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Water Pollution Science Fair Project

Oil Spills and Aquatic Plants

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Oil Spills and Aquatic Plants | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Oil spills are a serious environmental problem. When oil spills on water, it forms a thin layer on the surface that blocks sunlight and prevents air from reaching the plants living in the water. Without photosynthesis, the plants will not be able to grow, germinate and produce oxygen. Let's see what happens when oil spills on water.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that the plant living in the beaker with a layer of oil on the surface will not be able to perform photosynthesis, and will hence stop producing oxygen.

Method & Materials

You will need two hydrilla plants, two beakers, two test tubes, two funnels, one liter of water, one ruler, and 10ml of engine oil. You will place the hydrilla plants in the beakers, pour 10ml of engine oil into one of the beakers, and observe the amount of oxygen produced by the hydrilla plants.
You will need two hydrilla plants, two beakers, two test tubes, two funnels, one liter of water, one ruler, and 10ml of engine oil.

Results

The results showed that the hydrilla plant in the beaker with a layer of oil stopped producing oxygen after 3 hours, while the plant in the beaker without the oil continued to produce oxygen even after 5 hours. This proves that the hypothesis is true.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it shows how oil spills can have a devastating effect on aquatic plants. It also shows how oil spills can contaminate the food chain and affect humans.

Also Consider

Variations of this science project include limiting the light that enters the sides of the beaker by covering the sides with a cardboard, and testing for the growth of the plants by measuring the weight of the plants before adding the oil and 3 days after adding the oil.

Full project details

You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!

Related videos

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