My first experiment is to take a bacterial sample from the inside of a hookah hose that was used at a public hookah lounge. I would like to observe the type and amount of bacteria that the inside of the hose is exposed to between multiple users and the heat and moisture from usage over time. In addition to observation, my purpose is to experiment with different cleaning solutions to determine what will best kill the bacteria and prevent future growth.
Hypothesis:
Because of the length of use and multiple users, my hypothesis is that I will find a large amount of bacterial growth including a variety of bacteria. Due to the heat and moisture that the inside of the hose is constantly exposed to, I expect to find growth of endospores, which thrive in high temperatures and moist environments. Due to their extremely resistant cell membranes, they are tolerant to basic cleaning solutions and can continue to grow and spread in extreme environments. I expect that if I find any endospore growth, that essential oil Lemon and Oregano will be able to eradicate it's growth. Due to the biological properties of DoTerra Essential Oils, these pure oils from the earth are able to penetrate resistant cell walls and have been known to successfully eradicate and fight bacteria and endospore growth.
Background:
A popular hang-out spot where I live is a local hookah lounge. Hookah is an age-old traditional way of smoking and vaporizing flavored tobacco called "shisha", originating in middle-eastern culture.
The "shisha" is made up of tobacco that is saturated in molasses and added flavorings, and is packed into a glass bowl that is heated by coals. A typical hookah involves a bowl of shisha connected to a glass water basin, which the vapor is passed through before inhalation through an attached hose.The hookah lounge has strict cleaning regulations and procedures, so that the hoses are thoroughly cleaned after each use. For my experiment, I took an old, disposable hookah hose from the public lounge that had been regularly used by multiple people.
An old hose was selected and set aside after use and purposely not cleaned, allowing it to sit in a controlled environment and accumulate bacteria from previous use.
Procedure:
1) Take sterilized swab and thoroughly swab the inside of the hose
2) Spread swab over pre-prepared agar on petri dish
3) Inoculate sample at room temperature for 3 days
4) After 3 days, observe bacterial growth, looking for endospores and variation
5) Inoculate bacterial sample into another petri dish for growth
6) Apply 3 drops of pure Lemon essential oil to original sample
7) Incubate Lemon sample for 3 days while allowing inoculated sample to incubate
8) During 3 days, observe & record bacterial inhibition from Lemon treated sample
9) After 3 days incubation, apply 3 drops Oregano essential oil to inoculated sample
10) During 3 days, observe & record bacterial inhibition from Oregano treated sample
11) Compare results of bacterial inhibition between Lemon & Oregano treated samples
In order to best observe the rate of growth and the amount of initial bacteria, I will be observing my sample in increments of time, at 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and lastly, 72 hours.
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