Determining the Effects of Battery Acid on the Survival Rate of Eisenia fetida

Overview

Objectives/Goals My objective is to determine if measured amounts of battery acid will contaminate soil enough to shorten the lifespan of the "Eisenia fetida." I believe that placing "Eisenia fetida" in soil contaminated by battery acid will decrease their survival rate. Methods/Materials Three Text Variables were set up by placing "Eisenia fetida" into small trays. The trays were filled with soil and moistened with water contaminated by measured amounts of battery acid. The Test Variables had ten trials in each variable. The survival rate of "Eisenia fetida" was recorded over a period of 5 days. Results The survival rate of "Eisenia fetida" in all three Test Variables decreased by at least 90% when contaminated with acid from single use batteries with in a couple of days. All three Test Variables showed no signs of life after only three days of exposure to contamination. Conclusions/Discussion Battery Acid does have an effect on the survival rate of "Eisenia fetida". Based on my experiment, the "Eisenia fetida" in all three Test Variables had died after just 3 days into the experiment. It is possible that the battery acid in the water affected the PH level of the soil which quickly decreased the survival rate of the "Eisenia fetida." The battery acid also seemed to change the appearance of the "Eisenia fetida." Many were discolored and deformed. The "Eisenia fetida" in the Control Group however, showed no abnormalities such as this. Batteries are filled with harmful, toxic substances that contaminate our soil and negatively affect our environment. Incorrect disposal of batteries could possibly have a tragic effect on the earth in which we live.

Competition history

• CSEF 2013 Pharmacology/ Toxicology · Entry J1720

Resources

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