Mentors: Michael Vanni, Ph.D., Amy Weber

Excess nutrients in watersheds of Ohio lakes promote eutrophication1 . Studying algal growth in these ecosystems is relevant to lake management and conservation strategies to improve water quality for drinking, recreational uses, and fish habitat. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) regulates primary productivity in marine ecosystems but research is limited for its effects in freshwaters2. This study aims to follow up on a 2008 study exploring the effect of thiamine on algal groups and analyze the trends in the effects of nitrogen and phosphorous addition on algae which is also critical to understanding growth dynamics. Weekly experiments during the algal growing season were conducted and it was found that Thiamine and HMP additions negatively affected algal growth. More research is needed on the effects of thiamine on growth seen in specific algal groups.

Explore the Project