Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Dear Expert(s),
Thanks for your reply. Actually, I think I want to pursue the project about if an antacid tablet like Tums or Alka-Seltzer can be used to protect soils from acid rain. This idea has more relevance to the environment, and that's where most of the marks for my Science Fair project is going in. I think I should start researching on antacid tablets. By the way, if I were to conduct an experiment on this idea, would I need access to laboratory equipment? Also, I'm not sure on how to conduct the experiment. I would gladly consider any other suggestions and input, as well. Also, what would be the variables of this experiment?
Please reply,ASAP.
Thank you.

Hi SciFi,
I added my reply in your original thread:
http://www.sciencebuddies.com/science-f ... =28&t=3421
Sometimes people accidentally open a new thread instead of replying in the old one. That's not a big deal, however, we do discourage opening new threads on the same topic because it becomes confusing for everyone involved.

Hi! This is actually very similar to a Science Fair project that I did a few years ago. I did some online research on antacids to see which brands are the most effective and which target the problem of stomach acids specifically, not one that serves multiple purposes. Then I spent time researching what components went into acid rain, and what could be substituted; I found that regular white vinegar would be a good substitute. I was also able to do the entire project without any lab access, because I used lima bean seeds to test 3 situations: 1 with regular soil, 1 with vinegar added to the water, and 1 with vinegar and ground-up antacids. The way I did the project focuses more on seed germination than soil problems, but I'm sure if you do a little looking online you can find a way of testing the effect of acid rain on soil. Does that help at all? Hopefully that gives you some ideas-be sure to post back if you need help!


-Susan

Hi Susan,
This is a duplicate thread. The original thread has more updates and info, so you might want to read and post there:
http://www.sciencebuddies.com/science-f ... =28&t=3421