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Bacteria Lab Report

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Clara M
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7 views

Bacteria Lab Report

Uploaded by

Clara M
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Bacteria on Sink Handles at Cawthra Park

Clara Moniz

Cawthra Park Secondary School

SBI3U0-A

Mr. Monroe

Friday May 5, 2023


Question: How much will bacteria and their growth differ on the handles of sinks in different
rooms across Cawthra Park? What factors might affect the amount of bacteria present?

Hypothesis: If activities in a room involve oil based substances, then there will be more bacteria
present in the sample because soap and more thorough cleaning is required to properly remove
residue from oil based substances.

Procedure:
1. A petri dish was prepared with nutrient agar, to allow for proper incubation and the lid
was left on unless the inoculation was occuring.
2. With a permanent marker, four quadrants were marked on the outside of the petri dish
and labeled one through four.
3. An untouched cotton swab was dampened with water from the biology room sink and
was rubbed on the tap of a biology room sink for about five seconds, ensuring the entire
head of the swab made contact with the tap.
4. The swab was gently rubbed from the outside, moving inwards on the spot for sample
three. The lid of the petri dish was closed immediately.
5. An untouched cotton swab was dampened with water from the biology room sink and
was rubbed on the hot water tap of a food and culture room sink for about five seconds,
ensuring the entire head of the swab made contact with the tap.
6. The swab was gently rubbed from the outside, moving inwards on the spot for sample
four. The lid of the petri dish was closed immediately.
7. An untouched cotton swab was dampened with water from the biology room sink and
was rubbed on the hot water tap on an art room sink for about five seconds, ensuring the
entire head of the swab made contact with the tap.
8. The swab was gently rubbed from the outside, moving inwards on the spot for sample
two. The lid of the petri dish was closed immediately.
9. The petri dish was sealed with Parafilm and left for three days to allow for bacterial
growth.

Results:
Observations
Qualitative Quantitative

- Sample three is the only one which - The distance from the edge of
produced small circular bacterial the dish to the end of sample
growth patterns two is 24mm
- Sample two and four have a similar - The distance from the edge of
pattern of growth but there is more the dish to the end of the largest
concentration on sample four. section of sample three is 29mm
The control is completely clear of all - The distance from the edge of
visible bacteria the dish to the end of sample
- The center of the petri dish is clear four is 31mm
on all samples aside from sample
three
- The bacteria growth is most opaque
in areas of sample three.

Conclusion:
The three samples from sink taps all showed similar patterns of bacterial growth, but the
differences are important in proving the hypothesis. The hypothesis that rooms with oil based
materials would have more bacterial growth, proved to be true. Overall the sample which grew
the most bacteria was the art room sink. This supports the hypothesis because many art supplies
such as oil paints, pastels and mixing mediums are oil based and would be on student’s hands
when washing brushes and supplies after class. It is also less likely that the art room sink would
be frequently disinfected or sterilized, as there is little perceived health threat from residue left
by art supplies. The sample with the next highest concentration of visible bacteria is from the
food and cultures room. This also supports the hypothesis as oils, butter and other forms of fat
would be common when cooking. This also explains the differences in growth pattern as it would
be the only environment with certain kinds of foodborne bacteria. While it is likely that food
residue from raw meat and unwashed produce contains more bacteria than art supplies, the food
room is also cleaned and sanitized much more frequently due to concerns over food safety and
contamination. The biology sink showed the least bacteria growth and this is likely due to
frequent sterilization as well as the use of harsh chemicals which will kill a lot of bacteria on
surfaces. There is also less chance of spilling or uncleaned oil residue due to strict lab safety
measures in place during class. Overall the hypothesis that locations with oil based materials
would have more bacterial growth, proved to be true, but it is perhaps more likely that this trend
has more to due with sterilization procedures surrounding commonly touched surfaces.

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