From the Science Department
11EES Investigation: "Is that flushable or not?
Water treatment authorities say that only ‘the three Ps’ should be flushed – pee, poo and paper. Despite this,manufacturers claim a variety of products are flushable. In 2018, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) prosecuted the manufacturer of White King’s ‘flushable’ toilet and bathroom cleaning wipes. The company was fined $700000 for falsely claiming that its products would disintegrate in the sewage system ‘just like toilet paper’.
In this investigation, Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science students investigated the result of simulated flushing on toilet paper and other wipes including “flushable wipes”, tissue paper and paper towel. Do you know which ones should be flushed down the toilet?
To do this students created a model of “flushing toilets” by cutting squares of the same size of each wipe or paper and placing them in jars of water. The jars of water were vigorously shaken and observations of the structure of the paper made to determine whether it would disintegrate when flushed or whether it remained whole, potentially clogging pipes and sewers. The results were quite alarming.
Mr Chris Ferry
Earth and Environmental Science Teacher
Holly Lollback’s Thoughts:
The aim of the experiment was to determine whether certain products are able to be broken down through the simulation of flushing. This is an important experiment as it allows us to consider the consequences of our actions and test whether the claims of certain products are accurate. The results revealed toilet paper as the only material capable of truly breaking down into fine particles, while the other materials (tissues, flushable wipes and paper towel) were only partially dissolved, or not at all.
The most interesting thing about the results was that no material other than toilet paper dissolved completely, indicating that we should not be flushing other materials. Additionally, it was interesting to note the chemical residue left behind by the flushable wipes and consider the consequences of this. The experiment is a useful learning experience because it encourages us to consider the further implications of our everyday actions.
Science Extension Wollongong University Showcase
On Thursday 9 June, Year 12 Science Extension student Ryan Gill attended the Diocese of Wollongong Science Extension Conference, partnered with the University of Wollongong. The Science Extension Course gives students the opportunity to extend their scientific thinking and allow them to showcase a key scientific area of research. Students are expected to demonstrate academic level science through their individual HSC Research Projects. This dynamic course is for students who see their future in Science.
Ryan had the opportunity to hear from Dr Katarina Mikac, a researcher at the University of Wollongong who works in the field of applied ecology, with specific focus on the threatened species, spotted tailed quolls and gliding possums, of the NSW South Coast/Illawarra Region. He also had the chance to share his Research Project with students from other schools around the Wollongong Diocese in a conference format, which mimics the professional scientific conferences regularly held at UoW.
Ryan shared his research on the effect of microplastic concentration in soil on the health and growth of native plants, particularly, coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa). He spoke with confidence and knowledge about his research, demonstrating the passion and curiosity that we would expect from our future scientists.
“The most interesting part of this showcase was meeting other Extension Science students from around the Wollongong Diocese and hearing about their research projects. During the excursion, I found the feedback from a science professional helped to improve my work.”
Ryan Gill
