Going Green with Grey Water

Overview

Objectives/Goals My project tested the survival rate of red worms to seven dilutions of 4 dish soaps (2 conventional and 2 eco-friendly)to determine if grey water with eco-friendly soap residue allowed for a higher worm survival rate. Methods/Materials 4 liquid dish soaps, 2 conventional and 2 eco-friendly. Each soap was divided into 7 categories of 100ml: 100% soap; 50% dilution; 25% dilution; 12.50% dilution; 6% dilution; 3% dilution; 100% water. Each of the 28 samples were mixed individually with 4 oz of potting soil in a 16 oz paper container. 4 live red worms were added to each of the 28 containers then covered with the vented lids after making 4 additional perforations with a toothpick to insure adequate air flow. The containers were placed on a patio table outside for 5 days. Results Palmolive Eco - 100% survived at dilutions of 0%, 3%, 6%, 12.5%, 25%. 25% survived at 50% dilution. 0% survived at 100% soap. Green Works - 100% survived at dilutions of 0%, 3%, 6%. 25% survived at 12.5% dilution. 0% survived at 25% and 50% dilutions. 0% survival at 100% soap. Dawn - 50% survived at 0% and 12.5% dilutions. 100% survived at 3% dilution. 75% survived at 6%. 0% survived at 25%, 50% dilutions and 100% soap. Palmolive Conventional - 100% survived at 0% and 3% dilutions. 50% survived at 6% dilution. 0% survived at 12.5%, 25%,50% dilutions and 100% soap. Conclusions/Discussion The worm survival rate was higher for the eco-friendly soaps, especially in dilutions of 25% or greater. This suggests that grey water from eco-friendly soaps sufficiently diluted could be used for irrigation and toilet flushing, which would reduce potable water use.

Competition history

• CSEF 2012 Pharmacology/ Toxicology · Entry J1728

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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