Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

The Effect of Acidic Environments on Cosmos sulphureus Decomposition

Publication Date

Fall 11-24-2025

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Dr. Darlene Panvini

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

The study of plant decomposition is an area of interest across the ecological research community. Understanding decomposition rates can help ecologists predict changes in ecosystems across different geographic ranges over time. Leaf litter decomposition represents an important factor of nutrient cycling within these ecosystems that may be impacted by environmental conditions like acid rain or chemical pollutants. Exposure of Cosmos sulphureus leaf litter under acidic conditions was hypothesized to have a different rate of decomposition than untreated leaf litter due to the favorable chemistry acid-base reaction conditions. Over the course of eight weeks, a solution of acetic acid (vinegar) was applied to two groups of litter bags each week. The other two groups of litter bags served as the negative control and decomposed under typical environmental conditions. The groups treated with vinegar demonstrated a faster rate of decomposition than the control group. These results indicate that acidic exposure to vinegar does increase the rate of decomposition in Cosmos sulphureus, which could potentially increase the availability of nutrients in the environment. However, the accelerated decomposition has the chance to disrupt ecosystems that rely on slower, more stable nutrient cycling. Future applications of this research may assist environmental managers in implementing practices aimed at mitigating nutrient imbalances in ecosystems that experience neutral or basic pH conditions.

Additional Files
distribution_agreement for SURS Fall 2025.pdf (179 kB)
Signed Copyright Distribution Agreement

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