The Effect of Non-Optimal pH on the Growth of Licmophora abbreviata

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the statistical relationships between varying pH levels and the growth rates of diatoms by using a hemocytometer to count cells, applying various graphing methods to observe growth rates and analyzing the significance of our results via a one-way ANOVA. It demonstrates that there is no difference in Licmophora abbreviata growth at pH 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. This is a relevant discovery with respect to the ongoing acidification of oceans that is ultimately affecting the populations of diatoms and their primary consumers: the salmon near the west coast of British Columbia.