Conclusions
The class focused on the artistic exploration of interactions within ecosystems. We compared a natural pond in Ilm Park with a self-made pond (stormwater garden) on the university campus. The Protocol laid down into a 100+ pages booklet.
- Download the Pond Book: File:250203(revise)pondBook.pdf
Throughout the course, we monitored how microbial populations in both ponds evolved and whether they converged over time. Our primary tools included the bio-lab infrastructure, which enabled us to observe, explore, and monitor the microscopic environment of the ponds. We used pipettes, microliter pipettes, a microscope, a thermometer, a pH meter, and a conductivity meter. Additionally, we consulted weather forecasts and compared them with one year of recorded data. Sensory observations—using our eyes, fingers, nose, and ears—also played a role in our analysis.
The objective was to identify the key parameters necessary for monitoring differences and the evolution of the university pond.
Results
After reflooring the pond, water was present for much longer periods, and the pond never dried out through the Fall and Winter. The artificial pond did not function in the same way as the natural pond. Ecosystems require time to establish, possibly influenced by the cold winter.
A secondary succession was observed after disturbing and reshaping the self-made pond.
We attempted to track the population of microalgae (Chlamydomonas), the dominant organism in the pond. After transferring water from the Ilm park, we identified a small population of Chlamidomonas established in the pond.
We witnessed birds coming and drinking from the pond; spores, seeds and microbes are being introduced in this way.
We saw copepods in the Ilm park pond, but we haven’t seen any in our pond yet.
Also duckweed seems to establish itself after being transported from the Ilm park, before everything froze.
In parallel we developed individual artistic ideas based on how the pond was experienced from a personal emotional perspective. Such works are documented in the main page of this wiki
Discussion
Conducting the experiment in spring might have accelerated the process. However, conducting it in winter allowed us to observe an earlier phase, which provides a useful reference for comparison with future developments in spring. Next parameters to check are, for example, understanding how the water level raises and drops through different seasons. We also want to monitor the flora which is establishing in and around the pond.