Absorbency Of Pollutants In Different Soils

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Absorbency of Pollutants in Different Soils Environmental Science Mrs. Gupta Class F December 15, 2007 ABSTRACT The problem that was experimented is “Does the type of soil have a direct effect on the absorbency of liquid pollutants?” This leads to the hypothesis “If the soil has greater porosity (space between the particles), then it will absorb more pollution than a soil that has lesser porosity because it has more space to absorb these pollutants.” The procedure for the experiment is first to gather the necessary soils and pollutants. Then, use a graduated cylinder to measure a precise set amount of solution to run through the soil. Then measure a constant amount of soil to use in the experiment. Next, add the measured amount of soil into a coffee filtered mounted inside of the bottomless cup. After, pour the exact amount of pollutants into the soil in the cup. Finally, let the soil and pollutants stand in the filter for one minute. The results had dirt holding 49.7 ml of gas, 133.6 ml of oil, and 62.4ml of turpentine. Sand held 13.6ml of gas, 94.1ml of oil, and 21.7ml of turpentine. Clay held 93.8ml of gas, 146.2ml of oil, and 104.5ml of turpentine. For the most part our experiment followed the hypothesis. The higher porosity soil held more than sand, but since clay had such small pore spaces between the particles it held most of the pollution on top not allowing it to seep through and therefore doesn’t have the highest porosity but still held the most pollutants. INTRODUCTION Soil contamination is the invasive presence of man-made chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil’s environment. Most soil pollution comes from the use of pesticides, underground storage tanks, and the intended release of chemicals from industrial companies. Some of the most common chemicals released into the soil is peroleum hydrocarbon solvents, gasoline,

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