Phytoextraction

[mokie]

HI!

Here again, after my first scratched idea of a science fair project, I finally found (what I think is) a good project .
The school decided to have an early screening so that we can work out the project during summer. My topic is about phytoextraction. I'll be comparing the abilities of water hyacinth and hydrilla in extracting common waste elements produced by mining facilities. My only problem is the methodology, I'm thinking of controlling a setup contaminated by some elements but having doubt of the price for buying the elements to be used and the elements to be used, considering that I live in the Philippines and availability and Cost is a big factor, so as a solution, I was thinking of collecting a sample from an actual mining facility. Which do you think?

And another problem are the lab tests to be done.. I was thinking water tests before and after on the setups and plant tissue analysis on the plants before and after...?? Are there specific tests to be done regarding the project? Please I need some suggestions on the project... The SRC is really strict on the cost of the project so I have to choose wisely on what tests to be done otherwise, I'd only be wasting money.. HELP!? Maniana habit is totally in my blood since I'm fond of unintentional cramming and our teacher is only giving us by the end of the week for us to approve the project.. SO PLEASE I NEED HELP!!!

Trisha

[ScienceExpert123]

Hi Trisha,

Your project seems extremely interesting!! To provide you with more help, I have a few questions:
what toxins/chemical wastes do you want to test?
do you access to ordering products from the internet, if you can't find them in the Philippines?
do you live near a college or some place that tests water (possibly some place where the government monitors the water, or even if a mining company monitors the water)?

[mokie]

@ScienceExpert123

Hmm... I plan on using Zinc, Lead or Mercury since its quite common in mining industries but I'm having doubt since these are heavy metals. I'm not quite the internet shopping type and I'm not sure where I could buy the metals. We have a university nearby but I'm not sure if they offer this kind of lab test. I went to the MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) website and found that they were offering lab services. I checked out the list (browsed a long list) and couldn't understand the services listed.

Here's the link for the tests with their fees:
http://www.mgb.gov.ph/pgs.aspx?pgsid=29

I think the listed tests are in section 4.8.2 after the middle portion. And I'm still looking for the services for the plant tissue analysis. I really appreciated your quick reply THANK YOU!! Hoping to hear more.

Cheers!
Trisha

[mokie]

I just passed the first screening for the project but before I move on experimentation I got to have approval from our science faculty department head... I'm not really confident yet with my methodology since I'm having a hard time looking for the procedures in conducting water analysis for heavy metals.. Can anyone suggest websites that have the procedure for water analysis for heavy metals? it's the last piece of the puzzle and I really really really really need the procedure. HELP Please!!

Sincerely,
Trisha

[ScienceExpert123]

I'm glad to hear you got past your first screening!!

I know that when testing water you can buy kits that show you the presence of certain metals.
For example, http://www.amazon.com/DeeCee-Labs-Heavy ... hpc_text_b

I don't know if you have access to purchasing products on Amazon, but if you do, you can pretty much search whatever test you want and it will come up (search for "copper water test", "lead water test", "mercury water test.")

Also, be aware that some of these tests are basically sample collection apparatuses that you mail to a lab to analyze.

let me know if you need any more help

good luck,
scienceexpert123