INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN BIOLOGY

SBI3013
TITLE: TESTING THE PH LEVEL IN FOODS USING DATA LOGGER AS A PH METER
PREPARED BY:

NAME
NUR IZYAN BINTI EYZANI
NADZATUL ELYA BT MD FUAD

LECTURERS NAME: ENCIK AZMI BIN IBRAHIM

MATRIC NO.
D20141066918
D20141066881

1.0 Introduction

Data logger is one of the main application of ICT, use during the
experiments is conducted. It has a function to support the practical work.
Data logger is refers to the process of collecting data by using the
computer. It also has link to how data are displayed and analysed. Data
logger has a potential to enhance the students thinking about and
understanding of science as it allow students have more time to focus on
the analysis of the data and the application theory obtained from the
experiment. Data logger has become one main application in ICT to
support practical work. It removes needs for low level data collection skills
and remove the need to manipulate intricate equipment, as long as there
is support on hand to help set up data loggers and computer. For the best
benefit, it will produce a clear output very faster compared when student
do an experiment manually which need to draw graph by hand or put data
manually. It is very instantaneously. It also give a chance for students who
has disabilities to conduct every experiment during lab session. The
students who struggle to collect data when using traditional instruments
such as thermometer will feel the difference when use data logger as it is
much easy and just have to wait for a minute. The students with visual
problem usually have a problem to take a reading at the instrument, will
feel easier.

These allow them, to create a clear electronic output

formatted to their own preferences. But, still there is limited number of

sensors available, although the range is continuing to grow.
In Biology, data logger is very useful instruments used to collect
information which will reduce difficulties in papers getting lost, blown
away or destroyed by rain. As many experiments in Biology need to
collect the data over extend of period of time, so data logger is a most
suitable device to use effectively. For example to study about the pH level
in different types of foods to know which foods has more acidic to
preserve our health.

2.0 Engage

pH is a measurement to test aqueous solution of its acidity or alkalinity by

constant the temperature. Letter p comes from Germans word which
means potential or power and H represents of hydrogen concentration
thus by combining them, pH is studying about the potential of hydrogen
concentration in sample tested. In addition to that, such complicated to
test pH by testing of food sample and oil. pH scale starts from 0 to 14.
Commonly pH is measured using electronic pH meter but in this
experiment, data logger being used to help recording pH.
Type of pH level classified into two two which are acid and alkaline each
represent sour and bitter taste. In pH indicator the scale from 0 to 6
indicates the acidity meanwhile 8 to 14 represent the alkalinity scale and
neutral for pH 7 neither acid nor base. Going down the value of scale from
6 to 0 showing from least to most acidic as the concentration of hydrogen
ion is higher at low value of pH scale. Thus the stronger the acid, the
higher of hydrogen concentration. Sour taste of food indicates that it has
acidity property. Besides that, increasing value of Ph scale from 8 to 14
showing more alkalinity of sample tested. This is due to higher
concentration of hydroxide ion and the taste is bitter.
In this experiment, several food samples are taken to be tested their pH
level. 6 types of food which are pickle vegetables, carrot, egg yolk, garlic,
fish and sweet potato are being chosen. From their taste we can

distinguish them between sour and bitter or chemically as acidic or

alkalinity. Unfortunately we do not know the exact pH off all those foods
subsequently from that we have to carry out the experiment by using data
logging that will give accurate result.

3.0 Empower

From discussion with my partner, we decide to choose test the pH level of

some foods using data logger. The pH meter in addition of pH probe is use
in order to measure the pH level of some foods. Nowadays, the dentists
have warning about the danger of some food among the people with high
contents of acid. Teenagers, for example are most likely to take fast food
that contain high level of acid
The recommended safe level pH for food is about 5.5. Otherwise, below it
will promote bad health to our pH body. In this experiment, we will looks at
the relative pH value at different type of foods and this experiment can
also be used to determine whether that particular foods safe according
above criteria. This experiment also act as a good introduction to further
studies in the effects of acid and base to our body pH.
Actually, the measurement for pH for foods also can be done with glass
electrode, pH meter or by using indicator. However, in this experiment to
determine the pH level of different types of foods, the method used to
measure the pH is using data logger. All foods have their own pH level
which have a risk to affect pH human body. In Chemistry, pH is measure

as activity of H+ ion. The pH is universally accepted scale for the

concentration of H+ ion in aqueous solution. For common foods, usually
the pH that can be measure either acidic, neutral or alkaline state. The
ideal pH is between 7. At alkaline condition which is about 7.4, the human
body will function optimally. To maintain healthy pH level is necessary as
to make sure there will not too much acid interfere with our blood cells
that have an ability to transport oxygen.
Data logger use as a meter in addition of pH probe to measure pH level in
common foods like orange and apple juice. The Food Secrets Website
had proved that French fries is a famous foods taken among the
teenagers. By using the data logger, it can be operated independently of a
computer unlike many other types of data acquisition devices.

3.1 Planning and Doing Experiment

Diagram showing the probes is in the liquid sample and take the pH
reading

Different type of foods being tasted for pH

Apparatus
1. Data logger connected to a PC
2. One pH sensor
3. Containers for the foods (we used plastic drinking cups)
4. Knife
5. Large containers
6. Hot water
7. Thermometer

Materials
1. Carrot
2. Sweet potato
3. Garlic
4. Fish
5. Pickle vegetables
6. Egg yolk

Procedures:
1. Peel off carrot, sweet potato, garlic and pickle vegetables and tear them
into pieces about 2.5 cm square. Place them into different containers.
2. Cut the fish into small pieces about 2.5 cm square and place them into
the container. Put the egg yolk into the container.
The smell from the garlic may get on your fingers. Wash this away with
soap and water as soon as you are finished with this step to avoid it from
your clothes.
3. Cover all the vegetables and fish pieces with hot water (not boiling
water) and soak for about 30 minutes. As a safety precaution, use the
thermometer to make sure that the temperature of the water is not higher
than 50C (about 125F).

4. With tongs or a fork, remove and discard as many vegetables pieces

from the container as you can.
5. Carefully pour the remaining vegetables and fish water from the larger
container through the coffee filter into the three smaller cups containers.
We recommend that you wear safety goggles whenever pouring liquids.
6. For egg yolk, just put it at the cup and stir it.
7. Fill all cup with an equal amount of which will cover the pH probe tip.
8. Mark the cups so that they can be identified later.
9. Plug the pH probe into data logger and run the software.
10. Optionally, you can calibrate the pH probe using buffer solutions.
11. It is important to allow all the foods to stabilise at room temperature
since pH readings vary with temperature.

Carrying out the experiment

Here is a table showing the pH of some common substances for reference.

Substance

pH

Yam

Chicken

5.5

Peas

Yogurt

Rice

Blackberries

Before starting the experiment, make a table listing food that you will test
and indicate what you expect the pH of each foods to be.
Create your table as shown below:

Substances

Expected

Recorded

pH

pH

Carrot

Sweet potato

Garlic

10

Fish

Expected

Recorded

Substances

pH

pH

Pickle

vegetables
Egg yolk

NOTE: Take care to thoroughly clean the pH probe in a large container of

water between each food to reduce cross-contamination
When you have tested all your available food, plot the results on a bar
graph with each bar showing the expected value and recorded value for
each foods.

3.2 Results

Expected

Recorded

pH

pH

Carrot

Sweet potato

Garlic

10

11

Fish

Substances

Pickle

vegetables
Egg yolk

12
10
8
6
pH

4
2

Expected pH
Recorded pH

Recorded pH

Expected pH

3.3 Questions and discussion

a)

Which food has a very high in acid?

Pickle vegetables

b)

What is the effects of pH to the body's pH Level?

The pH level of the body has the ability to affect every single cell
of the body. When the blood has an alkaline pH instead of an
acidic pH, it will have a positive effect on how every bodily
system functions. The brain, circulatory system, nerves, muscles,
respiratory system, digestive system, and reproductive system
can all benefit from a proper pH level. On the other hand, when
the pH of the body is too acidic, it is susceptible to many diseases
and problems. Weight gain, heart disease, premature aging,
fatigue, nerve problems, allergies, muscle disease and cancer are

all more prevalent when the body's pH is not optimal. Because

these problems are all more likely to occur when the body's pH is
too acid, it makes good sense to eat a diet rich in alkalizing foods.
The primary goal is usually to eat approximately 75-80% alkaline
foods along with only about 20-25% acidifying foods. If this level
is maintained in the diet, the end result is a slightly alkaline pH in
the body, which is perfect for optimum good health.
c)

Between carrot and garlic which one is the most alkaline?

The most alkaline food in this experiment is garlic because the
reading of the pH is 11 which is higher than in carrot, 9. As we
know the higher the number of reading the more alkaline the
substance.

d)

How does the pH reading of a liquid vary with temperature?

(Possibly

heat

buffer

solution)
In this condition we take water as an example. The reason
temperature affects water's pH is that water molecules have a slight
tendency to break down into their constituents, hydrogen and
oxygen, as temperature increases. As temperatures increase, a
larger proportion of water molecules break up, releasing a few more
hydrogen ions, which then decreases the pH of the water.

4.0 Enhance
After doing the data logging, we have to apply by mixing all those
informations and data in living life. Acid or alkali both is not harmful to our
body system as long as the concentration is controlled. The relevant is,
everything in this world we need the equality or having in between like
acid and alkali. The role of pH and healthy is related to each other as can
get disadvantage from being too acidic or too alkalinity. Food that we ate
will increase or decrease the pH level. Normal blood pH level required for
our body is 7.4 .
When the blood pH decreases than normal level it indicates that our body
is in acidic condition thus need to correct the pH level back to normal.
Here are some suggestions or improvements as corrective mechanism.
Firstly, vegetable can reduce the amount of acid in body as all of us know
it tastes bitter clearly showing us its alkalinity. Specifically garlic and
spinach are the best vegetables to choose as higher alkalinity. Other than
vegetable, some fruit also can help reducing acidity. Suprisingly, citrus
fruits like orange and lemon reduce the acidity as they are broken down
they stimulate the alkaline chemicals production. Apart from citrus fruit,
banana also help to reduce body acidity because has alkalising effect.
Next, beverages might increase the pH value to normal like alkalinelity
mineral water and green tea, ginseng tea or herb tea.
Vice versa to acidic, when the pH value is higher than normal level
indicates that body is in alkaline condition. Thus we need acidic food to
neutralise it. Alkaline food that can increase oxygen amount in blood
taking consumption. In this stage we should practise the teory based on
pH indicator.

5.0 Extension
As we know when acid and base react together it will form new substance
known as a salt and water. Are there any differences when different type
of acid and base are react together? Are they will form the same salt? Are
they will still form a water like normal reaction if different type of acid and
base are react together?
When acid and base are react together they can form salt and water. This
reaction is called as neutralization. When strong acid react with strong
base the products are salt and water. Neutralization reaction is take place
form solution with pH= 7. When strong acid react with weak base, it still
produce a salt but water is not usually formed because weak bases tend
not to be hydroxides. The water will react to cation of salt reform weak
base. If weak acid and strong base react together, the resulting solution
will be the acid. This happened because the salt is hydrolysed to form an
acid with the formation of hydroxide ion from the hydrolysed water
molecules. The final type is when weak acid and weak base react
together, the pH of the solution form depends on strengths of reactants.
For instance, if Ka of 3.4 x 10-8 and Kb = 1.6 x 10-5 then the solution form
will be acidic because Ka is less than Kb.

Conclusion
Experiment in measuring the pH value is more accurate using sensor of
data logger to record it. As we know data logger is one of ICT application
that we can use in teaching and learning process. Data logger gives the
benefits to us because it can tabulate the data and perform in graph.
Besides that, we can get the result faster with the accurate value rather
than using pH meter. Main objective to apply ICT in learning at schools to
the students might help them better in handling ICT. Students also get
trained with high order thinking and critical thinking. These types of
thinking testing the students capability on linking the theory and data
then creating something new for better life like precautions or way to
solve based on that. Plus teacher can know how understand the students
are, about the topic when they have to use the concept as basic to answer
high order thinking question.

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Lawn, R., & Prichard, F. (2003). Measurement of ph. Cambridge: Royal

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Foods.

(n.d.).

Retrieved

October

19,

2015,

from

http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/alkaline-foods.htm

How to Balance Your pH to Heal Your Body. (2012, September 24).

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