Science Fair: Research Paper Example

Here is an example of a research paper so students can get an idea of the style required for competition.

  Research Paper Body

Introduction

The null hypothesis for this experiment is that the nitrate levels in Mill Creek (at the public access point tested) will not exceed the safe drinking water standards during the thirty day test period.  The alternative hypothesis for this experiment is that the nitrate levels in Mill Creek (at the public access point tested) will exceed the safe drinking water standards during the thirty day test period.  Nitrates (NO3-) originate in fertilizers, sewage, run-off from farms and residences, faulty septic tanks, and erosion from natural nitrate sources.  Natural water sources contain typically less than one ppm (mg/L) of nitrate/nitrogen (the form measured according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water Standards).  The EPA posts “maximum contaminant levels” (MCLs) which include standards for microorganisms, disinfectants, disinfection byproducts, inorganic and organic chemicals, and radionuclides; nitrates are classified as inorganic chemicals.  Nitrate levels in drinking water that exceed 10 mg/L can cause methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome”; infants younger than six months of age are susceptible through contaminated water in bottles or water mixed with baby formula.  The reason young infants are susceptible to “blue baby syndrome” is because their stomach acid is as concentrated as older children and adults.  Bacteria can form in young infants’ stomachs that converts nitrates to nitrites (NO2-), which can be absorbed in the bloodstream, oxidizes iron in the hemoglobin of red blood cells, and forms “methemoglobin.”  Methemogloboinemia describes the condition of a baby with elevated levels of methemoglobin and is potentially fatal; infants may be treated with methylene blue solutions.  Consequently, it is important to monitor nitrate levels in water.

Natural water sources usually contain less than 1mg/L (1ppm) concentration of nitrates and are limited as a resource.  Nitrates are part of the nitrogen cycle and an essential plant nutrient.  In a natural, healthy ecosystem, excessive nitrate levels are seldom a problem.  However, farms, faulty septic systems, and residential neighborhoods can contribute to excessive nutrient run-off into neighboring water systems.  The Chesapeake Bay watershed implicate excessive nutrient run-off (particularly nitrate and phosphate nutrients) as the chief problems  currently confronting the Bay.