Student Research Reports
Open social media sharing options menu
Assessing Environmental Factors and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Utricularia aurea L. in Thale Noi, Phatthalung, Thailand: Implications for Climate Change Mitigation and Aquatic Ecosystem Sustainability
Organization(s):Paphayomphittayakom School
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Natcha Choodam
Rujinart Chutong
Siraphat Chankhaw
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Pornpawit Tabchum, KANATIP BAOLAI
Contributors:Research Advisors: Pornpawit Tabchum, Apisit Nuikhong, Kanathip Baolai
Paphayomphittayakom School, Phatthalung, Thailand
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, Alkalinity, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrates, pH, Salinity, Water Temperature, Water Transparency, Soil Characterization, Soil Fertility, Soil pH, Soil Temperature
Presentation Video:
View Video
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/03/2025
This study investigates the environmental factors influencing the distribution and carbon sequestration potential of bladderwort (Utricularia aurea L.) in the Thale Noi Non-Hunting Area, Phatthalung Province, Thailand. The research involved field surveys and the collection of water, soil, and bladderwort samples from four study sites:
1. Ban Ok Canal – a waterway that carries community runoff into Thale Noi.
2. Central Thale Noi – the open-water region of the lake.
3. Primary bladderwort habitat – the area with the highest bladderwort density.
4. Khlong Nang Riam – a canal connecting Thale Noi to Songkhla Lake.
The study was conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, with latitude and longitude coordinates (7.7822574242, 100.121685161). Environmental factors affecting bladderwort propagation were analyzed, including water quality, soil composition, and light intensity.
The results indicated that bladderwort thrives in areas with high water transparency, a pH range of 7.48–8.53, and an average light intensity of 5,365–5,417 Lux. Soil quality was a key factor in its growth, with the species flourishing in clay loam mixed with silt sand, where soil fertility ranged from 603.6 to 682.7 µS/cm. However, bladderwort propagation declined in areas where water conductivity exceeded 150 µS/cm or where heavy metal contamination was present, particularly in Khlong Nang Riam.
Regarding carbon sequestration, bladderwort was found to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and store carbon in its biomass. Areas with high bladderwort density exhibited greater carbon storage potential, whereas regions contaminated with heavy metals showed reduced sequestration capacity.
These findings suggest that temperature, water quality, and soil composition are critical factors influencing bladderwort propagation and carbon sequestration efficiency. Therefore, restoration efforts, such as reducing heavy metal contamination and conserving aquatic ecosystems, should be prioritized to support bladderwort growth. Enhancing bladderwort populations may contribute to carbon sequestration and the overall stability of freshwater ecosystems.