Effect of Ammonia Concentration on Growth of Lemna minor
The intent of the experiment is to determine the effect of ammonia concentration in water on the growth of Lemna minor (duckweed). This is being done because plants consume ammonia, a component of agricultural runoff, after it has broken down into nitrites and nitrates. Duckweed could be used in this manner to clean agricultural runoff while being used as a food source, due to its high protein content. In the experiment, different amounts of ammonia are added to water to create high and low concentration solutions. The ammonia is then given time to break down into nitrites and nitrates. Once this process is completed, a set amount of duckweed is put in the solutions and allowed to grow for a week long growing period. After this time, the amount of grown duckweed is measured. A two-sample t-test is then conducted with this data to determine that the high concentration of ammonia yields the greatest amount of duckweed.
Research Done By:
Matthew Adams
Sterling Heights High School
Cristian Ciobotaru
Sterling Heights High School
Warren Consolidated Schools