The objective:The objective was to determine the effect of alkalines and acids on bacterial growth. I hypothesized that the strongest acid and the strongest base (the 10% concentrated solutions) would each inhibit bacterial growth the most..
Methods/Materials
Pure samples of Microccus luteus and Serratia marcesceus were obtained. 7 blood agar plates each were inoculated with the two types of bacteria. Then a 1%, 5%, and a 10% concentrated solution of the acid and the base each was created, and applied to 6 paper discs each.
The paper discs were placed on the inoculated plates. The blood agar plates were then incubated, and the zone of inhibition around each paper disc was measured.