The Effect of the Concentration of Turpentine Oil and the Amount of UV-B Light Exposure on the Decomposition and Evaporation of 5W-30 Oil.
This experiment was conducted to find the most effective combination of the concentration of turpentine oil and duration of UV-B light exposure to decompose and evaporate 5W-30 oil. Cars sometimes leak 5W-30 oil and it ends up on roadways. When it rains, this oil flows into storm drains that empty into bodies of water. The 5W-30 oil needs to be removed from the water to not disturb the marine life. Three two-factor DOEs were used for this research, with seven runs each, and a total of nine standards. The first factor was the duration of UV-B light exposure, and the second factor was the concentration of turpentine oil. 100 mL beakers were filled with 50 mL of water, then 10 mL of 5W-30 oil was poured on the surface of the water. The specified amount of turpentine oil was added, either one (low), three (standard), or five (high) drops, the beakers were covered with a plastic bag secured with a rubber band, and shaken for ten seconds. The beakers were then uncovered and placed under the specified light box for two (low), four (standard), or seven (high) days. The height of the oil on the surface of the water was measured after the specified amount of days, then the volume of the oil was calculated. The hypothesis that the highest concentration of turpentine oil and the longest duration of exposure to UV-B light would result in the greatest decrease in 5W-30 oil was accepted. The averages of (+,+) trial had a greater percent difference than the (+,-), (-,+), and (-,-) trials. The effect of turpentine oil was deemed to be statistically significant, along with the effect of UV-B light exposure. The effect of turpentine oil and UV-B light exposure was not deemed statistically significant. When the averages were graphed, the two lines were almost parallel, which shows no interaction.
Research Conducted By:
Aubrey Rupert
Warren Mott High School
Alina Wygant
Fraser High School
Warren Consolidated Schools