Eutrophication has increased at an alarming rate as a result of anthropogenic runoffs, causing extensive damage to marine ecosystems as well as to human health and industries. This proposal will explore the competition between benthic and pelagic microalgae for nutrients in both sediments and water columns in coastal systems situated near metropolitan or industrial activity.
We will measure benthic and pelagic production both in artificially created microcosms with controlled nutrient levels as well as in natural settings with different types of substrates. We expect that benthic algae production will eventually peak at an optimal nutrient/light ratio. We also expect that having substrates with high nutrient flux rates will also result in high levels of benthic production.
The results of our proposed experiment will have broad implications for researchers’ understanding of the nutrient cycle in marine ecosystems as well as the eutrophication process.
I really enjoyed your presentation on Benthic and Pelagic Competition. I really liked how you analyzed both the scientific effects but also more political and educational effects of this competition. One question I had is where in the world is this type of competition happening right now?
I found your project on algal competition very impressive. I hadn’t ever considered competition between algae that live in different depths of water. I was especially impressed by the quality graphics on the poster; they contributed a significant degree of understanding to an observer. One question: are there any situations where a certain type of algal interaction could be detrimental, and how would we control such a situation?
I found viewing your project very enjoyable. While initially the poster appeared to assume a very large understanding of the topic, your explanations made it possible for me to have a good understanding. Also, the fact that you made all of your own graphics for the poster was impressive and demonstrated your knowledge on the topic. I would be curious to know how your project would have changed if you had analyzed nitrogen as well as phosphorous on the growth of plankton. Finally, having a bit more analysis on what the effect of this algae growth means could also be beneficial. Again, a great job and very much enjoyed viewing it.
I liked your project because it is relevant to my hometown, Lake Oswego, Oregon. The city contains a man-made lake that has progressively become overrun with algae as fertilizer runoff from surrounding lakeside lawns leeches into the water. Overall, good job on your poster and on presenting in an interesting way that got me thinking.