Experiment 1 - The Effects of Ultraviolet Light (UVA) on Airborne Bacteria

Research: Research states that ultraviolet light has germicidal properties. Scientific studies show that UVA light at 405 nanometers (nm), also known as black light, is effective in preventing the growth of airborne bacteria. Objective: The purpose for this experiment was to qualify whether or not UVA light at 405 nm is effective in preventing the growth of airborne bacteria. Based on the results from this experiment, we would decide if UVA light is a viable solution for our community problem. Hypothesis: If bacteria are exposed to UVA light, their growth will be significantly reduced or prevented. To prove the hypothesis valid, the bacteria would have a 25% reduction in the number of colonies when compared to the control group. Materials: 9 Petri dishes nutrient agar tape marker Procedure: 1. 2. 3. 4. Prepare Petri dishes, or plates, with nutrient agar. Label plates with the date, type of agar, UVA exposure time of 0 (control), 30 or 90 min. Repeat step 2 for each set of three Petri dishes. Place set of three opened Petri dishes in groups around a classroom to inoculate with airborne bacteria. 5. After 1 hour of exposure to the air, remove the plates. 6. For each set, seal the first plate labeled 0 minutes with tape and set aside. This is the control group. 7. Place the 2nd and 3rd inoculated plates 15 inches from the UVA light source for 30 min. 8. Remove the plates labeled 30 minutes and seal with tape. 9. Leave the 3rd plates under UVA light source for 60 more minutes. 10. Remove the plates labeled with 90 minutes and seal with tape. 11. Place all inoculated plates in the incubator for 48 hours at 93F. 12. Observe, count, and record number of bacterial colonies on each plate. 13. Analyze the results. timer UV light source (405nm) UV-blocking safety glasses incubator

14. Properly dispose of inoculated plates. Results: We conducted 3 trials of this experiment with three samples for each trial. In the UV treated plates, a trend in the reduction of bacterial colonies was observed. We averaged the colony count for the 3 samples for each trial and charted them below. There was a 5371% reduction after 30 minutes and an 81- 85% reduction of bacteria after 90 minutes of exposure to the UVA light.
UVA exposure 0 min.- Control 30 minutes 90 minutes # of colonies 83 32 14 UVA exposure 0 min.Control 30 minutes 90 minutes # of colonies 96 45 18

UVA exposure 0 min.-Control 30 minutes 90 minutes

# of colonies 73 21 11

Sample Photographs from Trial 3

Conclusion: The results from this experiment support our hypothesis. We believe the results are significant enough for us to incorporate UVA into our solution. For future testing, we will conduct experiments with UVA light in an active classroom. Due to liability issues, we will have to test the UVA on airborne bacteria during evening hours after students have left the school and when the class is unoccupied.