Nuclear Plant

Overview

Objectives/Goals My project was to determine the effect of a minor source of radiation(thorium containing lantern mantles) on plant growth. I hypothesized that the plants exposed to radiation would suffer ill effects ranging from slower growth rates to mutations. Methods/Materials My project was to determine the effect of a minor source of radiation(thorium containing lantern mantles) on plant growth. I hypothesized that the plants exposed to radiation would suffer ill effects ranging from slower growth rates to mutations. Results In most cases the plants suffered detrimental effects when exposed to the lantern mantles. In some this was slower growth, but in others actual abnormalities appeared. 41% of the zinnia seedlings failed to sprout in one trial when exposed to radiation. But, in a later trial the rate of zinnia seeds sprouting compared to the control. The beans showed the most noticeable effect from radiation. Not only did specimens exposed to radiation consistently show a slower growth rate, 17% showed abnormalities. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis was supported by this experiment. Plants exposed to radiation during my experiment most often exhibited negative effects. If these same effects carry over to trashed lantern mantles at campsites and dumps, what might be the possible environmental effect?

Competition history

• CSEF 2013 Pharmacology/ Toxicology · Entry J1718

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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