Week 8 Growth
The presence of five stratification layers are evident in the sediment of the control flask. The bottom ~9.5cm appears to be just sediment, with no distinguishing characteristics, and likely has not developed into a stable community as of yet. A thin, dark brownish-red band has appeared directly above that layer, occupying 1-2mm in places. This layer is likely anaerobic and protected from the bulk of UV radiation. Given its position, it is likely composed of sulfur bacteria. A thick green layer sits atop that, occupying 2-2.4cm. This community is likely composed of nonsulfur and cyanobacteria. A thin darker green layer atop that, ~4mm, is likely a community of cyanobacteria, and the remainder of the column is occupied by 3cm of green water, likely containing diatoms and cyanobacteria.
Stratification in the 4% flask is less clearly distinguishable, though at approximately 10cm from the bottom an obvious dark green color change is apparent. This developing community is likely within the photic and oxygenic range, and likely contains cyanobacteria and diatoms.
In the 8% flask, the majority of the sediment appears unremarkable. A thin layer (~2mm) separates the sediment from the water layer above. This layer appears dark, blackish green, likely containing any organisms capable of thriving in the saline environment. A similar layer can possibly be observed at the top of the sediment in the 12% flask, though that corresponding layer is less than 1mm thick. Turbidity in the water of the 12% flask is also notably lower than in the other flasks.
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| Figure 1 - Front view. Left to Right: Control, 4%, 8%, 12% |
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| Figure 2 - Top View. Left to Right: Control, 4%, 8%, 12% |
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| Figure 3 - Control |
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| Figure 4 - 4% Salinity |
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| Figure 5 8% Salinity |
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| Figure 6 - 12% Salinity |
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| Table 1 - Summary of Stratification in columns. |
Darian Out.
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