condensed experiment

[mr_sheldo]

In my college biology class we started an experiment a couple of months ago. A condensed exp. design is as follows:
20oz bottle w. the top cut off of it containing: mud from a nearby lake, approx. half an egg yollk, handfull of shredded newspaper. All of the components were mixed well and then compacted tightly into the bottle. We then added about 2 inches of water to the top of the mixture, covered it with plastic wrap and put it in a window.

Now, the bottle has dark black spots throughout the mud and a dense green mass in the water above the mud.

My question is basically what is going on in the bottle and what each component is contributing to the outcome.

I am attempting to write a research paper and just wanted to see what everyone thought was supposed to go on in this thing.

Thanks for your help.