The Delicate Balance of Breathing

by Joshua Garcia

Submitted : Spring 2020

In this study, the populations of phytoplankton were explored as a viable source and solution to the pressing issue of conservation in the delicate balance of the atmosphere. Estimates from scientific committees were employed in order to solve this problem, as exact values of the population size, carrying capacity, and reproduction rate of microscopic organisms are impossible to apprehend. With these estimates researched and calculated, a Logistic Differential Equation was utilized to estimate the time that would be taken in order to reach a level of photosynthesis that would counteract the estimated human production of CO₂, which is an additional 40 billion tons. Throughout the process of calculation, it was determined that it would take an estimated time of approximately 25.8 years to counteract the human addition of CO₂ in a single year. These results beckoned that relying solely on the natural photosynthesis of phytoplankton and microscopic organisms is not a feasible solution to the problem of carbon emissions, and that other action should be taken to preserve the equilibrium of our planet.

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