Presenters:
Joshua FloydSenior at Greenfield High School
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Maxwell WittSenior at Greenfield High School
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Abstract
The purpose of the experiment was to determine which common disinfectant can stop mold growth most effectively. The experiment was also designed to test what bread that had the slowest rate of mold growth. This research will help consumers determine what brand of bread they should buy if it is stored for long periods of time. The initial expectation was bleach would be the most effective,decrease rate of mold growth, overall and germ-ex would be the most effective hand sanitizer tested. Bread was coated with disinfectants then placed in 16.5 cm by 14.9 cm plastic bags. The bread was then sprayed with distilled water every three days for the full time of the trail. The surface area of the mold growth was recorded if any was present. After running multiple trials, Isopropyl Alcohol, Purell, Lucky Supersoft, and Lysol proved to prevent mold growth for the longest time. None of these trials produced mold growth throughout the experiment. Germ ex disinfectant consistently had the quickest mold growth of all disinfectants. Wheat bread took 34 days to show mold growth in the control group. Bunny Bread took the longest to show mold growth amongst white breads at 34 days. Best choice bread grew fastest (3 days). Final results found certain disinfectants (Isopropyl Alcohol, Purell, Lucky Supersoft, and Lysol) prevent mold growth most effectively. The results also proved Bunny Bread will mold much slower than cheaper brands of bread. Results also showed wheat bread would mold slower than white bread.