Our Innovation Project
The research behind our FLL Innovation Project and why it matters for solving real world challenges.
The Problem
Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in Earth's atmosphere are rising, causing global temperatures to increase. Oceans absorb about 30% of the CO2 we release, but this comes at a cost: dissolved CO2 makes ocean water more acidic, harming marine ecosystems.
Our Hypothesis
If we add seaweed and phytoplankton to saltwater, then the dissolved CO2 level will decrease significantly compared to a control tank, because these organisms absorb CO2 through photosynthesis.
Our Solution
We use seaweed (a natural photosynthesizer) to absorb dissolved CO2 from ocean water in a controlled, measurable setup.
Identify Species
Choose the best seaweed/phytoplankton for CO2 absorption
Controlled Test
Compare with a control tank over 14 days
Measure Results
Track CO2, O2, temperature, and humidity levels
How Photosynthesis Helps
Seaweed and phytoplankton perform photosynthesis just like land plants. They absorb dissolved CO2 from the water and use sunlight to produce energy and release oxygen.
Experiment Setup
Control Tank
- Saltwater only
- No biological additions
- Same tank size as experiment
- Same lighting conditions
Experiment Tank
- Saltwater with seaweed
- Phytoplankton added
- Same tank size as control
- Same lighting conditions
Sensors Used
CO2 Sensor
Measures dissolved carbon dioxide levels in parts per million
Oxygen Sensor
Tracks dissolved oxygen concentration for photosynthesis measurement
Temperature Sensor
Monitors water temperature to ensure consistent conditions
Humidity Sensor
Measures air humidity above the water surface in each tank
Results Summary
Visit the Dashboard to see live sensor data and charts comparing the control and experiment tanks over the 14 day period.
Why It Matters
Climate Action
Reducing CO2 in oceans helps slow ocean acidification and protects marine life.
Low Cost Solution
Seaweed is cheap, renewable, and grows quickly, making this scalable.
Marine Ecosystem Health
Healthier oceans mean healthier food chains and more biodiversity.
Inspiring Future Scientists
This project proves young people can contribute real solutions to climate change.
Future Improvements
More Species
Test different types of seaweed and phytoplankton to find the most effective CO2 absorber.
Longer Timeframe
Run the experiment for 30 days instead of 14 to capture longer term trends.
Larger Tanks
Scale up to larger tanks to test if the results hold at bigger volumes.
Community Sharing
Share our findings with local environmental groups and schools.