Biology experiment with algae method help?

Question

I'm planning a biology experiment I need to complete. I was planning on measuring the affect of pH on algae growth. I chose chlorella to be the test algae I use (are there any algae that would be easier to test?) and I have no idea how to measure the growth. My school does not have a spectophotometer, just basic biology and chemistry stuff. Also how can I change the pH of the water for my different samples? I'm a beginner and don't really have much experience so any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

You have chosen right with the algae chorella, Being a common algae found ponds and having a high growth rate, chorella is an excellent test subject.

For a means to measure the algae growth, there is a free app available for iPhone that measure the absorbance value of samples.

You could calculate the amount of a specific concentration of the a concentrated acid or base at difference whole unit concentrations using the equation M₁V₁ = M₂V₂ to find the needed amount of the concentrated acid or base. The M and V refers to molarity and volume of the initial and final concentrated acid.

For example, if the molarity of a stock solution of a strong acid is 12 M and you want to have a final of concentration 1 M in 5 L, the equation could be used to find how much of the 0.2 M you would need to add. This equation is set up as follows:

V₁ = M₁V₁ /M₂ = (1 M * 5L)/ 12 M = 0.417 L = 417 ml.

Hope this helps. If this response is not too late, feel free to leave a comment about you did with this experiment.