Course:VANT149/2025/Capstone/Science/Team1

Abstract

This study examines the effects of varying pH levels on the germination and growth of mung bean sprouts (Vigna radiata) in a hydroponic system. Seven pH conditions were tested, ranging from highly acidic (pH 3.5) to strongly alkaline (pH 10.0), with a neutral control at pH 6.5–7.0. The results showed that sprouts performed best under near-neutral conditions, while extreme pH levels significantly reduced germination rates and inhibited growth. Physiological stress symptoms, such as browning root tips and leaf discoloration, were observed in both acidic and alkaline groups. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a near-neutral pH in hydroponic systems to promote optimal plant health and productivity, contributing to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. Keywords: Hydroponics, pH levels

Biographies

Person 1

Kuro Huang is a first-year student in the Vantage Science program at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on how mung beans germinate in liquids with different pH levels. He is personally interested in this topic because he enjoys observing how small environmental changes can affect biological growth.

Person 2

Junxiao Lu is a first-year student in the Faculty of Science, majoring in Mathematics at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on the effects of nutrient solutions with varying pH levels on the growth of mung bean sprouts. He is personally interested in this topic because he wants to explore how different pH conditions influence the growth of ecological plants.

Person 3