The Biodegradation of Laundry Detergent Using Escherichia coli

The Biodegradation of Laundry Detergent Using Escherichia coli GLORIA GALENO

Goal: Measure the biodegradation of laundry detergents

What is Biodegradation?

Organic substances are broken down into smaller compounds through metabolic or enzymatic processes

What is Escherichia coli?

Prominent form of fecal bacteria found in the human gut

Aids in the digestion of food

We use detergent in our daily life mainly for:

35 billion loads of laundry per year

Percentage of People Who Use Liquid and Solid Detergent 15. 73% [VALUE]. 17% Solid Liquid

Why?

Residuals are discharched into sewer systems

7, 200, 000 gallons of raw sewage was spilled into the Hudson River

Found in large quantities in the Hudson River

Destroy the external mucus layers that protect the fish from bacteria and parasites

Can cause severe damage to the gills

Procedure

Materials: -Nutrient Broth -Escherichia coli -Culture tubes -Stock Bottles -Top loading balance

Materials: -Biodegradable powder detergent: Foca Roma Blanca Nieves

Procedure-Sterilizing 1. Autoclaved Broth 2. Table was wiped down 3. Transferred bacteria with inoculating loop

Procedure-Sterilizing 1. Autoclaved Broth 2. Table was wiped down 3. Transferred bacteria with inoculating loop 4. Bunsen Burner

Procedure 1. Cultivate Escherichia coli in Nutrient Broth 2. Measure 20 ml of Nutrient Broth into 3 test tubes 3. Weigh test tubes every 2 -3 days 20 ml Bacteria + Detergent Broth

Trial 1: Difference in Mass Over 4 Days 0, 35 Difference in Mass (g) 0, 3 0, 25 0, 2 0, 15 0, 1 0, 05 0 Broth Bacteria Foca Test Tubes 1 -5 Roma Blanca Nieves

Trial 2: Difference in Mass Over 3 Weeks 0, 35 Difference in Mass (g) 0, 3 0, 25 0, 2 0, 15 0, 1 0, 05 0 Broth Bacteria Foca Test Tubes 1 -5 Roma Blanca Nieves

Trial 3: Difference in Mass Over 6 Weeks 0, 9 0, 8 Difference in Mass (g) 0, 7 0, 6 0, 5 0, 4 0, 3 0, 2 0, 1 0 Broth Bacteria Foca Stock Bottles 1 -5 Roma Blanca Nieves

Conclusion: Foca was the most compatible to degradation with the bacteria Escherichia coli

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