ABSTRACT

The Illinois Junior Academy of Science

This form/paper may not be taken without IJAS authorization.

CATEGORY

Consumer Science

STATE REGION #

SCHOOL

Niles North High School

IJAS SCHOOL #

6038

CITY/ZIP

Skokie, IL 60077

SCHOOL PHONE #

847.626.2258

SPONSOR

RJ Thielsen

MARK ONE:

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

NAME OF SCIENTIST*

Sarah Ly

DESIGN INVESTIGATION
GRADE

NAME OF SCIENTIST

GRADE

NAME OF SCIENTIST

GRADE

NAME OF SCIENTIST

GRADE

11

* If this project is awarded a monetary prize, the check will be written in this scientist's name, and it will be his/her responsibility to
distribute the prize money equally among all participating scientists.

PROJECT TITLE

Improving the Longevity of the LifeStraw Water Filter Using Lysozyme

Purpose: The purpose of this experiment is to increase the longevity of the LifeStraw using an enzyme known as lysozyme.

Procedure: To conduct this experiment, a vacuum must be created in order to replicate conditions needed for the LifeStraw to
function. After the vacuum is properly set up, determine the initial flow rate. Pour in E.coli in increments of 10 mL until t he filter is
clogged. Once the filter is clogged, treat the filter with 15 mL of the EDTA solution for 10 minutes. Next, introduce 15 mL of the
lysozyme solution to the filter. The solution should remain in the filter for 15, 25, or 35 minutes, depending on the trial. Once the
solution is flushed out, determine the final flow rate.

Conclusion: All nine trials demonstrated that a combination of EDTA and lysozyme could effectively degrade E.coli and increase the
flow rate; thus supporting the hypothesis. Of the three times tested the 15 minutes lysozyme treatment was the most effective. On
average, after being treated with the EDTA and lysozyme solution, the flow rate increased by 7.391%. The results suggest that as time
increases, percent change decreases as does enzyme activity; thus, less E.coli are degraded so the flow rate cannot increase as much.

1) Limit Abstract to 3 paragraphs (about 200 words or less). a) Purpose - what you set out to investigate; b) Procedure - how you did
it; c) Conclusion - based on your results. Label each paragraph.
2) Must be typed, single-spaced on the front of this form. Do not write on the back of this form.
3) Three copies of your complete paper are required at the State Science Project Exposition.
Four copies of your complete paper are required for the State Paper Session Competition.
This form must be used. This form must be displayed on the front of the exhibitors display board. It may be reduced to half a sheet of paper;
8.5 inches (vertical) X 5.5 inches (horizontal).