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General Science Final Topic Q2

The document discusses the detrimental effects of saltwater and wastewater on plant growth and ecosystems, highlighting osmotic stress as a key factor leading to plant wilting and death. An investigation plan is outlined to assess the impact of varying salt concentrations on garden plants, while also detailing the broader ecological consequences of saltwater and wastewater on soil, animals, and humans. Recommendations are provided to mitigate these negative impacts through wastewater treatment, the use of salt-tolerant plants, and sustainable agricultural practices.

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38 views2 pages

General Science Final Topic Q2

The document discusses the detrimental effects of saltwater and wastewater on plant growth and ecosystems, highlighting osmotic stress as a key factor leading to plant wilting and death. An investigation plan is outlined to assess the impact of varying salt concentrations on garden plants, while also detailing the broader ecological consequences of saltwater and wastewater on soil, animals, and humans. Recommendations are provided to mitigate these negative impacts through wastewater treatment, the use of salt-tolerant plants, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Uploaded by

Mac-mac Pusa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Effects of Saltwater and Wastewater on

Plant Growth and Ecosystems


Osmotic Stress
Osmotic stress happens when dissolved salts in the soil or water create a high solute
concentration outside plant roots. Normally, water moves into roots by osmosis (from low
solute concentration to high solute concentration). However, if the soil solution is too salty,
water cannot move in, and in severe cases water may even move out of the plant cells. This
causes plants to wilt, dry out, or die. High salinity also reduces the ability of plants to absorb
essential nutrients, preventing proper growth.

Investigation Plan
Objective: To investigate how much salt dissolved in water will prevent the growth of a
simple garden plant.

Steps:

1. Prepare equal-sized pots with the same soil and the same type of garden plant (e.g., mung
beans or lettuce).

2. Water each group with different salt concentrations: 0% (pure water), 1%, 2%, 5%, and
10% salt solution.

3. Observe germination rate, leaf size, color, height, wilting, and survival over 2–3 weeks.

4. Record the salt concentration at which growth significantly stops or plants die.

Effects of Saltwater and Wastewater on Ecosystems


Solution Type Effect on Plants Effect on Soil Effect on Environmental
Animals & Impact
Humans
Saltwater Stunted growth, Increases soil Reduces food Desertification,
leaf burn, salinity, supply for biodiversity
wilting, plant reduces herbivores, loss.
death due to fertility, makes affects crop
osmotic stress. soil barren. yield.
Wastewater May supply Adds heavy Contaminates Water
nutrients (N, P, metals, drinking water, pollution,
K) but can pathogens, or harms fish and eutrophication
poison plants if excess livestock. (algae bloom).
toxic chemicals nutrients.
are present.

Recommendations to Minimize Negative Impacts


1. Treat wastewater before releasing it into rivers or agricultural fields.

2. Use salt-tolerant plants (halophytes) in salty environments.

3. Flush soil regularly with fresh water to reduce salt buildup.

4. Practice sustainable agriculture with reduced chemical fertilizers.

5. Educate communities on responsible waste disposal and water conservation.

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