Chemistry Experiments With Household Products
Investigation of Chemical Materials to Determine Biodegradability
Chemistry experiments investigating biodegradable or environmentally friendly materials involve organic substances from plants, animals, and other substances originating from living organisms. However, there are some artificial materials similar to plant and animal matter which are consumed by microorganisms. Unfortunately, there are also non-biodegradable products used in everyday household products which cannot be consumed by living organisms.
Investigation of household products to establish biodegradability is accomplished by conducting chemistry experiments to determine if these materials contain non-biodegradable chemicals. Most materials are environmentally friendly or considered green and these products are consumed quickly by microorganisms. It is important to eliminate non-environmentally friendly products, because it may take decades or centuries to breakdown. Non-green environment friendly products typically contain chlorine, phosphate, and petroleum-based chemicals.
The goal of the chemistry experiments listed below is to help students understand the value of environmentally friendly household cleaning products. It is also important that they recognize the negative impact non-biodegradable products have on the environment in which they live. Supporting a green environment moves a step closer when the impact on non-ecological friendly products is better understood by those who use household products.
Cleaning Products: Chlorine Investigation
Chlorinated cleaning products are effective in killing surface bacteria and viruses, along with being added to drinking water to kill germs. Chlorine is also used to treat paper products such as paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues. Even with these essential uses of chlorine, this material is not considered a green material and is hazardous to the environment.
In high concentrations chlorine is a hazardous material and it can generate byproducts such as hydrochloric acid and chloroform that are not biodegradable. Household products containing chlorine can have adverse health consequence on humans such as cancer, neurological disorders, and kidney damage. Chlorine also contributes to the destruction of the earth’s ozone layer.
Allow students to conduct the following hands-on, minds-on chemistry experiment to determine which cleaning product contains chlorine.
Materials (per group):
- Abrasive Scrubbing Material with Bleach – Labeled X
- Abrasive Scrubbing Material without Bleach – Labeled Y
- Water
- 2 – 250 mL Beakers
- 1 – Chlorine Test Kit
- 1 – Small Spoon
Procedures:
- Label each beaker with a one or two.
- Pour 100 mL of water into each beaker.
- Add one-half spoon of abrasive scrubbing material X to beaker one.
- Add one-half spoon of abrasive scrubbing material Y to beaker two.
- Test each beaker with the Chlorine Test Kit to determine which beaker contains chlorine.
Further Investigation:
Allow students to conduct research and share their findings regarding the effects of chlorine on the environment, humans, and how long it takes this material to become non-hazardous.
Household Products: Phosphate Investigation
Phosphates are a nutrient for most plants and algae. When phosphates become abundant in the environment plant life often grows rapidly. Depending on the environment, unwanted species can quickly become a nuisance. When phosphates enter waterways algae blooms can occur consuming most of the oxygen in the water, which kills fish and wildlife. Phosphates are non-toxin; however, too much throws off the phosphate balance in an ecosystem and they become hazardous.
Allow students to conduct the following hands-on, minds-on chemistry experiment to determine which cleaning product contains phosphate and does not support a green environment.
Materials (per group):
- Dish Detergent Powder with Phosphate – Labeled X
- Dish Detergent Powder without Phosphate – Labeled Y
- Water
- 2 – 250 mL Beakers
- 1 – Phosphate Test Kit
- 1 – Small Spoon
Procedures:
- Label each beaker with a one or two.
- Pour 100 mL of water into each beaker.
- Add one-half spoon of dish detergent powder X to beaker one.
- Add one-half spoon of dish detergent powder Y to beaker two.
- Test each beaker with the Phosphate Test Kit to determine which beaker contains phosphate.
Further Investigation:
Allow students to conduct research and share their findings regarding the effects of phosphate on the environment and what it takes for this material to become non-hazardous.
Note: If a color change does not occur when using the test kit or a different color occurs, this is most likely due to an additive in the detergent. Colorants, sulfates, and silicates are often added to powdered detergents. It is important to spend time pretesting to find the right amount of detergent is necessary to give a positive response.
Making Connections: Household Cleaning Products and a Green Environment
Following the process of the scientific method, students conduct chemistry experiments using the science process skills. They study the chemical properties of cleaning materials, along with additional research on the impact of non-biodegradable cleaning products, to help them understand the value of getting their parents to use products that support a green environment. Not only are green household cleaning materials healthy and effective; they smell good, cost less than commercial products, don't pollute indoor air, and are environmentally friendly.
Chemistry Experiments with Household Products
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