Low pH and leaf aches! The growth of a pea plant watered with a pH of 4.2 compared to the growth of pea plants watered with a neutral pH of 7

Objectives

The objective is to find out the growth of a pea plant watered with a pH of 4.2 compared to the growth of pea plants watered with a neutral pH of 7.

Materials and Methods 

Pea plants and water were used for the experiment. Lemon juice was put in water to reach a pH of 4.2, similar to acid rain. This research used Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix, Back to the Roots pea plant seeds, tap water, a pH meter, and a watering can. The water was treated with lemon juice and neutral pH tap water in separate sealed beakers labeled with “acid rain” and “water”. The pea plants were watered twice a week for five weeks.

Results 

The control grew the least (the pea plants watered with water). Pea plants treated with water with a neutral pH reached an average height of 0.62 cm. The plants treated with water with a pH of 4.2 reached an average height of 4.425cm. 

Conclusion

It was hypothesized that the experimental group would grow the least because acid rain deeply harms plants. After five weeks of watering two pea plants with water with a pH of 4.2 and two with water, the pea plants treated with water with a pH of 4.2 grew more than the pea plants watered with water. The hypothesis was rejected because it was predicted that the pea plants treated with water would grow more, but the opposite occurred.

H2O here: Which type of water, bottled, distilled, tap, or soap, makes your plant grow the most?

Objective

The desired goal in this process was to find out which water, out of bottled, tap, distilled, and soap, helps the radish microgreens grow best by measuring the mass of radish microgreens. 

Materials

The materials that were used were petri dishes to put the radish microgreens in, spray bottles labeled with the water types so no cross-contamination happened during watering, and popsicle sticks to make sure that we are watering the right plant, and Miracle-Gro®. Radish microgreen seeds, rulers, and scales were also needed in order for the data to be properly recorded. 

Results

The radish microgreens treated with distilled water yielded the best results, with averages of 25.6g, 27 leaves, and a height of 4.25cm. Bottled water also had strong results, with an average of 16.4g, an average of six leaves, and a height of 2.0cm. Tap water didn't grow the best, with an average of 20.61g, an average leaf count of 2-3, and a height of 2.9cm. The water group that had the least amount of observed growth was soap water, with averages of 23.12g, a leaf count of 0, and a height of 0cm. 

Conclusion

The best water to treat radish microgreens with is distilled water. Plants treated with distilled water had the highest mass, the tallest plants, and the most leaf count. This means that watering radish microgreens with distilled water is more beneficial than treating them with tap, bottled, or soap water.

pHarmaceutical Breakdown: Dissolution of Alginate-Based Drug Tablet Models Across the Digestive pH Spectrum

Objectives 

Approximately 30% of people experience abnormal stomach acidity that affects medication effectiveness. This research investigated how pH levels influence the dissolution rate of simulated drug tablets using alginate beads as models. Since drug absorption begins with dissolution, understanding this process could improve treatments worldwide. 

Materials and Methods 

Alginate beads containing Brilliant Blue dye were created using sodium alginate, calcium chloride, and distilled water. The beads were placed in solutions with different pH levels simulating the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, and a neutral control. A Vernier spectrometer measured the absorbance of the simulated digestive fluids every 10 minutes for 80 minutes as the beads dissolved. A standard curve using known dye concentrations converted absorbance values to concentration data. 

Results 

The stomach solution (pH 1.5-2) showed the fastest absorbance increase, with dye absorbance increasing in trial 1 from 0.021 to 0.463, indicating rapid dissolution. Higher pH environments, like the ileum and jejunum, demonstrated slower dissolution rates. In trial 2, ileum absorbance increased from 0.026 to 0.236, while jejunum absorbance increased from 0.010 to 0.256, both showing lower concentration changes than the acidic stomach environment. 

Conclusion 

The results indicate that sodium alginate beads dissolve more rapidly in acidic conditions and remain stable in neutral or basic environments. This supports alginate's potential as a pH-responsive material for controlled drug delivery applications, particularly for patients with varying stomach acidity levels.

Blinded by the light: How Artificial blue light can permanently damage the eyes of Drosophila melanogaster

Objectives

The objective of this experiment was to see what damage blue light did to the eyes and climbing ability of Drosophila melanogaster. 

Materials and Methods 

To test the damage, vials of fruit flies were placed in two different blue light environments as well as in complete darkness for 5 days. The experiment used two different intensity blue light bulbs: one 25‑watt equivalent bulb and one 60‑watt equivalent bulb. Flies in the complete darkness group were kept inside a covered box to ensure that no light entered. Using different light intensities allowed for comparison of whether stronger blue light caused greater damage or whether blue light in general had harmful effects. The bulbs were mounted on dome lamps and attached to table legs on opposite sides of a box to prevent mixing the light intensities.

Results 

The results of this research were based on how many flies passed 19ml on a graduated cylinder every 30 seconds and how damaged the eyes were under a microscope. The 25-watt and 60-watt groups both had lower climbing averages compared to the control group. When observing the eyes, there were more discolored spots and darker, more damaged eye pigment in the flies exposed to 25-watt and 60-watt blue lights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fruit in the different intensities of blue light had the most damaged eyes and more difficulty climbing compared to the control group. This supports the hypothesis by showing that blue light is damaging the eyes of flies.

Microplastic Uptake in Hydroponically Grown Cherry Belle Radishes: Investigating Root Absorption of 5 µm Fluorescent Microspheres.

Objectives

To find out if cherry bell radishes will uptake fluorescent microspheres through their roots in a hydroponics system and become a food safety risk.

Materials and Methods 

This testing used three hydroponics systems set up with a tank, an air pump, an air stone, plastic net pots, clay pebbles, and distilled water. Plants were placed in water containing Blue Fluorescent Microspheres 0.33g/cc - 1-5um.  

Results 

Although the results of the experiment were inconclusive, they were based on the average health of the plant, indicating that all groups, no matter the concentration of microspheres, eventually died after 8 days in the system. The average health for all plants in all systems overall was 5.8 out of 10.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the plants with the most microspheres had an overall higher average health rate than all other systems based on observations while the plants were still alive. Because of the limited data, no full conclusion can be drawn about the plants, but if done again, the experiment would need more careful planning. The evaporation of the water would need to be revisited as a restraint for the building of the system, and the plants would most likely need to spend more time in the system before the microplastics were added.

Face off: The effects of different acne cleansers on Staphylococcus epidermis

Objectives 

The objective of this experiment was to determine which cleanser would be the most effective at removing acne-causing bacteria. Four cleansers were tested, along with a control.

Materials and Methods 

Four cleansers with different active ingredients were tested: ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, CeraVe benzoyl peroxide cleanser, La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash, Acne Free Oil-Free Cleanser, and a control of distilled water. To test the effectiveness of these cleansers, autoclaved paper discs were dipped in each cleanser and placed on a petri dish inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermis, which is similar to an acne-causing bacterium, and these plates were then placed in an incubator for 48 hours.  The zone of inhibition was measured to determine effectiveness. 

Results 

It was found that the ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam was most effective at eliminating the bacteria, because it had the largest zone of inhibition of 1.45 centimeters on average. This is significantly larger than the other cleansers, and the next largest zone of inhibition, 0.73 centimeters, was La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam proved to be the most effective at eliminating Staphylococcus epidermidis when compared to the four other cleansers tested. Based on the results of this experiment, the ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam is recommended for individuals struggling with acne.

Small Plastics, Big Consequences: The effects of Fluorescent Amino-Formaldehyde Polymers on the regeneration rate of planarian flatworms 

Objectives

The objective of this experiment was to see if microplastics impact the regeneration of planaria. To do this, planaria were exposed to varying concentrations of microplastics in their food source before being amputated. The results of this research will show the risk of microplastic contamination in water sources and its potential impact on smaller aquatic organisms. While planaria are relatively small organisms, it has the potential to move up the food chain, impacting larger organisms.

Materials and Methods 

Planaria were exposed to 0 µg, 400 µg, 600 µg, 800 µg, and 1000µg of Fluorescent Amino-Formaldehyde Polymers in their food source of inoculated egg yolk. They were fed the inoculated egg yolk for thirty minutes, then separated into individual dishes. The planaria were observed under a fluorescent microscope to confirm the consumption of microplastics. The planaria were then amputated in their midsection the next day. The planarian lengths were then measured every other day for 10 days.

Results 

It was found that as planaria are exposed to larger quantities of microplastics, regeneration slowed in a dose-dependent relationship. The control group grew the most on average, 2.92mm. The 1000µg group grew the least, 0.32mm on average. A downward trend was seen between each group and the next highest concentration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, microplastics do negatively affect planarian regeneration. Supporting the hypothesis that the group exposed to 1000µg would have the slowest regeneration rate.

Stress Test: Does phosphatidylcholine improve memory in mechanically stress-induced Drosophila?

Objectives

Stress has been shown to impact memory. This research will confirm the impacts of stress on memory using a Drosophila model, while also determining if Phosphocholine can improve memory during stress.

Methods 

All Drosophila will go through a Y-maze. Food will be placed in one arm of the maze to entice Drosophila to go to that side. The Drosophila that picked the arm without the food will be dismissed from experimentation. This will be repeated 5 times to produce a group of Dropshilla that are “trained” to go to the correct arm of a Y-maze. Once trained, the Drosophila will then be divided and put under different conditions:

• Group 1: Stress-induced via a vortexer for 1 minute

• Group 2: Control

• Group 3: Stress-induced via a vortexer for 1 minute and fed 100m/L of phosphatidylcholine

• Group 4: Drosophila fed 100m/L of phosphatidylcholine 

After, Drosophila will be put in a final Y-maze assay with no incentive. The number of Drosophila that picked the trained arm will be recorded. 

Results 

47.8% of stressed Drosophila correctly completed the Y-maze assay, versus 50% of the control, showing that stress weakens memory. 63% of Drosophila given phosphatidylcholine correctly completed the Y-maze assay, and 66% of the Drosophila that were stress-induced and fed phosphatidylcholine correctly completed the Y-maze assay, showing that the phosphatidylcholine improved memory.

Conclusion

This data supports the hypothesis that the phosphatidylcholine improved the Drosophila's memory, despite their stress. Providing evidence that phosphatidylcholine can be used to improve memory.

Fresh Desalinated Water: How modern-day filtration methods can filter seawater

Objectives

The objective was to see whether or not commercial distillation, at-home distillation, or an activated carbon and ion-exchange filter would have the lowest electrical conductivity after treating seawater.

Materials and Methods 

This research used three types of filters: a commercial distillation filter, an activated carbon and ion-exchange filter, and at-home distillation with no filter as a control group. Each filter had two groups of seawater collected at Dockweiler Beach, in which the electrical conductivity was measured before and after filtration to see if the seawater was drinkable.

Results 

The commercial distillation filter had the lowest average electrical conductivity with a change of 32,067 µS/cm after filtration and was the only one possible to be consumed, with the average final electrical conductivity being 183.5 µS/cm. In comparison with the activated carbon plus ion-exchange filter, which had a change of 7,115 µS/cm, and the at-home distillation, which had a change of 24,530 µS/cm. Neither could be consumed because the activated carbon plus ion-exchange filter had an average final electrical conductivity of 31,685 µS/cm, and the at-home distillation had an average final electrical conductivity of 7,550 µS/cm.

Conclusion

Distillation had a lower electrical conductivity than the activated carbon plus ion-exchange filter, but the commercial distillation had the lowest electrical conductivity change compared to the other two filters.

Fly Away from Addiction: Testing Dibenzazepine’s Effect on Ethanol Preference in Drosophila Melanogaster

Objectives

According to W.H.O., 400 million people worldwide suffer from alcohol addiction. Due to this, this research aimed to find a treatment for alcohol addiction through a Drosophila model by inducing ethanol addiction and measuring if ethanol preference would be reduced when given Dibenzazepine, a γ-secretase inhibitor.

Methods 

To induce addiction, Drosophila were given 15% ethanol through capillaries in a CAFE Assay for two days. After the two days, Drosophila were separated into groups and treated with either 0.00mg/ml, 0.11mg/ml, or 0.14mg/ml Dibenzazepine. Post treatment, a choice test was conducted in which Drosophila were given 15% ethanol and normal food. After the choice test, the distance the food moved in the capillary was measured to quantify Normalized Food Consumption.

Results 

The results were based on the normalized food consumption for each type of food. It was found that the group given 0.11mg/ml of Dibenzazepine consumed the least amount of ethanol, 0.38µl/mg, instead of the hypothesized 0.14mg/ml, which consumed 0.42ml/mg, compared to the control that consumed 0.52ml/mg of ethanol. In addition, Drosophila given 0.14mg/ml of Dibenzazepine had the most equalized consumption with a 0.10µl/mg difference between food types. 

Conclusion

This research has shown that Dibenzazepine is a slightly effective alcohol addiction treatment. The Drosophila given Dibenzazepine consumed a decreased amount of 15% ethanol compared to Drosophila not given any. Although the response was not proportional to the amount given.

Treating substance abuse: Reducing addiction in ethanol-addicted Drosophila melanogaster by comparing exposure to haloperidol or exercise 

Objectives
Due to the prevalence of addiction-related deaths, this study examined the effects of haloperidol and exercise on reducing ethanol addiction in Drosophila melanogaster. 

Materials and Methods
Flies were addicted to ethanol through exposure to food containing 10% ethanol via capillaries for five days. Addiction was confirmed using a Y-maze test from which a preference index was calculated. The ethanol addicted flies were then treated with either haloperidol or exercise. For drug treatment, 100 mg of haloperidol was dissolved in 10 mL of DMSO, then diluted to produce a 0.025 mM solution. This solution was mixed with yeast and sucrose and provided to flies via capillaries for five days. For five days, Group 2 underwent 10 minutes of exercise with a 5-minute rest on a homemade exercise machine. The control group received neither. After treatments, all groups were tested again in the Y-maze, and the preference index was calculated to evaluate changes in ethanol addiction.

Results 

If -1 suggests complete preference, 0 suggests indifference, and 1 suggests a lack of addiction, the data demonstrates that out of the three groups, haloperidol was the least addicted. The original Y-maze preference index was -0.8, which is similar to the control group at -0.7, suggesting an ethanol preference. Meanwhile, the treated groups are less addicted, with haloperidol at -0.2 and exercise at -0.3.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is observed that while exercise and haloperidol had an impact on addiction in Drosophila melanogaster, they did not completely cure addiction. 

Guided by Light: Quantifying Phototaxis in Drosophila melanogaster using a programmable LED system

Objectives

This study tested whether a controlled, programmable light stimulus alters the distribution of Drosophila melanogaster within a two-zone arena during baseline, stimulus, and post-stimulus recovery conditions. 

Materials and Methods 

A two-zone behavioral arena was built using an Arduino Uno, breadboard, and LED light source. Using an original Arduino program, the LED was timed to run three phases: baseline (LED off), stimulus (LED on), and recovery (LED off). Ten flies were placed in the arena per trial (10 trials; plus pilot trials. At fixed time points within each phase, the number of flies located in the “light zone” was recorded. Trials were documented with video recordings to support observation and verification of fly position and behavior over time. Apple cider vinegar was used as an attractant in the arena setup to support consistent fly activity and positioning. 

Results 

Across trials, the proportion of flies in the light zone increased during the stimulus values phase compared to baseline. Baseline values typically ranged from~40-50% of flies in the light zone, while stimulus measurements increased to ~60-75%. During recovery, counts generally decreased toward baseline levels.

Conclusion

The results support the hypothesis that a timed light stimulus alters the distribution of Drosophila melanogaster in a two-zone arena, consistent with phototaxis. The system uses inexpensive parts and original, customizable code with video documentation, offering an accessible platform for scalable behavioral testing to measure how environmental cues (like light) influence insect movement and preference, which can support broader studies of sensory behavior and stimulus-driven decisions.

Modulating Malformations: Understanding Indole-3-Carbinol’s role in Inhibiting NaCl-Induced Developmental Malformations in Dugesia japonica

Objectives

The objective of this research was to understand Indole-3-Carbinol’s (I3C) role in inhibiting Sodium Chloride (NaCl)-induced developmental malformations in planarian species Dugesia japonica. The results from this study would contribute to a greater understanding of harnessing I3C to treat pregnant individuals who have a maternal high-salt diet.

Materials and Methods

Stock solutions of NaCl and I3C were created and diluted for five different groups. Planaria were acclimated before being decapitated. Planaria were exposed to 1.5 g/L NaCl, 3 g/L NaCl, 50 μM I3C, 50 μM I3C with 3 g/L NaCl, and 0.1% DMSO, and were measured every other day for a period of three weeks. Final measurements measured regeneration polarity and blastema formation.

Results

Control measurements found no malformations. The 1.5 g/L NaCl group had regeneration polarities ranging from 162°-180°, and blastema ratios ranged from 0.54-10.53mm. The 3 g/L NaCl group had occurrences of doubletail and growths. Regeneration polarities ranged from 144°-173°, and blastema ratios ranged from 1.209-2.160mm.

Conclusion

NaCl, in different concentrations, has proved to induce developmental malformations in planaria. In addition to visible malformations, excessively high/low ratios indicated anterior/posterior dominance. This displays NaCl’s ability to hinder development. With this data, more information can be brought to light about the risks of high-salt diets.

Phos and Furious: Impact of the fire repellent Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate on Chlorella Vulgaris

Objectives

The objective of this experiment was to determine if the use of dry chemical fire extinguishers containing ammonium dihydrogen phosphate affects the growth rate of Chlorella Vulgaris. Thus, different concentrations of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate were added to Chlorella Vulgaris, and the transmittance was measured over time. 

Materials and Methods 

The experiment used seven Erlenmeyer flasks: one control containing distilled water and six experimental flasks. Each experimental flask received a prepared solution at one of three concentrations of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate: 0.2 g, 0.4 g, or 0.6 g. Each flask, including the control, had 7.5 mL of Chlorella vulgaris added. All flasks were connected to air pumps equipped with air stones to provide continuous aeration and support algal growth. Transmittance was measured at consistent intervals on designated lab days throughout the experiment to monitor algae growth. 

Results 

The results were measured in transmittance using a spectrometer. The data showed that flasks treated with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate had lower transmittance than the control group, indicating increased algal growth. Average transmittance decreased to 57.3%, 55.1%, and 54.9% for 0.2 g, 0.4 g, and 0.6 g treatments, respectively, compared to 64.09% in the control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results show use of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate increases the growth rate of Chlorella Vulgaris. Suggesting that even small amounts of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate can run off into water systems and potentially contribute to algal blooms that harm marine ecosystems, wildlife, and water quality.

The effects of Quercetin on the expression of amyloid-beta fibrils in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans 

Objectives

The objective of this experiment was to see the effects of Quercetin on the expression of amyloid-beta fibrils in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans that are models of Alzheimer's. This was done in hopes of finding a more cost-effective and accessible form of treatment for Alzheimer's. 

Materials and Methods 

This experiment had 3 groups: a group treated with 500 µmols/L of Quercetin, a control group, and a vehicle control group containing DMSO. The treatment was applied to the experimental C elegans through their food source of OP50. After 6 days, the basal slowing rate of the C elegans was measured by counting the number of bends in 20 seconds. 

Results 

The results were based on the number of bends in the C. elegans after 6 days. The group treated with Quercetin had the greatest increase in locomotion, with an average of 22.2 bends. While the control group recorded an average of 18.9 bends, and the Vehicle Control containing DMSO averaged at 15.8 bends. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the experimental group had the highest basal slowing rate. This supports the hypothesis that Quercetin is an effective treatment for Alzheimer's, because the increased number of bends is likely a result of a reduction in Aβ proteins, therefore meaning a depletion of the effects of Alzheimer's.

Polyphenols vs. Plaques: A Tiny Worm Takes on Alzheimer’s: The effect of EGCG and Oleuropein on the production of A𝛽 fibrils in transgenic C. elegans. 

Objectives

The goal of this research is to determine whether Oleuropein or EGCG reduces symptoms in transgenic C. elegans expressing Aβ fibril accumulation associated with Alzheimer's.  Reducing Aβ fibrils decreases Alzheimer's symptoms, which improves the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients. 

Methods 

5 plates of transgenic C. elegans were treated with 220 µmol/L EGCG dissolved in DMSO,  5 plates were treated with 50 µmol/L Oleuropein dissolved in DMSO,  a control group was not treated, and a vehicle control was treated with 0.5% DMSO. All treatments were incorporated into the C. elegans food source of inoculated LB broth. After 3 days of exposure, the Basal Slowing Rate of each plate was measured. In addition, the C. elegans were stained with Thioflavin T for microscopic visualization of Aβ fibril accumulation.  

Results 

BSR was measured to determine the locomotive functioning of treated C. elegans. Oleuropein had the highest average BSR (13.3), followed by EGCG (10.7), Control (8.3), and Vehicle Control (7.3). Although C. elegans were stained successfully, data could not be collected due to the incompatibility of the fluorescent attachment and the microscope. 

Conclusion

C. elegans treated with Oleuropein had the highest BSR and, therefore highest locomotive functioning, implying that C. elegans treated with Oleuropein had reduced A𝛽 fibrils. This suggests that ingesting Oleuropein reduces the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and improves quality of life. 

Spill the Green Tea: Ability of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) to Enhance Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity in Caenorhabditis elegans Exposed to 100µM Copper Sulfate (CuSO4)

Objectives

This study evaluated the protective effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) against heavy metal-induced oxidative stress by measuring Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity and basal slowing in C. elegans exposed to copper sulfate and varying EGCG concentrations.

Materials and Methods 

C. elegans were cultured in NGM plates with E. coli OP50 and exposed to EGCG concentrations (0, 10, 30, and 50µg/mL) and 50µl 100µM copper sulfate. SOD activity was measured using absorbance readings of each sample and the SOD standard to eventually derive final SOD levels across the four C. elegans samples. Basal slowing (BSR) was additionally measured by counting the average number of bends within 20 seconds across five C. elegans per plate.

Results 

Control C. elegans (no EGCG) had an SOD activity of -0.94U/mL and a BSR of 22.2. The 10µg/mL EGCG group had an SOD activity of 0U/mL and a BSR of 24. The 30µg/mL group had an SOD activity of 2.08U/mL and a BSR of 36.2. Lastly, the 50µg/mL group had an SOD activity of 1.66U/mL and a BSR of 14.4. Ultimately, C. elegans receiving 30µg/mL EGCG had the highest SOD activity and BSR.

Conclusion

The hypothesis that 50µg/mL EGCG would be the most effective concentration in increasing SOD activity was not supported. As 30µg/mL EGCG demonstrated maximum protective effects, the data suggests that more diluted EGCG concentrations optimize antioxidant activity against oxidative stress, heavy metal toxicity, and diseases associated.

Killer Scents: Investigating the Effects of Different Phthalate Exposure on Drosophila Melanogaster Fertility and Larval Development

Objectives
The objective of this experiment was to examine how exposure to two common environmental contaminants—dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP) affects key biological processes in Drosophila melanogaster, specifically survival and reproductive output.

Materials and Methods
Drosophila melanogaster were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of DBP or DINP (0.25 mL/L, 0.5 mL/L, and 1.0 mL/L) mixed into their food for one week, with all other conditions kept constant. A control group received no phthalate exposure. Two independent trials were conducted. After a week, adult survival was recorded and total egg production was measured through direct counting to assess impacts on reproduction and developmental success.

Results
DINP caused the greatest biological disruption in both survival and egg production. No adults survived at DINP concentrations of 0.5 mL/L or higher. DBP showed a more gradual pattern: minimal effects at 0.25 mL/L, but substantial reductions in survival and reproductive output at 0.5 mL/L and 1.0 mL/L. Egg production decreased from 36 eggs in the control group to as few as 4 eggs at the highest DBP concentration.

Conclusion

The results did not support the original hypothesis, as low‑dose DBP exposure did not significantly reduce egg production. Instead, DINP emerged as the more disruptive contaminant, causing extensive mortality and reproductive impairment. Because phthalates are widespread in human environments as endocrine‑disrupting chemicals, these findings highlight how environmental contaminants can interfere with essential biological processes such as reproduction and development, raising broader concerns about long‑term reproductive health.

Alcohol vs Bacteria: Resistance over generations

Objectives

Alcohols, including ethanol and Isopropyl alcohol, are crucial for disinfection in hospitals and other public spaces. Although effective, bacteria can become resistant to alcohol through repeated exposure. This research aims to see how quickly bacteria exposed to alcohols gain resistance. 

Materials and Methods 

Agar plates and 70%, 80%, and 90% ethanol and isopropyl alcohol solutions were prepared. The agar plates were then inoculated with E. coli, and sterilized hole punches that were either soaked in 70%, 80%, and 90% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. The soaked disks were applied to the inoculated plates and incubated for 48 hours. Bacteria from the inhibition edges were re-cultured onto new plates with the same alcohol concentrations, and the disk diffusion process was repeated across generations until the zone of inhibition disappeared.

Results 

The results were based on the overall reduction in zone of inhibition. It was found that by the end of the 3rd generation, all agar plates showed 0mm zone of inhibition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, E. coli dishes exposed to ethanol or isopropyl alcohol produced a 0mm zone of inhibition by the 3rd generation. Supporting the hypothesis that with repeated exposure to alcohol concentrations, E. coli will show a decreasing zone of inhibition over successive exposures. 

Filtering the Future: Creating a bioreactor system for water filtration and environmental protection

Objectives

This research focused on designing a bioreactor system that utilizes biomimicry and organic compounds to filter out contaminants from water.

Materials and Methods 

To construct this device, anode and cathode chambers were elevated in a cascade sequence for optimal efficiency. Each anode chamber contained an organic system mimicking wetland conditions to filter water as it flowed through. To test this, different concentrations of chemically based fertilizer were added to water and placed in the first chamber, and then tested in each chamber, showcasing each cell’s filtration. Water quality test strips and a TDS meter were used for pH, total dissolved solids, and various contaminants, including inorganic ions, trace elements, and chemical additives.

Results 

Each level of the bioreactor system removed contaminants from chemical fertilizer in the water, with an average 58.63% decrease in sulfates, 88.5% decrease in nitrates, and 100% decrease in iron from start to finish. In addition to this, the system generated an increasing amount of electricity as it flowed down to each chamber.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the bioreactor system was efficient in both water filtration and electricity generation, supporting the hypothesis that the device would be able to purify water in accordance with the EPA water standards. All water samples complied with the EPA’s water quality standards once completing its cycle through the device, demonstrating that artificial wetland systems offer an effective and safe solution to mitigate the harmful impacts of fertilizer runoff on aquatic ecosystems, local water sources, and public health.