A new product has been developed to kill pathogens in drinking water - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 19 - 2008 - Paper 1
Question 19
A new product has been developed to kill pathogens in drinking water.
Design an experiment to test the effectiveness of the product.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A new product has been developed to kill pathogens in drinking water - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 19 - 2008 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the control and experimental groups
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Create two groups of water samples: one group to which the new product is added (experimental group) and another identical group with no product added (control group). Ensure both groups are exposed to the same conditions.
Step 2
Determine pathogen levels
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Before adding the product, measure the initial concentration of pathogens in both groups. This can be done using a standardized microbial test, such as culturing techniques or quantitative PCR.
Step 3
Apply the product
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Introduce the new product to the experimental group and allow it to act for a predetermined time, based on the product's instructions. The control group should remain untreated.
Step 4
Measure the effectiveness
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
After the treatment period, again measure the levels of pathogens in both groups using the same method as before. Compare the pathogen counts to determine the effectiveness of the product, calculating the percentage reduction in pathogens from the control group.
