The Effects of Flow Rate on the Removal of Nitrate
For this experiment, the researchers determined how flow rate affects the speed in which nitrate is removed from an aquatic system. The three flow rates tested were 6 liters per hour, 8 liters per hour, and 10 liters per hour. Three filters were built out of recycled orange juice bottles, acrylic tubes with a diameter of 3/4 inches, and Styrofoam spheres. The researchers then placed the tubes into the water with one of them connected to a pump that allowed water to flow through the filter, while the other tube was the way the filtered water re-entered the system. Adjustable clips were then placed on the tubes to regulate the flow of water to the previously specified rates. Due to backflow, these clips had to be re-adjusted daily to maintain the desired flow rates. Finally, in the bottle, pure Styrofoam spheres were inserted to allow a surface area for bacteria to grow on and begin the natural biological filtration process. The objective was to create an airtight seal, therefore, oxygen was not being injected into the system. After everything was up and running the nitrate levels were taken every day to see how fast the removal process was occurring. It was discovered that the filter with a flow rate of 10 L/Hr was able to remove nitrate the quickest. This was quite surprising to the researchers, who initially expected the filter with a flow rate of 6 L/Hr to remove it the quickest.
Research Conducted By:
Sandy Heikka
Warren Mott High School
Zachery Sargeant
Lakeview High School
Warren Consolidated Schools