The Effect of Propylene Glycol on Radishes
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In this experiment, we'll be testing the effect of different concentrations of propylene glycol antifreeze on the growth rate of radishes. We'll be measuring the mass of the radishes to see how the antifreeze affects them.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that the greater the concentration of propylene glycol used to water radishes, the less they will grow.
Method & Materials
You will prepare the work station, prepare the planting cups, make a list of the antifreeze concentrations, hang a heat lamp, create the propylene glycol mixtures, water the plants, check for signs of growth, record data, and pull out the radishes when one of the groups has died.
You will need 216 radish seeds, 180 potting cups, 1 bag of planting soil, 1 plastic sheet, 5 gallons of 1.0% propylene glycol and 99.0% H2O, 5 gallons of 0.5% propylene glycol and 99.5% H2O, 10 gallons of 100.0% H2O, 1 small plastic sheet, and 1 heat lamp.
Results
The results of the experiment showed that the plants watered with 1.0% propylene glycol died, and the plants watered with 0.5% propylene glycol grew poorly. This indicates that the hypothesis should be accepted.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it tests the effect of a pollutant on a plant, which can help us understand how pollutants can affect the environment.
Also Consider
Variations to consider include testing the effect of different types of antifreeze, different amounts of antifreeze, and different types of plants.
Full project details
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