The Population Size of Multiple Microorganisms in Aerobic Compost
The Population Size of Multiple Microorganisms in Aerobic Compost
Alison Pagano, Lauren Sammaritano
Biology IV- Ecology
4-11-13
Abstract. The experiment provided evidence of microorganisms in aerobic compost. 18 buckets were set up with three different trials of compost, wet, dry, and moist. Although microorganisms were present they were too small to be identified and also conditions in the experiment were not stable enough to maintain life. Due to this we were not able to make any definitive decisions on whether our hypothesis was supported or rejected.
Introduction
Compost is used for many different reasons across the world today. It is a way to breakdown waste, used for gardens, creates beneficial bacteria and fungi, as well as allows the human population to recycle (EPA, 2012). Compost itself is not hard to make and can produce many different types of microorganisms; especially bacteria (Diaper, 1994). The microorganisms will begin to eat away at the living organic matter until it completely dies then new organic matter must be added in order to keep the cycle going, and the microorganisms alive. As the cycle continues the population also continues to grow and the organisms in the compost will begin to become more complex. Since the compost is a cycle as the compost itself matures the microorganisms inhabiting it will as well. In order to monitor how mature compost is, one of the best and easiest ways are to measure the pH (Boulter-Bitzer, 2006). We expected to see the largest population size in moist compost and smaller population sizes in both wet and dry compost.
Materials and Methods
Setting up the experiment. First 18 buckets were needed in order to maintain the compost. All buckets needed to be of similar size, and each needed to have air holes poked into the side for proper ventilation. 6 of the buckets were maintained as the dry compost, there was no water added to the compost throughout the entire experiment. 6 of
Alison Pagano, Lauren Sammaritano
Biology IV- Ecology
4-11-13
Abstract. The experiment provided evidence of microorganisms in aerobic compost. 18 buckets were set up with three different trials of compost, wet, dry, and moist. Although microorganisms were present they were too small to be identified and also conditions in the experiment were not stable enough to maintain life. Due to this we were not able to make any definitive decisions on whether our hypothesis was supported or rejected.
Introduction
Compost is used for many different reasons across the world today. It is a way to breakdown waste, used for gardens, creates beneficial bacteria and fungi, as well as allows the human population to recycle (EPA, 2012). Compost itself is not hard to make and can produce many different types of microorganisms; especially bacteria (Diaper, 1994). The microorganisms will begin to eat away at the living organic matter until it completely dies then new organic matter must be added in order to keep the cycle going, and the microorganisms alive. As the cycle continues the population also continues to grow and the organisms in the compost will begin to become more complex. Since the compost is a cycle as the compost itself matures the microorganisms inhabiting it will as well. In order to monitor how mature compost is, one of the best and easiest ways are to measure the pH (Boulter-Bitzer, 2006). We expected to see the largest population size in moist compost and smaller population sizes in both wet and dry compost.
Materials and Methods
Setting up the experiment. First 18 buckets were needed in order to maintain the compost. All buckets needed to be of similar size, and each needed to have air holes poked into the side for proper ventilation. 6 of the buckets were maintained as the dry compost, there was no water added to the compost throughout the entire experiment. 6 of