Detection of Nitrogen Levels in Sample Using Novel, Accessible, Cost Effective, Accurate, Safe, Simple, Reusable Method

Overview

Many environmental troubles stem from excess of Nitrogen (N), for example, the runoff of surplus N from soil causes algae blooms and endangers marine wildlife. To deal with this, farmers currently use N test kits to measure and confirm that the soil has healthy amounts of N. Since I found the average N test kit to be expensive, I aspired to find a more cost effective, accessible, safe, and equally accurate N tester. I went from testing for pH (N excess means a higher pH level) by using beetroot and turmeric to running electrolysis on a sample of N (I learned of these concepts in school), the latter of which was a more successful method. By running electrolysis (using 2 copper-wire electrodes) on a sample of 2.57M Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH), and comparing to my results from different concentrations of fertilizer-in-water, I could create a spectrum of different shades of blue solutions (after electrolysis) which were either lacking, healthy, or a surplus for plants. I succeeded in meeting my original criteria - anyone with a 9V 1amp battery, 2 copper wires, and a container to keep their liquids in could complete this test at home within 10 minutes. The initial price of both methods being the same, my method costs 6 cents per use, and the current commercial N-test-kits, 60 cents per use. By comparing results between my method and a commercial test kit, I concluded that both are equally effective.

Competition history

• ISEF 2021 Chemistry · Entry CHEM034

Resources

• ISEF abstract page ↗

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