In a multi-year environmental study, the ratio of algae to plankton in a controlled watershed ecosystem is initially 3:7. If scientists introduce a treatment that reduces algae by 25% and increases plankton by 10%, what is the new ratio of algae to plankton in simplest form?

["Title: Understanding Algae-to-Planankton Dynamics in Controlled Ecosystems: A 25% Reduction in Algae and 10% Growth in Plankton", "In long-term environmental studies, monitoring microbial communities like algae and plankton is crucial for assessing ecosystem health and balance. A recent multi-year controlled watershed study revealed a stable initial ratio of algae to plankton at 3:7. But what happens when targeted interventions alter these populations? Let’s explore how a 25% reduction in algae and a 10% increase in plankton change this ratio—and why understanding this shift matters for environmental management.", "### Initial Ratio: Algae to Plankton = 3:7", "This means for every 3 units of algae present, there are 7 units of plankton. In mathematical terms, we can represent algae as 3 parts and plankton as 7 parts of a total biomass. While both populations are dynamic, this ratio provides insight into nutrient cycling, water quality, and energy flow within the ecosystem.", "### Applying the Treatment: Changes in Population", "- Algae reduction: A 25% decrease from the initial 3 units means:\n ( 3 - (0.25 \ imes 3) = 3 - 0.75 = 2.25 )", "- Plankton increase: A 10% rise from the initial 7 units:\n ( 7 + (0.10 \ imes 7) = 7 + 0.7 = 7.7 )", "Now the updated values are 2.25 (algae) and 7.7 (plankton).", "### Calculating the New Ratio", "To find the new ratio of algae to plankton, write:\n[\n\frac{2.25}{7.7}\n]", "To express this as a fraction, multiply numerator and denominator by 100 to eliminate decimals:\n[\n\frac{225}{770}\n]", "Simplify the fraction by dividing both numbers by their greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD of 225 and 770 is 5:\n[\n\frac{225 \div 5}{770 \div 5} = \frac{45}{154}\n]", "So, the new ratio of algae to plankton is 45:154 in simplest form.", "### Why This Shift Matters in Ecosystem Health", "A decrease in algae and increase in plankton signals a meaningful ecological transformation. Algae typically dominate in nutrient-rich conditions, while plankton thrive with balanced nutrient availability and reduced competition. This shift can reflect improved water clarity, lower nutrient loading (such as nitrogen or phosphorus), or successful treatment interventions aimed at restoring ecosystem equilibrium.", "Environmental scientists use such ratio changes to evaluate treatment efficacy, predict algal blooms, and guide watershed management strategies. Maintaining a balanced algae-to-plankton ratio supports diverse aquatic life and prevents harmful algal blooms that threaten water quality and biodiversity.", "### Conclusion", "From an initial ratio of 3:7, a 25% reduction in algae and a 10% increase in plankton results in a new ratio of 45:154—a clear indicator of ecosystem adaptation. Understanding and monitoring these microbial dynamics empower researchers and policymakers to sustain healthy, balanced watersheds. Whether through targeted treatments or natural resilience, tracking such ratios supports proactive environmental stewardship.", "---", "Keywords: algae to plankton ratio, environmental study, watershed ecosystem, ecological balance, plankton growth, algae reduction, water quality, microbial dynamics, environmental science, nutrient cycling"]