Phase 1 (8th Grade)
Abstract
Groundwater contamination is a massive problem in developing third world countries. Current solutions are too expensive to be applicable in third world countries. This research attempts to inexpensively purify groundwater by examining the effect of Stropharia Mycelium on pH, Phosphate, and Chloride levels in groundwater. To conduct the research, a groundwater simulator was made using a series of plastic trays and urban soil. Rainwater was collected, poured into the simulator, and drained to make simulated groundwater. The simulated ground water was the control and it was tested for Chlorides, Phosphates, and pH. To determine the effect of Stropharia Mycelium, the simulator was colonized with Stropharia Spawn and the groundwater simulation was repeated. The test groundwater was compared with the control groundwater and the results were that Stropharia Mycelium decreases Chlorides and Phosphates in simulated groundwater and increases the pH of simulated groundwater. The Stropharia Mycelium was able to purify the simulated groundwater and make it safer to drink. This research could easily be implemented to purify groundwater worldwide.
