Introduction Phosphorus is one of the key elements necessary for the growth of plants and animals (1). That is why having the right levels of phosphorous in the water is so essential. If too much phosphate is present in the water the algae and weeds will grow rapidly, may choke the waterway, and use up large amounts of precious oxygen (in the absence of photosynthesis and as the algae and plants die and are consumed by aerobic bacteria.) The result may be the death of many fish and aquatic organisms.
Experimental Methods First, grab seven 150 mL beakers and label them: Blank, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Unknown. The Blank beaker is used as a constant throughout the experiment. Prepare each beaker one by one. Second, place 60 mL of deionized water and 5 mL of AVM into the beaker labeled Blank. Third, place 55 mL of deionized water, 5 mL of AVM and 5mL of phosphate into Beaker 1. Fourth, place 50 mL of deionized water, 5 mL of AVM and 10 mL of phosphate into Beaker 2. Fifth, place 45 mL of deionized water, 5 mL of AVM and 15 mL of phosphate into Beaker 3. Sixth, place 40 mL of deionized …show more content…
This was obtained by comparing the amount of phosphate to the absorbance that was calculated for each beaker. By analyzing the results of the Unknown beaker and comparing it to the national standard maximum in the United States, it is safe to say that the faucet used is safe for humans to use. The 0.3010 mg/L absorbance found for the Unknown was way less than the 3 mg/L, which is the United States standard maximum. It is important to note that the experiment should be repeated at least 3 times so that the results may be considered accurate. It would be interesting to expand this research for different areas in the Orlando area and different cities in Florida, to see where the healthiest waters can be found and what are possible causes could there be for having more contamination in an area than
Experimental Methods First, grab seven 150 mL beakers and label them: Blank, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Unknown. The Blank beaker is used as a constant throughout the experiment. Prepare each beaker one by one. Second, place 60 mL of deionized water and 5 mL of AVM into the beaker labeled Blank. Third, place 55 mL of deionized water, 5 mL of AVM and 5mL of phosphate into Beaker 1. Fourth, place 50 mL of deionized water, 5 mL of AVM and 10 mL of phosphate into Beaker 2. Fifth, place 45 mL of deionized water, 5 mL of AVM and 15 mL of phosphate into Beaker 3. Sixth, place 40 mL of deionized …show more content…
This was obtained by comparing the amount of phosphate to the absorbance that was calculated for each beaker. By analyzing the results of the Unknown beaker and comparing it to the national standard maximum in the United States, it is safe to say that the faucet used is safe for humans to use. The 0.3010 mg/L absorbance found for the Unknown was way less than the 3 mg/L, which is the United States standard maximum. It is important to note that the experiment should be repeated at least 3 times so that the results may be considered accurate. It would be interesting to expand this research for different areas in the Orlando area and different cities in Florida, to see where the healthiest waters can be found and what are possible causes could there be for having more contamination in an area than