We are currently making a project in our science class called an eco-column. Our eco-column consists of 3 layers: a terrestrial layer, a decomposition layer, and an aquarium layer. The terrestrial layer is a layer that consists of abiotic factors such as the soil, water in the soil, and of course the plastic from the bottles surronding the area. The biotic factors in the terrestrial area are the plants from the quick-sprouting seeds. In our decomposition layer some of our abiotic factors are the dead organic matter (like the orange peel and dead leaves) and the plastic from the bottle on the outside. The biotic factors in this layer would be the worms, spiders, bacteria, and fruit flies. The last chamber is the aquatic layer which has the aboitic factors of rocks, water, and plastic from the bottle. The biotic factors in the aqautic layer are the the goldfish and the bacteria from the aquarium rocks. Our group is trying to learn the effects of how a terrestrial layer affects the water that seeps through to the decomposition layer to the aquatic layer. At the moment our project is in a bit of a hole in terms of production so at the end of the project I think that it won't be successful. Our dissolved oxygen level is very low and the ammonia level is already high. The fish has not been put in yet but I am guessing our fish doesn't last more than a week.
|
IMPORTANCE OF THE TESTS AND CONTRIBUTERS:
Turbidity is important because it can test to see if the water is safe for drinking and will not contain any diseases. Sediments contribute to turbidity.
Temperature is important because if the water is too hot then the fish can't live in it and if it is too cold then it can't live in it either. The amount of water and the amount of light contribute to temperature.
pH is important because if there is too much acid in the water nothing can survive. Acids and goldfish pee contribute to pH.
Nitrates are important because if there are too many nitrates then it can lead to gae blooms and less oxygen for the fish. Fertilizer from the grass seeds contribute to nitrates.
Ammonia is important because it can lead to turbidity and that can lead to murky water. Fish pee and poop contribute to ammonia.
Dissolved oxygen is important because if there is not enough oxygen in the water then the fish can't survive. Bacteria contributes to DO.
|
III. Materials
5 2-liter pop bottles
1 goldfish
Handful of leaves, twigs, etc for decomp layer
Worms and spiders (optional)
Grass seeds
Scissors
Coffee filter
Good soil
1 aquatic plant
Aquarium rocks
Rocks (gravel) Razor
Torch
Needle
Tape |
IV. Procedure
1. Remove labels from each of the 2 liter bottles.
2. On bottle#1 cut 2 cm. below shoulder to make componentA,shallow funnel top, and B, a deep reservoir. A is capped.
3. On bottle #2, cut 1 cm. above hip and 2 cm. above shoulder to produce component C,an internal unit.
4.On bottle #3, cut 1 cm. below the shoulder to produce unit D, a shallow funnel, then cut the remaining bottle 2 cm. below the hip to produce unit E, an internal unit. Slide the shallow funnel unit, D, into unit E and push it down in the cylinder until the straight sided body portion wedges firmly against the hip taper.
5. On bottle #4 cut 2 cm. above the hip to porduce unit F and discard base. Make as many chambers as you need for your column. Connect them by punching holes in the caps and bottle tops.
6. Fill the top chamber with grass seeds and soil to grow the grass. Fill the second chamber with matter such as twigs, grass, leaves, and fruit. Fill the bottom chamber with rocks from the fish tank, 1 aquatic plant, and 1 goldfish provided by your teacher.
7. Tape any areas that might leak or be leaking when you add the water to the top.
