Aquaponics Post #3
1. What is the purpose of this investigation/experiment (Include scientific names of all living organisms) supported by your Literature Review (based on Annotated Bibliography)
The purpose of this experiments was to observe whether changes in nitrate levels in growing medium, clay pebbles, would increase the photosynthetic output of Basil, Ocimum basilicum. In order to initiate a change in the natural amount nitrate found within the clay pebbles, Theobroma cacao (dark chocolate) powder contains high nitric oxide levels and therefore will be added to the clay pebble that were specifically designed to trap oxygen. Based on the works of Fred Ransom in his work, The Effects of Caffeine upon the Germination and Growth of Seeds, he explains how coffee contains a high nitric oxide levels as well and has be known to act as an organic fertilizer and to increase plant grown. The dissolved oxygen from the plant will hopefully create a basic, if not then a more acidic environment, and result in the fish producing feces with lower ammonia levels.
2. What is your hypothesis (as supported by your research)?
If the nitrate levels are increased in the clay pebbles then the post-photosynthetic output of dissolved oxygen will lower ammonia levels in the tank as well as increase plant growth.
a. Copy and paste text from article(s)
Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and development; however, due to environmental pollution, high nitrate concentrations accumulate in the edible parts of these leafy vegetables, particularly if excessive nitrogen fertilizer has been applied. Consuming these crops can harm human health; thus, developing a suitable strategy for the agricultural application of nitrogen fertilizer is important. Organic, inorganic, and liquid fertilizers were utilized in this study to investigate their effect on nitrate concentrations and lettuce growth. The results of this pot experiment show that the total nitrogen concentration in soil and the nitrate concentration in lettuce increased as the amount of nitrogen fertilizer increased. If the recommended amount of inorganic fertilizer (200 kg·N·ha−1) is used as a standard of comparison, lettuce augmented with organic fertilizers (200 kg·N·ha−1) have significantly longer and wider leaves, higher shoot, and lower concentrations of nitrate.
b. Copy and paste APA reference
Liu, C., Sung, Y., Chen, B., & Lai, H. (2014, April). Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizers on the Growth and Nitrate Content of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Retrieved December 05, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025000/
3. What kind of qualitative data will you collect?
Unsure at the moment, however, the plan is to record dissolved oxygen changes with the help of by using the dissolved oxygen test strips from the EasyStrips 6 in 1 and inserting it into the water of the fish tank for 60 seconds in two different locations. I also planning on recording plant growth. I will measure the height of each basil plant in centimeters using a tape measurer. To measure the ammonia, I will use an Ammonia test kit to test the changes in Ammonia levels found within the tank.
4. What kind of quantitative data will you collect?
Dissolved oxygen levels and nitrate levels are recorded in milligrams per liter. The ammonia levels will be recorded in moles per decilitre. The plant growth will be recorded in cm. I will also record the amount of water in each tank in gallons at the beginning of the experiment.
5. When/how often will you collect it?
I will record the dissolved levels, plant growth, and ammonia levels daily; preferably in the morning. I will measure pH and nitrate levels every other day; preferably in the morning.
6. How will you record your data?
I will record data in a data table. The data for plant growth, ammonia and dissolved oxygen will be shown in a line graph .The x-axis will by the date and the y-axis the units of measurement . The line graph will include both the experimental tanks data and the controlled tank together in order to compare our findings.
7. How will you document your progress for the scientific community?
I created a public blog website, where I post updates, procedures, materials, and my data.
8. How will you report your final data to the scientific community?
I will report my final data on the website as a post. The post will include an abstract, introductions/ research, variables, materials, procedures, data tables, graphs, an analysis of result, discussion, and a conclusion.
9. How will you know your experiment is a success?
I will know the experiment was success if the growth of basil in the experimental system exceeds the growth of the controlled systems plant growth or if the fish die due to too high levels of dissolved oxygen as well as an too acidic pH levels in their water.
10. Take and post a “before” picture of your set up
In the process of setting up items in the mail and absent on Friday.