Master's Theses

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Date of Award

Summer 1959

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

Advisor

Committee Chair

Abstract

During the summer of 1958, a search was conducted for specimens of algae which could be used in a growth study. Many specimens were collected from ponds and streams in western Kansas and were cultured under conditions of intense sunlight and high temperatures. The four species which appeared to grow best under these conditions were selected for use in the growth study. A high temperature strain of Chlorella pyrenoidosa was also used. The five algal species were grown in glass jugs which were located in the college greenhouse. The cultures were harvested by removing half of the accumulated algae cells at three-day intervals. The amount of comparative growth was ascertained by weighing these cells after they had been dried in an oven. Examination of the anatomy of these specimens revealed nothing which might explain growth characteristics. The harvesting results indicated that Chlorella sp. produced the most and therefore grew the most rapidly. Chlorococcum sp. produced slightly less. Scenedesmus armatus and Lyngbya sp. had much lower yields and the strain of Chlorella pyrenoidosa demonstrated the least growth. A comparison of the yields of the various cultures with illumination and temperature showed a few individual reactions. Although the growth rates of each species were not definitely established the general growth characteristics appear to be applicable to natural conditions and mass cultures. The method used in this study is convenient and economical and could be profitably used in future studies.

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Rights

© 1959 Vernie A. Knudson

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