Instructor: Dr. K. Yeboah-Gyan

Project: Ecology and Diversity of Weed Species in Fresh Water

This project will explore one of the most prevalent problems of dam construction and irrigation, the spread of aquatic weeds. Studies will be conducted at several large bodies of fresh water in regions surrounding Kumasi. The student will identify the species and taxonomy of samples collected, examining the productivity, biomas, and dry weight measurements. Extracting the various types of species will aid in an understanding of the problems involved in damn construction and irrigation, allowing the student to record their findings and construct advice to developers working within these regions.

The student is recommended to have a biology background, but could get by with assistance if they do not have prior experience.

Among several other questions, the student could explore the following:

• What species are found in a sample of fresh water? Which are most prevalent?
• How do the samples compare within a single lake? Within several lakes?
• How do the dry weight measurements compare to the productivity measurements?
• How do these various organisms present a problem to dam irrigation or river development?
• Are the water weeds indigenous or tropical?
• What recommendations could be made for the future? What studies should be carried out in subsequent years?