Effects of Copper Sulfate on Mortality Rates of Daphnia magna

Author(s)

Grace VilemFollow

Abstract

Many reservoirs used for drinking water end up growing algae that needs to be removed. Copper sulfate (CuSO₄) can be used to reduce the growth of algae, however this chemical has been shown to have negative effects on invertebrates living in aquatic environment. This experiment exposed Daphnia magna, an aquatic zooplankton, to various concentrations of CuSO₄ for 48 hours to determine an LC50 value. Six sets of data were collected and averaged, finding an LC50 value of 36 ug/L. Further testing is needed to determine effects of CuSO₄ on fecundity between generations of Daphnia, as well as effects that Daphnia mortality may have on other organisms.

Department

Biological Sciences

Major

Marine and Aquatic Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Jeffrey Miner

First Advisor Department

Biological Sciences

Second Advisor

Dr. John Farver

Second Advisor Department

Geology

Publication Date

Spring 4-30-2018

Repository Citation

Vilem, Grace, "Effects of Copper Sulfate on Mortality Rates of Daphnia magna" (2018). Honors Projects. 340.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/honorsprojects/340