For the past two weeks I have been growing more algae, and researching a bit more on them. I also had the chance to talk to Tony, and I asked him a bit about the project he did on algae last semester. He gave me very helpful information. For example, he introduced me to “F2” which is an algae growth medium that he described as “steroids” for algae. However, he also told me that it is very expensive.           Last Saturday, I went to Sedona and collect a water sample (and some pond scum). I was able to look at the algae under a microscope. It looked pretty cool, but unfortunately this type of algae (filamentous algae) it not good for oil production. I am a very disappointed, because the water sample I collected were contaminated with this type of algae. I am probably going to throw them away, because growing this type of algae is not going to be helpful for my project. Image of Algae collected from Sedona

This week I just observed the growth of the algae I am growing. The algae seems to be growing well, and I will probably change the water in the containers in order for the algae to have more available nutrients.  I also started my side project on aquaponics. I started it, by cleaning a fish tank, and adding clean water. I also  added water conditioner, and introduced two gold fish. Right now, I am going to wait before I start planting anything, because I am waiting for the bacteria bloom inside the fish tank. I decided that for this side project I am going to make a comparison on growing the same type of plant in an aquaponics and in a regular garden. I thinking of comparing growth or quality of plant, but I am open to suggestions!!

My new clean fish tank

My new pets

 

 

I haven’t blogged in a while, and I have a lot to tell. First of all, I had to change my research project, and I am no longer doing it on plastic degrading bacteria. The reason for this is that I realized that I just don’t have enough time to see some good results. I also got a little discourage, because I wasn’t allowed to collect a sample soil from the Glendale Landfill. They told me that it was too hazardous.

                However, the good news is that I have started a very exciting new project. I am doing my project on selectively growing oil-producing algae. I am also trying to identify the presence of oil producing algae in lakes and ponds in Arizona. I want to growth oil-producing algae that are found naturally in our area.  I am going to do something similar to what Tony did last semester, but just take it a different route.

 I am also going to do a side project on aquaponics. Today, I had a genius idea on how to connect both projects. I have a good research question now!! However, I don’t really want to go into detail .For now, I am just beginning the process of growing my algae. I collected water samples from Encanto Park Lake and other lakes around Phoenix. I started to growth algae from those samples, and so far I have seen some growth!!