The Effects of Herbicides on Paramecium
The Effects of Herbicides on Aquatic Organisms
Anthony Cerda
John Jay Science and Engineering Academy
Abstract In this experiment different herbicides were added to aquatic organisms. The organisms used were protists and bacteria which are microscopic organisms (Microorganisms). Herbicides are chemicals used to control certain plants such as weeds. Two hypotheses were tested in the experiment.H₁) The herbicides will affect the population growth rate of the microorganisms and H₂) The adding of herbicides will affect the general behavior of the microorganisms negatively. Each species were separated into their own six containers, four of which had chemicals added into them while the other two were left as is to be a constant. All species had their population calculated every day and their behavior observed. The initial reactions to the chemicals were observed as well and noted down for further evidence. The results were placed on tables and graphs to compare species reaction. Analysis of the data revealed that the first hypothesis was to be rejected and the first null hypothesis was actually correct. The paramecium population did not fall or rise unnaturally and kept at its regular rate of increase. The second hypothesis proved to be true and that the addition of the herbicide caused the paramecium to receive it as a negative stimulus and swam away from the liquid and if a too concentrated dose was given to the paramecium the organisms died.
Table of Contents
Page
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
Purpose/Hypothesis………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….4&5
Materials…………………………………………………………………………………….... 6
Procedure……………………………………………………………………………………... 6
Results and Discussion………………………………………………………………………7&8
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Anthony Cerda
John Jay Science and Engineering Academy
Abstract In this experiment different herbicides were added to aquatic organisms. The organisms used were protists and bacteria which are microscopic organisms (Microorganisms). Herbicides are chemicals used to control certain plants such as weeds. Two hypotheses were tested in the experiment.H₁) The herbicides will affect the population growth rate of the microorganisms and H₂) The adding of herbicides will affect the general behavior of the microorganisms negatively. Each species were separated into their own six containers, four of which had chemicals added into them while the other two were left as is to be a constant. All species had their population calculated every day and their behavior observed. The initial reactions to the chemicals were observed as well and noted down for further evidence. The results were placed on tables and graphs to compare species reaction. Analysis of the data revealed that the first hypothesis was to be rejected and the first null hypothesis was actually correct. The paramecium population did not fall or rise unnaturally and kept at its regular rate of increase. The second hypothesis proved to be true and that the addition of the herbicide caused the paramecium to receive it as a negative stimulus and swam away from the liquid and if a too concentrated dose was given to the paramecium the organisms died.
Table of Contents
Page
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
Purpose/Hypothesis………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….4&5
Materials…………………………………………………………………………………….... 6
Procedure……………………………………………………………………………………... 6
Results and Discussion………………………………………………………………………7&8
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Bibliography: Kegley, S.E., B.R. Hill, Orme, and A. H. Choi “2,4-D, Diamethylamine Salt- Toxicity, Ecological Toxicity and Regulatory Information.” 2,4-D, Dimethylamine Salt-Toxicity, Ecological Toxicity and Regulatory Information. Pesticide Action Network, 2000-2010. Web. 13 Nov. 2013. Wichterman, Ralph. The Biology of Paramecium. New York: Plenum, 1986. Print. "Pesticides." National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. Saji, M., and F. Oosawa. "Mechanism of Photoaccumulation in Paramecium Bursaria." The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology 21.4 (2007): 556-61. Inter Science. Wiley. Web. 14 Nov. 2013.