Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi! I am a member here and I need help on my project. I am studying the effects of temperature on the effectiveness on phytoremediation of copper using brassica juncea plant seeds. Right now, I am still researching for the begining of my project. I am using this technique that was done in a Florida college. Here is the attachment: http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/teacher/science/mod1/resources/phytoremediation.pdf

I have done research online and it talks about ppms of copper. I am very confused on those terms. I am also in need of help of how to research for this project. Can I please get some help?

Hello PAstudent101 and welcome to science buddies!
This is a very interesting project. To get you started, you will find a wealth of information right here in Science Buddies!

Check out the sections on doing your background research at this link:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ndex.shtml

To learn more about "ppm" you might browse through the project ideas by searching for the term "parts per million."

And I have a question about the choice of plant! I'm wondering if Brassica juncea is considered an invasive plant pest in your area? If so, you might need to take extra precautions in disposing of the plants/seeds at the end of your project!

After you've explored some of these resources, be sure to let us know your additional questions!

Hi! My research has gotten a little bit of progress as I was able to research more on this plant and I now understand what ppms of copper are. I just logged back in to this website and saw this reply! If you can, can you please help me find a credible site that shows the effects of temperature on phytoremediation? Thank you so much for the help!

Oh and the Brassica Juncea is the scientific term for the indian mustard seed. It isn't an invasive species in our area.

- Choya Talukder

Hi Choya,

Using a plant such as mustard to clean up pollutants from the environment like copper or mercury is a great idea. What is your hypothesis? You asked about the effects of temperature, but what do you mean--temperature of the air? the soil? Plants grow faster when the soil temperature is higher but only up to a point. The temperature of the air also affects plant metabolism and the humidity affects gas transfer and transpiration. The intensity and duration of sunlight are also factors in plant function. The type of soil, sand, clay, etc., and the presence of soil fungi around the roots will also alter how quickly metal ions are taken up by a plant.

What sort of experiment are you planning? We could help you much better if you would first state your hypothesis and then describe your experiments. Our answers will then be aimed at your particular situation. Answering a general question like what is the effect of temperature on phytoremediation is not helpful because the effects will depend on the type of plant, the soil or water, the air, sunlight, etc.

Post again with more information and we will try to help you.

Sybee