To what extent will the four different types of

household cleaning agents affect the Plant growth in

Solanum melongena, when grown for a period of 20
days.

HL Biology Internal Assessment

Indrani Goswami

Research Question
To what extent will the four different types of household cleaning agents
affect the Plant growth in Solanum melongena, when grown for a period
of 15 days.

Background information
Solanum melongena, also known as egg plant, is a food source that is
consumed daily in dishes around the world. In India, Agriculture performs a
crucial role in the economy. More than 58% of rural households depend on
agriculture as their essential means of livelihood.
Green revolution was characterised by the use of a high yielding type of
seeds and fertilisers multiplied productivity, however, there is a decline in
productivity which is due to changes in the environment within the form of
depleting water table, emission of greenhouse gases and the contamination of
surface and groundwater which is unfavourable for the soil and damaging the
soil fertility. Availability and accessibility of wetland and water resources are
decreasing creating a decline in agricultural output. Water companies, Food
producers and farmers are experiencing pressure from clients with extended
demands within the supply of potable water, excellent quality in food
unfastened from pollution and foods with accurate nutritional values. A major
menace to human health is the growth of pollutants in soil, water resources
and foods coming from daily use of different cleaning agents. The early
development of germinating seeds is dependent on uptake of water, fertility
of the soil and various other favourable environmental factors. But from 1940
onwards, till now and may be in future also household cleaning agents are
going to be used regularly and commonly. These cleaning agents include
soap bars and liquid gels used for washing hands, face or body, detergent
powders or cakes for cleaning laundry items, household cleansers are used to
clean furniture, glass, plastic. The common ingredients in all these cleaning
agents are fat, alkali, glycerine, surfactants or surface-active agents, bleaches,
ammonia added together with odour and colour. They mainly remove greasy
substances and dirt. When these cleaning agents are used frequently or
disposed of through drains or getting rid of them by dumping directly into the
ecosystem, which would gradually seep into the water supply that plants
depend on and interrupt in their development and growth. Pollutants from
fertilised fields, municipal sewage and industries contain phosphates and
nitrates. During favourable environmental conditions these compounds
encourage the growth of microorganisms resulting in eutrophication.
Photosynthesis is vital event required for a plants development, but exposure
to cleansers can have a huge impact causing broad changes either in their root
or shoot length. Detergents can induce denaturation of the reaction centres of
photosystems.

Aim
This investigation will explore the effects of four common household
cleaning agents on the development and growth of young plants of Solanum
melongena. I am using one glass cleaner, one dish soap, two floor
disinfectants.

Personal significance

Hypothesis
Alternative hypothesis: The four household cleaning agents will have an
effect on the development and growth of young plants of Solanum
melongena.
Null hypothesis: The four household cleaning agents will have no effect on
the development and growth of young plants of Solanum melongena.

Independent variable - Different household cleaning agents

Dependent variable - Rate of plant growth

Materials required:
Experimental samples
• 5*5 potted plants of Solanum melongena
• 5 ml Phenyl
• 5 ml Colin
• 5 ml Pril
• 5 ml Lizol
Instruments
• Ruler (cm/±0.05)

Miscellaneous 
• Placards
• Lab coat
• 1*5 ml measuring cup
• 1*100 ml measuring cup

Chemicals
• 500ml Water

Experiment Procedure - corrections required