The Effect of Nyquil on the Rate of Photosynthesis of Elodea canadensis
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
10th Grade
Presentation Topic
Environmental Science
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
COVID-19 has increased the use of cold medicines to alleviate symptoms. As more people consume medications, the pharmaceuticals build up in the environment due to improper disposal practices and negatively impact organisms. The purpose of this study is to determine if Elodea canadensis, a common aquatic plant, is affected by pharmaceuticals in Nyquil. The experiment consists of three groups of Elodea planted into three different sections of an aquarium tank, each receiving different doses of Nyquil every other day. Each tank’s dissolved oxygen (mg/L) and pH levels were measured for ten continuous days to determine the effect of the drugs on the plant health. The hypothesis for this experiment predicted that the Elodea plants exposed to Nyquil would have a lower dissolved oxygen and pH concentration which would indicate decreased photosynthesis and therefore, a decline in plant health. The results show that there was a decrease in oxygen and pH in both experimental groups. These findings supported the hypothesis, confirming that pharmaceutical pollution is a threat to living organisms unless society begins to dispose of drugs and medicines more safely.
Recommended Citation
Gill, Hunar, "The Effect of Nyquil on the Rate of Photosynthesis of Elodea canadensis" (2022). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 8.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2022/all/8
Location
HSS 215
Start Date
4-2-2022 11:15 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
The Effect of Nyquil on the Rate of Photosynthesis of Elodea canadensis
HSS 215
COVID-19 has increased the use of cold medicines to alleviate symptoms. As more people consume medications, the pharmaceuticals build up in the environment due to improper disposal practices and negatively impact organisms. The purpose of this study is to determine if Elodea canadensis, a common aquatic plant, is affected by pharmaceuticals in Nyquil. The experiment consists of three groups of Elodea planted into three different sections of an aquarium tank, each receiving different doses of Nyquil every other day. Each tank’s dissolved oxygen (mg/L) and pH levels were measured for ten continuous days to determine the effect of the drugs on the plant health. The hypothesis for this experiment predicted that the Elodea plants exposed to Nyquil would have a lower dissolved oxygen and pH concentration which would indicate decreased photosynthesis and therefore, a decline in plant health. The results show that there was a decrease in oxygen and pH in both experimental groups. These findings supported the hypothesis, confirming that pharmaceutical pollution is a threat to living organisms unless society begins to dispose of drugs and medicines more safely.
