1. The Effect of Over the Counter Drugs on Algal Growth
By: Patrick Leech
Pittsburgh Central Catholic
PJAS 2010
Grade 10

2. Entry into the water system
Ibuprofen and Diphenhydramine enter the water through human excretion.
Direct disposal through household plumbing
Water treatment plants only remove about 60% of the drugs.
There are no requirements for water treatment plants to monitor chemicals from personal-care products, pharmaceutical compounds or antibiotics

3. Benadryl Used as an antihistamine
Works by blocking the effect of histamine receptor sites
Active Ingredient:
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride
Does not have FDA safe to flush label on it
Trace amounts have been found in drinking water in parts of the country
Over 25 common over the counter drugs contain the same active ingredient of Benadryl (Diphenhydramine hydrochloride)

4. Ibuprofen A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Used for relief of symptoms of arthritis, fever, and joint pains
3rd most consumed drug in the world
About 30% of the amount of Ibuprofen bought enters the water
Studies have shown that even low concentrations have been found to affect the way fish spawn.
As Ibuprofen decomposes, it becomes more toxic.
Does not have FDA approved “safe to flush” label on it

5. Synergy
The two medicines Benadryl and Ibuprofen mixed together

6. Algae Large diverse group of simple and usually autotrophic organisms
Base of aquatic food chain
Used as a bio-indicator for
aquatic environments

7. Euglena Generally cylindrical in shape with many flagella
Common algal like protist
A partial heterotroph can attain food through endocytosis and photosynthesis
Nutrient-rich freshwater or in sewage systems
Capable of survival in both salt and water environments
Frequently employed as an experimental model
Euglena was the model used
Uses its flagella as its means of movement
Uses a beam of light to assist in its steering
Cells vary in length from 20 to 300 um
Cells possess both animal-like and plant-like characteristics
Contains chloroplasts and is therefore photosynthetic
Can also take in pre-formed food sources like a heterotrophic cell
Rely most heavily on photosynthesis to sustain life
Because of these features, botanists’ and zoologists’ opinions conflict on whether euglena should be classified as a plant or a more animal-like classification
Can be found in nutrient-rich freshwater or in sewage systems because of its ability to absorb nutrients from decaying materials
When it is cultured in the dark, it loses its chloroplast
Even when it is reintroduced to a lit environment, it does not regain its chloroplast
Once the chloroplast is lost, the cell resembles its protozoan relative, astasia

8. Purpose
To discern the effect(s) of various concentrations of Ibuprofen, Benadryl, and a synergy of both on the growth/survivorship of Euglena

9. Hypothesis
Null: The presence of Benadryl, Ibuprofen, and a synergy of both will NOT have a significant effect on algal growth.
Alternative: The presence of Benadryl, Ibuprofen, and a synergy of both WILL have a significant on algal growth.

10. Materials
10% Benadryl solution (10 grams Benadryl per 100mL Spring water)
10% Ibuprofen solution (10 grams Benadryl per 100mL Spring water)
Euglena gracilis
Soil water (sterile)
Spring water
90 test tubes (13 x 100 mm borosilicate culture tubes)
Pipettes (macro + micro)
Pipette tips
Science Kit Educator spectrophotometer
Test tube rack

11. Procedure A desk lamp was placed in experimental site
approximately 45 centimeters away from the test tube racks
Kept on a 12 hour on 12 hour off cycle
Kept at 22 degrees celsius throughout the duration of the study
Created a 10% stock solution of Ibuprofen, Benadryl, and a synergy of both
Created the concentrations of 0%, .01%, and .1% for Ibuprofen, Benadryl, and the synergy
a) There were ten replicates per concentration
Readings were taken using a spectrophotometer set with a wavelength of 430 nm once a day on days 1-10

12. Test Tube Ingredients Concentration 0% .01% .1% Algae 2mL
Distilled Water
3mL
2.995mL
2.95mL
10% stock solution
0mL
0.005mL
0.05mL
Total
5mL

13. Benadryl Influence on Euglena Population Growth

14. Ibuprofen Influence on Euglena Population

15. Synergy Influence on Euglena Population

16. Results
Is algal growth affected by the presence of Benadryl or Ibuprofen in its environment?
Ibuprofen?
P value NOT SIGNIFICANT
Benadryl?
P value NOT SIGNIFICANT
Synergy
P value NOT SIGNIFCANT
Alpha = .05

17. Conclusions
The null hypothesis was supported because any variation that occurred was insignificant according to the ANOVA statistical analysis
After reviewing the statistical analysis the P value for all three variables were less than the standard cut off of .05
Because the P-value was greater than .05 on all concentrations a Para wise test was not needed

18. Limitations and Extensions
Euglena not fresh
Extensions
Use more diverse groups of algae
Use a higher concentration of the drugs
Use different kinds of drugs both over the counter and prescription

19. References www.medicinenet.com