The Effects of Soil pH on the Growth of

Tomato Plant

1

1

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following:

First to God for giving us the strength, undying blessing, support and guidance in this undertaking

To Mr.Teodoro Siao without him none of this would happen.

To our adviser: Mr. Rene E.Aligonero, for leading us along the way.

And finally,

To our parents Mr. and Mrs. Aligonero and De Los Santos who supported & believed that we

could accomplish this task.

And to all those who helped us which we could not remember, Thank you and accept our most

humble apology.

Heartfelt thanks,

--* Airah Delos Santos & Albert Joseph Aligonero

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CHAPTER IThe Problem of its Background

Introduction

The topic is all about the effects of pH level or acidity level of the soil on the tomato plant.

The researchers would like to find out what would be its effects and how it would affect the

production of tomato plant instead of using fertilizers and other alternatives.

The researchers will focus on how tomato plants react on varied pH levels of soil

particularly on growth rate.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to find out the growth rate of tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) using

pH acids.

1) What is the growth rate of lycopersicon esculentum using?

a. ascorbic acid

b. carbonic acid with phosphoric acid

c. hydrochloric acid

d. ethanoic acid

e. water

2) Is there a significant difference in the growth rate between lycopersicon esculentum grown

using:

a. ascorbic acid

b. carbonic acid phosphoric acid

c. hydrochloric acid

d. ethanoic acid

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e. water (mineral)

Hypothesis

There is no significant difference in the growth rate of the lycopersicon esculentum using

the pH acids.

Assumptions

1) The seedlings studied were in good condition and in normal temperature.

2) The seedlings were from the same variant of lycopersicon esculentum.

3) It is assumed that water is a factor in the growth of plants.

Scope and Delimitation

The study focuses only on the effect of the effects of soil pH on the growth of tomato

plant. Furthermore, water, although not an acid but a universal solvent, is still considered in the

growth of any plant. Therefore, the inclusion of water is considered a control variable.

Significance of the Study

Researchers – The findings help the researcher to conduct similar studies related to acid

level of soil that could also be studied in relation to other variables aside from growth rare.

Scientists – serve as their basis or another experiment if ever they don’t know this yet for

them to improve or develop.

Farmers – they will be able to increase their knowledge and for them to be inquisitive.

School Officials – add in to their curriculum.

Science Teachers – share to their students.

DOST Officials – serve as their basis or another experiment if ever they don’t know this

yet.

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CHAPTER IIReview of Related Literature

Conceptual Literature

Tomato (lycopersicon esculentum)

Young buds appear near the apical meristem to begin the formation of the flower truss or

flower cluster. As the flower buds develop, the core elongates and the new formed petals can be

seen between the sepals. The nature flower appears as a bright yellow open core and is ready for

pollination.

For “beef” tomatoes 3 to 5 flowers should be allowed to develop on a healthy truss.

Fertilized flowers are denoted by the appearance of bruises or the other core left by bumble bees

while clamping unto and pollinating the flower. At fruit set, flower petals and another senses

collie and fail away as a pea sized green fruit appear at each termination of the flower tress.

Typically it takes 45-50 more days from this point harvest. As a fruit enlarges, it remains light

green in color and very firm high turgor pressure. Fruit closest to the plant stem is them most

mature, and thus largest in size.

Ripening occurs as the fruit changes color from light green to off white, pink, red and

finally dark or orange/red. If pollen is not evenly distributed on the stigma, all the ovules are not

fertilized, preventing sections of the new fruit from developing, blossoms end rest, a leathery

brown pastel or the blossom end of the fruit, is a common nutrient deficiency disorder affecting

tomato plants if results from a lack a calcium reaching the developing fruit. (Giacomelli2002)

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Plant Nutrition

Calcium Deficiency- youngest leaves looked bleached, especially at tips of the leaves.

Leaf tips rolls & appear Scorched. Along the edges of the leaves the veins remain green while leaf

looked bleached out. New leaves may be distorted in shape. Old leaves turn brown and die.

Growth is started, new buds don’t grow. In vegetables you get blossom end not * black spots in

things like celery, carrots & cabbage. Usually only occurs in every help soil. Calcium is usually

needed to build plant cells walls, & to help more nutrients through out the plant. Calcium is in

need not a problem. If your soil PH is between 6-8 too much or too little water can also affect

calcium levels in the plant. Magnesium deficiency or older leaves became yellow, while veins

remain green. Leaves drop of plant. Leaves may curl up at the edges & edges become red-brown-

purple in color leaving a green surrounded shape in the center of the leaf. Magnesium is needed

for photosynthesis it is the main element in the chlorophyll molecule. It helps the plant up take

iron & also to more nutrients around the plant.

(Hold Epson salt 1 teaspoon per gallon twice a year to fix a magnesium deficiency). Sulfur

deficiency is youngest plants.

Organic Farming

Organic farming can be defined as an approach to agriculture where the aim is to create

integrated, humane, environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural production

system. Maximum reliance is placed on locally or farm derived renewable resources and the

management or self-regulating ecological * biological processes and interjectors in order to

provide acceptable levels of crop, livestock and human nutrition, protection from pests ,diseases

and an appropriate return to the human and other resources employed.

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Reliance all external inputs, whether chemical or organic is reduced as far as possible. In

many European countries, organic agriculture is known as ecological agriculture, reflecting this

reliance on ecosystem management rather than external inputs. (Jenson2008)

Nutrient Compound of Soil

The major nutrients that make up a plant are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Godspeed

explains. These three are currently free, coming from water and the air. The roots are vital in the

up take of oxygen, and if the soil is water logged on simply over watered. It can delete the plant

of needed oxygen and cause serve damages or even death. The next nuts in highest demand are

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These are the three elements found in a typical bag or

fertilizer. The next three elements in demand, calcium, magnesium & sulfur, are not normally

fertilizer. The researchers added that in Northern Utah, namely if ever they here a problem with

calcium and magnesium. It has other benefits, but is seldom deficient enough in our soils to

require an extra application for plant growth.

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CHAPTER III Methodology

EXPERIMENT # 1

Cloudy WeatherSoil: LOAM

The researcher used egg tray to separate the seedlings.

When they grow, the researcher measures each seedling before the researcher separates

them to small pots.

The researchers only use 2ml of water for each seedling.

A. Materials used:

Tomato seedlings (lycopersicon esculentum)Egg trayLOAM soil

08/30/09

The researchers separate the plants to small pots.

The researchers measure their initial height:

Plant Height1 6.5cm

2 5.0cm

3 6.1cm

4 6.2cm

5 6.2cm

B. Acids mixed in 1.5L of water.

Ethanoic acid in 200mlCarbonic acid & phosphoric acid in 300mlAscorbic acid 50gHydrochloric acid 50mg

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1.5L of plain water

C. Preparation of plants

The plants were prepared by moving them from the egg tray then placed in

separated pots. The plants were gently removed from the soil.

D. Observations

The plants were observed for 21 days. The researchers measured the physical

changes of the plant for instance the height, and recorded the gross appearance to be

able to compute the growth rate.

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Computation for the growth rate

Growth Rate = Final height – initial height21 Days

E. Flow chart

Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

Tomato plant growing the seedling a comparative study

Different kinds of acids on the growth rate of

application of variables

tomatoes (lycopersicon

esculentum) using different

kind of acids

Development of tomatoes data gathering kind of acids

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Preparation of plants

Plants were

observed for 21

days

Acids

Carbonic and phosphoric acid

Ethanoic acid

Ascorbic acid

Hydrochloric acid

Plants were place in the amber bottles

Preparation of

the acids

The researchers watering the plant every morning and

afternoon.

At exactly 4:31 in the afternoon the researcher watered the plants.

Morning 9:35 08/31/09Afternoon 4:30

(After 2 days) 09/01/09

Morning 7:32Afternoon 6:28

Morning 7:050 9/02/09

Afternoon

09/03/09

Date Morning Afternoon9/04 7:15 6:459/05 6:25 5:429/06 7:35 4:309/07 7:22 5:459/08 6:32 6:559/09 7:48 6:459/10 7:28 6:239/11 7:20 6:489/12 7:21 5:219/13 7:15 4:389/14 7:05 5:429/15 7:32 4:30

9/02-03 (c. hydrochloric acid)

Plant (3)

The plant starts to wilt and leaves starting to get dry.

The stem is thin.

9/02-03 The researcher noticed the plant (1) (ascorbic acid) leaves became thicker.

Compare with the other plants, its leaves are lesser than the others.

9/02-03 The researcher noticed that the plant (2) (carbonic and phosphoric acid)

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It leaves has a pleasant smell compare to the other.

9/02-03 Plant (4) (ethanoic acid) the researcher noticed its slow growth and development.

9/02-03 Plant (5) (water) no changes.

September 21, Monday morning9:39am

The first experiment was successfully done and the results were acceptable. The

researcher continuously watered the plant and observed until the tomato produced fruits.

Over the past few days when the plants bloomed, the researchers observed changes from

leaves, stem, color, and even the smell of the plants as they react in the acids.

(See results in chapter 4)

EXPERIMENT # 2

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November 15, 2009

The researchers consulted Mr. Rene E. Aligonero and he advised the team how to start and

conduct the second trial on the effects of soil pH on the growth of tomato plant.

October 10, 2009

The researcher planted seeds from tomato fruit using same variants.

(Same size of pot in each plant, same type of plant in each pot, same type and amount of soil in

each pot)

November 3, 2009 ----- First day

The researcher decided that it was the right time to choose which of the plants can be use

for our experiment.

For plant A it measure : 5.4 cm

Plant B it measure : 3.5 cm

Plant C it measure : 4.9 cm

Plant D it measure : 5.0 cm

Plant E. it measure : 4.5 cm

(According to its initial height)

At exactly in the morning the researcher transferred the plants into their pots and watered

each plant according to its assigned acid.

The researcher used the same acids as the first trial here been used, as well as the soil were

we planted the plants. After the transferring the researcher assured that the plants received /

receiving enough sunlight…

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Plant A water

Plant B carbonic acid with phosphoric acid

Plant C ethanoic acid

Plant D ascorbic acid

Plant E hydrochloric acid

1st Day

Before the day ends the researcher noticed & observed that the leaves of plant A, D & E

get bigger &

healthier, while the stems of plant B & D gets thicker & the leaves & stems of plant C gets thinner

& looks like it will get will.

2nd Day

Plant C

Getting wilt

3rd Day

Getting wilt

4th Day

Plant A

Tallest

Plant C

Getting Withered

Plant D

Getting taller stems

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Plant E

It looks like that its stems and leaves are getting wilt

5th Day

Plant A & E

No changes

Plant B & D

Getting Healthier

Plant C

Withered

6th Day

Plant A

Tallest

Plant B

Next in Plant A’s height

Plant C

Decomposing

Plant D

Increased in number of leaves but some of its leaves are getting wilt

Plant E

Smallest plant according on its height

7th Day

Plant A

15

No changes

*consistent in height

Plant B

No changes

Plant C

Decomposing

Plant D

Getting Wilt

Plant E

Smallest and slowest growth rate

8th Day

Plant A

Highest and has the fastest growth development

Plant B

No changes

Plant C

Decomposing

Plant D

Withered

Plant E

Some of its leaves were getting dry

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9th Day

Plant C & D

Decomposing

Plant E

Leaves of it were getting Dry even more

10th Day

Plant C & D

Decomposing

Plant B & E

Its stems were getting thin

11th Day

Plant C

Nothing’s left

Plant D

Decomposing

Plant B & E

Its stems were getting thin

Another leaf is withered

12th Day

Plant C

Decomposed

Plant D

Decomposing

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Plant B & E

Withering; its stems and leaves were becoming dry

13th Day

Plant A

Healthiest

Plant B

Surviving

Plant C and D

Decomposed

Plant E

Withered

14th Day

Plant A

No changes

Plant B

Surviving, It stems were getting thinner and almost all of its leaves were dry, it won’t stay and

live longer

Plant C and D

Decomposed

Plant E

Decomposing

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15th Day

Plant A

Healthiest

Plant B

Unfortunately, the plant died.

Withered

Plant C and D

Decomposed

Plant EDecomposing

16th DayPlant ANo changes

Plant BDecomposing

Plant C and DDecomposed

Plant EDecomposing

The researcher can conclude now but then as it stated that we must wait until on its 21st Day.

17th DayPlant ANo changes

Plant B and EDecomposing

Plant C and DDecomposed

18th Day

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Plant AConsistent

Plant BDecomposing

Plant C, D and EDecomposed

19th DayPlant AConsistent

Plant BDecomposing

Plants C, D and EDecomposed

20th DayPlant AConsistent

Plant BDecomposed

Plant C, D and EDecomposed

21st DayPlant A SURVIVOR

Plant B, C, D and EDecomposed

The Researchers can therefore conclude now.

November 23, 20097:30AM

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The researcher 2nd trial of experimenting was successfully done. The results are

acceptable. Even though it does not tally on our first experiment and does not shows the same

results as the first trial show.

As the first trial goes still the plant A, water survived, most even though on the 2 nd trial

only Plant A, water survived and still alive, continuously growing.

The researchers think that this maybe the possible causes:

1) Unripe seeds

2) Burrowing placement of the seeds, might be too deep that’s roots aren’t able to

expand

3) Changing in weather

4) Infection /unhealthy because of weather condition

5) Soil composition, maybe not the same with the other soil

a) sandy soil and rocky soil

6) Soil maybe lack of nitrogen fixing bacteria or over nitrogen fixing bacteria.

7) External forces around

8) Parasites

9) Harmful insects

10) Not enough leaves to produce food for the plan.

Experiment # 3:

December 21, 2009

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The researchers planted new seeds from tomato fruit using same variant.

- Tomato Fruits (seeds)

- Soil

Fair Weather

December 28, 2009

Researchers noticed that 6 seeds sprouted.

December 29, 2009

Researchers saw the possible new set of plants that can use for our 3rd trial.

(Same size of pot in each plant, same type of plant in each pot, same type and amount of soil in

each pot)

First day

January 13

The researchers decided that it was the right time to choose which of the plants can we22

Use for our experiment.

Plant A it measure : 5.1 cm

Plant B it measure : 5.7 cm

Plant C it measure : 4.3 cm

Plant D it measure : 5.2 cm

Plant E. it measure : 4.7 cm

(According to its initial height)

At exactly in the morning the researcher transferred the plants into their pots and watered

each plant according to its assigned acid.

The researcher used the same acids as the first trial here been used, as well as the soil were

we planted the plants. After the transferring the researcher assured that the plants received /

receiving enough sunlight…

Plant A water

Plant B carbonic acid with phosphoric acid

Plant C ethanoic acid

Plant D ascorbic acid

Plant E hydrochloric acid

Experiment # 4:

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We planted 12 tomato seedlings but we only use 5 of them, to know more about our

experiment, we decided to use the other plants so that we can start two experiments at the same

time and day. By doing this we can compare our experiments.

Plant A it measure : 5.4 cm

Plant B it measure : 5.5 cm

Plant C it measure : 4.9 cm

Plant D it measure : 5.3 cm

Plant E. it measure : 4.2 cm

Our 3rd and 4th experiment was prepared at the same day and time but we observed it in

separate place, by doing this, we can compare our experiments.

(See results in chapter 4)

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CHAPTER IVPresentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

This chapter represents data gathered and tabulated by the researchers from the

experiments to determine the growth rate of tomato (lycopersicon esculentum) using different

kinds of acids.

Table 1: EXPERIMENT # 1

plant Initial height Final height growth rate (cm/day)

a water 6.5cm 18.1cm 0.552380952

b carbonic and phosphoric acid

5.0cm 18.6cm 0.647619047

c ethanoic acid 6.1cm the plant died

d ascorbic acid 6.2cm 18.9cm 0.604761904

e hydrochloric acid 6.2cm 12.0cm 0.276190476

Table 1 presents that plant A grew using water has the average daily growth rate of

0.55 cm, while plant B grew using carbonic and phosphoric acid has the average daily growth rate

of 0.648 cm. Plant C grew using ethanoic acid died after three (3) days, while plant D grew using

ascorbic acid has the average daily growth rate of 0.605 cm and plant E grew using hydrochloric

acid has the average daily growth of 0.276 cm.

Table 2: EXPERIMENT # 2

Plant Initial height Final height growth rate (cm/day)

a water 5.4cm 10.5cm 0.242857143

b carbonic and phosphoric 3.5cm the plant died

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acidc ethanoic acid 4.9cm the plant died

d ascorbic acid 5.0cm the plant died

e hydrochloric acid 45cm the plant died

Table 2 presents that plant A grew using water has the average daily growth rate of

0.24cm, while the plant B, C, D & E died.

Table 3: EXPERIMENT # 3

PlantInitial height

Final heightGrowth rate

(cm/day)a water 5.1cm 11.5cm 0.257142857b carbonic and phosphoric acid 5.7cm 11.9cm 0.247619048c ethanoic acid 4.3cm the plant diedd ascorbic acid 5.2cm 12.7cm 0.30952381e hydrochloric acid 4.7cm 7.6cm 0.138095238

Table 3: presents that plant A grew using water has the average daily growth rate of

0.25 cm, while plant B grew using carbonic and phosphoric acid has the average daily growth

rate of 0.24 cm. Plant C grew using ethanoic acid died after three (3) days, while plant D grew

using ascorbic acid has the average daily growth rate of 0.30 cm and plant E grew using

hydrochloric acid has the average daily growth of 0.13 cm.

Table 4: EXPERIMENT # 4

plantinitial height

final height Growth rate (cm/day)

a water 5.4cm 11.2cm 0.276190476

bcarbonic and phosphoric

acid5.5cm 11.6cm 0.29047619

c ethanoic acid 4.9cm the plant died

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d ascorbic acid 5.3cm 12.9cm 0.314285714

e hydrochloric acid 4.2cm 7.9cm 0.176190476

Table 4: presents that plant A grew using water has the average daily growth rate of

0.27 cm, while plant B grew using carbonic and phosphoric acid has the average daily growth rate

of 0.29 cm. Plant C grew using ethanoic acid died after three (3) days, while plant D grew using

ascorbic acid has the average daily growth rate of 0.31 cm and plant E grew using hydrochloric

acid has the average daily growth of 0.17 cm.

Findings:

1. Tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) died immediately after transfer using ethanoic

acid.

2. Tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) using ascorbic acid grew faster than carbonic and

phosphoric acid.

3. Tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) using hydrochloric acid has the slowest growth

development & has the least growth rate.

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CHAPTER VSummary, Conclusion, and Recommendations

Summary

Plants were grown by watering different kinds of acids, ascorbic acid, carbonic and

phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid and ethanoic acid. The plants were place in separated pots.

The plants were observed for 21 days and compared the growth rate. To calculate the growth rate

we use this formula.

Growth Rate = Final height – initial height Number of days (21 days)

Major findings (5)

Based on the study, the following are the results:

1. The plant watered by water has the most number of leaves and its stem is thicker than the other plants.

2. The plant watered by carbonic and phosphoric acids has a pleasant odor.

3. The plant watered by ethanoic acid produce molds in its soil and because of this acidity it can also kill plants.

4. The plant watered by ascorbic acid has the most healthy stem and leaves and fastest growth rate.

5. The plant watered by hydrochloric acid has the slowest growth rate and unpleasant odor.

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Conclusion

Based in the findings of the study, the researchers hereby conclude that:

1. There is a significant difference in the growth rate of tomato (lycopersicon esculentum)

using different kind of acids namely:

a. ascorbic acid

b. carbonic acid with phosphoric acid

c. hydrochloric acid

d. ethanoic acid

e. water (mineral)

2) There is a significant difference in the growth rate between lycopersicon esculentum grown

Using:

a. ascorbic acid

b. carbonic acid phosphoric acid

c. hydrochloric acid

d. ethanoic acid

e. water (mineral)

Recommendations

Based on the study, the researcher recommends the following:

1. A comparative study shall be conducted using tomato (lycopersicon esculentum) and

kangkong.

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2. A similar study that includes the other variables of the physical development of plants like

color of leaves, the number of leaves, maturity.

3. A similar study using different kinds of backyard plants using different acids to determine

the same variable used in the previous study.

4. A study to conduct a soil analysis to determine the initial amount of pH level prior to

adding different acids.

5. A similar study using different legumes.

6. A similar study conducted among hydroponic plants.

7. Recommend different criteria in evaluating variables aside from growth rate.

8. A comparative study between legumes, hydroponic plants, and soil-grown plants.

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GRAPHS & PICTURES

First trial:

Growing / surviving

Withered

31

Second trial:

Growing / surviving

Withered

32

FIRST TRIAL

Measuring cup 25 ml- Use to measure acids

Tomato- Where we get seeds

33

VARIABLES

MIXING ACIDS

34

FIRST DAY

GERMINATION

35

SPROUTS

36

TRANSFERRING OF SEEDLINGS INTO THEIR POTS

37

SET OF PLANTS

38

39

40

SECOND TRIAL’sFIRST DAY

41

A B C D E0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.552380952

0.647619047000004 0.60476190400000

1

0.276190476 GROWTH RATE

SEVERAL SEEDS SPROUTED

42

21 st DAY

43

TRANSFERRING OF SEEDLINGS INTO THEIR POTS

44

45

46

Chart 2: Experiment #2

47

A B C D E0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.242857143

GROWTH RATE

48

Third and Fourth Trial

Plants are separated after 24 days

49

50

51

52

53

Chart: 3 Experiment # 3

54

A B C D E0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.257142857140.247619047610001

0.309523809520002

0.138095238090001

GROWTH RATE

Chart: 4 Experiment # 4

A B C D E0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.27619047619

0.290476190470001

0.314285714280002

0.17619047619GROWTH RATE

Appendix 55

Component

H2OWater

H2CO3Carbonic Acid ;

H3PO4

Phosphoric Acid

CH3COOHEthanoic Acid

[< a-2 + scorbutic]Ascorbic Acid

HClHydrochloric Acid

Bibliography

Books:

Addison Wesley, biology second edition Essenfeld Gontang Moore.

Vibal - Science and Technology series, Conceptual and functional chemistry modular approach.

Microsoft, Encarta premium encyclopedia and dictionaries,

Phoenix, science and technology integrated science I, Religioso Vengo

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