October 13, 2009:
We established our MicroAquariums™. Each aquarium was composed of a glass tank, a stand, and a lid. The first step was to code each aquarium for identification for later observations. Colorful dots corresponding to section, table, and seat were used along with our initials - one initial per dot. My code was Yellow K, Green E, Green O.
Next we chose from thirteen water samples to fill our aquariums. My hypothesis was that the water from Lynnhurst Cemetery would be one of the more diverse, so I selected it for my aquarium. The following image as well as a description, the date obtained, and the coordinates can be found here: www.botany1112009.blogspot.com
Using a pipet, water was extracted from the appropriate container. The first 1/3 of the aquarium was filled with water from the bottom of the dish along with a thin layer of muck from the source. The next 1/3 came from the middle of the source dish. The rest came from the surface.
Once filled, two plants were placed inside. The first was a moss (scientific name: Amblystegium varium (Hedw.) Lindb.)
Image obtained from http://bryophytes.plant.siu.edu/imAmblystegiumVarium.html
The second was Bladderwort (scientific name: Utricularia vulgaris L.) Information on these two plants can be found on the previously stated website.
Image obtained from http://www.treknature.com/gallery/photo81151.htm
After these were inserted, we viewed the aquariums under a microscope to record the initial organisms. As expected, there was a variety of various microorganisms in the cemetery sample.
The first critter I came across was a Euglenoid. This algae has a characteristic red eyespot which is used to sense light. The only movements it made was to turn in circles using a motion called metaboly. Information on this algae was found here: http://silicasecchidisk.conncoll.edu/LucidKeys/Carolina_Key/html/Euglenoids.html
Image found at http://www.nhm.ac.uk/resources-rx/images/phacus-acuminatus_31540_1.jpg
The next one was the parasitic nematode. It has a transparent body and whips about in a flailing motion to move. However mine only turned in circles. There were several of these, and they tended to reside near the muck.
Image obtained from http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/bennett-lab/nematode.jpg
There was one Gastrotrich, but it appeared to either be stuck on something or in the midst of death. There were unidentified microorganisms that were at its side, but I am uncertain as to whether or not they were the cause of its dilemma. It had the characteristic two tails and cilia from what I could see. Hopefully it will be mobile and alive next week.
Image obtained from http://www2.hawaii.edu/~hejnol/gastrotrich.jpg
The most interesting find in my opinion was the seed shrimp or Ostracod. Spotted without its shell, this little guy was thrashing around in the muck, appearing to be stuck like the Gastrotrich. It had arm-like appendages that circled about to move him along. I hope to see it next week as well with its new shell.
Image obtained from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ostracod.JPG
While I was documenting the struggles of the Gastrotrich, a white, possibly transparent microorganism whizzed by. When I tried to follow, I lost it. Next week I will find it and identify it along with some of the smaller ones that zipped along.
Stay tuned!
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