10/13/10 Aquarium Set-Up

Today I set up my MicroAquarium during lab. We chose from 13 water sources from various places in the area to fill our aquarium. We filled it with our chosen water, mud from the water, and plants, and then observed them under a microscope. I chose source #8: water from the Tennessee River across from the Knoxville sewer plant. This water source is fully exposed to sunlight, is at an elevation of 813 ft, and is part of the French Broad and Holston Rivers water sheds (McFarland). I chose this because I anticipated seeing many organisms because of the rich sediment in the water. I did see many moving organisms under the microscope, some small and some large. I do not know the names of the organisms yet, but will soon find out. The few millimeters of mud at the bottom seems to attract the most organisms, probably for food and protection.