TITLE : BORIC ACID IN

FOOD

NAME OF TEACHER ADVISOR :

CIK.M.UMA
PN.K.VINMALAR
PN.JAMMUNNA

CONTENTS

NO

TITLE

PAGE
NUM

1 Introduction
2 Project record
3 Alternative steps /
methods applied and
its results
4 Photos and life
examples
5 Answer to the related
question
6 Additional information
based on the scientific
theory
6 References

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our special thanks to God who shows the right way and always there when we need. First , and
foremost, we would like thanks our headmaster Mr.K.Selvarajah because he have given us a change
to do the Science Experiments. He is giving us an opportunity to participate in Science Fair.
We really appreciate Miss M.Uma, Mrs K.Vinmalar and Mrs Jammunna who guides us to the right
path and always make sure that we dont trudge on the wrong way. The guide , support and
motivations given by them was great and end up with this experiment which we think best and really
couldnt imagine how we can do this.
The relationship among class members was excellent and we share our ideas without any
misunderstandings. Our special thanks to our family members especially our parents who sacrifices a
lot in encouraging, motivating us in doing this project as well.
We kindly and sincerely appreciate all those who contribute their ideas, supports either
directly or indirectly which help us to fulfilled and completed this project. We gain a lot of
knowledge and if benefits a lot in our presents situations as pupils.
S.JESSICA
D.SRI RANJANEE
M.VUTHAYAKUMAR
R.YOHGAYAASHINI
R.DARSHANA

To investigate the
presence of boric
acid in selected
foods.
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We hypothesize that food such

as mee, kuey teow, and maggie
contains boric acid and if the
amount of intake exceed RDI it
would affects human health in
various ways

CONSTANT VARIABLES :
Amount of food
Amount ofwater
Volume of turmeric solution (1 ml)

MANIPULATED VARIABLES:
Types of food

RESPONDED VARIALES:

Presence of boric acid in food

 Fish ball

Hot dog

Mee

Turmeric paper

Kuey teow
solution

Turmeric

Maggie
Nuggets

Hot dog
Conical Flask
Measuring cyclinder
Test tube
Weighing scale
Test tube rack
Blender
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The disposable cap are attached

ribbons that are tied in the back
of the head and an elastic band
that fits the contour of the head.
The cap should cover all hair, if
long hair should be collected in
advance for better grip. The use of
disposable cap, which act as
barrier to prevent microorganisms
that emerge from the their can
cause problems of pollution.

Protective masks are pieces of kit

or worn on head and face to afford
protection to the wearer , and
today usually have these functions:

Providing supply of air or

filtering the outside air.
Protecting the face against
flying objects or dangerous
environments , while allowing
vision.
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Goggles or safety glasses are

forms of protective eyewear that
usually enclose or protect the are
surrounding the eye in order to
prevent particulates , water or
chemicals form striking the eyes.
The are used in chemistry
laboratories and in woodworking.

When lab coat used in the

laboratory, they protect against
accidental spills , e.g. acids. In this
case they usually have long sleeves
and are made of an absorbent
material, such as cotton, so that
the user can be protected from
the chemical. Some lab coast have
buttons at the end of the sleeves,
to secure them around the wrist to
that they do not hang into beakers
of chemicals.

Disposable gloves can provide barrier

protection
where contact with
chemicals in not likely . Whenever a
disposable glove comes in contact
with hazardous chemicals it should
be removed followed by thorough
hand washing and new gloves for
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continued work.

PREPARE

Clear all surfaces before

beginning work.
Read through the whole

experiment before you start.

Identify hazardous procedures
and anticipate dangers.

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PROTECT YOUR SELF

Follow all directions step by step; do only one procedure at a

time.
Locate exits, fire blanket and electricity shut-offs, eyewash
,and first-aid kit.
Wear an apron and goggles.
Do not wear contact lenses , open shoes, and loose clothing; do
not wear your hair loose.
Keep floor and work space neat, clean and dry.
Clean up spills immediately.
Never eat, drink, or smoke in the laboratory or near the work
space.

Set up apparatus far from the edge of the desk.

Use knives and other sharp or pointed instruments with

USE EQUIPMENT WITH CARE

caution; always cut away from yourself and others.

Clean glassware before and after use.
Check glassware for scratches, cracks, and sharp edges.
Clean up broken glassware immediately.
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SAFETY

Do not use reflected sunlight to illuminate your

microscope.

USING CHEMICALS
Thoroughly clean your work area and glassware.
Be careful not to return chemicals or contaminated
hands containers.
before and after using
reagentstoWash
the wrong
Dont dispose
of materials in the sink unless instructed to
solutions.
do so.
Wash your hand thoroughly.
Clean up all residue ; and containerize it for proper

FINISHING UP

disposal.
Dispose of all chemicals according to local ,state and
federal laws.
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1. What are the effects of boric acid on human health ?

2. Which food contains boric acid ?
3. Why boric acid is been used in food preservation ?
4. What the alternative for boric acid ?
5. What are the ways to control the amount of boric acid?

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 Food samples C and E change colour into red. This shows

that food sample C and E contains boric acid.
Food sample B change colour into brick red. This shows
that the food sample B contains boric acid. Besides that,
it shows that boric acid in food sample B is more than
food sample C and E.
Food sample A, D and F shows there is no colour change.
This shows that food sample A , D and F do not contains
boric acid.

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 We conclude that food such as mee, kuey

teow and Maggie contains boric acid if the
amount of intake exceed RDI (Recommended
Daily Intake) it would affects human health
in various ways.

Hypothesis accepted

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Among the common chemical preservatives which have

been
used in foods and which are prohibited entirely or tolerated
tinder certain restrictions by the Federal Foods and Drugs
Act,
as now enforced, are benzoic acid, salicylic acid, sulfurous
acid,
boric acid and formaldehyde. Boric acid is used principally
for
preserving meats, meat products, fish and dairy products.
Its
presence can be detected readily by acidifying the ash of
the
sample with hydrochloric acid and then dipping a piece of
turmeric paper into the solution. If boric acid is present the
yellow turmeric paper becomes red on drying. Besides
that,tuemeric solution also can be use to test the presence
of
boric acid in food.In this experiment this way will be carry

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1. http:// www.google.com.my/search?9= boric acid & hl=en & prmd =

prmd = imvns &source = inms &tb .
2. http://scienceray.com/biology/botany/osmosis in potato cells
investigation/ #izz1v 81nxall
3. Gan Wan Yeat , 2007, Oxford Fajar ( Biology SPM)
4. Eng Nguan Hong, 2006, Focus Exel (Biology Form 4 )
5. Vijaya Visvanathan,2007,Golden New Visior Biology Penerbit East
View.

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