Ryan Mulcahy
The effect of disinfectant on the growth of bacteria.
Disinfectants are commonly used on surfaces that are often come in contact with
people and food. They are used to eradicate germs and bacteria that could often be
potentially harmful if it has entered the human system (HealthyChildren.org, 2018).
The aim of this experiment was to evaluate which four different forms of disinfectants
could provide the most protection and to see which would have the greatest
antibacterial properties; garlic, turmeric, Dettol and water were used.
The author’s hypothesis believes that Dettol would contain the most antibacterial
agents; this is because it is commonly used internationally as one of the best-selling
antibacterial cleaning products. The author also suggests that water would have the
least as it is a natural substance that contains no substances.
Garlic was traditionally used for medical purposes by the Egyptians, Romans and
Chinese; this is because it was believed that it held properties ranging from
antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral disinfectants (Healwithfood.org, 2018).
Turmeric is an herb that is known for its medicinal properties, it is proven to hold
properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and antiseptic substances.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633300/.
Dettol is the most famous antibacterial substance used within this experiment; this
product was created with altercations from phenol, this is also an antiseptic that kills
germs. Cholroxylenol B.P is what gives Dettol the powerful ingredient to kill most
common germs and bacteria; other products produced in Dettol include: isopropyl
alcohol, pine oil, castor oil soap, caramel and water (Chew, 2018).
As a safety precaution, it is vital that all agar plates are cello taped securely shut, this
is to prevent any contamination of the E.coli and to stop it spreading on to other
surfaces and causing illness. Small particles of bacteria can remain airborne for long
durations and if inhaled, this pathogen can cause illness. It is common practice to not
have any food or drink near the experiment area as E.coli can cross contaminate
and bacteria could get digested.
Page 1 of 4
The effect of disinfectant on the growth of bacteria.
Disinfectants are commonly used on surfaces that are often come in contact with
people and food. They are used to eradicate germs and bacteria that could often be
potentially harmful if it has entered the human system (HealthyChildren.org, 2018).
The aim of this experiment was to evaluate which four different forms of disinfectants
could provide the most protection and to see which would have the greatest
antibacterial properties; garlic, turmeric, Dettol and water were used.
The author’s hypothesis believes that Dettol would contain the most antibacterial
agents; this is because it is commonly used internationally as one of the best-selling
antibacterial cleaning products. The author also suggests that water would have the
least as it is a natural substance that contains no substances.
Garlic was traditionally used for medical purposes by the Egyptians, Romans and
Chinese; this is because it was believed that it held properties ranging from
antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral disinfectants (Healwithfood.org, 2018).
Turmeric is an herb that is known for its medicinal properties, it is proven to hold
properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and antiseptic substances.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633300/.
Dettol is the most famous antibacterial substance used within this experiment; this
product was created with altercations from phenol, this is also an antiseptic that kills
germs. Cholroxylenol B.P is what gives Dettol the powerful ingredient to kill most
common germs and bacteria; other products produced in Dettol include: isopropyl
alcohol, pine oil, castor oil soap, caramel and water (Chew, 2018).
As a safety precaution, it is vital that all agar plates are cello taped securely shut, this
is to prevent any contamination of the E.coli and to stop it spreading on to other
surfaces and causing illness. Small particles of bacteria can remain airborne for long
durations and if inhaled, this pathogen can cause illness. It is common practice to not
have any food or drink near the experiment area as E.coli can cross contaminate
and bacteria could get digested.
Page 1 of 4
