Calcium and Phosphorus Concentrations and Scale Ring Number in Relation to Fish Length
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
18-4-2016 10:00 AM
End Date
18-4-2016 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Michael Bentley
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Fish scales are bone like structures composed of elements such as calcium and phosphorous in varying concentrations. Like trees, fish scales have growth rings because of seasonal changes. Fish scales grow slower in the winter and faster in the summer because of food availability and water temperatures, giving them ring-like appearances. This experiment is going to help us see the relationship between fish length and their calcium/ phosphorus composition. We will also be able to see if the fish scales have any contaminants such as lead from the environment they lived in. We will take individual scale samples from various fish lengths and observe them under a light microscope in order to get an approximate ring count for each scale. Then, using a Scanning Electron Microscope we will be able to take pictures of fish scales in order to have a more accurate count of the fish scale rings, to measure concentrations of calcium/ phosphorus. Based on the research we have acquired, fish length and the number of rings have a direct correlation. Our findings will help us in determining scale calcium, phosphorus, and other element concentrations based on their environments. Number of rings on fish scale is affected by length of fish, and the presence of other elements and contaminants does not correlate with size.
Calcium and Phosphorus Concentrations and Scale Ring Number in Relation to Fish Length
CSU Ballroom
Fish scales are bone like structures composed of elements such as calcium and phosphorous in varying concentrations. Like trees, fish scales have growth rings because of seasonal changes. Fish scales grow slower in the winter and faster in the summer because of food availability and water temperatures, giving them ring-like appearances. This experiment is going to help us see the relationship between fish length and their calcium/ phosphorus composition. We will also be able to see if the fish scales have any contaminants such as lead from the environment they lived in. We will take individual scale samples from various fish lengths and observe them under a light microscope in order to get an approximate ring count for each scale. Then, using a Scanning Electron Microscope we will be able to take pictures of fish scales in order to have a more accurate count of the fish scale rings, to measure concentrations of calcium/ phosphorus. Based on the research we have acquired, fish length and the number of rings have a direct correlation. Our findings will help us in determining scale calcium, phosphorus, and other element concentrations based on their environments. Number of rings on fish scale is affected by length of fish, and the presence of other elements and contaminants does not correlate with size.
Recommended Citation
Ngede, Keith and Eloy Gallegos. "Calcium and Phosphorus Concentrations and Scale Ring Number in Relation to Fish Length." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 18, 2016.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2016/poster-session-A/1
