What are some possible solutions to why this has happened???

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binklech
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2009 4:43 pm
Occupation: student
Project Question: How do green cleaners compare to traditional cleaners in their effect on aquatic microorganisms?
Project Due Date: Feb. 25, 2009
Project Status: I am finished with my experiment and analyzing the data

What are some possible solutions to why this has happened???

Post by binklech »

Okay, so in my experiment, I put daphnia (small aquatic microorganisms) into solutions of water mixed with a green (earth-friendly) cleaner OR a traditional cleaner. The two cleaners I used are Chlorox Green Works Natural All-Purpose Cleaner and Fantastik Oxy Power Cleaner. My hypothesis was that the daphnia would live longer in the solution of water and green cleaner than the water and traditional cleaner. My results- the exact opposite! How could the daphnia survive longer in a regular cleaner than a 99.93% natural cleaner? What could be a cause for this?
deleted-71827
Former Expert
Posts: 404
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:27 pm
Occupation: Research Assistant
Project Question: Neuroregeneration
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Re: What are some possible solutions to why this has happened???

Post by deleted-71827 »

Hi!
In order to figure out the possible cause of this, you should probably look into the ingredients of each cleaner and research the typical environment of Daphnia in which they grow the best. If all else fails, repeat the experiment again, and see if you get the same results! Also, let us know what your exact procedure was so we can perhaps pinpoint a specific problem with your procedure which led you to these results. Good luck!
"There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere." -Isaac Asimov
deleted-71447
Former Expert
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Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:43 am
Occupation: Research Hydrologist
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Re: What are some possible solutions to why this has happened???

Post by deleted-71447 »

Hi binklech,
Commercial labels about "natural" ingredients can be easily misinterpreted, or even misleading. The term is used to sell products, and it does not necessarily relate to the toxicity of those products for humans or for other organisms. Consider, for example, that alcohol is 100% natural, but is fairly toxic to Daphnia (and people). "Chlorox Green Works Natural All-Purpose Cleaner" contains "corn-based ethanol" which is alcohol. The cleaner may also contain other ingredients that are toxic to daphnia, such as the "biodegradable preservatives".
http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/produ ... hp?id=napc
Good luck!
Chris
binklech
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2009 4:43 pm
Occupation: student
Project Question: How do green cleaners compare to traditional cleaners in their effect on aquatic microorganisms?
Project Due Date: Feb. 25, 2009
Project Status: I am finished with my experiment and analyzing the data

Re: What are some possible solutions to why this has happened???

Post by binklech »

Thank you soooo much! This really helped me write my conclusion :D
deleted-71447
Former Expert
Posts: 1019
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:43 am
Occupation: Research Hydrologist
Project Question: n/a
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Re: What are some possible solutions to why this has happened???

Post by deleted-71447 »

I'm glad it helped. Please let us know how it all turns out.
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