Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi!

I need help on finding a place i can buy 11 anacharis plants (those water plants), a dissolved oxygen kit, and 2 vials each of FeCl2 (.254 grams), HgCl2 (.543 grams), PbCl2 (.556 grams), CuCl2 (.269 grams), and LiCl2(.156 grams). I have no clue as to where to find the metal pollutants for my project, which is measuring the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water plants before and after I add the metals, to see how much of an effect it has. I'm really antsy because almost everyone had either gotten their supplies or started their projects, and i haven't even ordered mine yet! Thanks so much!

Never mind about the metals and the kit, but it would be helpful to know where i can purchase the plants, thanks!!

Hi there,

A simple Google search for "anacharis plants" turned up several links for buying options. Have you considered buying the plants online?

Heather

Hi,

I have some suggestions that might expedite your project. Do you live close to a stream or lake? You should be able to find a single species of water plant growing that you could collect for your project. You should transfer the plants into some “control” water right away that does not contain any metal ions Otherwise, visit your local aquarium store or purchase an aquatic plant on-line. Here’s one source:

http://www.carolina.com/category/living ... +plants.do

Dissolved oxygen kits can also be found on-line.

It might be difficult to purchase all of the toxic metals for your project. You should be able to find copper in the dormant spray section of your local garden supply store. It sounds like you are planning to have quite a lot of variables in your project, and you experimental protocol might be better if you just used several different concentrations of one metal such as the copper. Or, perhaps you could include a sample of a local fresh water sample as an “unknown” along with the copper samples.

Your project sounds very interesting. What question are you trying to answer? How are you going to measure plant growth? Can you explain the chemistry of the dissolved oxygen test? Let us know if you have more questions.


Donna Hardy