Air and Water Pollution | Experiment 2 - Eutrophication: The effect of phosphates on water plants

Experiment 2
Eutrophication: The effect of phosphates on water plants

Purpose/Hypothesis

Phosphorus is a vital nutrient that both plants and people need. Plants use phosphorus for converting sunlight into energy, cell growth, and reproduction. Organisms usually take in phosphorous in the form of phosphate, a phosphorous compound. Because they promote plant growth, phosphates are one of the nutrients in many agricultural and garden fertilizers. Many dishwasher detergents add phosphates to reduce spotting on glasses and dishes. Laundry detergents can contain phosphates to soften the water.

Troubleshooter's Guide

Below is a problem that may arise during this experiment, some possible causes, and some ways to remedy the problem.

Problem: All the lichen looked the same.

Possible cause: It is possible that much of the...

[The entire page is 1430 words long]

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