Deicer Figure 1. Deicer being sprinkled onto an icy sidewalk Methods and Materials During this experiment research was conducted on the following deicers: control group (no deicer), NaCl based, MgCl based, CaCl based, HCOONa based, sand, and beet juice. Each of the deicers were placed into newly grown grass. This allowed the ability to measure the individual effects on plant health once exposed to deicers. This experiment took place over the course of 1 week. Grass Condition after One Week Control Green and healthy Beet Juice Green and healthy Sand Green and healthy HCOONa Yellow and unhealthy CaCl Yellow and unhealthy MgCl Yellow and dead NaCl Yellow and dead Figure 2. Results for the effects of deicers on grass Figure 3. Damage from Deicers Discussion and Conclusions In After completing this experiment it was clear which deicers were best to maintain a healthy environment and which ones were harmful to plants and trees living among the roads. In order to maintain healthy plants, it is imperative to stay clear of MgCl based, NaCl based, CaCl based, and HCOONa based deicers. It is important to protect our plants and trees as they are vital for a healthy environment. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my classmates for the opportunity to run this experiment. I would also like to thank Karen Klein for being a wonderful professor. The Effects of Weather Conditions on Maple Sap Production Kylie Hayes Department of Biology Northampton Community College BIOS 210-TA Environmental Biology Introduction Maple trees produce sap that can be used to make syrups. The sap that we use to produce syrup comes from the xylem of the tree. The purpose of this experiment is to determine what the optimal weather conditions are for sap production. Results The days that produced the most sap were 3/4, 3/8, and 3/9. These days, the weather the previous day was about 40 ?F or over and sunny with freezing conditions at night. The day with the least sap production was 3/7. The weather conditions the previous day were 34 ?F during the day and cloudy with freezing temperatures at night. Day 3/3 Sugar Maple (mL) --- Norway Maple (mL) Placed Tap Weather Conditions (High/Low and Sun) 47/19 Sunny 3/4 Placed Tap 4000 41/26 Sunny 3/5 1875 2300 35/20 Mostly Sunny 3/6 2400 3050 34/21 Cloudy 3/7 1100 1200 39/18 Sunny 3/8 3250 4000 43/28 Sunny 3/9 3500 4000 Irrelevant; Taps pulled in AM Total Sap Produced 12,125 19,550 Figure 1. Maple Tree with sap collection tap and bucket Methods and Materials Two Maple trees (one Sugar and one Norway) were chosen on campus. Taps were placed into the xylem of each tree and a tube was then attached to the tap. The other end of the tube was placed in a bottle for the collection of the sap. Each morning the amount of sap collected was recorded and a new collection bottle was placed. The previous days weather is what determined the amount of sap produced for each day recorded. Figure 2. Summary of maple sap production per day on Northampton Community College’s Campus 2021 Figure 3. Maple Tree Discussion and Conclusions The weather conditions that produced the most sap were days that it was below freezing at night and about 40?F or over during the day and sunny. The weather conditions that produced the least amount of sap was the day that the temperature only reached 34?F and was cloudy. Without temperatures that are freezing at night and about 40?F degrees during the day and sunny, maple sap will not be able to be produced. If global warming continues and we lose freezing temperatures, sap will no longer be produced, and maple syrup will be gone. Acknowledgments A special thanks to Northampton Community College’s Biology Department as well as Karen Klein The Impact of De-icers on the Environment BIOS 210 Environmental Biology Ralph Schultz Biological Science Northampton Community College Introduction Road de-icers are important in maintaining safe conditions for the public but have been documented to dehydrate plants exposed to them. This experiment assesses the impact of different deicers on plants Results The healthiest groups were the control, sand, and beet juice. The least healthy groups were NaCl, HCOONa, and MgCl. De-Icer NaCl MgCl CaCl Figure 1. Truck de-icing road Methods and Materials The Experimental group in this experiment were the six deicing agents tested on six groups of grass. The control group was the group not exposed to any deicing agents. HCOONa Sand Beet Juice None Description of Grass Mostly dead, Slightly green Completely dead Mostly dead, Most green Mostly dead, some green Green,healthy Green,healthy Green,healthy Figure 2. Results shown in a table Figure 3. Discussion and Conclusions Based on the results of this experiment a solid middle ground that would serve as a good deicing agent and also be less damaging to the environment would be CaCl. CaCl is effective down to 0 degrees F. This is unlike beet juice which only is effective down to 20 Degrees F and sand which only adds traction. CaCl exposed grass was healthier than NaCl, HCOONa, and MgCl as well. Acknowledgments A special thanks to Northampton Community College Biology Department and Professor Klein, Karen M. The Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorous on Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems BIOS210-TB Environmental Biology Introduction Eutrophication is the ecosystem’s response to the addition of artificial substances (fertilizers and sewage) or natural substances (nitrates and phosphates) to an aquatic system, causing the overgrowth of algae. The use of commercial fertilizers has greatly propelled this process into a global environmental problem as they negatively affect aquatic life and plant and algal growth. Christina Remache Department of Biology Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA USA Results Over the course of 3 weeks, the grass with no fertilizer added grew the tallest and showed no algal growth. The grass watered with the recommended amount of fertilizer grew shorter, with some color changes to the aquatic portion of the Eco-column. The grass watered with 2x the recommended concentration of fertilizer showed very stunted growth, with the aquatic portion becoming green and cloudy from algal growth. Week B: 1x fertilizer (mm) 1 A: No fertilizer (control) (mm) 0 C: 2x fertilizer (mm) 0 0 2 10 5 2 3 20 15 4 Discussion and Conclusions Table 1. Average height of grass per week Figure 1. Eco-columns Methods and Materials Eco-columns were used to simulate agricultural runoff of fertilizers into aquatic waterways. Each Ecocolumn was filled 1/3 of the way with spring water. Potting soil and grass seeds were then placed in the top of the Eco-column. The Eco-columns were then watered weekly with the assigned fertilizer for each as well as the data for grass and algal growth recorded. Week 1 2 3 A: No fertilizer B: 1x fertilizer C: 2x fertilizer (control) Clear Clear Clear Clear Yellow Yellow/Green Clear Slightly Cloudy Clear Figure 2. Dead fish floating in an algae bloom caused by eutrophication Yellow/Green Clear Table 2. Amount of algal growth per week Green Cloudy The data concluded shows the negative impacts that nitrogen and phosphorous can have on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. To combat these negative effects of eutrophication, and prevent it from causing irreversible damage, an effort to produce and commercially use environmentallyfriendly fertilizers is needed. Acknowledgments A special thanks to Northampton Community College’s Biology Department, Professor Karen Klein, as well as the Spring 2021 students of Environmental Biology in the participation of this experiment and collecting data. The Impacts of Road Deicers on the Environment/Plants Course #BIOS210-TA Environmental Biology Introduction In the United States, over 22 million tons of deicing materials are used on roadways. Each deicer had a different impact on the environment. A study was completed regarding the most common deicers by the students Kayla Strawn Department of Biology Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA USA Results It was determined that NaCl had caused the largest impact to an environment during this study. Beet Juice and Sand had the least impact documented. Rank Name of De-icer Description of Grass None Green, healthy (least impact to most) Control Figure 1. Example of NaCl (rock salt) stored to be used by a road crew Methods and Materials On March 4th, 2021 the students prepared the experiment and grew seeds to simulate an environment. The following week each student added their assigned deicer to the soil. After four weeks, the students took measurements and compared results of the impact of the different deicers on the environment. 1 Beet Juice Green, tall, healthy 2 Sand Green, tall, healthy 3 CaCl (calcium chloride) Dead, limp, some parts green 4 Pet-Friendly (HCOONa - Sodium formate/urea) Dead, yellow/brown 5 6 MgCl (magnesium chloride) NaCl (sodium chloride / rock salt) Dead, barely any growth Dead, yellow, wilted Figure 2. Results shown in a table Figure 3. Effects of CaCl on planted grass at the end of the experiment Discussion and Conclusions The purpose of the study was to assess the overall environmental impact that different de-icers had. Based off results, students of the class were able to make more environmentally-friendly choices. Acknowledgments Special thanks to Northampton Community College's Biology department for allowing our class to conduct this study in their greenhouse. As well as to Professor Klein and the students of Environmental Biology. The Effects Of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems BIOS 206 General Ecology Sarah Reszek Department of Biology Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA USA Introduction Eutrophication is the overgrowth of algae in aquatic ecosystems due to excess nitrogen and phosphorus. It has become a global environmental problem. Commercial fertilizers have negatively affected plant, algal growth, and aquatic life. Results The grass with no fertilizer grew to the tallest height. Adding 1x fertilizer caused the grass to grow slightly shorter. However, added twice the amount of fertilizer severely stunted grass growth. 2x fertilizer added to the grass caused the water to turn green and cloudy. Week Figure 1. Eco Columns Methods and Materials First, every student was given an Eco-column with varying treatments. The Eco-column was filled with about 1/3 spring water. After that, potting soil and grass seeds were added. The Eco-columns were watered once weekly. Height and algal growth were then recorded. A: No fertilizer (control) (mm) B: 1x fertilizer (mm) C: 2x fertilizer (mm) 1 0 0 0 2 10 5 2 3 20 15 4 Figure 2. Average Height of Grass Per Week Week 1 2 A: No fertilizer (control) CLEAR CLEAR 3 CLEAR B: 1x fertilizer Discussion and Conclusions Results from this experiment indicate that nitrogen and phosphorous have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems. If no alternate environmentally-friendly type of fertilizer is used, eutrophication could have a lasting negative impact on aquatic life. C: 2x fertilizer CLEAR CLEAR YELLOW, CLEAR YELLOW/GREEN; SLIGHTLY CLOUDY YELLOW/GREEN, GREEN/CLOUDY CLEAR Figure 3. Amount of Algal Growth Per Week. Figure 4. Fish Dead Due to Algae Blooms Acknowledgments I would like to thank Professor Karen Klein for allowing us to perform this experiment. I would also like to thank my fellow students for gathering data. Peer Review: Research Posters As a requirement for this course, you were asked to construct a Research Poster. Research Posters are used as a means of displaying one’s research in a visual, passive medium, summarizing the work carried out, and often displayed at scientific conferences, workshops, symposiums, and the like. The Research Poster has a rubric describing how the 50 points the poster is worth are earned. While the Instructor (me!) used this rubric to allocate points of the specific formatting and content, you will engage in the Peer Review Process in regards to awarding 15 of these 50 points on some aspects of your colleagues’ posters, the overall format of the posters. You will see these points reflected on the rubric that I will attach to the Blackboard Grade Center link when your grade is posted. Please try to refrain from comments during the Review Process so as to maintain objectivity. Please judge all posters on their OWN merit, and do not compare or rank one versus another. Please do not use increments smaller than 0.25 when awarding points) Overall format of poster: 15 points—3 points maximum for each column Poster BREWBAKER BROWN CARDOSO DAVIS DORTIC GONZALEZ HAUSER HAYES KASSIS MARCUCCILLI OLIVIA REMACHE RESZEK SCHULTZ STRAWN WAMBA WEAVER Overall poster looks organized and not too busy/cluttered Overall Overall poster topic of the catches the poster can eye be assessed in 20 sec Sections are brief and not too wordy or detailed Photographs are effective, relevant, and aesthetically pleasing Total points out of 15 for this poster