Course:VANT149/2024/Capstone/Science/Team29

Abstract

The rapid development of the electronics industry, driven by the increasing demand for devices such as smartphones and tablets, has significantly boosted factory productivity. However, this surge has also led to a rise in the discharge of heavy metal wastewater.  These heavy metal effluents can have a significant impact on plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lead and copper on mint growth. In this study, a quantitative method was used to observe and record the changes in various parts of 24 mints that were contaminated by different concentrations of lead and copper. Horizontal and vertical comparative analysis of data was performed using Excel tables. The study's results showed lots of negative effects such as the roots, stems, and leaves of mint being dry when exposed to both kinds of pollution. The data analysis also demonstrated the impact of lead pollution was more significant. This study proves that both types of pollution destroy the ability of the mint root to absorb water and reduce the photosynthesis ability of the mint. Future studies should further explore how to mitigate the effects of heavy metal pollution on plants.

Biographies

Rui Gong is currently a first year student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), currently enrolled in the Science program at Vantage College. At Vantage College, I immersed myself in an innovative curriculum designed to bridge the gap between high school and college scientific studies. This unique program combines intensive English instruction with basic science courses to provide international students with a supportive environment for academic and personal development. I am passionate about biology, chemistry, environmental science and other scientific fields, driven by curiosity, understanding the natural world and contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Amy Huang is an international science student in the Vantage One Program at the University of British Columbia. She not only improved her use of academic English, but also gained a significant amount of knowledge in the sciences during her time at the university. Next year, she is expecting to continue her study in Combine Major in Science. Outside of her studies, she has made plenty of new friends to try and explore new hobbies such as city walking and billiards, which has helped her to decrease her academic stress and integrate better into the new environment.

Yifan Lu is a science student from Hangzhou, China. During his one year at vantage College, he worked hard to improve his English skills while constantly acquiring new knowledge in his professional field. In the next year, he hopes to continue his exploration of mathematics. Through vantage College, Lu Yifan made friends from all over the world. These friends with different cultural backgrounds allowed Lu Yifan to broaden his horizon and learn to think from multiple angles. Lu Yifan firmly believes that through continuous efforts and persistence, he can not only make a breakthrough in academia, but also lay a solid foundation for his future career.