Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi-
I'm a highschool student planning to do a project on: Bioremediation of wastewater using dead algae cell. My hypothesis is that the dead algae cell are more effective in removal of toxic metal like copper from the wastewater compare to living algae. I'm planning to use deal cells of Chlorella vulgaris algae for my experiment.

I know how to grow algae but how can I naturally kill algae and obtain dead cells. I want mix the dead algae cell with copper wastewater to see if the cell absorbs copper and cleans the water.

I need help with
1. How to kill the algae naturally and obtain dead cells
2. How do I measure the content level of metal in the wastewater before and after the experiment to prove my hypothesis

Thanks

Hello!

Here's a few links that can help with your questions:

1. How to kill algae naturally:
http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2012/03/2 ... naturally/
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-pond-s ... 44663.html

2. How to measure metal content levels in wastewater before and after will be a little more difficult/complicated. I would check to see if your high school has any of the items in the link below to help with measuring. If not, then see if you can reach out to your local community colleges and see if they have these items that you may use under their supervision:
http://www.kii3.ntf.uni-lj.si/analchemv ... ljske3.htm

Hope this helps! Would love to see the results of your experiment!

All the best!