Student Research Reports

View Research Report

ABSTRACT “RUNAWAY FUEL” A study conducted using GLOBE soil testing procedures to analyze soil and runoff water samples at gas stations. Cameron R. Dickard - 6th grade Alpena Middle School, Alpena, AR, USA The purpose of this project was to use GLOBE protocols to analyze the soil and runoff rain water at gas stations for pH levels, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Potash. It was predicted that the runoff from gas and oil would have varying affects on the levels of pH, Phosphorus (P), Nitrogen (N), and Potash levels in the soil and rain water around the gas stations compared to the control samples. Three soil samples and three rain water samples were collected from three different gas stations for analysis. A control sample was collected from an area where gas station runoff wasn’t present. Following GLOBE soil testing procedures, chemical tests for P, N, and K were tested along with pH and oil. 110g of each soil was mixed together with 110ml of distilled water and let set overnight, then chemical analysis was conducted. The rain water runoff was also analyzed. All soil samples showed traces of oil along with rainwater from gas station-B. Nitrogen tests were all negative. Phosphorus tests were negative for soil. Phosphorus for rainwater: station A=2ppm, station B=1.33ppm, & station C=2.67ppm. Potash for soil: station A=0.33ppm, station B=1ppm & station C=0ppm. Potash for runoff rainwater: station A=3ppm, station B=2ppm & station C=2ppm. pH results for soil: station A=7ppm, station B=7.17ppm, and station C=7.17ppm. Runoff rainwater results for pH: station A=3ppm, station B=6.83ppm, and station C=6.5ppm. The soil and water samples from the gas stations had low levels of Phosphorus (P), Nitrogen (N), and Potash (K). The researcher thought the runoff rainwater would show stronger results for oil. It’s hypothesized that runoff rainwater possibly depleted the nutrients in the soil.