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Water Pollution Science Fair Project

Wetland Pollution and Hidden Contaminants

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Wetland Pollution and Hidden Contaminants | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Can you spot every pollutant in a pond or marsh just by looking? Some pollution floats on the surface as litter. But other contaminants dissolve into the water where they stay invisible. You visit a wetland and search for visible pollution sources. A recorder in each group lists every type found. Then you discuss what harmful substances might be present but hidden from sight. After the survey, you test five clear liquids that all look like plain water. One holds sugar. Another holds vinegar. Others contain salt or citric acid. Tasting them with cotton swabs proves that clear water is not always clean water.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that water pollution can have a negative effect on wildlife and human habitats.

Method & Materials

You will take a trip to a wetland area, divide into groups, and look for different types of pollution. After discussing the pollution, you will pick up the litter pollution and take it back to school.
You will need paper, pencils, clipboards, rubber gloves, plastic garbage bags, and art supplies.

Results

Through this experiment, students were able to identify different pollutants in a wetland area and relate a pollution prevention message through words and art. It was also observed that some pollutants can not be seen.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting and unique because it allows students to explore a wetland area and discover the different types of pollution that can affect the water and the plants and animals that live in it.

Also Consider

Experiment variations to consider include taking a trip to a different wetland area or exploring a different type of water source.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

Related video

These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
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