Description of Research

Problem:   Does an increase in the exposure to ultraviolet radiation decrease the mold populations?  

Hypothesis:   An increase in the exposure to ultraviolet radiation decreases the mold populations.

Variables:

• Independent:   Amount of sun exposure
• Dependent:   Populations of mold

Controls:

• Negative:   A plot in site IV with the groundcover cleared and covered in saran wrap.
• Positive:   A plot in site I with the groundcover cleared and covered in saran wrap.
• Other Controls:
• Bare soil under the screens (where applicable) for all plots
• All screens covering ground for same amount of time (3 days)
• All samples taken from center of 15 cm x 15 cm plots
• All screens 15 cm x 15 cm
• All core samples taken from top 10 cm of soil
• All experimental samples taken from same microclimate (RPCS Campus Wetlands coordinates)

• All positive control samples taken from same microclimate (RPCS Campus Riparian Flood Zone coordinates)
• All samples taken, diluted, and plated on same day

    Our Results    

    (click on the picture of Cheri, Emma, or Parilee for tables and graphs)

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