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Summary
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For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.
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Abstract
No one can deny the devastating consequences of an oil spill on the local wildlife. Oil affects all levels of the ecosystem, from plants to fish and birds. What happens to water plants if you add motor oil to their pot? What is the effect of motor oil on the health of a goldfish, or water insects? What happens to the barbs of a bird feather if they are dipped in oil? Can you test different types of environmentally-friendly detergents for cleaning the bird feathers? Can you test different methods of containing oil that has been spilled on water? What about oil spilled on land? How does it affect the soil, or plants that grow in the soil? Can you try to treat affected soil with conditioners or detergents to improve the growth of plants after an oil spill? Some detergents contain enzymes to break down oil and grease; research some of these enzymes. What organisms do they come from? How are they made? What type of proteins are they? Can you think of other potential enzymes to use, or a method of delivery to the spill site? (EPA, 2006)
Bibliography
- EPA, 2006. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. Retrieved March 1, 2006.
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Global Connections
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
This project explores topics key to Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
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Cite This Page
General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.MLA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
"Oil Spills." Science Buddies,
30 Mar. 2024,
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/EnvSci_p032/environmental-science/oil-spills?class=AQVQ3XSpzNcfwagtLJHUDm-S2z7xKIUyJDtslTJuH-26JM_JYqTI05otFpaYZu2spf59q0FRFxQfrVLzgxJYsPQzmfBnNV2qY5yX3dwepB5pgQ.
Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
APA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
(2024, March 30).
Oil Spills.
Retrieved from
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/EnvSci_p032/environmental-science/oil-spills?class=AQVQ3XSpzNcfwagtLJHUDm-S2z7xKIUyJDtslTJuH-26JM_JYqTI05otFpaYZu2spf59q0FRFxQfrVLzgxJYsPQzmfBnNV2qY5yX3dwepB5pgQ
Last edit date: 2024-03-30
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