Calculations
Spectral Analysis:
Acetone was used as a blank for the green and brown algal samples. The wavelength at which the blank had the lowest absorbance was set as zero to ensure that all absorbance values were positive. The absorption spectra for the acetone blank was then measured between 400 and 700nm. The cuvette containing the brown algal sample was then placed into the spectrophotometer. The absorbance at each wavelength between 400 and 700nm was recorded. The absorption spectra for the green algal extract was then measured. Deionized water was then placed in a cuvette, the absorption spectra was measured and used as a blank for the red algae. The absorption spectra for the red algae was then measured between 400-700 nm.
Data Analysis:
The absorbance of each blank spectrum was subtracted from each of the appropriate pigment absorption spectra. Then the leaf pigment spectra were normalized by dividing all absorbance values by the peak absorbance in the absorption spectra.
