Introduction: Iron is often used to remediate contaminated groundwater through a reduction/oxidation reaction.

In this experiment, we will simulate the effects that iron will have on contaminated groundwater represented by indigo carmine (referred to as IN). Effectiveness of added iron will be determined by the rate at which it lowers the indigo carmine absorbance over time. Various mesh sizes and amounts will be tested to determine the most efficient parameters of iron to be used.

Discussion: In the experiment, the data suggested that as the mesh size/amount increased, the rate increased due to an increase in surface area of iron available for reaction. The only exception the data provided against the above statements was the Mesh 30 test in Trial #1, which had a lower rate than expected. This, as well as any other small deviations, is attributed to the following errors: 1) Speed of Agitation: Mainly due to human error, the speed of agitation will not remain exactly the same from test to test which will alter the results. Should the speed of agitation be faster, the iron will move more rapidly throughout the solution finding unreacted indigo carmine. This increases the speed at which the indigo carmine degrades, increasing reaction rate. Likewise, a decrease in speed of agitation will result in a lower rate of reaction. 2) Temperature: Since the test is being carried out while the cuvette is being held, heat transfer from hand to solution will occur. The amount of heat transferred will not remain constant from test to test. Larger heat transfer causes the indigo carmine and iron to collide more frequently and with slightly more force, which will increase the rate of reaction as oppose to a cuvette with lower heat transfer. 3) Amount of Trapped Oxygen: When the indigo carmine is added, and the cuvette sealed, an amount of oxygen will remain trapped in the cuvette. This will result in a higher error due to the iron reacting with the oxygen to form iron oxide, reducing the amount of iron that can react with the indigo carmine. This results in an overall reduced rate of reaction.

Conclusion: The data supported the hypothesis formulated for this experiment. As the mesh size/amount was increased the surface area of iron also increased. The larger surface area in contact with indigo carmine resulted in a faster reaction. Future Work: In furthering this experiment, two variables that could be changed are temperature and oxidizing agents. Varying the temperature at which the experiment was held may have an effect on the rate of reaction. Replacing iron by a stronger oxidizing agent will increase the oxidation of indigo carmine causing the rate of reaction to rise. We would like to extend our thanks for Erika Smith and Rhys Daku for preparing the indigo carmine solution, putting in numerous hours of supervision, and being available for any questions that had arisen. Thank you for taking the time to read about our experiment and have a good day!