Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi there!

I am working on a project that tests out the most effective method of lead removal (comparing the cost, lead removal capabilities, effect on Daphnia magna, and environmental impacts) and I plan on using the methods of using biochar, bacteria, algae, aquatic plants, peels of produce, chemical, and chelating agents to clean lead-contaminated water. Are there any other industrial methods of lead removal? Which algae, biochar, plant, etc. should I use? What alters should I make to this current project? How is lead present in water (lead nitrate/oxide)?

Do you think that a project that tests out a new method of lead remediation is a better project idea (using a new type of algae/peel that has had minimum experimentation on? And, last q, how do you test for lead concentration in water?

Best.

Wow! That is a long list of questions for one post. I could answer them all, but as a scientist you need to do that kind of research online yourself. Planning a project such as lead remediation requires a lot of reading and study, thought and decision making. You have to do that. You can ask for help in a specific area, but not everything.

I appreciate that you are interested in the many possibilities for lead removal, but I think it would make a better project if you concentrated on just one or two methods. I think a worthy goal would be to test something like biochar or fruit peels that could be used in countries where resources are scarce but people still need clean water to drink.

Do some more reading about this subject online and post again when you have narrowed down your question and have a better idea how to test it experimentally.

Good luck,

Sybee