CHEMISTRY

PROJECT

EFFECTS OF SOAPS AND

DETERGENTS ON
GROWTH OF PLANTS

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

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S.NO TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

1 INTRODUCTION 7

2 SOAPS,DETERGENTS 8

3 PREPARATION OF SOAP, 10

DETERGENTS

4 TYPES OF SOAPS AND 11

DETERGENTS

5 DIFFERENCES 15

6 CASE STUDY 16

7 CONCLUSION 19

8 BIBLIOGRAPHY 20

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INTRODUCTION:

Water pollution is one of the major environmental issues faced by our planet today.

Among the many pollutants that enter the environment, soaps and detergents are

commonly found in household wastewater. These substances, when released into the soil

or water sources, can affect plants, animals, and microorganisms. Plants are a vital part

of the ecosystem, and their growth is directly influenced by the quality of water and soil

around them.

This project aims to study how the use of soaps and detergents in water affects the

growth of plants. By watering plants with solutions containing soap and detergent,

and comparing their growth to plants watered with clean water, we can observe any

changes in height, leaf colour , and overall health. This study helps us understand

whether everyday substances used in households can have harmful effects on plant

life, especially when wastewater is used for gardening or enters natural ecosystems.

The findings of this project can raise awareness about the impact of improper

disposal of household chemicals and promote environmentally friendly practices.

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SOAPS:
Soap is a salt of a fatty acid used in a variety of cleansing and lubricating products. In a

domestic setting the term usually refers toilet soap, used for washing, bathing, and other

types of housekeeping. In industry, soaps are used as thickeners, components of some

lubricants, and precursors to catalysts.

When used for cleaning, soap solubilizes particles and grime, which can then be separated

from the article being cleaned. Where soaps act as surfactants, emulsifying oils to enable

them to be carried away by water.

Soap is created by mixing fats and oils with a base, as opposed to detergent which

is created by combining chemical compounds in a mixer.

Humans have used soap for cleaning for millennia. Evidence exists of the production

of soap-like materials in around 2800 BC in ancient Babylon.

Since they are salts of fatty acids, soaps have the general formula (RCO2)Mn+

(Where R is an alkyl, M is a metal and n is the charge of the cation). The major

classification of soaps is determined by the identity of Mt. When M is Na or K, the

soaps are called toilet soaps, used for handwashing. Many metal dications (Mg2+,

Ca2+, and others) give metallic soap. When M is Li, the result is lithium soap

(e.g., lithium stearate), which is used in high-performance greases.

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DETERGENTS:

A detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with cleansing properties when in

dilute solutions. [1] There are a large variety of detergents. A common family is the

alkylbenzene sulfonates, which are soap-like compounds that are more soluble than soap

in hard water, because the polar sulfonate is less likely than the polar carboxylate of soap

to bind to calcium and other ions found in hard water.

Detergents are a group of compounds with an amphiphilic structure, where each

molecule has a hydrophilic (polar) head and a long hydrophobic (non-polar) tail.

The hydrophobic portion of these molecules may be straight- or branched-chain

hydrocarbons, or it may have a steroid structure. The hydrophilic portion is more

varied, they may be ionic or non-ionic, and can range from a simple or a relatively

elaborate structure. [4] Detergents are surfactants since they can decrease the surface

tension of water . Their dual nature facilitates the mixture of hydrophobic compounds

(like oil and grease) with water. Because air is not hydrophilic, detergents are also

foaming agents to varying degrees.

Detergents are the potassium or sodium salts of a long alkyl chain ending with a

sulfonate group. They are soluble in hard water. This solubility is attributed to the

fact that the sulfonate group does not attach itself to the ions present in hard water.

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Preparation of soap:

Saponification reaction:

Preparation of detergents:
By reacting dodecyl alcohol (dodecanol) with sulfuric acid, a sodium alkyl sulphate
known as sodium dodecylsulfate will be formed.
CH3(CH2)10CH2-OH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → CH3(CH2)10CH2SO3H(aq) + H2O(aq)
A reaction with sodium hydroxide converts the resultant dodecylsulfate to the sodium
salt.

CH3(CH2)10CH2SO3H(aq) + NaOH(aq) → CH3(CH2)10CH2SO−3Na+(aq) +

H2O(aq)
Types of soap:
Soaps are made almost entirely by heating fats or oils with soluble hydroxide. To
generate variances, different basic materials are employed.

• Toilet soaps: These are manufactured with higher-quality fats and oils, and
particular attention is paid to removing excess alkali. Colour and smells are added to
make these more appealing.
• Translucent soaps: These are made by smashing microscopic air bubbles before
theyharden to make floating or transparent soaps. Dissolve the soap in ethanol and
then evaporate the surplus solvent to make translucent soap.

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 Medicated soaps: Medicated soaps are made up of substances that have medicinal
properties. Certain soaps contain deodorants to keep you feeling fresh and clean.

Shaving soaps: Glycerol is used in shaving soaps to keep them from drying
outquickly. Rosin is used as gum in their production.

Laundry soaps: Fillers in laundry soaps include sodium rosinate, sodium silicate,
borax, and sodium carbonate.

Types of detergents:
Synthetic detergents are generally divided into three groups:
Anionic detergents, cationic detergents, and non-ionic detergents are the three types
of detergents.
• Anionic Detergents: The sodium salts of anionic detergents are long-chain alcohols or
hydrocarbons that are sulphonated. By neutralizing the alkyl hydrogensulphate
produced by processing long-chain alcohols with strong sulfuric acid, anionic
detergents are created. Similar to how alkyl benzene sulphonic acids are
neutralized, alkyl benzene sulphonates are produced by neutralizing alkyl benzene
sulphonates with alkali.

• The anionic component of the molecule mediates the cleansing action of anionic
detergents. Alkylbenzenesulphonates sodium salts are a typical anionic
detergent.
•

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 Cationic Detergents: The quaternary ammonium salts of amines with anions like
•
acetates, chlorides, or bromides are known as cationic detergents. Long hydrocarbon
chains and a positively charged nitrogen atom identify the cationic component. This
technique leads to cationic detergents. The cationic detergent
cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is frequently found in hair conditioners.

• Non-ionic Detergents: There are no ions in the formula of non-ionic detergents. When
stearic acid and polyethene glycol mix, a detergent is formed.

There are non-ionic liquid dishwashing detergents on the market. This sort
odetergent works in a similar way as soaps in terms of cleaning. Grease and oil are
also removed through micelle formation.

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The cleansing action of soap and detergents:

Think of the situation with soap solutions, A higher fatty acid that may be written as
RCOO- Na+ is what makes up soap. One frequent component in bar soaps is sodium
stearate --> 3(CH2)16COONa - +

.
When dissolved in water, it splits into RCOO- and Na+ ions. The RCOO- ions, on the
other and, are composed of two components :
a hydrophilic polar group RCOO- (also known as a polar-ionic "head") and a
lengthy hydrophobic (water-repelling) hydrocarbon chain R. (water-loving).

A central core that resembles a hydrophobic hydrocarbon makes up a micelle.

With the hydrophobic portion of the stearate ions in the oil droplet and the hydrophilic
portion of the stearate ions spreading out of the grease droplet like bristles, soap
molecules form micelles surrounding the oil droplet to provide cleaning action.

Because the polar groups may interact with water, the oil droplet surrounded by stearate
ions is now sucked in water and released from the filthy surface.

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The globules' negatively charged surface prevents them from sticking together and
forming aggregates.
Detergents are surface-active agents or surfactants with a hydrophobic "tail" and a
hydrophilic "head," and they operate according to a similar mechanism.

To keep their tails together and out of the solution phase, surfactant molecules in
aqueous solutions often take the form of "micelle" structures.
The majority of dirt's oily molecules can enter the centre of these micelles,
thereby dispersing them in water and allowing them to be washed away.

This process works much more quickly with some mechanical assistance, which is
why crubbing, mixing, and other operations are commonly required.

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 Difference between soap and detergent:

Soap Detergent

A "-COONa" group is joined to a A “-SO3Na” group is coupled to a

fatty acid with a lengthy alkyl chain. long alkyl chain.

They are inefficient in saline and They continue to work well in hard
hard water. and salty water.

The hydrocarbon chain in non-

Soaps are biodegradable in
biodegradable detergents is
nature branching.

They have a predisposition for

These compounds have no effect on
developing scum in hard water
the formation of scum
environments.

They are produced using

Detergents made from
natural resources like vegetable
synthetic compounds are
oils and animal fats.
utilised.

Soap is a product that benefits

A thick foam that is produced by
the environment because it
these compounds can harm aquatic
degrades naturally.
life.

Examples of soaps include sodium Detergents like sodium lauryl sulphate

palmitate and sodium stearate. and deoxycholic acid are two examples.

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 CASE STUDY:-
The widespread use of soaps and detergents in households, schools, and industries
provides essential sanitation benefits.
However, when these products enter natural ecosystems—particularly through
untreated greywater—they may influence the growth and vitality of plants.
This case study investigates the potential consequences of irrigating plants with
water containing soaps and detergents.
Through methodical experimentation and analysis, it aims to equip school boards
with evidence-based recommendations on environmental safety and sustainability in
relation of plant life.

Background and Context

• Soaps are cleaning agents: produced by saponification, typically using natural fats and
alkalis. Detergents, however, are synthetic and formulated with surfactants, enzymes,
bleaching agents, and fragrances.
• While these chemicals help remove grime from surfaces, they may alter soil pH, disrupt
cellular structures in plants, and inhibit photosynthesis when introduced into irrigation
water. Environmental organizations and scientific research have noted the accumulation
of detergent residues in soils can affect plant development.

• The negative effects may vary based on concentration, duration of exposure, and plants
These findings make it imperative to understand the underlying science for better water
management and education

Observation and Hypothesis:

Early classroom experiments and community gardening efforts have observed reduced
seed germination, stunted growth,and leaf discoloration when greywater containing
soap or detergent is used.
Such preliminary insights form the basis of this hypothesis: "Plants exposed to water
containing soaps or detergents will exhibit measurable reductions in growth and health
compared to plants watered with clean water."

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 Study Design and Research Methodology :

This study used a controlled environment approach. Three types of plants were
selected: spinach (Spinacia oleracea), mustard (Brassica juncea), and marigold
(Tagetes erecta).
These species were chosen for their varied sensitivity and ease of cultivation in school
laboratories.

Each plant group was divided into three subgroups: one treated with clean water
(control), one with 0.5% soap solution, and one with 2% detergent solution. Over a
30-day period, plant growth was monitored for height, leaf number, chlorophyll
levels, and root mass.

Materials Used:
• Plant species: Spinach, Mustard, Marigold
• Soil: Organic potting mix Watering agents: Tap water, 0.5% hand soap solution,
• 2% laundry detergent solution Containers: 6-inch pots Instruments: pH meter,
• ruler, leaf area meter, digital scale Environment: Greenhouse with consistent

• temperature and lighting

Experimental Setup:

Thirty pots (10 per plant species) were prepared with uniform soil and seeds. Each
group was evenly divided into the three treatment conditions.
The greenhouse maintained temperatures between 24-28°C. All plants received equal
sunlight exposure. Watering was done daily with measured volumes.

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Results and Interpretation:
• Measurements included plant height, number of leaves, leaf coloration (visually
and via chlorophyll meter), and root length at the end of the study.

• Soil pH was monitored weekly to evaluate chemical changes.

• Marigolds remained more resistant but still showed reduced flowering. The
control group had the highest bio mass across all metrics.

• Plants in the soap-detergent-treated group showed slower growth and smaller

leaves. Spinach and mustard exhibited visible yellowing and curling.

• Soil in soaps-detergent-treated pots had a lower pH, suggesting acidity to be

increased
• Detergents contain surfactants that disrupt lipid membranes in plant

• cells, leading to impaired water and nutrient absorption.

• Phosphates can initially act as fertilizers but may cause nutrient imbalances over
time. Optical brighteners and fragrances may accumulate in tissues .

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 COMPARITIVE STUDY:

Studies by environmental science institutions corroborate these findings. A 2021 study

by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute found tomato and coriander plants
exposed to soaps,detergent solutions had a 35% reduction in yield.
Other studies have linked increased soil salinity to prolonged detergent exposure.

A selection of fast-growing plants (e.g., beans, mustard, and spinach) was cultivated in
similar soil conditions. The plants were divided into groups: a control group (watered
with clean water), a low concentration group (0.5% soap or detergent solution), and a
high concentration group (2% solution). Daily watering and environmental
consistency were maintained. Weekly measurements and qualitative observations were
recorded

Most soaps and detergents contain surfactants, phosphates, and other chemicals that
affect the permeability of cell membranes in plants. These chemicals can alter the soil
pH and microbial composition, disrupting nutrient uptake. Plants exposed to higher
concentrations showed signs of chlorosis and stunted growth. Surfactants particularly
were found to break down waxy cuticles, making plants more susceptible to
environmental stress.

CONCLUSION:

The findings strongly suggest that soaps and detergents, especially at high
concentrations, negatively impact plant growth. They interfere with both plant
physiology and soil health. For school communities and educators, this highlights the
importance of informed water use, environmental responsibility, and incorporating
sustainability into science education.

Soaps and detergents can negatively impact plant growth and development,
particularly at high concentrations. Detergents, especially, can disrupt plant
absorption of water and nutrients, damage cell membranes, and alter soil chemistry.

While soaps may have less pronounced effects, certain soaps with thick oils can clog
plant surfaces and interfere with air filtration, potentially harming plants.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:

TEXT,

INTRODUCTION:- WWW.SCRIBD.COM
WWW.WIKIPEDIA.COM
PREPARATION EQUATIONS,TYPES AND DIFFERENCES:
INCLUDING (IMAGES)
WWW.AAKASH.AC.IN
MICELLE STRUCTURE,(IMAGE)
WWW.TEACHOO.COM
CASE STUDY, COMPARITIVE STUDY,RESULT AND EXPERIMENTS
WWW.CHATGPT.COM
SOME (IMAGES) ALSO AI CREATED WITH CHATGPT

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