The Effect of Varying Electrical Currents on Removal of Magnetite from Water
To further the study of magnetic water treatment, the experiment determined the effect of varying currents on the removal of magnetite. The results and analysis would contribute to a deeper understanding of water purification through magnets. Background science proposed an increase in current removes more of a magnetic particle.
The experiment’s goal was to determine the difference in the fraction of magnetite removed for varying current levels. Two metal alloys surrounded by copper coils were placed on either side of a copper tube. Each end of the copper coils were attached to a power source regulating current. Magnetite and water was poured through the tube and captured in a beaker, and different magnitudes of the current were generated. After the trial, the fraction of magnetite removed was calculated.
The hypothesis that the largest current will result in the largest fraction of magnetite removed was accepted. Descriptive statistics confirmed the hypothesis, and a two-sample t test between the low current and medium current groups did support the hypothesis, though this may be attributed to skewness in the low data plot. The largest difference existed between the standard (no current) and high current. Due to the low number of trials, the results of this research must be carefully interpreted. This research provided promising implications of magnetic water treatment by confirming increased current increased the fraction of magnetite removed.
Research Conducted By:
Reis Ciaramitaro
Cousino High School
Paul Havern
Warren Mott High School
Warren Consolidated Schools