Algae vs. Coral Final Showdown Gerard DiChiara Yves Jodesty Wendy Stewart Michael Philippe-Auguste Jared Robbins Laticia Stewart

Hypothesis We believe lower light levels will arrest growth more than increased nutrient levels

Experiment Week one - test effects of the light deprivation created by an algal bloom on aiptasia Week two - test effects of the eutrophication from fertilizers that is commonly found in waters occupied by an algal bloom on aiptasia. Week three - test the combined effects of light deprivation and eutrophication on aiptasia.

Procedure Week one- cover the tank with a black mesh that will inhibit 60 percent of light to simulate light blockage by algal blooms Week two- introduce 50 ppm concentration of potassium nitrate to simulate eutrophication. Week three- introduce both variables at the same time.

Background To maintain a beautiful landscape, people in South Florida use high nitrate and phosphate fertilizers. These fertilizers runoff into the water supply and eventually into the ocean. Oceanic environments that contain high levels of nutrients perfect for allowing algal blooms. These algal blooms lay as a sheet on the surface of the water and block out light from reaching the ocean floor.

Results so Far….. Trial Weeks Chlorophyll a per cell (µg) Average Zooxanthellae Polyp Weight (g) Protein Conc. (/g wet wt Zooxanthellae Density Nov 8 – Decreased Light Intensity 46.97 11.8 0.224 9.788 26.3 x 10^6 Nov 15 – Increased Nutrient Factor 3.13 14.2 0.0163 32.24 436 x 10^6