The goal of this research project was to determine the sustainability
of using L-lysine to control harmful Microcystis blooms. To
measure these effects, zooplankton species D. pulex was used as a
model species for the aquatic ecosystem. M. aeruginosa was used to
better understand the dynamic between lysine and zooplankton in a
bloom setting. The effects of lysine were recorded for both species
separately, as well as together in order to mimic a harmful algae
bloom. It was found that while lysine alone killed 33% of the D.
pulex population, in the presence of M. aeruginosa it promoted the
growth of D. pulex while killing M. aeruginosa cells,
supporting the hypothesis. Furthermore, the results suggest that
higher concentrations of lysine have a greater effect on promoting
the D. pulex population, as higher concentrations will kill M.
aeruginosa cells at a greater rate. It is important to note that
this test is only one stride in the process of the determining the
sustainability of L-lysine as a method to control Microcystis
blooms, so further research, such as in-situ tests, should be
conducted before implementing it in the real world. With global
temperature and pollution rising, lysine may be a step in the right
direction for keeping our water safe and usable.
