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Investigating Pollution
There are many ways that water can become polluted.
Aside from natural pollution such as soil, leaves and living organisms,
people cause the most serious pollution. From agricultural fertilizers
and pesticides to urban runoff and industrial waste, pollutants can seep
into groundwater that is often used as a source for drinking water.
Follow the instructions in this experiment to make polluted
water and observe what pollutants may do to water supplies.
- 8 one-pint jars (four with tight-fitting lids)
- Masking tape
- Funnel
- Cotton
- Motor oil
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- Vinegar
- Laundry detergent
- Soil
- Plastic cups or beakers
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- Label two sets of jars. Number four of the jars (1,2,3 and 4)
with masking tape. Make sure these four jars have lids that will
fit tightly. Fill this set of jars half full of water. Number
the other four jars (5,6,7 and 8) with masking tape and set them
aside.
- Observe the water in jar #1. Record your observations.
- Put one tablespoon of motor oil in jar #2. Tighten the lid and
shake the jar carefully. Record your observations.
- Put a tablespoon of vinegar in jar #3. Tighten the lid and shake
the jar carefully. Record your observations.
- Put a tablespoon of detergent in jar #4. Tighten the lid and
shake the jar carefully. Record your observations.
- Place a piece of cotton in the funnel and then add some soil.
Place the funnel on empty jar #5.
- Pour the contents of jar #1 (water only) into the funnel and
let it drip through the funnel into jar #5.
- Move the funnel with the cotton and soil to empty jar #6. Pour
the contents of jar #2 (oil and water) into the funnel and let
it drip through the funnel into jar #6. Observe and record your
observations.
- Move the funnel with the cotton and soil to empty jar #7. Pour
the contents of jar #3 (vinegar) into the funnel and let it drip
through the funnel into jar #7. Observe and record your observations.
- Move the funnel with the cotton and soil to empty jar #8. Pour
the contents of jar #4 (detergent) into the funnel and let it
drip through the funnel into jar #8. Record your observations.
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- If these substances were added to a real water source, how might
they affect the water?
- How might animals and people be affected?
- Can you think of instances where materials such as these (oil,
chemicals, detergent, etc.) might have been spilled or dumped
and possibly endangered a water supply?
- What measures might a community take to prevent such accidents?
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