Effect of Pesticides on Ecosystems vs Effect of Biopesticides
This project aims to discover the differences between the effects of water when using synthetic fertilizers and homemade fertilizers. Runoff from fertilizers are the main perpetrator for algae blooms in bodies of water. They disrupt the nutrient concentration of the ecosystem, which then causes a growth in algae who feed on the nutrients. Biofertilizers are often cited to be safer and more environmentally friendly when used on terrestrial plants. However, we want to know if they are more or less harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
Experimental Design:
Hypothesis - Runoff from synthetic fertilizers and runoff from homemade fertilizers will have similar effects on algae growth in aquatic environments.
Materials
Synthetic fertilizer - Miracle-Gro
Homemade fertilizers
Coffee Grounds
Banana Peels
Grass Clippings
One Gallon of water from the Hackensack River
5 Small Fish Tanks
Soil (same type for all)
Identical terrestrial plants (e.g., radish or bean plants)
Algae culture starter or algae test kits
Light source (grow lights or natural light)
pH meter
Thermometer
Nitrate and phosphate test kits
Measuring cups, pipettes, labels
Stopwatch or timer
Water testing strips or spectrophotometer (optional for precision)
Variables
Independent Variable: Type of fertilizer used (synthetic vs. homemade)
Dependent Variable: Algae growth in runoff water (measured via algae biomass or water turbidity)
Controlled Variables:
Type and amount of soil
Type and number of plants
Volume and type of water used
Amount and timing of fertilizer application
Light and temperature conditions
Procedure:
Phase 1: Plant Growth and Runoff Collection
Set up 3 groups of 2 tanks each:
Group A: Control (no fertilizer)
Group B: Synthetic fertilizer
Group C: Homemade fertilizer
Plant identical plants in each tank with the same soil.
Apply fertilizers at the same rate and frequency for Groups B and C.
Water the plants consistently over a 2-week period, collecting the runoff water from each setup.
Phase 2: Aquatic Simulation
Fill new aquariums or tanks with distilled water.
Add a measured amount (e.g., 100 mL) of runoff water from each group into new tanks containing distilled water and a small starter algae culture (or allow natural algae to develop).
Place tanks under identical light and temperature conditions for 1–2 weeks.
Observe and record algae growth every 2–3 days.
Data Collection
Measure:
Algae concentration (visually, using turbidity, or biomass by filtering and weighing)
Water nutrient levels (nitrates and phosphates)
pH and temperature
Record qualitative observations (color change, odor, etc.)
Data Analysis:
Compare average algae growth between the three groups.
Use statistical analysis (e.g., t-test or ANOVA) to determine if the differences are significant.
Interpret results to assess environmental impact.
Conclusion:
Summarize which fertilizer causes more nutrient pollution and therefore algae growth. Discuss implications for eco-friendly farming and environmental policy.
