1

What type of ionized water is most

effective at keeping plants healthy?
Pratinav Manjunath
2 nd period
DiMaggio
River Trail Middle School
2025-2026
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Table of Contents

Topic Page #
Background Research 3-5
Problem Statement 5
Purpose 6
Hypothesis 6
Variables 6
Materials 6
Procedures 7
Data Tables 8-9
Graphs 9-10

Data Analysis 11
Conclusion 12-13
Works Cited 13-14

Background Research:
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The study of cathodes and anodes forms the foundation of

understanding electrochemical systems. Cathodes, the negative
electrodes, emit electrons when heated, while anodes, the positive
electrodes, receive them. This transfer of electrons creates what is
known as a cathode ray, a principle that underlies the operation of
electrochemical cells such as gas discharge tubes and chemical
cells. In galvanic cells, electricity is generated through oxidation-
reduction reactions, whereas electrolytic cells rely on externally
supplied currents to drive reactions. Importantly, reduction occurs at
the cathode and oxidation at the anode, establishing the essential
polarity of these systems (Nemeh and Lounge)
.
Building on this principle, water electrolysis demonstrates the
practical application of cathodes and anodes. In this process, water
is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity within an
electrolyzer. A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) system, often
made of plastic, separates the electrodes. At the anode, water
molecules react to form oxygen and hydrogen ions, which then
migrate through the membrane to the cathode, where they combine
with electrons to produce hydrogen gas ([Link]). The reactions
−¿ ¿

can be summarized as: Anode: 2 H 2 O →O2 + 4 H +¿+4 e ¿Cathode: 4 H +¿+4 e

−¿→ 2H 2 ¿
¿

.
Different types of electrolyzers expand the possibilities of water
splitting. Alkaline electrolyzers transport hydroxide ions from
cathode to anode, while solid oxide electrolyzers use ceramic
materials to conduct oxygen ions at high temperatures, typically
between 700–800°C. PEM electrolyzers, in contrast, operate at much
lower temperatures around 70°C. Advanced solid oxide electrolyzers
can reduce operating temperatures to 500–600°C, often with
external heat sources such as nuclear energy. These innovations aim
to reduce the electrical energy required for water splitting, though
current energy production methods still contribute to greenhouse
gas emissions (Khan Academy; [Link]).
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The chemistry of alkali metals further illustrates the importance of

electrolysis. Lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and
francium, all members of Group 1 of the periodic table, are highly
reactive and widely used in industry. Historically, plant ashes were
the first source of alkali metals, and their compounds, such as
hydroxides, remain essential today (World Book Online).

Electrolytes, substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in

water or another solvent, are central to both electrochemical
systems and biological processes. In batteries, electrolytes exist as
liquid or paste solutions, releasing ions that carry charges between
cathodes and anodes. Electrolytic water, produced through
electrolysis, is notable for its purity and environmental benefits. It
has applications in food sanitization, seed treatments, and pathogen
control, with promising potential in agriculture and food safety (Bard
and Green).

The effects of electrolytic water are particularly significant in

agriculture. Acidic electrolytic water enhances the quality of fresh-
cut fruit, boosts antioxidant enzyme activity, and serves as a potent
disinfectant due to its low pH and high chlorine concentration.
Conversely, alkaline water can hinder plants from absorbing
essential nutrients such as iron, phosphorus, and manganese,
leading to chlorosis, weak roots, and stunted growth. While acidic
water combats harmful organisms, alkaline water slows microbial
processes and limits nutrient availability (ScienceDirect).

Plant health depends on these chemical interactions. Healthy plants

are characterized by bright green leaves, abundant flowers, and
strong white roots, while unhealthy plants may show yellow or
brown leaves, drooping foliage, fungi, gnats, and weak roots often
caused by overwatering. Recognizing these signs is crucial for
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maintaining proper plant care and preventing disease (Fairview

Garden Center; Tree Renewal; Bacfertilizers).

Beyond water quality, plants require light, air, water, nutrients, and
space to grow. Through photosynthesis, chlorophyll captures light
energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Air
provides nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, all
essential for plant processes. Respiration then breaks down glucose
to release energy for growth and development (Let’s Talk Science).

However, plants face threats from fungi and bacteria. Fungi consist
of thread-like filaments called hyphae, forming underground
networks known as mycelium. They reproduce via spores and can
infect plants through wounds or colonization. Bacteria, single-celled
prokaryotes, reproduce asexually and can cause plant diseases by
producing toxins. Both thrive in humid conditions, poor ventilation,
and excess water, making them common agricultural challenges
(Kidsfrontier; Demetrio et al.; Ohioline).

Finally, soil quality plays a decisive role in plant growth. Calcareous

soil is highly alkaline with little moisture, while mulch helps regulate
water and air flow. Topsoil is nutrient-rich but problematic if
compacted, whereas gravel aids in moisture control. Compost
provides abundant nutrients, and loam is considered the best soil
type for cultivation. Poor soils include heavy clay, sandy, and silty
soils. Plants also require non-mineral nutrients like carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen, along with macronutrients such as nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium, and micronutrients including iron, zinc,
and copper (Turner).
(Summarized by Copilot)

Problem Statement:
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Which plant will be healthier using either alkaline ionized water,

acidic ionized water, or normal water?

Purpose:
When people new to gardening decide to grow a garden, their
garden usually fills with harmful fungi and bacteria and all their
plants usually die early. If this experiment is successful, then any
gardeners who worry about the health of their
plants won’t worry because the plants are safe.

Hypothesis:
If two plants are watered with either ionized alkaline water, acidic
ionized water, or normal tap water, then the acidic ionized water will
have the best health than the other types because ionized water is
the best at removing dangerous bacteria and fungi.

Variables:
Control Variables: Normal watering usage, amount of soil, and
type of plant.
Independent Variables: Type of water (alkaline, acidic, or normal)
Dependent Variables: Health of the plant during experiment,
Number of alive plants after experiment
Control Group: Normal water, with same attributes as the other
plants.

Materials:
6 peace lily plants (exact),
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1 ERW ma/chine,
Enough bacteria and fungi samples to harm the plants,
water,
6 pots
1 proton exchange membrane

Procedures:
1. Gather fungi and bacteria samples from dirty objects, such as the
bathroom and the woods.
2. Produce alkaline and acidic water daily through the ERW
machine.
3. Set the plants into three groups of twos near a spot which is
sunny and perfect.
4. Label each plant as either normal, acidic, or alkaline with the
colors of white, red, and blue, respectively.
5. Introduce bacteria and fungi samples to the groups of water
every 4 days.
6. Water the plants with the correct amount of water (half a cup for
all plants) and type of water daily.
7. Take detailed and descriptive pictures of the plants daily.
8. Record and gather the data at the end.
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Data Tables:
Trials Acidic Alkaline Normal Total Percentage
1 2 1 1 4/6 67%
2 2 1 1 4/6 67%
3 2 1 1 4/6 67%
4 2 1 1 4/6 67%
5 1.5 1 0 2.5/6 42%
6 2 1 0 1/2 50%
7 2 1 0 1/2 50%
8 2 1 1 4/6 67%
9 2 1 1 4/6 67%
10 2 1 1 4/6 67%
11 2 1 1 4/6 67%
12 2 1 1 4/6 67%
13 2 1 1 4/6 67%

2 =2 out of 2 healthy plants

1.5 = one slightly unhealthy plant and one healthy plant
1 = one out of two healthy plants
0 = no healthy plants
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Total= ___ out of 6 plant were healthy that day

Average=812/13= 62.461% - the plant is healthy 62% of the time

Acidic = 98%
Alkaline = 50%
Normal = 39%

Graphs:

-The higher the line, the more plants are currently healthy
-The lower the line, the less healthy plants are currently
-This is important because it shows the trend of plant casualties
throughout the experiment
The Average would be the part where the line mostly “lays on”, like
alkaline’ is 1 and acidic is 2, while normal is 0.5-1.
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-The higher the tower, the more plants are alive

-The lower the tower, the less plants are alive
-It is important because it shows the number of alive plants and how
good each ph. of ionized water is.
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Data Analysis:

62% of the time the scientist’s plants were healthy. Expectedly, the
percentage seemed to stay around 67%, also known to be the two-
third mark. But the scientist didn’t expect alkaline water to be really
on pace and steady without fail. If you were looking for a steady
plant water source, this would be the one! Each trial was similar,
almost identical. The data was steady, but there was a huge
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decrease shown in graph 1 during days five to eight. Graph 1 shows

a line graph, showing that the higher the line is equivalent to the
number of healthier plants, and vice versa. It shows the trend of
plant health throughout the experiment, and the average was the
place where the line tended to be most often. For alkaline water, the
average would be 1, 2 for acidic, but less steady, and normal water
would be from ½ to 1. The second graph shows that the higher the
bar is equal to the more plants healthy and keep note that this is
after the experiment. The lower the bar means that the more plants
are unhealthy at the end of this experiment. As you can see, acidic
water sits at 2, alkaline with 1, and normal at 1.5.

Conclusion:

The hypothesis that states that if plants are watered with either
normal water, ionized acidic water, or ionized alkaline water, then
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the ionized acidic water will have overall health than the other
groups because acidic water is the best at removing harmful fungi
and bacteria was supported. The normal water proved to be the
worst, with a total average of thirty-nine percent (39%) chance of it
being healthy. The alkaline water proved to be decent, at a solid fifty
percent (50%) of being healthy. Acidic water, the scientist
hypothesized would be the best , proved it was the best for plant
health, at an almost perfect hundred (98%) chance of being
healthy. The scientist observed that normal water was unpredictable
shown in the graphs, proven by the outlier of line during around day
5 to 8. The alkaline water stayed consistent and stable throughout
the experiment, averaging a normal score of 50. The scientist
observed that acidic water was better but less consistent than
alkaline water on day 5-8. Speaking of days 5-8, the scientist
noticed that those days were the reason for the drop of normal
water and acidic water. The scientist noticed that acidic water saved
two plants, while normal water and alkaline water saved one plant.
The total average of the experiment was sixty-two percent,
noticeable lower than acidic water, and generally higher than
alkaline water and normal water. The total average was noticeably
close to sixty-seven percent. Overall, normal water has a thirty-
eight-percent chance of survival, on 10/26. Alkaline water has a
moderate chance of survival at a fifty percent chance of survival,
and acidic water has a ninety-eight percent chance of success. The
hypothesis was likely supported because shown in the background
information pages that shows that acidic water allows plants to gain
more nutrients by making them more soluble, and the anode
generally has more oxygen oxygenating the plant, helping the plant
develop and grow. Factors that could have affected the results of the
experiment could be that if the scientist were to go on leave, then
the plants would die. If the scientist were to redo this experiment
from scratch, he/she would buy more plants and probably could
have a more accurate result. The scientist would make more
detailed graphs and pictures. This could probably be used in real life
by helping plants grow and maybe making them “immortal” and
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maybe that can turn into some crazy invention that can influence
the future.

Works-Cited
BAC Fertilizers. “How Can I Tell Whether My Plant Is Healthy?”
[Link]. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Cropaia. “What Are the Essential Plant Nutrients and Their Roles.”
[Link]. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Catherine. Nickel Green, 14 Apr. 2025, [Link].
Ding, Xiao, et al. ScienceDirect, Jan. 2024, [Link].
Dowdy, Sharon. Field Report. University of Georgia College of
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 28 Sept. 2001,
[Link].
Fairview Garden Center. [Link]. Accessed 17
Nov. 2025.
Gale Encyclopedia of Science. “Cathode.” 27 Aug. 2013.
Kids Frontier. Marciano, Domenico, Chiara Mittzotti, Galiana
Maddelena, and Silvia Laura Toffolatti. 25 June 2021,
[Link].
Khan Academy. “How Water Electrolysis Works.” [Link].
Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Let’s Talk Science. 21 Aug. 2019, [Link].
Ohioline. Utah State University Extension, [Link].
Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Phox Water. Dewar, Nicole. 12 Mar. 2025, [Link].
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Safe Brand. [Link]. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

Tree Renewal. [Link]. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Turner, Bambi. HowStuffWorks, 2 Jan. 2024,
[Link].
U.S. Department of Energy. “Hydrogen Production—Electrolysis.”
[Link]. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
World Book Online. Shriver, Doward F. “Alkali Metals.” Wolfson,
Richard. “Electrolysis.” [Link]. Accessed 17 Nov.
2025.