Super-absorbent polymer prepared from orange peels

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,
Thanks so much for clarifying. Sure I will put in excel and plot the graph and send you. For reflections I made changes as per your suggestions. Again without your guidance, I can’t imagine if I would be able to come to this point.
Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

You are welcome, Lakshita! You could do this in your own way. I just polish it up a bit. Good writing and clear thinking both take practice, but they can be learned. Find what you like to do best and what you are good at and go from there.

Send me your data on a spreadsheet and I will see how it looks when plotted.

I forgot--what grade are you in? Not too soon to be thinking about college. I happen to think that science and technology offer the most satisfying careers, but only for some people. Helping others and empowering them is what I enjoy now, but the demands and rewards of experimental science and the possibilities of finding something new about the world are still an extraordinarily powerful attraction--to me, at least.

All the best,

Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,

I am so glad to let you know that I completed all my experiments and results turned out to be as expected. Plants grew well. I was busy working on the log book, collecting and sorting out all pictures. Thanks for your guidance and I am so happy that I arrived at satisfactory results. Only 2 more weeks to go for the competition. There is lot of paper work to be completed still. Can you please review on the below writeup for observations/results and Abstract. Also attaching herewith graph for step 1 experiment. Please clarify if SEM shown on the graph is good.

Abstract

Will Biodegradable Superabsorbent Polymers made out of Orange/Avocado peels help combat Drought in Agriculture?
The purpose of this study was to collect data to lend support to investigate whether superabsorbent polymers made from orange/avocado peels were more or less efficient than the synthetic potassium polyacrylate.
It was hypothesized that, “If types of superabsorbent polymers (Potassium polyacrylate, orange/avocado peel powder, and orange/avocado peel mixture) are compared for water retention ability, effect on soil moisture, and plant growth, then the amount of water absorbed, soil moisture retention in 21 days, and plant growth in 21 days would be significantly higher for the Orange peel mixture”.
A test was created by preparing biodegradable superabsorbent polymers using orange/avocado peels, measuring the fold change (in weight) of the water absorption capacity of the 3 polymers (potassium polyacrylate, orange/avocado peel powder, and orange/avocado peel mixture), measuring the moisture retention of soil (in degrees of moisture) treated with the 3 polymers and the control group with no SAP added in 21 days, and measuring the plant growth (in centimeters) of the lima bean planted in soil treated with the 3 polymers and the control group with no SAP added in 21 days. Finally, the 3 polymers were compared for water retention ability, effect on soil moisture, and plant growth.
It was found that the amount of water absorbed, soil moisture retention in 21 days, and plant height in 21 days for the orange/avocado peel mixture was relatively high compared to potassium polyacrylate and the orange/avocado peel powder. Also, by 21 days the leaves of the plant treated with Orange/Avocado peel mixture were visibly bigger than other plants.
Based on this observation, it can be concluded that the innovative product, orange/avocado peel mixture, was significantly better than synthetic potassium polyacrylate and can help combat drought in agriculture.


Observations and Results:

- Weight of the graduated beaker = 65 grams
- Weight of each of the three polymers (Potassium polyacrylate, orange/avocado peel powder, and orange/avocado peel mixture)
= 13 grams (Combined weight of the polymer and plate) - 11 grams (Weight of the plate) = 2 grams


Based on the comparison between various superabsorbent polymers, it was observed that the fold change of the water retention ability, soil moisture retention in 21 days, and plant height in 21 days for the orange/avocado peel mixture was relatively high compared to potassium polyacrylate and the orange/avocado peel powder. Also, by 21 days the leaves of the plant treated with Orange/Avocado peel mixture were visibly bigger than other plants. This shows that the orange/avocado peel mixture is more efficient than the synthetic potassium polyacrylate used in agriculture. As expected, the degree of moisture in the soil with no SAP was 2.0 degrees (dry) and the height of the plant grown in the soil with no SAP was 10.1 cm, which was relatively less compared to the degree of moisture and the height of the plant in the soil treated with SAP. Therefore, the soil with no SAP served as an acceptable control group.

Thanks really for your support. I am still working on few other pieces and will send you for validation as I complete.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

Hi Lakshita,

Congratulations on the successful accomplishment of your project! I am sure you are very happy to have gotten good results.

I took a look at your figure and it looks fine except the error bars are too small to see. The SD seems smaller than I expected. Could you send me the raw data from the water absorption experiment? I remember that I told you some time ago that I thought this measurement of the absorption was going to be difficult because you needed to remove all the water that was not absorbed by the gel, without removing any of the gel itself. How did you do that? Did you take pictures of the powders before and after adding the water? I'd like to see what they look like.

I will go over the written parts that you sent and get them back to you tomorrow morning.

Yaay! You are almost done. Then you just have to get prepared for the presentation.

Bye till tomorrow,

Sybee

[SciB]

Good job, Lakshita!

I read over your abstract and results and made some minor corrections. I think the results would be clearer to the reader if you gave the percent increases in water absorption, soil water retention and plant height. People understand percentages better than just numbers.

Once you have all the parts of your report completely written, put them together in one document and send it to me so I can check it one last time. As I have found out from experience, it pays to go over your writing several times, because each time I find errors that I had missed or ways to improve the readability.

Good luck!

Sybee

[SciB]

Here's the edited version of your abstract and results.

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[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,
Thanks so much for your clarification. I am reviewing the changes. I will modify and will let you know.
1. I am attaching herewith the actual data for water retention experiment. Can you please check why my SEM is small? Am I calculating that correctly?
2. I followed the below procedural steps for water retention experiment.
2 grams of each of the three polymers (Potassium polyacrylate, orange/avocado peel powder, and orange/avocado peel mixture) were placed into individual graduated beakers.
 Distilled water was added to each beaker until the SAP could no longer hold any more. For accuracy, after 15 minutes, any excess water was carefully pipetted off so as not to disturb the polymer.
 Each of the beakers of water swollen polymers was weighed and the fold change (final weight of the SAP /initial weight of the SAP) was recorded.
 The above steps were repeated for trials 2 and 3 and the readings were recorded.
3. I am adding the final pictures for your reference for this water retention experiment.
4. As you mentioned for results section, I will calculate the percent increase and modify my write-up.
For validation can you please check for my water retention experiment attached percentage increase spreadsheet?
5. I am going to provide detailed analysis in “Conclusion” section as well (with results)
6. There is separate section for Data Tables also
7. I read soil moisture using soil moisture meter (which measures by degrees of moisture with a scale of 1-10; 1 being the most dry and 10 being the most wet)
That is the reason I am mentioning as degrees of moisture in my data. Hope this is correct.
Thanks so much for your time.
Lakshita

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,
I was not able to attach percentage increase calculation spreadsheet in the previous email. Attaching the same here for your validation.
Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

Hi Lakshita,

Thanks for sending the files. I checked the water absorption data and your means, SD and SEM are all correct. The weights of SAP plus water were a lot closer than I expected, which means that the experiment worked really well. I'm amazed at the OA mix--2 g absorbed almost a liter of water!! That's pretty awesome for a natural product that is probably discarded as waste by food manufacturers. Its a real SUPER-absorbent polymer!

Check your calculation for the percent increase of the OA mix over the PPA. I got 13.3%. The other percent increase, for the mix over the powder was correct at 45.4%.

The experiment was executed exactly as I would have done it, but what I had hoped to see was a close-up of the powder before adding water and after adding water. A video showing the swelling would have been even more impressive. Do you still have at least 2 g of OA mix left? You should do a video. You don’t have to have yourself in the picture, just your hand pouring the water into the beaker and the camera recording the swelling for a couple of minutes at the beginning and then for half a minute or so at the end after 15 minutes of swelling. I think the judges and your audience would really like to be able to watch the action.

With regard to the moisture meter, I am still wondering what a 'degree' means. For Fahrenheit and centigrade temperatures, a degree is clearly understood, but what does it mean in terms of moistness of soil? I understand that the meter reading is an arbitrary value and it probably has something to do with conductivity of the soil. It's ok for comparing the different treatments, but I would explain that the meter does not measure the amount of water in the soil directly, but rather some other variable that depends on the 'degree' of moistness. You could do a search for-- 'how does a soil moisture meter work' --and probably find out.

Send the raw data and the calculations for mean, SD and SEM for the soil water retention and the plant height as soon as you have those because I am curious to see how close those readings will be.

For the water absorption bar graph, there's a way to make the line weights of the error bars thicker so they show up but I don't remember how to do that. Do a search and you can find it for Excel. Even though the error bars are right next to the graph bar, you still need for them to show up, and I know it can be done.

You also will need to do a t test to statistically confirm that the 13.3% increase in the mean of the OA mix above the PPA is really statistically significant. Here's a good explanation of how to do this test in Excel: https://www.statisticshowto.datascience ... -in-excel/

Send me the rest of your written text as soon as it is ready and I will go over it again.

Congratulations! You are almost done...

Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,

Thanks for clarifying all my previous questions. Really thanks so much for your guidance. I was busy preparing for my tests in school and didn’t find much time for additional write-up. But I compiled my experimental data for all my 3 experiments and all photos during weekend. I am working on the data tables and graphs. I will send the data values to you tomorrow.
I will work on how to format error bars as you mentioned. In our regional science fair, we are not allowed to take videos. Only pictures are allowed. I took all the before, during and after pictures.
Can you please review the below write-up for conclusion:

The purpose of the hypothesis was to check “If types of superabsorbent polymers (Potassium polyacrylate, orange & avocado peel powder, and orange & avocado peel mixture) are compared for water retention ability, effect on soil moisture, and plant growth, then the amount of water absorbed, soil moisture retention in 21 days, and plant growth in 21 days would be significantly higher for the orange and avocado peel mixture”. After the completion of the experiment, it was found that the hypothesis was correct due to the following observations:
The data table shows that the average fold change (in weight) of the water absorption capacity for potassium Polyacrylate was 399, for orange & avocado peel powder was 265, and for orange & avocado peel mixture was 460. The average soil moisture (in degrees of moisture) in 21 days for the control group was 2.0, for Potassium Polyacrylate was 4.3, for orange & avocado peel powder was 3.5, and for orange & avocado peel mixture was 4.9. The average plant height in 21 days for the control group was 10.1 cm, for Potassium Polyacrylate was 19.6 cm, for orange & avocado peel powder was 14.3 cm, and for orange & avocado peel mixture was 22.2 cm. Based on the data, it can be concluded that the amount of water absorbed, soil moisture retention in 21 days, and plant growth in 21 days was significantly higher for the orange and avocado peel mixture. Hence, orange & avocado peel mixture was more effective compared to Potassium Polyacrylate and orange & avocado peel powder.
This experiment demonstrates how an innovative product, orange & avocado peel mixture prepared using orange peels as the main ingredient, with some lemon juice and avocado peel added to the mix, is an inexpensive, all-natural alternative to non-biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) currently used by farmers in agriculture to improve water retention in soil.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

Hi Lakshita,

I'm sure you did well in your tests as you are a serious and diligent student.

I will check the language in your write-up and get it back to you as soon as I can. When is the science fair?

Good luck!

Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,

Next saturday March 7th is the competition. I have done most part of my log book still I have to work on few things and paste photos on to it. Also graph I need to work on and project board print outs. My mom is helping out to take printouts on the write up I completed so far.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

That's great, Lakshita!
I'm so glad your mom is helping you and involved in the project. I help too but not the same as being there.
Send me whatever you have as soon as it is finished so I can check it and let you know if anything needs to be changed or improved. I'm sorry you can't show a video of the polymers swelling because that really would have been fun for your visitors to watch. If you have any of the OA peel mix left, you could bring it and do an actual demonstration--or would that be against the rules too?

Good luck,
Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,
We can't do any demostration and any liquids or samples not allowed. But I can take them if I go for honors which I am thinking for next year. Sure I will send you my table info today. Can you please check on my conclusions and let me know if any changes please.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

Yes, I understand why the science fair coordinators would do that although it definitely takes away from the fun and interest. I don't see why they won't allow videos, however. Presenters could just use their phones.

I will check your write-up this evening and send it to you.

Best wishes,

Sybee

[SciB]

Hi Lakshita,

I read over your Results and Conclusions section and made a few minor corrections and additions along with a suggestion. You can see what you think. It is your report, so feel to write it however you want.

I would use standard deviation for your error bars on the graph because the values are larger than the SEMs and they reflect the deviation of each value from the sample mean. There is a way to make the line weights heavier in Excel so that the error bars will show up better, and make sure that you put both up and down bars.

Think about what questions the judges will ask and be prepared with a logical answer. If you have questions now, post them here so I can help you with them.

Good luck,

Sybee

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[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,

This really helps. Thanks so much for correcting my write-up and providing suggestions. I will make corrections where ever needed and will work on adding SD to the graph instead of SEM.

I will keep you posted.
Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

You are very welcome, Lakshita. Send me the graphs when they are done so I can take a look at them.

I know you are really busy with other classwork, too, and it is great that you are able to keep up with all these studies and projects. I'm glad my help might have made it a little easier for you.

Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,

Finally I am done with my Science Fair . Also yesterday I had review with my science fair coordinator at school which is mandatory for school approval before I take to Regionals.

There are very few things to make up in my log book. Will send you the final picture. Attached are the graphs and the plant growth. I used SD for my graph as you suggested. Really thanks for all your help without which I would have made till this point. Will keep you posted after my competition.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

Congratulations, Lakshita! I am very proud of you and the successful experiments you did. The error bars look good! The pictures of the Lima bean seedlings are especially impressive.

Did you get any interesting (or surprising) questions at your science fair? When do you go to the regional fair? I'm sure you will do well. Keep me in the loop as to your progress and if you need any help don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck!

Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,

Thanks so much for your compliments. I am going this Saturday for Regionals. My school science fair coordinator also liked my project idea . Hope I do well in Regional. Sure definitely will keep you posted after my Regionals. I will also take my final board photo and share with you.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

That's great, Lakshita! I'm so glad we were able to work together. Enjoy the regional fair. I'm sure it will be lots of fun and very interesting to see what things other young scientists have done. You are our hope for the future and I support you 100%.

I'll be looking forward to helping you with your next science project.

Good luck!

Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,
I am really happy to share this news with you. I received first place award across all grades (9th through 12th) and across all categories (biology, chemistry, physics and so on). Also I received American Chemical Society award, one year subscription to science center and $50. Director of science fair mentioned to offer me a lab for any of my future research. I thank you so much for your time guiding me throughout the project. Really that meant a lot to me when I got struck in so many places. I will share the award ceremony video to you once my mom downloads it. Attached is the final picture of the board. I am really thankful to Science buddies for allocating me a great mentor.
Thanks so much.
Lakshita

[SciB]

Wow, Lakshita! That is WONDERFUL news! I am so happy and proud of you and glad that I could help. I am your mentor, but you did all the experiments and made it all work, and your display board looks so professional. You can put all this on your resume (it's never too soon to start!) and add to it as you advance your career.

This is the best news I have had this month and I look forward to continuing as a virtual advisor for upcoming projects and anything else you need help with. I'm sure you have great parents too, who encourage you in your interest in science and help with decisions about where to go to college, etc.

Please keep me in mind for your next project. I'm sure you will come up with something equally as amazing.

All the best,
Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,
Thank you so much for your compliments! I certainly couldn't have finished the project without you or my parents and am very thankful for your help. Taking your advice, I do plan on adding these accomplishments to my resume, as science is one of my strong points (I have a good feeling it'll impress the college I aim to go to). I will definetly contact you for my next project and I look forward to working together once again. I have attached the link to my part in the science fair award ceremony if you would like to watch it. Thank you so much for your help this year!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PrMs9 ... -H4gozPXU3

Thanks,
Lakshita

[deleted-846520]

Hi Mr.Sybee,

Thanks so much for your compliments. I am going this Saturday for Regionals. My school science fair coordinator also liked my project idea . Hope I do well in Regional. Sure definitely will keep you posted after my Regionals. I will also take my final board photo and share with you.

Thanks,
Lakshita

Hello Lakshita! You project sounds interesting. Please post promised photos I would be curios to see. I am out of a country right now in my Patong real estate and should be back in 2 weeks.

[SciB]

Hi Lakshita,

Hey, thanks for sending the video! It was wonderful to see you receive the award and I'm just as proud of you as I can be and I'm sure your Mom and Dad are too. You have a wonderful, exciting career ahead of you and you can always call on me for advice and guidance as one of your virtual mentors.

Wishing you all the best,

Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,

Thanks so much for your willingness to help me in my future career. I will definitely reach out to you for any of my clarifications regarding science. I am glad to have you as my mentor.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[SciB]

You are very welcome, Lakshita!

Consider me part of your team. You can find me on LinkedIn.

Good luck!

Sybee

[deleted-373171]

Hi Mr.Sybee,

How are you. Hope everything is fine at your end. We are doing good. Completed my Freshman successfully and took up Health as part of summer school that is keeping me busy till June ME. This is a mandatory subject for graduation. So I wanted to finish this summer. As of now, my school district is planning to open schools by Aug. Not yet finalized.

I was thinking about science fair for this year and approached Regional science fair coordinator. As I mentioned to you earlier, I wanted to go for Honors division this year. I was thinking to do continuation project from last year. They mentioned , in order for me to use the project again this year, I need to do an extension of it. I cannot use the same data, but I can build on it and add some new things. Perhaps another dimension that I wanted to explore. I should be able to demonstrate how my current year's project differs from the year before.

I was thinking about this plan since due to COVID19 , I will not be able to use labs and this might take away my time. I wanted to decide what we are going to do and start with it by this summer so I will not be stressed out in last minute.

Also for Honors there is paper work needs to submitted. Since I have not used anything that would require pre-approval (humans, tissues, dangerous chemicals), paperwork wont be that difficult.

Please let me know your thoughts and any ideas you have for adding another dimension of the previous project. Any questions you think I should clarify with them before I start with the project, so we know we are going in the right direction.

Looking forward for your support.
Stay safe.
Thanks,
Lakshita