2. Background Research BP Oil Spill 4 million barrels of petroleum leaked into the ocean Drilling rig exploded in the Mexican Gulf Burned petroleum gives out emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter Sulfur Dioxide causes acid rain, a harmful chemical to plants and animals who live in the water Nitrogen oxide contributes to ground level ozone, and can lead to an irritation and damage of the lungs Particulate matter can lead to asthma and chronic bronchitis in children Carbon Dioxide is a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming
3. Background Petroleum contains hydrocarbons, molecules made up entirely of hydrogen and carbon Contains Sulfur, and can be classified as sour and sweet due to the amount of sulfur. Conventional motor oil is petroleum oil pumped up from the ground-will be used in the experiment BP oil spill leads to scientists discovering new ways to “cure plants” which had been effected by petroleum What exactly does petroleum do to a plant?
4. Problem + Hypothesis Does the amount of petroleum affect a plant’s height over time? If the amount of petroleum is greater, then the plants will lose height quicker.
