Winogradsky Column Update 11/9

The columns are beginning to show some separation in the stratification levels. The biggest changes being in our control column. This control had no salinity added to it,which begs the question, can the salt have that much of an impact on an ecosystem? In the control we have growth on top of the water, in the water, and under the water. This is classic stratification as seen in the wild. If I were Steve Irwin, I would definitely proclaim this sample, "She's a Beaut!"

We then start to move up the salinity scale and things start to change. In the 4% salinity column, stratification begins to disappear... There is no longer the green top growth and the water changes to a mucky brown color. This could show that the addition of salinity, changes the growth patterns and the wavelength of light used for organisms to grow. At 8%, the water begins to clear and a firm black/brown color begins to develop between the aquatic layer and the sediment. This growth still uses light but not much it seems... We finally arrive at the 12% salinity, we still have that dark brown/ black color of organisms under the aquatic layer but its minimal. It seems we have extremely limited the growth nutrients but as always... Life finds a way.

-Thomas

P.S. Check out the observation as seen through my eyes below!

Figure 1.1 - Control Column (No Salinity)

Figure 1.2 - 4% Salinity Column 

Figure 1.3 - 8% Salinity Column

Figure 1.4 - 12% Salinity Column

Figure 1.5 - The whole gang with their favorite view

Week 8 -- 02 Nov 2018

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.

Figure 1 - Front view.  Left to Right: Control, 4%, 8%, 12%

Figure 2 - Top View.  Left to Right: Control, 4%, 8%, 12%

Figure 3 - Control

Figure 4 - 4% Salinity

Figure 5 8% Salinity

Figure 6 - 12% Salinity

Table 1 - Summary of Stratification in columns.

Darian Out.