Spotlight
On: Chemistry Lab on Lake Superior Research Ship
Spotlight
On: Chemistry Lab - biology, chemistry and physics
are the tripod of sciences that support our understanding
of ecosystem function. We have two chemistry activities under
way on board. One member of our research team is testing a
new chemical protocol for measuring phosphorus in lake water.
Phosphorus is the nutrient that limits phytoplankton growth
and thus sets the upper bound for how many fish this lake
can support. In addition, students are introduced to chlorophyll
measurements. Chlorophyll is the green pigments in plants,
including phytoplankton, which captures the sun's energy for
conversion to chemical form. Here, students have an opportunity
to extract the chlorophyll from plankton samples and measure
it in a spectrophotometer. One of our students uses such extractions
to determine how phytoplankton serve as food sources for Diporeia
and Mysis.
Spotlight
On: Chemistry Lab - 
