Pollution vs Plant Growth Science Fair Project Ideas

Plant growth science fair projects tap into toxicology impacts of pollutants...

Plant Growth

Plant growth can be impacted by a number of factors. Pollutants in particular can slow down plant growth.

Objectives/Goals

I wanted to see how different pollutants in the environment will effect the growth of plants.

Methods/Materials

Collected pollutants (Exhaust, motor oil, fertilizer, soapy water, pesticide)
Made a solution with water. 1 tablespoon of pollutant with 1/3 cup of water.
Hydroponically grew plants. (radish) 4 cups with different pollutants. 4 seeds per cup
24 cups all together including the control. 96 seeds
Recorded germination rate and growth for 2 weeks.

Results

Germination rates- Control all seeds germinated 4-5 days
Exhaust - 50% germination 5-6 days
pesicide - 12% germination 7-8 days
motor oil, fertilizer, soapy water - 0% germination

Growth -Control Average 1.69 inches
Exhaust - 1.09 inches
Pesticide - .07 inches

Conclusions/Discussion

Pollutants do have an effect on plant growth. Some effect the plants more than others.
Motor oil, fertilizer, and soapy water. the solution rate was most likely too strong.
Motor Oil will choke out the plant by blocking stomatas.
We need to be aware of how pollutants are getting into our environment. 3rd party contributor