Ip Proposal
Investigatory Project Proposal
“Effects of Detergent Phosphates on Plant Growth”
Among the nutrients essential for plant growth are phosphates. However, an excess of nutrients is not necessarily a good thing. Phosphate detergents contribute to soil and water pollution and can have a serious impact on water and land ecosystems. Their effects in the garden are sometimes beneficial and sometimes harmful, according to where you use water containing the substance. A number of synthetic detergents and soaps contain volatile chemicals and substances that can have a negative effect on the normal growth of plants. According to some scientific researches, low concentration of some detergents may be beneficial for plant growth. It is best, however, not to risk the health of the plant.
Negative Effects * Detergents containing harmful ingredients cause damage to the soil structure by raising the alkalinity of soil. Consequently, the damaged soil deteriorates healthy plants. Some bleaching detergents kill the good bacteria in the soil.
Positive Effects * Upon interaction of plants with low concentration of a detergent, several plants show signs of better growth and development. Detergents containing sodium, chlorine bleach and boron may have negative effects while potassium, ammonia and phosphate show good effects on plant growth.
Materials:
Detergent Soap
Pond Water
2 containers
Pea plant
Procedure:
Because phosphates from household detergents seep into groundwater, a simulated effect can be investigated using a young pea plant and a solution of 90% water to 10% laundry detergent solution. Use two containers of pond water to simulate phosphate’s catalytic effect on algae’s growth by adding detergent solution to one container intermittently and using an unaltered container as a control. Record all observations quantitatively and
“Effects of Detergent Phosphates on Plant Growth”
Among the nutrients essential for plant growth are phosphates. However, an excess of nutrients is not necessarily a good thing. Phosphate detergents contribute to soil and water pollution and can have a serious impact on water and land ecosystems. Their effects in the garden are sometimes beneficial and sometimes harmful, according to where you use water containing the substance. A number of synthetic detergents and soaps contain volatile chemicals and substances that can have a negative effect on the normal growth of plants. According to some scientific researches, low concentration of some detergents may be beneficial for plant growth. It is best, however, not to risk the health of the plant.
Negative Effects * Detergents containing harmful ingredients cause damage to the soil structure by raising the alkalinity of soil. Consequently, the damaged soil deteriorates healthy plants. Some bleaching detergents kill the good bacteria in the soil.
Positive Effects * Upon interaction of plants with low concentration of a detergent, several plants show signs of better growth and development. Detergents containing sodium, chlorine bleach and boron may have negative effects while potassium, ammonia and phosphate show good effects on plant growth.
Materials:
Detergent Soap
Pond Water
2 containers
Pea plant
Procedure:
Because phosphates from household detergents seep into groundwater, a simulated effect can be investigated using a young pea plant and a solution of 90% water to 10% laundry detergent solution. Use two containers of pond water to simulate phosphate’s catalytic effect on algae’s growth by adding detergent solution to one container intermittently and using an unaltered container as a control. Record all observations quantitatively and