ANNEX A - Research Proposal

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SINGAPORE

INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS IN SCIENCE

Names: Tiffany Leong, Nah Jie Han and Odelia Goh

Class: S2-06  

Group Reference: A / B / C / D / E / F / G / H   


  1. Indicate the type of research that you are adopting:

[ X ] Test a hypothesis: Hypothesis-driven research
e.g. Investigation of the anti-bacteria effect of chrysanthemum

[    ] Measure a value: Experimental research (I)
e.g. Determination of the mass of Jupiter using planetary photography

[    ] Measure a function or relationship: Experimental research (II)
e.g. Investigation of the effect of temperature on the growth of crystals

[    ] Construct a model: Theoretical sciences and applied mathematics
e.g. Modeling of the cooling curve of naphthalene  

[   ] Observational and exploratory research
e.g. Investigation of the soil quality in School of Science and Technology, Singapore  

[    ] Improve a product or process: Industrial and applied research
e.g. Development of a SMART and GREEN energy system for households  


  1. Write a research proposal of your interested topic in the following format:

Title: An investigation of the factors leading to false results of haemoglobin testing with luminol.



  1. Question or Problem being addressed

The luminol test is usually used to test for the haemoglobin in the blood at a crime scene. However, there may be interferences that will lead to false results. We want to test whether some cleaning products (bleach, soap, detergent) that might be used to clean blood will affect and give false results. This may allow more accurate testing of haemoglobin in the future which would help solve crimes.

Variables
  • Independent Variable
    • The cleaning product used (bleach, soap, detergent)
    • The material being tested on (cloth)
  • Dependent Variable
    • The chemiluminescence of the material after being sprayed
  • Constant Variable
    • The volume of luminol used
    • The brightness of the room
    • The amount of time passed between initial spraying and recording of results

  1. Goals / Expected Outcomes / Hypotheses
Our hypothesis is that cleaning products will not cause false results of luminol with Iron (II) sulphate.

  1. Description in detail of method or procedures (The following are important and key items that should be included when formulating ANY AND ALL research plans.)

Equipment list:  
  • 35ml of Aqueous Iron (II) Sulphate
  • 40ml of Bleach (Chlorox)
  • Soap (Yuri Hand Soap, Fruity Fragrance Liquid Soap, Soft & Gentle, Apple)
  • 40ml of Detergent (Ajax Fabuloso with Citrus Extracts)
  • 2g of Luminol
  • 15g of Potassium Hydroxide
  • 35ml of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water
  • Water
  • 1 x Test tubes
  • 1 x Beaker
  • 1 x Dropper
  • Dark room
  • 1 x 80cm X 34cm Cloth (Thickness: 3mm) (80% Polyester, 20% Polyamide)
  • 2 x Plastic Bucket
  • 1 x Spray bottle
  • 1 x Camera



Diagram:
This is basically how the test will look like.

Test
Cleaning Product
Iron (II) Sulphate
1
Bleach
Present
2
Soap
Present
3
Detergent
Present
4
—
Present
5
Bleach
Absent
6
Soap
Absent
7
Detergent
Absent


• Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection

Step 1: Cut the 80cm X 34cm cloth into pieces with dimensions of approximately 10cmx9cm (Thickness: 3mm)

Step 2: Prepare a beaker with the luminol stock solution (2 g luminol + 15 g potassium hydroxide + 250ml water)

Step 3: Add 5ml of the luminol stock solution and 5ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide in water into a test tube

Step 4: Mix the solution, in the second test tube well, with a glass rod

Step 5: Pour the solution into a spray bottle

Step 6: Prepare test 1
  • Prepare a solution with 20ml of bleach and 100ml of water (diluted bleach solution)
  • Drop 3 drops of Iron (II) Sulphate in the middle of the cloth
  • Soak the cloth in the prepared solution (20ml of bleach and 100ml of water) for 5 minutes
  • After 5 minutes, take it out and let it dry for 10 minutes without touching it, on a flat surface.

Step 7: Spray the cloth with the luminol solution in the spray bottle after 10 minutes have passed.

Step 8: Take pictures and record the results and observations.

Step 9: Prepare test 2.
  • Prepare a solution with 20ml of soap and 100ml of water (diluted soap solution)
  • Drop 3 drops of Iron (II) Sulphate in the middle of the cloth
  • Soak the cloth in the prepared solution (20ml of soap and 100ml of water) for 5 minutes
  • After 5 minutes, take it out and let it dry for 10 minutes without touching it on a flat surface.

Step 10: Spray the cloth with the luminol solution in the spray bottle after 10 minutes have passed.

Step 11 : Take pictures and record the results and observations.

Step 12: Prepare test 3. (Place a piece of cloth in a bucket. Pour 5ml of Iron (II) Sulphate on the cloth. Attempt to clean it with detergent.)
  • Prepare a solution with 20ml of detergent and 100ml of water (diluted detergent solution)
  • Drop 3 drops of Iron (II) Sulphate in the middle of the cloth
  • Soak the cloth in the prepared solution (20ml of detergent and 100ml of water) for 5 minutes
  • After 5 minutes, take it out and let it dry for 10 minutes without touching it on a flat surface.

Step 13: Spray the cloth with the luminol solution in the spray bottle after 10 minutes have passed.

Step 14 : Take pictures and record the results and observations.


Step 15: Prepare test 4.
  • Drop 3 drops of Iron (II) Sulphate in the middle of the cloth
  • Soak the cloth in water for 5 minutes
  • After 5 minutes, take it out and let it dry for 10 minutes without touching it on a flat surface.

Step 16: Spray the cloth with the luminol solution in the spray bottle after 10 minutes have passed.

Step 17 : Take pictures and record the results and observations.


Step 18: Prepare test 5.
  • Drop 3 drops of bleach in the middle of the cloth
  • Soak the cloth into the diluted bleach solution
  • Let it dry for 10 minutes without touching it, on a flat surface.

Step 19 : Spray the cloth with the luminol solution in the spray bottle after 10 minutes have passed.

Step 20 : Take pictures and record the results and observations.

Step 21: Prepare test 6
  • Drop 3 drops of soap in the middle of the cloth
  • Soak the cloth into the diluted soap solution
  • After 5 minutes, take it out and let it dry for 10 minutes without touching it, on a flat surface.

Step 22: Spray the cloth with the luminol solution in the spray bottle after 10 minutes have passed.

Step 23 : Take pictures and record the results and observations.

Step 24: Prepare test 7.
  • Drop 3 drops of detergent in the middle of the cloth
  • Soak the cloth into the diluted detergent solution
  • After 5 minutes, take it out and let it dry for 10 minutes without touching it, on a flat surface.

Step 25 : Spray the cloth with the luminol solution in the spray bottle after 10 minutes have passed.

Step 26 : Take pictures and record the results and observations.

Step 27 : Record the results.

Step 28: Analyse the results.

• Risk and Safety: Identify any potential risks and safety precautions to be taken.

Luminol is very hazardous in case of eye contact, as inflammation might occur (characterized by redness, watering, itching), skin contact (irritant) and ingestion.  Solutions like bleach can cause swelling, irritation and chemical burns when it comes in contact with the skin and the eye. Accidental ingestion, inhalation and permeation might be dangerous when using detergent. It can cause a lot of problems when it comes into contact with the eyes, respiratory system and skin. Soap is also dangerous as it will cause irritation to the eyes. Water,if spilled on the floor, might cause people to slip and thus get injured. It is also dangerous near electricity. Potassium hydroxide is dangerous when in contact of the skin and eye as it is corrosive and will cause serious damage. It can cause burns, severe pains and irritation to skin. It is very hazardous if inhaled or ingested. The test tubes are made of glass and are easily breakable so we have to be careful not to drop them. Shattered glass might be hard to pick up and it might cause cuts.

We will take safety precautions like making sure to wear gloves and goggles when dealing with materials/solutions such as bleach and luminol. We will also wash our hands frequently when we are doing the experiment (before, during, after). We will also keep anything that will catch fire easily away from heat sources and electrical plugs. All chemicals and liquids should be thrown in the bin where toxic stuff are thrown (specific bin and not to mix with other objects).


• Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results that answer research questions or hypotheses

  1. Compile all of the pictures.
  2. Write down any observations based on the pictures.
  3. Determine whether it is a false or positive result.
  4. Create a table based on these observations and whether or not it was a false result.

Result Table:


Bleach
Detergent
Soap
Control
Iron is Present
Test 1

(Insert photo here)

Result: Positive/Negative

Test 2

(Insert photo here)

Result: Positive/Negative

Test 3

(Insert photo here)

Result: Positive/Negative

Test 4

(Insert photo here)

Result: Positive

Iron is Absent
Test 5

(Insert photo here)

Result: Positive/Negative
False Result? Yes/No
Test 6

(Insert photo here)

Result: Positive/Negative
False Result? Yes/No
Test 7

(Insert photo here)

Result: Positive/Negative
False Result? Yes/No
Not Tested


D. Bibliography: List at least five (5) major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from your literature review. If you plan to use vertebrate animals, one of these references must be an animal care reference. Choose the APA format and use it consistently to reference the literature used in the research plan. List your entries in alphabetical order.

Cheyne, M. (2011). Illuminating latent blood. Retrieved from http://www.abacusdiagnostics.com/HemasceinFAQ/Illuminating_Blood.pdf
Creamer, J. I., Quickenden, T. I., Apanah, M. V., Kerr, K. A., & Robertson, P. (2003, February 06). A comprehensive experimental study of industrial, domestic and environmental interferences with the forensic luminol test for blood. Retrieved from http://www.iapsonline.com/sites/default/files/A%20Comprehensive%20Experimental%20Study%20of%20Industrial,%20Domestic%20and%20Environmental%20Interferences%20with%20Forensic%20Luminol%20Test%20for%20Blood.pdf
Helmenstine, A. M. (n.d.). Luminol chemiluminescence test for blood. Retrieved from http://chemistry.about.com/od/glowinthedarkprojects/a/luminolblood.htm
Nilsson, A. (2006, September 06). The forensic luminol test for blood: unwanted interference and the effect on subsequent analysis. Retrieved from http://www.imprimus.net/pdf%20files/downloadable%20files%20page/luminol%20test%20for%20blood%20-%20interference%20and%20effect%20on%20analysis.pdf
Shaler, R. C. (2011). Crime scene investigation. Retrieved from http://www.oneclickaudio.com/courses_pdf/UT178.pdf



No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)