THE EFFECT OF DETERGENT POWDER ON THE GROWTH OF MONGO

A Science Investigatory Project

Presented to
THE FACULTY
Of Maryhill College

In partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the subject
SCIENCE

by:
de Mesa, Wensel
Banal, Grashielle Anne
Panaligan, Claire Hilary
8-PEACE

August 2014

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The study aimed to introduce the effect of the detergent powder on the growth of the mongo.
Nevertheless, this study wouldnt be possible without the everlasting love, care and assistance
from the researchers family, who supported her in the procurement of the much needed logistics
and references, cultivated and propagated the for the study, and uplifted the researcher
emotionally when she is taken aback with discouragement.
The researcher would never forget to acknowledge Sir Eric Jaro, who extended their invaluable
time, patience in explaining the whole course of the research and gave words of encouragement.
Furthermore, the researcher would like to thank her classmates for the shared information during
casual talk and discussions.
Most of all, to God our Father, the source of all strength and wisdom. For without His unfaltering
love and guidance this study would never be realized.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE..
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
TABLE OF CONTENTS...
ABSTRACT...
CHAPTER
I

II

III

IV

i
ii
iii
iv

INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study...
Statement of the Problem...
Hypothesis..
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations....
Definition of Terms

1
2
2
3
4
4

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Related Literature
Related Studies

5-6
6

METHODOLOGY
Research Design.
Materials/Equipment...
General Procedures/Treatment...

7
8-9
9

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Findings...
Analysis of Data..

10-11
11-12

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary.
Conclusions.
Recommendations...

13
14
14

APPENDICES
A
Documentation...
B
Bibliography..
C
Personal Data.

ABSTRACT

The study covers the effect of detergent in the growth of mongo. Laundry detergent is
not a soap but actually a chemical compound which cleans clothing by keeping the dirt
suspended in the water while breaking down barriers between the water molecules so the water
can be more efficient. A key ingredient in both solid and liquid laundry detergents is a surfactant.
A surfactant is a substance which, when added to water, significantly reduces the surface tension
of the water. This study will justify and explain the effect of laundry detergent in the growth of
the mongo plant whether positive or negative .The detergents used for the investigation are Tide,
Champion, and Bonux only. Every Friday the researchers measure the height of the plant by
centimeter. The plant is watered four times every week. On the first week all the plants is
watered by water only. On the second and third week the plant is watered with the detergent
assigned on it. Only the plant that is watered with H2O only grows tall, healthy, and sturdy.
While the other plants that is watered with detergent grows tall, but its leaves wither. Direct
exposure to sunlight of plant is needed for the growth of the plant. Using loom soil to plant the
seeds is advisable for growing healthy plants. Using detergent in watering the plants is not
advisable for growing healthy plants. The current climatic change as evidenced by high
temperature affected the growth of Mongo plant. Using detergent can help plants to grow tall,
but not sturdy and the leaves of the plant wither.

Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, hypothesis,
and significance of the study, scope and limitations, and the definition of terms.
Background of the Study
Mung or moong bean (also known as green gram or golden gram) is the seed of Vigna
radiata, native to the Indian subcontinent, and mainly cultivated in the Philippines,
Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Burma and Indonesia, but also in hot
and dry regions of Southern Europe and the Southern United States. It is used as an
ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.
A detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with "cleaning properties in dilute
solutions." These substances are usually alkylbenzenesulfonates, a family of compounds that
are similar to soap but are more soluble in hard water, because the polar sulfonate (of detergents)
is less likely than the polar carboxyl (of soap) to bind to calcium and other ions found in hard
water. In most household contexts, the term detergent by itself refers specifically to laundry
detergent or dish detergent, as opposed to hand soap or other types of cleaning agents.
Detergents are commonly available as powders or concentrated solutions. Detergents, like soaps,
work because they are amphiphilic: partly hydrophilic (polar) and partly hydrophobic (nonpolar). Their dual nature facilitates the mixture of hydrophobic compounds (like oil and grease)
with water. Because air is not hydrophilic, detergents are also foaming agents to varying degrees.

Statement of the Problem

a) Is the surfactant in detergent can help the plant grows?
b) How long can the plants survive?
c) If the plant survived will it grow as healthy as the plant watered in H2O only?
d) Is all the detergents have the same effect and result in the growth of the mongo plant?
e) Is the detergent advisable in growing plants like mongo?

Hypothesis
Null hypothesis: Detergents often contain harmful and volatile chemicals that are
dangerous to some plants. Higher concentration of detergents affects plant growth and creates
abnormally grown plants. Various educational experiments and science projects show that
detergents contain poisonous chemicals that are capable of killing plants. Even though some
degree of detergent maybe beneficial, it is better not to risk the plants health.

Alternative hypothesis: The detergent contains the chemical substance known as

surfactant, this substance helps reduce the surface tension of a liquid that is dissolve in, this will
help on the growth of mongo plant.

Significance of the Study

Laundry detergent is not a soap but actually a chemical compound which cleans clothing by
keeping the dirt suspended in the water while breaking down barriers between the water
molecules so the water can be more efficient. A key ingredient in both solid and liquid laundry
detergents is a surfactant. A surfactant is a substance which, when added to water, significantly
reduces the surface tension of the water.
This study will justify and explain the effect of laundry detergent in the growth of the mongo
plant. This will determine if the effect of the detergent in the plant is positive or negative. We
can identify if the chemical substance known as surfactant, the substance that helps reduce the
surface tension of a liquid that is dissolve in the plant that can help for its growth. This study
will also promote awareness in what detergent can help or affect in our nature.

Scope and Limitations

The study covers the effect of detergent in the growth of mongo. The investigation of the
researchers lasts for three weeks only. The detergents used for the investigation are Tide,
Champion, and Bonux only. Every Friday the researchers measure the height of the plant by
centimeter. All the seed is planted 3 cm deep in the soil. Except the plant with the label of water
that is planted 5 cm deep in the soil. Each pot is planted by 5 seeds each. The plant is watered
four times every week. On the first week all the plants is watered by water only. On the second
and third week the plant is watered with the detergent assigned on it. Except the one plant that is
watered by water only on the entire duration of the investigation. And the amount of water that is
watered on the plants is 4 cm of the cup used. And the amount of the detergent is equally
measured by 2 cm of the spoon. Direct exposure to sunlight is also needed.

Definition of Terms
Adverse - preventing success or development; harmful; unfavorable.
Detergent - a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with "cleaning properties in dilute solutions.
Essential - absolutely necessary; extremely important.
Seed- A seed is a small embryonic plant enclosed in a covering called the seed coat, usually with
some stored food.
Synthetic - (of a substance) made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product.

Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES
This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies which serve as
justification to make the study more informative and easy to understand.
Related Literature
According to Joanne Cichetti, detergents often contain harmful and volatile chemicals that are
dangerous to some plants. Higher concentration of detergents affects plant growth and creates
abnormally grown plants. But, according to some studies, low concentrations can be beneficial.
According to Mary Bauer, soapy water can benefit plants, particularly in controlling certain
insects, but its important to ensure that the soap product you use doesnt have additives that are
harmful to plants and that you dilute it sufficiently to avoid damage. When using conserved
household waste water, avoid contact with edible portions of the plant. Always test a small
portion of the plant for tolerance to the chemicals
According to Michelle Emery, for the most part, soapy water affects plants beneficially. Reusing
your gray water can be good for the environment, and it contains nutrients as well as fertilizing
ingredients for your plants. However, there are a few warnings to note.
According to Tanya Brody, soap makes water wetter. It helps soil absorb water better. Soap also
helps control pests on plants and has been used as a natural insecticide for centuries. Used
sparingly, it is a good way to help grow plants.
According to Dannah Swift, certain plant pests show up out of nowhere and seem impossible to
get rid of. The good news is that some of the most common garden and houseplant pests are
controlled with the use of a nontoxic mixture of soap and water, otherwise known as insecticidal

soap. Insecticidal soap is safe and easy to make at home, but is also commercially available.
Related Studies
According to cababstractsplus.org, higher concentration of detergents can decrease the plant's
absorption of nutrients from roots. It also affects the plants ability to transport nutrients from
roots to shoots.
According to ri.net, usage of detergent or recycled laundry water in the garden can permanently
damage the soil and make it infertile for future growth of plants.
According to cababstractsplus.org, even though a higher concentration of detergent can be
dangerous to plants, a low concentration of certain detergents containing phosphate can increase
the growth of plants.

According to ehow.com, bean plants that have been given detergents will not be able to properly
absorb nutrients from the soil. The detergents will damage the roots of the plant. Liquid
detergent in particular is damaging to the roots of plants, according to . Detergents that list boron
(borax) as an ingredient are also highly damaging. Finally, many detergents contain large
amounts of salt, enough of which can render soil inhospitable to plant life.
According to ehow.com, detergents can not only inhibit the growth of bean plants, but they can
damage them. The very ingredients that help detergents eat away at grease and grime will also
eat away at the waxy coating on a plant's leaves, or on the bean pod. In fact, if the bean plant
comes into contact with detergent while the beans are developing, they may not develop properly
or even at all.

Chapter III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the research design, materials or equipment to be use and the
general procedures or treatment of the study.
Research Design
A research design is a systematic plan to study a scientific problem. The design of a study
defines the study type (descriptive, correlational, semi-experimental, experimental, review, metaanalytic) and sub-type (e.g., descriptive-longitudinal case study), research question, hypotheses,
independent and dependent variables, experimental design, and, if applicable, data collection
methods and a statistical analysis plan.
The Research Design of this Investigatory Project is an Observational Design. This type of
Research Design draws a conclusion by comparing subjects against a control group, in cases
where the researcher has no control over the experiment. There are two general types of
observational designs. In direct observations, people know that you are watching them.
Unobtrusive measures involve any method for studying behavior where individuals do not know
they are being observed. An observational study allows a useful insight into a phenomenon and
avoids the ethical and practical difficulties of setting up a large and cumbersome research
project.

Materials/Equipment
Cup- we use it to have accurate amount of water in watering the plants.
Detergent- main material needed in the investigation, used to see if it is advisable to use in
growing the plants.
Mongo seeds- used to see the effect of the detergent in the growth of plants.
Plant container- is a container that is used for growing plants.
Ruler - used to measure the cup and spoon so we can have accurate amount of water and
detergent we will use, used to measure height of the plant in cm.
Soil- the substance on the surface of the earth in which plants grow.
Spoon - used to measure the accurate amount of detergent.
Water- used to water the plants

General Procedures/Treatment

Step 1: Ready all the materials needed to plant the mongo seeds.
Step 2: Plant 5 mongo seeds each pot. And plant it 3 cm deep in the soil. Except the pot that is
labeled by water that is planted 5 cm deep in the soil.
Step 3: Water all the plants with no detergent on its first week with 4 cm of water in the cup four
times a week.
Step 4: Water the plants with each corresponding detergent (tide, bonux, champion) in the
second and third week. Water the plants four times a week.

Step 5: Every Friday measure the plants using centimeter in ruler. Write down the measurement.
Step 6: After three weeks observe and analyze the data you have written down
during the whole time duration of the investigation.

Chapter IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter presents the results of the study. Findings and analysis of data are also given.
The researchers acceptance or rejection of hypothesis given is also provided in the light of
findings generated.

Findings

7cm
8.5 cm
12 cm

Table I: Water
Height (cm)
2
6.5 cm
8 cm
10 cm

1
9 cm
10.5 cm
12 cm

Table II: Tide

Height (cm)
2
8.5 cm
9.5 cm
10 cm

Time Duration
1
st

1 week
2nd week
3rd week
Total

Time Duration
1st week
2nd week
3rd week
Total

Time Duration

Table III: Champion

Height (cm)

Average
3
7.5 cm
9 cm
13 cm

7 cm
8.5 cm
11.7 cm
9 cm

Average
3
9.5 cm
---------------

9 cm
6.7 cm
7.3 cm
8 cm

Average

1
st

1 week
2nd week
3rd week
Total

9.5 cm
10 cm
12 cm

9 cm
11 cm
16 cm

8 cm
9 cm
10 cm

Table IV: Bonux

Height (cm)
2
8 cm
12 cm
14 cm

Time Duration
1
1st week
2nd week
3rd week
Total

3
10 cm
10 cm
13 cm

9.5 cm
10.3 cm
13.7 cm
11.2 cm

Average
3
8.5 cm
11 cm
12 cm

8.2 cm
10.7 cm
12 cm
10.3 cm

Analysis of Data
Base from the table above it shows that every week the plant grows tall. But even if it grows tall
it doesnt mean it grow healthy and sturdy. Only the plant that is watered with H2O only grows
tall, healthy, and sturdy. While the other plants that is watered with detergent grows tall, but
its leaves wither. Supposed to be the water will be the one who grows the plant tallest, but
because it is the only plant that is planted 5 cm deep in the soil. Champion has the tallest average
of the total height of the mongo plant with 11.2 cm. Next is the Bonux with a total average of
10.3 cm. Water with a total average of 9 cm. And last Tide with a total average of 8 cm. Tide has
the shortest or smallest total average because the third plant dies on its second week. Base from
the data I analyzed that soil can also affect in the growth of the plant. Because the plant that is
labeled with water only have the different soil from the three plants that is watered according to
its detergent. Direct exposure to sunlight is also needed to grow the plants tall. The researchers

plants all grow tall because of its exposure to sunlight and following the days that its needed to
be watered. Because the detergent contains the chemical substance known as surfactant, this
substance helps reduce the surface tension of a liquid that is dissolve in, this will help on the
growth of mongo plant. But laundry detergent also contains powerful surfactants such as
sodium dodecyl sulfate. These detergents characteristically aggregate lipids and denature
proteins. When detergents are absorbed by a plant, the detergents can cause cell membranes to
collapse and membranes to function improperly. This can cause part or all of a plant to die.

Chapter V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter presents the summary of the study conducted. This also imparts the
conclusions framed and the recommendations formulated thereafter.
Summary
a) Is the surfactant in detergent can help the plant grows?
b) How long can the plants survive?
c) If the plant survived will it grow as healthy as the plant watered in H2O only?
d) Is all the detergents have the same effect and result in the growth of the mongo plant?
e) Is the detergent advisable in growing plants like mongo?
The detergent contains the chemical substance known as surfactant, this substance helps
reduce the surface tension of a liquid that is dissolve in, this will help on the growth of mongo
plant. But laundry detergent also contains powerful surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate.
These detergents characteristically aggregate lipids and denature proteins. When detergents are
absorbed by a plant, the detergents can cause cell membranes to collapse and membranes to
function improperly. This can cause part or all of a plant to die. In our test all the plants
survived except the one plant that is watered with Tide that died after the second week. No it

doesnt grow as healthy and sturdy as the plant watered in H2O only. All the detergents dont
have the same effect and result in the growth of the plant. Because each detergent has their own
amount of chemical substance depending on their brand. For us researchers, it is not advisable to
use detergents in growing plants. Because yes detergent can help in growing the plants tall, but it
will not grow healthy and sturdy because of its chemical substance.
Conclusions
From the research done, the researchers found out that:
Direct exposure to sunlight of plant is needed for the growth of the plant.

Using loom soil to plant the seeds is advisable for growing healthy plants.

Using detergent in watering the plants is not advisable for growing healthy plants.

The current climatic change as evidenced by high temperature affected the growth of
Mongo plant.

Using detergent can help plants to grow tall, but not sturdy and the leaves of the plant
wither.

Recommendations

We researchers, do not recommend watering any kind of plant using detergent water

because the plant may not grow or die.

We researchers, recommend direct exposure of plant to sunlight.

We researchers, recommend watering the plants atleast four times a week.

We reaserchers, do not recommend insecticides on plants.

We researchers, recommend to use loom soil with needed pore space,

which lets in air essential to good plant growth.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
A. Books
B. Electronic References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mung_bean
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detergent
http://www.scribd.com/doc/29164852/Malunggay-and-Spinach-Powder-InvestigatoryProject-Sample
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_importance_of_detergent
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_design
http://dictionary.reverso.net/
http://www.ehow.com/info_10074809_happens-plant-watered-detergent.html
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5958757_effects-detergent-plant-growth.html
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5958763_effects-detergent-plants.html
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5950073_detergent-harm-plants_.html
http://www.ehow.com/info_8723968_laundry-detergent-affect-plant-growth.html
http://www.ehow.com/info_7841214_effects-detergents-bean-plant-growth.html

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Wensel R. de Mesa

Birthday: January 01,2001
Birthplace: Lucena City
Gender: Female
Civil status: Single
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Catholic
Name of Parents:
Father: Jose Owen Y. de Mesa
Mother: Jesel R. de Mesa
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Secondary:

Maryhill College
M.L. Tagarao St. Lucena City
(2013-Present)

Elementary:

Maryhill College
M.L. Tagarao St. Lucena City
(2007-2013)

HOBBY
Loves to read books, Write stories poems, essays.
MOTTO
Persons are unique, yet fundamentally equal
PERSONAL DATA

Name: Grashielle Anne M. Banal

Birthday: March 14,2001
Birthplace: Lucena City
Gender: Female
Civil status: Single
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Catholic
Name of Parents:
Father: Annabelle M. Banal
Mother: Godfrey Banal
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Secondary:

Maryhill College
M.L. Tagarao St. Lucena City
(2013-Present)

Elementary:

Maryhill College
M.L. Tagarao St. Lucena City
(2007-2013)

HOBBY
Badminton
MOTTO
One for all, all for one
PERSONAL DATA

Name: Claire Hilary Panaligan

Birthday: February 7, 2000
Birthplace: Lucena City
Gender: Female
Civil status:
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Name of Parents:
Father: Elgin Andrew F. Constantino
Mother: Andrea Cyril G. Panaligan
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Secondary:

Maryhill College
M.L. Tagarao St. Lucena City
(2013-Present)

Elementary:

Maryhill College
M.L. Tagarao St. Lucena City
(2009-2013)

HOBBY
Singing, drawing, bicycling, walking, jogging, basketball, badminton and reading
MOTTO
Everything happens for a reason