Investigating the Effect of Sodium Chloride Concentration on the Growth Rate of Bread Mold

Study Title: Investigating the Effect of Sodium Chloride Concentration on the Growth Rate of Bread Mold Author: R. Ishudh Abhinawa Topic: Fungi / Osmotic Stress / Food Microbiology This experimental study evaluates how varying concentrations of sodium chloride affects the growth rate and reproduction of bread mold over a 6-day period. Using a controlled setup with four bread slices treated with no, low 2.5 cm³, medium 5 cm³, and high 7.5 cm³ salt concentrations, colony counts and mean colony diameters were tracked daily from Day 4 through Day 6. The findings indicate that table salt inhibits mold growth in a concentration-dependent manner. While low and medium salt concentrations delayed the initial onset of growth without completely stopping reproduction, high salt concentrations significantly suppressed both colony expansion and overall mold development. This research illustrates the mechanics of osmotic stress and reduced water availability in fungal cells. Keywords: Mold Growth, Sodium Chloride, Osmotic Pressure, Bread Spoilage, Fungi, Mycelium, Saprotrophic Nutrition, Food Preservation