Determination of the Ideal Concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide Solution for the Growth of Flowering Plants

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of this research was to determine which concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) solution would be optimal for the maximum growth of a plant. Methods/Materials Five flowering viola plants and five flowering impatien plants were purchased and repotted into separate flower pots containing a general potting soil which had no added fertilizers. The violas and impatiens were separated into two different groups, and each pot was labeled according to the percentage of H(2)O(2) solution that the plant would receive. Every other day, for two weeks, each plant was watered with 40 mL with its respected concentration of H(2)O(2), and the height and length of each plant was recorded. The four different percentages of H(2)O(2) solutions (1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, 6%) were diluted, using tap water, from a 30% hydrogen peroxide solution before watering the plants. Seven recordings of each plant were taken by the end of this experiment. Results Overall, the flowering plants which were watered with the 1.5% concentration of H(2)O(2) grew the tallest and longest. The growth of the flowering plants watered with 3% H(2)O(2) did not support the hypothesis because the plants did not reach optimal height or length growth. The growth of plants watered with 4.5% and 6% H(2)O(2)solutions declined until the plants had wilted. The control group, which was not watered with any concentration of H(2)O(2), grew at a steady rate, but did not grow as tall or long as the plants in 1.5% H(2)O(2) solution. Conclusions/Discussion Through the experimentation, it was determined that the usage of hydrogen peroxide generally led to an increase in plant growth depending on the concentration of the solution. At a low concentration of 1.5%, the growth of the plant was enhanced, while at a high concentration of 4.5% and 6%, the growth of the plant was stunted. The 3% concentration of H(2)O(2), which is marketed by the horticultural industry, initially helped the plant to grow, and then caused the plant to wilt. This data suggests that the decomposition of H(2)O(2) solution within the soil of the plant directly affects the growth of plants, and depending on how dilute or concentrated the solution of H(2)O(2), the solution can be beneficial for plants.

Competition history

• CSEF 2007 Pharmacology/ Toxicology · Entry S1517

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