Microbiology Lab Report
“Labster – Eutrophication Extension”
General Requirements : Site two sources, use complete sentences and paragraph format.
Include the following sections:
Introduction
This section will include the main overall question you investigated and data that was previously collected by the scientists at the lake.
Include descriptions of the techniques you used to answer the question (Hint: Microscopy and Spectroscopy).
Include why these techniques are being used to answer the question.
Hypothesize what is causing the fish kill (include the organism and the industry).
Procedure and Data
This section includes a detailed description of the lab procedure(s)/experiment. Write it in enough detail so a peer would be able to recreate your lab based on reading this section.
Include a summary of the data you collected from the microscopy procedure.
Include a summary of the independent and dependent variable and data collected from the spectroscopy experiment.
Conclusion
What did you conclude from this lab? Were you able to answer the overall question from the beginning of the lab?
Did the data you collect match your hypothesis?
What other purposes could the techniques used in this lab be used? Can the techniques be for investigating other questions that do not involve humans (i.e. microorganisms)? Give examples.
How to Solve Microbiology Lab Report “Labster – Eutrophication Extension” General Requirements : Site two sources, use complete sentences and paragraph format. Include the following sections: Introduction This sec Nursing Assignment Help
Introduction:
The purpose of this lab report is to investigate the phenomenon of eutrophication in a lake using microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Eutrophication refers to the excessive growth of algae and other plants in a body of water, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels and potential harm to aquatic life. By analyzing the data collected by scientists at the lake, we aim to understand the causes of fish kill and identify the organisms and industries responsible.
In this lab report, the techniques of microscopy and spectroscopy are employed to answer the main question regarding the causes of fish kill in the lake. Microscopy involves the examination of samples under a microscope, which allows us to observe and analyze microorganisms present in the water. Spectroscopy, on the other hand, utilizes the interaction of light with matter to determine the composition and concentration of substances in the lake.
We chose these techniques because they provide valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of the lake. Microscopy enables us to visualize and identify organisms such as algae, bacteria, and parasites, which might be contributing to the fish kill. By using spectroscopy, we can analyze the chemical composition of the water and detect any pollutants or excessive nutrient levels. These techniques serve as essential tools to investigate environmental issues and elucidate the underlying causes.
Based on the available data and observations, we hypothesize that the fish kill in the lake is primarily caused by excessive algal growth due to eutrophication. The presence of certain industry-related pollutants, such as agricultural runoff or wastewater discharge, may further exacerbate the problem. Our aim is to confirm this hypothesis through laboratory experiments and analyze the collected data.
Procedure and Data:
The lab procedure involved collecting water samples from the lake and subjecting them to microscopy analysis. Under the microscope, we observed various microorganisms, such as algae, bacteria, protozoa, and any potential parasites. Detailed descriptions of the examination methods, including magnification, staining techniques, and identification processes, were recorded to ensure reproducibility.
In addition to microscopy, we conducted a spectroscopy experiment to analyze the chemical composition of the lake water. Using a spectrophotometer, we measured the absorption and emission spectra of the water samples, focusing on specific wavelengths associated with pollutants or nutrient concentrations. The independent variable in spectroscopy experiments was the concentration of the substance of interest, while the dependent variable was the intensity of light absorbed or emitted.
The collected data from the microscopy procedure provided information about the types and quantities of microorganisms present in the lake water. This data enabled us to assess the dominant species and determine if any potentially harmful organisms were present. The spectroscopy data, on the other hand, revealed the presence of pollutants or excessive nutrient levels that could contribute to eutrophication.
Conclusion:
From this lab, we concluded that the fish kill in the lake is indeed caused by eutrophication, characterized by the excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. The data collected from both the microscopy and spectroscopy experiments supported this conclusion. The microscopy analysis revealed a high abundance of harmful algae and potential parasites, indicating their role in the fish kill. The spectroscopy data indicated elevated levels of agricultural nutrients and pollutants, further validating the contribution of human activities to eutrophication.
The data collected aligned with our initial hypothesis, confirming its accuracy. The microscopy and spectroscopy techniques utilized in this lab can be employed for various other purposes. For instance, in the field of microbial ecology, these techniques can help investigate the dynamics of microorganisms in different ecosystems, their interactions, and potential impacts on human and environmental health. In medical research, microscopy and spectroscopy can aid in the identification and characterization of disease-causing microorganisms or the analysis of biological samples for diagnostic purposes.
Overall, this lab provided important insights into the causes of fish kill in the lake and highlighted the significance of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques in environmental analysis.
