I have to collect some dirty water for monday for science class (This is for bonus marks). We are to view the water under the microscope to identify protists. Any suggestions how to get the most microorganism-infested water? I am considering the ditch.
2007-10-18 19:34:34 · 4 answers · asked by Charles W 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Try your toilet after i get done with it
2007-10-18 21:44:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The ditch is a good idea. Also get some of the green plants and dead plant matter from the ditch - not too much, just a little. Increase your chances of finding specimens by adding food. My recommendation is to boil some water and put in straw, dried grass, hay, or other dried plant matter. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes until the water looks yellowish. Then strain out the plant matter and cool the yellowish water. This is called a hay infusion. Add some of the boiled hay infusion to your sample from the ditch. Do it as soon as possible so your microorganisms have time to multiply. It would be better if you had a couple of weeks, but you'll find more with the hay infusion added than if you just get the water. Makes me want to collect some water and do this.
2007-10-18 19:58:18 · answer #2 · answered by ecolink 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A stagnant pond is usually teeming with microorganisms.
2007-10-18 19:37:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
have you tried the lake or pond nearby? if there's none available, visit the nearest park so see if there's any creek or pool of water somewhere.
2007-10-18 19:38:21 · answer #4 · answered by lelenguyen05 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋