Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Project Completion

I have officially completed the project and analyzed the results. I tested for ability to identify hydrogen concentrations within specific algal compound as well as the amounts of those respective hydrogen concentrations. Then I made some comparisons regarding the different observations and contradictions that I observed. I was then able to compare the process of copper addition versus sulfur depletion as this was an integral foundation for the project itself. After all of this were done, stark generalizations were able to be made regarding the structure, function, utilization process, and hydrogen-producing properties of the Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii CC-125 algal strain. This has been a fun project to conduct and I am glad it was able to be completed over a relatively short period of time. I have learned a lot working with these algal cultures, and all in all, it was a great experience for me to interact with the world of science.

Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Designing a Project Procedure

The procedure design was one of the most time consuming parts of this process. I had to think in creative ways to get some of the things to work. The materials I ended up using were a complete salts solution, phosphate solution, acetate solution, trace elements solution, sulfur free salts solution, sulfur free trace elements, 2 sizes of vinyl tubing, latex tubing, 1 ml and 5 ml pipettes, balloons, duct tape, transparent tape, copper II Sulfate Pentahydrate, 12 water bottles, 50 mL graduated cylinder, test tubes, wooden splints, microscope, and the Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii algae strain CC-125. At this point I have developed a complex procedure with a ton of steps. I will explain the simplified version which provides an overview of what will be done.
1. Culture the algae
2. Change the copper
3. Capture the hydrogen
4. Method the process
5. Test for gas

Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Project Approach

Like the other mini experiments that I conducted, this project will require thorough background research and the designation of a procedure. I have already done some minor background in some of my other experiments with algal properties, however, there will be more for me to learn. Some of the topics that I will have to research again include the basics of photosynthesis and its inner workings, the methods and effects of sulfur depletion, some effects of copper reactions as copper as copper works on the same basis as depriving the sulfur, and also the properties of a type of algae called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Project Initiation

One of the most complicated features of this phase of my research is inherently sticking with a single experimental design. If I choose to change a part, or even the entire topic idea, there could be serious complications associated with time delays and fragmented periods of wasted time. As my research is drawing to an end, and there being only one month left, I have come to fully realize the value of time in my own "race for the cure" situation. This is definitely going to be tricky to pull it off with AP exam and final exam dates getting closer and closer. That being said,  I have developed my project idea that I will be performing further research on. Although I did end  up doing some research in the bio fuel industry, I still felt that there were alterior environmental applications that could also be affected with this research. My consolidated project is to try to produce hydrogen from algae. This could be useful in the generation of electricity and utilizing algae as an effective fertilizer.