Research Science Institute @ MIT (Summer of 11th Grade)
Presentation |
Abstract |
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Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) are a massive and increasing problem worldwide as they harm human health, wreak havoc upon delicate aquatic ecosystems, and cause massive damages to coastal, water-reliant industries. HABs largely occur because of an unnatural increase of Nitrate and Phosphate in a body of water (also known as nutrient pollution). The major source of nutrient pollution is runo from improperly fertilized agricultural settings such as
farms and feedlots. In the long-term, this study seeks to develop an user-friendly learning tool for farmers to help them understand how their fertilization practices are leading to HABs. In this phase of the study, the goals were to devise the foundational mathematical model which will serve as the basis for the learning tool and to conduct a thorough analysis of the HAB problem in Lake Erie through the means of literature review and stakeholder interviews. The devised model asked farmers for input parameters about their practices/farm and outputted parameters that quantify the severity of an HAB that could occur as a result of their practices. Upon further development of this mathematical model and eventual incorporation into a mobile application, this tool has wide applications. Farmers nationwide could become more aware of their practices and perhaps work as a coalition with policymakers to come to terms on a mutually bene cial solution to the problem of Harmful Algae Blooms. |
