Positive Effects of Carbon Dioxide for Plant Growth

Many articles have been written about the negative effects of carbon dioxide. Sick Building Syndrome, loss of concentration due to high levels of carbon dioxide, asphyxiation in breweries or wine cellars, all these things spring to mind when we hear the magic phrase carbon dioxide. Yet, perhaps today when Venus passes across the face of the Sun, we should remember that our original atmosphere consisted of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Free oxygen is something that is not really chemically possible. Yet we have it as a result of plant life busily photosynthesising and converting carbon dioxide into oxygen during daylight hours. This is the original use of solar energy!

Plants require carbon dioxide to grow and why not help them by increasing the level of carbon dioxide? Normally, this is something that is undesirable, since carbon dioxide is the original greenhouse gas, as our neighbouring planet Venus can testify. But in a controlled, genuine greenhouse environment, there is no real reason why the level of carbon dioxide should not be enhanced in some way.

Indeed, tests have shown that increasing the level of carbon dioxide in a greenhouse to 550 ppm will accelerate plant growth by 30 - 40 %. The natural level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is around 450 ppm, having increased from about 250 ppm in the last ice-age, so this slight increase may not appear significant at first sight. The point of the matter is that the level of carbon dioxide in the average greenhouse with the ventilation system closed will drop sharply due to uptake by the plants and will lie around 150 - 200 ppm if nothing is done about it. In summer the ventilation system will be open and the fresh air circulation will augment the level to a useful degree. But what about those long, cold, dark northern winters? Most commercial greenhouses will have lighting and heating systems to encourage plant growth, but you still cannot open the ventilation and allow the cold outside air into your heated greenhouse without losing all the early crops. The only real solution is to augment the natural level of carbon dioxide in some way. Where it is used, the general rule of thumb is to augment by about 1000 ppm when the sun is shining (or all the lights are on!) and keep the level around 400 ppm during times of darkness. This will require monitoring, since there are so many variable factors involved and a simple control unit using an infrared sensor will be able to keep the concentration of gas constant at all times.

Rate of consumption varies with crop, light intensity, temperature, stage of crop development and nutrient level. An average consumption level is estimated to be between 0.12 - 0.24 kg/hr/100 m2 of greenhouse floor area. The higher rate reflects the typical usage for sunny days and a fully-grown crop. This equates to roughly 150 litres of carbon dioxide per hour.

There are many processes that naturally and unavoidably produce carbon dioxide: Fermentation and combustion are two classic examples. In temperate zones it is necessary to heat a greenhouse (glasshouse is just another word for the same thing), and this heating will almost always involve the burning of fossil fuels, producing carbon dioxide. This leads to the natural urge to re-circulate the exhaust gas from the heating system into the greenhouse and so achieve a double advantage for the plants. This will require careful monitoring of the flue gas to ensure that there are at the most only traces of carbon monoxide being passed into the greenhouse. This is not only bad for the plants but also potentially lethal to the people working there! Such technology is available with gas monitors that will measure the carbon monoxide concentration continuously and have analogue outputs that can be used to regulate the burners or operate a trip to switch the unit off should problems occur. The combination of breweries with greenhouse systems is also serious business in some areas. Generally, these methods are to be approved and should really be worthy of government support. Not only are they producing crops, they are removing a pollutant that would otherwise be vented into the atmosphere.

Monitoring of the added carbon dioxide is essential, however, since high concnetrations of carbon dioxide can lead to dizziness or even unconciousness of the personnel. Some plants will require higher levels of nutrients to compensate for some of the changes that occur. Particularly tomatoes and violets are sensitive to increased levels of carbon dioxide, hence the need for constant monitoring of the ambient concentration.

Simon Fowler studied Mechanical Enineering at City University in London, UK and now works in Vienna, Austria for madur electronics, a manufacturer of infrared sensors. http://www.madur.com/

E2macpets
Ball Python Supplies
E2macpets
Tortoise Supplies
Pet Reptile Supplies
Best New Cell Phones
Bluetooth Accessories
Cell Phone And Pda Accessories
Cell Phones And Smartphones
Pdas And Pocket Pcs
Phone And Sim Cards

Rising Raisins and Pop Bottle Fountains - A Science Inquiry Experience - Part 1

Sometimes the classic science experiments / demonstrations are classic for a reason. They're just wonderful at grabbing the attention of students and getting them to think about their world. Such is the case with the delightful "Rising Raisins" and the awesome "Soda Pop Bottle Fountain". By combining the two, the kids will be begging for more.

First, the "Rising Raisins" have been in print forever, usually just as a diversion or bed time sleep inducement. For this activity it will be used to enhance observation skills as well as a spring board for a discussion of density. Feel free to adapt the activity and questions to suit the age of your students.

Though soda will work for this activity, I always use seltzer water. Soda has a tendency to get sticky upon drying while seltzer water will just evaporate with no mess. No mess, that's for me.

You will need a sealed two liter bottle of seltzer, a tall clear container, raisins, other testable items.

Ask the student to inspect the sealed bottle. What is seen? (Clear liquid) Are there any bubbles? (No) Now, open the bottle and ask what is seen and possible reasons for the occurrence. (Lots of bubbling, foaming over. Also, sound is heard. This could be caused by a reduction in pressure once the bottle is opened.) Where did the bubbles usually form? (On the bottle's walls) I wonder if bubbles need someting on which to form?

Now, pour the seltzer water into the tall clear container. No doubt, more bubbles will form on the container's wall. Show a raisin and have the student predict what will happen when it is placed in the container.

When added, the raisin will sink to the bottom. There, bubbles will form in its nooks and crannies. This will cause the raisin to float to the surface where the bubbles will pop. The raisin will sink again and the process will continue until little gas is left in the seltzer water.

At this point, the experiment can go in two ways. One is for the student to suggest other items that might sink and float like raisins. What are the characteristics of these items that allow the activity? (Lightweight, not really smooth, etc.) Objects may include pieces of broken spaghetti, macaroni, straws, penny, marble, etc. Students can categorize objects that move and those that don't, then create possible reasons for their activity or inactivity.

Older students may be engaged with a discussion of density once they understand it fundamentally. Why did the raisin float? (It had bubbles around it.) Why didn't the bubble surrounded penny float? (Too heavy) Is the raisin's mass more or less at the top? (Same - the mass of the raisin itself remains the same just as your mass remains the same if you are on the ground or jumping into the air.) Continue questioning and move to questions about density. If we were to find the mass of the raisin and the mass of the same volume of water, which would have more mass? (Raisin - it sinks in water). If we were to find the mass of the raisin and its bubbles and the same volume of water as the raisin and bubbles which would be greater? (Water - the raisin/bubbles float because they have less mass combined as the same volume of water). And so goes it... As an inquiry questioning device to check understanding of density, the "Rising Raisin" is a winner.

Next time, we'll take the bubble formation ideas and use them in creating the "Awesome Pop Bottle Fountain." Have fun!

Tom Smith, an elementary science teacher, owns and operates Wonder Workshops, an online mecca of hard to find retro toys, puzzles, magic tricks, puppets, books, and DVDs all based in science, math, and problem solving. He also presents hands-on science workshops around the country for teachers and parents. Be sure to visit the store and workshop site at http://www.wonderworkshops.com. You'll be glad you did.

E2macpets
Ball Python Supplies
E2macpets
Tortoise Supplies
Pet Reptile Supplies
Best New Cell Phones
Bluetooth Accessories
Cell Phone And Pda Accessories
Cell Phones And Smartphones
Pdas And Pocket Pcs
Phone And Sim Cards

Ferret Disease And Illness

Some people look at me like Im crazy when I say I love my ferret, but I do, and they can think what they want. My little guy brings me hours of enjoyment and sunshine to my gray days. The last thing in the world I want is for him to get sick, yet its a fact of life and in order to offer the best care (and quality of life), you have to keep an eye on whats going on in their ferret worlds.

FERRET CARE NOTE: If you suspect your ferret is sick, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not try to treat him at home.

What Im going to discuss below isnt fun, Id much rather be writing about their fun, frolicking ways, but to ensure those lovable characteristics continue, keep an eye on your ferrets health. Like most medical problems, if you catch them early, your veterinarian will have the best chance at a successful remedy.

FERRET FACTS:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Sub-Phylum: Vertibrata

Class: Mamalia

Sub-Class: Eutheria

Order: Carnivora

Family: Mustelidae

Sub-Family: Mustelinae

Genus: Mustela

Species: Mustela Putorius Furo

Ferrets are susceptible to multiple diseases, and depending on their lineage, they could adrenal gland disease, pancreatic tumors, lymphosarcoma or heart disease. And heres something I only found out recently, ferrets can catch a human cold. No one likes a cold, but with bed rest and some TLC (tender loving care) youll soon be good as new, not so with your ferret. Ferrets have weak immune systems and if they were to catch your cold; it could prove fatal. If youre sick, refrain from handling your ferret till youre better.

Ask yourself this question, Do you like extremes of heat and cold? No..., well neither does your ferret; they have a low tolerance to extremes of heat or cold, so keep them in an area where temperatures stay consistent. Im sure its common sense that you MUST keep fresh water available at all times, the little fellas can easily become dehydrated which can lead to a score of ferret medical problems.

FERRET FACT; Ferrets do not tolerate temperatures above 85 degrees well and may become lethargic.

Recently we had some friends over and grilled some big juicy steaks. So what you say... I didnt invite you? Sorry about that, I only mention steaks to remind you that ferrets need a high protein diet and snack pretty much constantly throughout the day. That coupled with an active (to say it mildly) digestive system, and you need to keep their food bowl food, and litter box clean and free from waste.

Do you like to give your ferret treats? Dont worry, Im guilty too, but do it in moderation and NEVER give them chocolate or sugary treats, keeping it to meat, grains and small bits of fruit will help them lead a disease free life. Oh... and before I forget, milk... does a body right does NOT apply to ferrets, they are lactose intolerant.

While we may not be able to prevent disease in our ferret friends, we can provide them a loving, safe and clean environment, ensuring a healthy, fun and frolicking life.

Lee Dobbins write for ePet Pet Center where you can learn more about caring for all different types of pets including pet ferrets.

E2macpets
Ball Python Supplies
E2macpets
Tortoise Supplies
Pet Reptile Supplies
Best New Cell Phones
Bluetooth Accessories
Cell Phone And Pda Accessories
Cell Phones And Smartphones
Pdas And Pocket Pcs
Phone And Sim Cards

How To Perform A DNA Sample Collection for DNA Testing

DNA testing is most accurate method for confirming biological relationships between individuals. The most common form of testing nowadays is DNA Paternity testing, which is done to confirm the relationship between an alleged Father (and sometimes Mother) and a child.

If you are planning to do a DNA Paternity test, or any other DNA Relationship test, the following article provides you information on how to go about taking a sample of your DNA for DNA testing purposes.

The object of the exercise is to obtain a sample of cheek cells from which the scientists at the lab can extract DNA to match and identify genetic relationships. To do this, you're going to need to take a swab sample from all of the parties involved, that is the mother, father and the child in a traditional paternity test situation. Don't worry - it's not at all painful and the whole process is very simple and straightforward.

To start with, instruct everyone partaking in the DNA test to avoid eating and drinking for at least half an hour prior to giving their sample to avoid any contamination of the sample that may negatively effect the testing. Additionally, it's also advisable to avoid smoking for a period of one hour prior to submitting the sample for DNA testing.

The samples once collected should be clearly marked, labelling both the name and relationship of the party involved on the envelope provided, as well as in the submission sheet you should be provided with the DNA testing kit. The samples of each person should also be kept separate to avoid any risk of cross contamination which would also negatively the results of the DNA test. Normally the envelopes provided are colour coded to provide some form of differentiation. Clear administration of the samples is of paramount importance in protecting the accuracy of the test; therefore it is critical that you follow all instructions contained within your DNA kit sample pack.

When it comes to actually taking the samples, you will require two cotton swabs per person to ensure that in the event one of the swabs does not work, a second sample is available. With the swab end kept free from contact with anything that may contaminate the DNA, rub firmly against the inside of the cheek and tongue to gather saliva and cells which will contain the vital DNA material. In isolation from potential contaminants, and having refrained from touching the cotton end of the swab, the swab should be allowed a minimum period of around 60 minutes to dry off before it is sealed ready to go to the lab. Repeat this process for all the swabs required for each person taking the paternity test.

Once you've collected all the relevant samples and filled in the necessary documentation, it is time to send the pack off to the laboratory performing the DNA testing. It is normally advisable to send the DNA samples through a postal method that can be tracked such as registered mail or courier to ensure it arrives at the DNA testing laboratory.

Depending on how long your particular choice of testing laboratory tends to take, you could be waiting anywhere from a number of days to a number of weeks for the results of the DNA test to arrive.

Kevin Camilleri writes articles for dna paternity test. Other articles written by the author related to paternity testing, home paternity test and paternity test kit can be found on the net.

E2macpets
Ball Python Supplies
E2macpets
Tortoise Supplies
Pet Reptile Supplies
Best New Cell Phones
Bluetooth Accessories
Cell Phone And Pda Accessories
Cell Phones And Smartphones
Pdas And Pocket Pcs
Phone And Sim Cards