Based on the data collected from the experiment that was conducted, the presence of agricultural runoff is harmful to an elodea plant. Although the rate of growth was only minorly affected, the harsh chemicals in the solution killed the plants. The null hypothesis cannot be rejected since the Chi-square value, 3.34, is less than the critical value of 7.81, as can be seen in Table 1. Additionally in Figure 1, the differences in the height of the plants are trivial, for they are only off by a few centimeters. The control group showed the greatest amount of growth, saw the least amount of leaves lost, and appeared to be the healthiest out of all of the trials as is displayed by the various photographs taken over the duration of the experiment.
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In doing so, the trials all received the same amount of light, the same temperature, and the same humidity. All of the plants were measured out to the same length and received the same type of water, tap water. Although, the results of the experiment could have still been affected by underlying variables. One of which includes the type of water used. Since elodea is a pond plant, it grows best in water that mimics its natural environment. Tap water contains higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and sodium (Azoulay, Garzon, and Eisenberg). The type of water is used is neither rich in phosphorus nor nitrogen, which is what elodea thrives in for it grows in abundance in locations near barnyards, crops, or septic systems (Swistock). If I were to conduct this experiment again, I might consider using water with a greater amount of phosphorus to mimic the plant’s natural …show more content…
In runoff, there is a heavy existence of the chemical ammonia, which causes the most damage since it is an extreme base. Windex contains ammonia and many other harmful chemicals. One of which includes ethylene glycol n-hexyl ether which is used as a detergent and dissolves oil and dirt (Parris). Like all plants, especially aquatic plants, elodea has a waxy layer on the surface of its leaves to limit water loss. Detergents, such as this chemical, break down lipid membranes such as the one that encases the leaf of the plant. This results in the plant no longer functioning the same way because this is where photosynthesis occurs. The waxy layering is what retains water for photosynthesis. If the experiment were to be conducted again, I would use a concentrated ammonia solution. A pure ammonia solution would mimic more closely what real agriculture runoff
In doing so, the trials all received the same amount of light, the same temperature, and the same humidity. All of the plants were measured out to the same length and received the same type of water, tap water. Although, the results of the experiment could have still been affected by underlying variables. One of which includes the type of water used. Since elodea is a pond plant, it grows best in water that mimics its natural environment. Tap water contains higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and sodium (Azoulay, Garzon, and Eisenberg). The type of water is used is neither rich in phosphorus nor nitrogen, which is what elodea thrives in for it grows in abundance in locations near barnyards, crops, or septic systems (Swistock). If I were to conduct this experiment again, I might consider using water with a greater amount of phosphorus to mimic the plant’s natural …show more content…
In runoff, there is a heavy existence of the chemical ammonia, which causes the most damage since it is an extreme base. Windex contains ammonia and many other harmful chemicals. One of which includes ethylene glycol n-hexyl ether which is used as a detergent and dissolves oil and dirt (Parris). Like all plants, especially aquatic plants, elodea has a waxy layer on the surface of its leaves to limit water loss. Detergents, such as this chemical, break down lipid membranes such as the one that encases the leaf of the plant. This results in the plant no longer functioning the same way because this is where photosynthesis occurs. The waxy layering is what retains water for photosynthesis. If the experiment were to be conducted again, I would use a concentrated ammonia solution. A pure ammonia solution would mimic more closely what real agriculture runoff