Quantitative Research

Portable Water Purification Systems Using Nanotechnology

A compact, portable water purification system that uses nanotechnology to remove

contaminants and impurities from water, providing clean drinking water in remote or
emergency situations.

Problem Statement:

Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people
worldwide lack access to safe and reliable water sources, particularly in remote, rural, or
disaster-stricken areas. Contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases, dehydration,
and even death. Existing water purification methods can be bulky, expensive, and ineffective
in removing certain contaminants, highlighting the need for innovative, portable, and efficient
water purification solutions.

Research Questions:

1. Can nanotechnology-based water purification systems effectively remove contaminants

and impurities from water?

2. How portable water purification systems using nanotechnology be designed to optimize

efficiency, effectiveness, and user-friendliness?

3. What are the potential benefits and challenges of implementing portable water purification
systems in remote or emergency situations? In terms of capability, cost and effectivity?v

Solar-Powered Refrigeration Units for Off-Grid Communities

A solar-powered refrigeration unit that provides reliable, sustainable cooling for off-grid
communities, reducing energy consumption and promoting food preservation.

Problem Statement:

Off-grid communities, particularly in rural and remote areas, lack access to reliable and
sustainable refrigeration solutions, leading to food spoilage, health risks, and economic
losses. Traditional refrigeration methods often rely on fossil fuels or electricity from the grid,
which can be expensive, unreliable, and environmentally unsustainable. The absence of
reliable refrigeration solutions hinders food preservation, vaccine storage, and medical care,
ultimately affecting the health, well-being, and economic development of these communities.

Research Questions:

1. Can solar-powered refrigeration units provide a reliable and sustainable solution for off-
grid communities?
2. How can these units be designed to optimize energy efficiency, reduce costs, and
increase accessibility?

3. What are the potential benefits and challenges of implementing solar-powered

refrigeration units in off-grid communities?

Smart Urban Farming Systems Using Hydroponics and Aeroponics

An urban farming system that uses hydroponics and aeroponics to grow crops efficiently,
reducing water consumption and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Problem Statement:

The increasing global population, urbanization, and climate change are putting pressure on
traditional food systems, leading to food insecurity, water scarcity, and environmental
degradation. Urban areas, in particular, face challenges in accessing fresh, nutritious
produce, while also struggling with limited land availability, water conservation, and waste
management. Current farming practices often rely on resource-intensive methods,
contributing to environmental degradation and unsustainable food production. There is a
need for innovative, sustainable, and efficient urban farming solutions that can provide fresh
produce to local communities while minimizing environmental impact.

Research Questions:

1. Can smart urban farming systems using hydroponics and aeroponics provide a
sustainable and efficient solution for urban food production?

2. How can these systems be designed to minimize water consumption, reduce

environmental impact, and increase crop yields?

3. What are the potential benefits and challenges of implementing smart urban farming
systems in urban areas?

Structure of a Non-Touch Liquid Dispensing System Integrated with Real-

Time Volume Adjustment Protocols

Introduction/Description:

In public and medical settings, the demand for contactless solutions has grown
significantly due to hygiene concerns and user convenience. This study focuses on
constructing a non-touch liquid dispensing system that adjusts the output volume in real time
based on object distance and presence duration. Using infrared or ultrasonic sensors and a
programmable microcontroller, the system enables efficient, mess-free fluid dispensing while
reducing water or liquid waste.

Research Questions:
1.) How can a non-contact dispensing system improve hygiene and convenience compared
to traditional manual dispensers?

2.) What extent does real-time volume adjustment improve the efficiency and precision of
liquid delivery?

3.) What are the ways can this system be adapted for future use in homes, public spaces, or
healthcare environments?

Zero-Waste Exam Highlighter: Turmeric and Beetroot Ink as Refillable Brush

Pens

The research explores the use of turmeric and beetroot ink as natural, refillable alternatives
to commercial highlighters. By combining plant-based ink with reusable brush pens, the
project aims to create a zero-waste, eco-friendly highlighter that is both practical and
affordable for students.

Research Questions:

1)How effective are turmeric and beetroot inks in terms of color visibility on standard paper
compared to commercial highlighters?

2)How many uses can a refillable brush pen provide before needing a refill compared to a
disposable highlighter?

3)How biodegradable are turmeric and beetroot inks compared to synthetic inks?

4)What is the environmental impact of sourcing and preparing natural inks compared to
manufacturing synthetic highlighters?

Development of a Biofiltration System for Microplastics in Water Using Abaca

Fibers and Algae

A portable, eco-friendly filtration system that combines abaca fibers and locally
sourced algae to remove microplastic particles from water, offering a sustainable and
accessible method for microplastic reduction in community-level water treatment.

Problem Statement:

Microplastic pollution has become a serious environmental issue, affecting both

marine and freshwater systems in the Philippines and worldwide. These tiny plastic particles,
often invisible to the naked eye, can enter the food chain through water sources, posing risks
to both ecosystems and human health. Current filtration methods for microplastics are often
laboratory-grade, expensive, or inaccessible to communities in need. Considering the
abundance of natural resources in the Philippines, there is a need for an affordable,
sustainable, and community-adapted filtration system that can help reduce microplastic
contamination in local water sources.

Research Questions:
 1. Can a biofiltration system using abaca fibers and algae effectively reduce the
concentration of microplastics in water?

2. What layering or ratio of abaca fibers and algae provides the highest filtration
efficiency for microplastic removal?

3. What are the potential benefits and limitations of implementing such

biofiltration systems in local communities, particularly in terms of cost, accessibility, and
maintenance?

Bio-absorbent Cooling Pads from Indigenous Plant Fibers for Heat Stress
Relief

Investigation for the efficientness of natural, highly absorbing plant fibers (abaca,
banana pseudo-stem fibers, water hyacinth) when combined with simple evaporative cooling
techniques, to create a reusable but biodegradable cooling pad that can be worn by workers
to fight heat stress during long shifts in warm environments.

Problem Statement:

A lot of people in the Philippines work in hot, busy, and congested places, especially when
there isn't air conditioning or when there are a lot of people working. This heat stress can
lead to discomfort, fatigue, and reduced focus, damaging their wellbeing and performance
on their jobs. Almost all existing cooling solutions are non-biodegradable, very expensive, or
impractical for wear. There is clearly a need for a sustainable, low-cost, and producible
natural solution to provide cooling, improving the comfort of workers.

Research Questions:

1. Which indigenous plant fibers exhibit a high water absorption and retention capabilities
suitable for a cooling pad?

2. How does the evaporative cooling effect of a pad made from selected plant fibers
compared to a standard fabric pad in terms of temperature reduction when applied to a
warm surface?

3. What is the method for processing and preparing these plant fibers into a durable,
reusable, and comfortable cooling pad that can effectively absorb sweat and provide a long
passive cooling?

Development of Sustainable Home Insulation Panels from Dry Leaves

Home insulation panels that are made up of compressed dry leaves to regulate home
temperature. Affordable, eco-friendly home insulation panels, made from compressed dry
leaves, regulate indoor temperatures, save energy, and promote sustainable living. Dry
leaves are chosen for their fiber texture and air pockets. Research will optimize the
compression, natural binders, and panel design for durability, fire resistance, and even
longevity, offering an accessible, responsible, and effective solution.

Problem Statement:
Many houses lack effective insulation or do not have insulation at all, using higher energy
consumption for heating and cooling, increased costs, and a bigger carbon footprint.
Traditional insulation materials often contribute to environmental pollution during production
and disposal. There is a large need for an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable
insulation solution that can effectively regulate indoor temperatures while reducing
environmental impact.

Research Questions:

1. How much should we squeeze dry leaves to make them dense enough and good at
blocking heat for insulation panels?

2. How well do dry leaf insulation panels block heat compared to regular insulation?

3. What natural glues/binders or additives can we mix with dry leaves to make the insulation
panels stronger, water-resistant, or even fireproof?

4. How long do dry leaf insulation panels last in a different weather condition?

5. Is it affordable and profitable to produce and sell insulation panels from dry leaves for
houses?

Portable Solar-Powered Hand Fan with Adjustable Cooling Modes

A hand fan with solar panels and three-level cooling modes, designed to provide
cooling around hot environments.

Problem Statement:

People experience discomfort and heat stress due to limited access to reliable electricity and
cooling solutions. Traditional electric fans are not always portable and require constant
recharging with the use of electricity, while battery-operated fans still rely on electricity or
single use batteries which are not sustainable for a long time. A portable, solar-powered
hand fan is needed that offers adjustable cooling settings without depending on electricity,
making it a perfect tool when going outdoors.

Research question:

1.Can the solar panels effectively power the portable hand fan with multiple modes under
real outdoor conditions?

2.How effective is the fan's performance at each cooling mode in providing sufficient airflow
and comfort?

3.How does the fan differ when charged via solar panel versus plug charging?

4.Is the hand fan a reliable tool for users in off-grid or emergency situations?