Data Analysis

- Red Algae -

Analysis:

Although line graphs are typically the only visual depiction of change over time, we chose to also create a bar graph (left) in order to pinpoint specific values. As shown, the red algae fermented with sucrose showed higher levels of ethanol production than any other solution within the first 3 weeks. However, the glucose solution quickly caught up, and it remained to tower over all of the other solutions throughout this experiment. On the other hand, fructose was the lowest level in terms of ethanol production during the first half of the experiment. During the second half, sucrose and fructose often "switched" being in 2nd and 3rd place. When we took the average values of each solution. we found that glucose was the highest, with 8.89 g of ethanol mass. Next was sucrose, with 8.58 g of ethanol mass, putting fructose last, with 8.31 grams of ethanol mass.

Microscopic Images taken with a phone

We took these images with a phone due to a technical error at the time of our meet. The images are coded with "RA_". The last letter in that code represents the fermenting agent used (S is for sucrose, F is for fructose, and G is for glucose).

Microscopic Images taken with a computer software

One of our team members was able to take microscopic images of algae on their own time, and this was the result. The images are in the following order: Sucrose (4x, 10x, and 40x), Glucose, and Fructose.

- Green Algae -

Analysis:

Throughout the process of the green algae, many interesting things occurred. Within the first 3 weeks of this experiment, Sucrose managed to perform the best out of all three fermenting agents, much like the red algae. However, glucose proved to be the strongest agent as it maintained its streak of out performing the other solutions. Although it had a rough start, glucose is the most effective in maintaining a constant level of ethanol production. On the other hand, fructose was usually the lowest value out of all three solutions. There were dates where fructose ranked higher than sucrose (1/19/20 & 2/9/20). However, looking at a general picture, fructose performed the worst out of all three, and glucose performed the best, which aligns with the results shown from the red algae analysis.

Standard of Comparison (Control Green Algae)

The image above showcases the green algae sample that was not treated with a fermenting agent. We used this in comparing other green algae images to look for any significant changes.

Images taken with microscope + computer software

Due to the constraint of time, we were not able to take images of the green algae using our phones. However, one of our teammates was able to take images using their microscope, which are showcased above. They are in the following order: Sucrose (x4, x10, x40), Glucose, and Fructose.

- Brown Algae -

Analysis:

In the beginning of this experiment, Sucrose actually out performed both other solutions for the first four weeks. However, glucose quickly came to speed and produced more ethanol mass than any other solution for the rest of the experiment. However, fructose, performed the worst overall out of all of the solutions. After our experiment, we crunched the numbers for the average values of each solution. Glucose had an average of 8.32 grams of ethanol mass, sucrose had 7.72 grams, and fructose had 6.74 grams. Just like the other two types of algae, glucose proved to be the most effective fermentation agent. Additionally, all of the algae types showed that sucrose produced the most ethanol within the first few weeks, but slowly died off. Finally fructose proved to be the worst fermenting agent across all algae types.

Images taken with a phone + microscope

These images may not be in a specific order, but since they are labelled "BA_" along with their magnification, it will be easy to navigate around the images.

Images taken with a microscope + computer software

Order: Sucrose (x4, x10, x40), Glucose, and Fructose.

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