Term

2006

Capstone

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

MAED: NSEE

Abstract

Investigative comparisons between vegetation, soil and subterranean environments introduced to cigarette filters and those without filters was conducted. Chemical soil tests were conducted to determine the availability of soil nutrient contents during the investigation. Observable experiments were recorded on digital media and mechanically in the form of a log which documented vegetative growth, health and density of vegetative growth, and the presence or absence of invertebrates. Results indicated that under certain growing conditions, plants, on average grow higher and have longer roots than those exposed to cigarette filters over a specific period of time. Other implications indicate that there may be some connection between cigarette filters introduced to soil and the depletion of some soil nutrients over a period of time. The less confined a growing environment was under research conditions, the stronger the evidence indicated a possible link to cigarette filter pollution impacting the nutrient content and rate of growth of specific wildflower plants and natural grasses. The introduction of worms was not a significant indicator to potential cigarette filter impact.

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