Blue- Green Algae

Complete page 5 in the student fieldwork booklet for this section.

Learning Intention

Investigate the biophysical processes essential to the functioning of the environment

Inquiry Question:

What is the relationship between Phosphorous, Ammonia and Turbitity levels and Blue-Green Algae levels in Lake Albert?

Soil Sediment testing

At each site the soil sedimentation was tested for Turbidity, Ammonia and Phosphorous.

The purpose of these tests was to see if there is a relationship between Turbidity, Ammonia and Phosphorous with the overall quality of the water in Lake Albert.

Record your data from pages 4,5 & 6 for Turbidity, Ammonia, Phosphorous, pH and Water Temperature in the Google Sheets below by clicking on the expand arrow in the top right corner.

Is there any correlation between the test results and the presence of Blue Green Algae?

Lake Albert Virtual Excursion - Soil Sediment Testing

Blue Green Algae data

Below is data collected by staff, students and Wagga Wagga City Council staff overtime.

If you have collected your own data during fieldwork you can add it to the Google Sheet by clicking the expand arrow to enter a full screen.

Lake Albert Virtual Excursion - Blue Green Algae Assessment

Evaluation of Blue-Green Algae data

Over the past few years trends have appeared in the presence or absence of Blue- Green Algae in Lake Albert.

Many factors play a role in the growth of Blue-Green Algae in Australian inland freshwater ecosystems including:

Season Temperature Water Depth Wind speed

Ammonia levels Phosphorous Levels pH Levels Human activity