What is the effect of increasing pH concentration (pH 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) on the germination and growth of mustard seeds?

Authors Avatar by chatterjeesharmirediffmailcom (student)

Acid Deposition

Research question:

What is the effect of increasing pH concentration (pH 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) on the germination and growth of mustard seeds?

Background Information

Acid rain is caused by the presence of SO, NO which mixes with the atmospheric gases and in the soil which is emitted by human activities such as mining. Acid rain has a pH which is lower than 5.6 which harms the soil and affects the growth rate. Natural rain has a pH of about 5.6 or above.

The soil seeps the acidic water and affects the roots. Poor root growth will affect the strength of the plant and the amount of protein content in the plant reduces.

Mustard seeds germinate fast and mature very quickly. For quicker growth of mustard seeds, a neutral pH is required which increases the germination rate.

Hypothesis

Acid rain will reduce the germination and growth rate of mustard seeds and prevent the germination of seeds. The Lower the pH, the greater the reduction in growth rate.1

Variables:- Table-1 – Dependent and independent  

Table -2 Controlled variables , their effect on the experiment and  how to control them.

Join now!

Apparatus

  • 30 Petri dishes with lid (this includes 5 replicas for each set )
  • Marker for labeling
  • Mustard seeds of the same type bought from the nursery
  • 10  mustard seeds were kept in each petridish
  • Forceps
  • Ruler for measuring growth of seeds in mm and cm.
  • Scissors
  • Cotton to soak the seeds and keep in the Petri dish

Procedure

  • 5 Petri dishes were taken with lids and labeled pH 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. (3 replicas for each pH was kept)
  • pH solutions of different levels are made using sulphuric acid.
  • pH1: 4cmᵌ of ...

This is a preview of the whole essay