Nutrient Compositional Analysis of Seaweed Samples

Project Description

Seaweeds are known to absorb excess nutrients from the water in which they grow. Waste water effluents in Maine (and elsewhere) often carry excessively high levels of nutrients, which cause eutrophication of the ecosystem. Growing seaweeds in effluent affected waters may help to reduce the effects of eutrophication. This project aims to determine the response of seaweed composition to variable levels of exposure to waste water effluents.

Results and Accomplishments

Analytical methods have been identified and implemented. First results show variation in N:C ratios that appear to be both time and location sensitive. Limited metal analysis results so far show that potentially toxic inorganics (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) are below detection limits.

Samples have been collected in the winter and spring of 2018. Results will be compared to results obtained on the 2016 samples.

Summary of Data Being Collected

Data Type Quantity Location
Chemical Analysis Nutrients C, N, P via ICP Samples every 2 weeks during the growing season. Total of nine samples received from six different locations (several samples were unavailable, improperly processed or too small to allow analysis). Sample locations transecting an effluent discharge site in Saco Bay, ME
Chemical Analysis Metals via acid digestion and ICP Same as nutrients, but fewer analyses due to added cost or insufficient sample Sample as nutrient samples