The Effects of Graphite Flakes in Soil on Terrestrial Plants
Abstract
Graphite flakes were tested for their toxicity to corn and cucumber. The flakes were tested at 0 (control), 0.05, 0.10, 0.50% concentration by weight. No lethal or sublethal effects on corn plants were produced. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for plant heights showed no significant (p < 0.05) difference between control plants and those grown at other concentrations. The ANOVA showed no significant (p < 0.05) difference in the mean dry weights of corn plants. The ANOVA of mean plant heights for cucumbers indicated a significant (p <0.01) difference between 0 and 0.5% and the 0.10 and 0.50% concentrations. However, the ANOVA of the mean dry weights of cucumber plants revealed no significant (p < 0.5) difference. This study indicates that graphite flakes significantly increases heights of cucumber plants at the 0.10 and 0.5% levels. A second cucumber study was conducted to confirm this observation. The ANOVA for this study indicated that graphite flakes had no significant (p < 0. 05) difference in either the mean plant heights or the mean dry weights. It is concluded that graphite flakes should have no adverse environmental effect if field-release levels correspond to those used in this study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA227281
Entities
People
- Carlton T. Phillips
- Randall S. Wentsel
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center