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Project Summary
| Difficulty | 6 |
| Time required | Average (about one week) |
| Material Availability | Readily available |
| Cost | Very Low (under $20) |
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| * Note: This is an abbreviated project idea, without notes to start your background research or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated project ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a project idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk. |
Objective
The objective of this science fair project is to investigate if watering with recycled water affects the safety of school lawns.
Abstract
Reclaimed (treated) wastewater can be used for many purposes, including landscape watering and freeing up valuable fresh water for other purposes (like drinking water). It's a great way to conserve water, but is it really safe? This science fair project is designed to find out.Experimental Procedure
Before starting this science fair project, you'll need to read about, water quality, water testing, growing grass, and how water is recycled. Once you're familiar with these topics, start your science fair project by growing three patches of lawn in three separate miniature greenhouses. You'll have to decide how to create your greenhouses; one way is to make them out of plastic boxes, chicken wire, and clear plastic trash bags. Water one lawn patch with recycled water, one with distilled water, and the third with tap water. Measure the growth rates of each grass patch and compare their general appearances. Read the guide on Measuring Plant Growth for more ideas on how to evaluate the three lawns. Collect water runoff samples, and using one or more water quality testing kits, test each for pathogens, nutrients, and other characteristics. Water-quality testing kits can be purchased from a variety of science supply stores. See the Approved Supplier Program page for a list of potential vendors.
Variations
- For more science project ideas in this area of science, see Environmental Engineering Project Ideas.
Credits
Theresa J. Hannig
Last edit date: 2009-10-15 13:30:12
Career Focus
If you like this project, you might want to think about career opportunities in
Environmental Engineering.
Environmental engineers plan projects around their city or state—like municipal water systems, landfills, recycling centers, or sanitation facilities—that are essential to the health of the people who live there. Environmental engineers also work to minimize the impact of human developments, like new roads or dams, on environments and habitats, and they strive to improve the quality of our air, land, and water. Learn more about this career: Environmental Engineer.
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