Effects of Bisphenol A On Germination of Soybean Seeds.

Endocrine disrupters such as bisphenol A (BPA) have been shown to have an effect on humans and animals.  Therefore this research is exploring the effects of BPA on soybean seed germination.  Different concentrations of BPA in deionized water were used to wet soybean seeds in multiple germination trials.  The germination rates were recorded and statistical analysis used to determine significant differences.  The resulting data showed near 100% germination without BPA exposure, an average of a13% decrease in when exposed to 100 parts per million(ppm) BPA. And the greatest decrease was 21% less than the average control group. Further research is needed to determine the actual average levels of BPA soybean seeds are exposed to in transport, storage and handling.  Also, this may influence the outcome of unrelated research involving soybean germination if the seed has been exposed to significant levels of BPA.