PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH BANILAD CAMPUS

Lead Researcher: Orio, Fritz John A. GROUP NAME: House Lannister

Asst. Lead Researcher: Belarmino, Elyssa Nicole Y.
Members: 1: Beloy, Sophia Ericka M.
2. Caputolan, Charlene Vince D. DATE ACCOMPLISHED: 09-28-2023
3. Yagi, Patrick T.
GRADE/STRAND/SECTION: 12 STEM D-Justice SUBJ.TEACHER: Mr. Richard Ardenio
Class Adviser: Mr. Richard Ardenio S.Y. 2023 - 2024

FIRST MASTERY EXAMINATION IN RESEARCH 2

THE EFFICACY AND UTILIZATION OF MALUNGGAY AND

ALUGBATI EXTRACT SEEDS AS A LOW-COST WATER
PURIFIER

CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
Rationale

Water pollution is one of the global challenges that society must address in the 21st

century aiming to improve water quality and reduce human and ecosystem health impacts.

Industrialization, climate change, and expansion of urban areas produce a variety of water

pollutants (Zamora-Ledezma, C. et al. 2021). Ensuring the sustainable management of

water and sanitation for all is one of the globe’s 17 sustainable development goals (United

Nations, 2023). If not addressed, it will result in diseases to proliferate, mortality rates to

rise, and economies will begin to decline with time.

In Manila, Philippines, about 11 million Filipino families still have no access to

clean water, according to the National Water Resources Board. To expound, speaking at

the Laging Handa public briefing, executive director (David, 2023) noted these families

get water from “unsafe” sources such as deep wells, springs, rivers, lakes and rainwater.
Aside from water, sanitation also remains a problem in the country as many families still

practice open defecation, risking water contamination and diseases. According to a recent

Philippine Statistics Authority (2023) report, a total of 53,066 Filipinos died between 2010

and 2019 due to water-borne diseases such as typhoid and paratyphoid fever, bloody

diarrhea, cholera, viral hepatitis and leptospirosis. The Philippines ranks among the world’s

rapidly urbanizing countries, with over 47 percent of its population living in cities in 2021,

requiring large water projects, including bulk water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

Water quantity and quality are important determinants of health. However, this does

not fit with the availability of clean water. Today, 771 million people in the world lack

access to it. In Indonesia, only 84.91% of households have access to clean water.

(Rodhiyana, R., & Fadillah, S. N. 2022). Additionally, the 2018 edition of the United

Nations World Water Development Report stated that nearly 6 billion people will suffer

from clean water scarcity by 2050. This is the result of increasing demand for water,

reduction of water resources, and increasing pollution of water, driven by dramatic

population and economic growth (Boretti, A., & Rosa, L. 2019).

As stated in the 2022 report of the representative of the City Environment and

Natural Resource (CENR) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) during the

first day of the River Summit is that Cebu City’s major river systems are dirty and unsafe

for the public, especially the downstream. According to Espinosa (2022), EMB-7

mentioned that based on their testing, most of the rivers, especially the downstream have

tested positive for fecal matter. This means that the water in the city’s rivers is not safe for

bathing or drinking by the public. Water quality can change through time and the seven
river systems differ from each on the quality of water, but generally, the public is not

advised to use the water of any of the downstream rivers in the city.

Water pollution is a significant global issue, and access to clean and safe water is a

basic human right. Many communities, especially in developing countries, face challenges

related to water contamination from various sources, including industrial waste,

agricultural runoff, and microbial pathogens. Because of this issue, the researchers are

investigating natural and cost-effective methods for water purification that have the

potential to offer practical solutions to a critical global issue.

Conceptual Framework
 This study explores the efficacy of using Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) and

Alugbati (Basella alba) as natural water purifiers in addressing water pollution concerns.

Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet many

communities, particularly in resource-constrained settings, face challenges related to water

contamination. The study aims to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the potential

of these locally available plant materials to coagulate suspended particles and reduce

microbial contamination in water sources. This discussion elaborates on the conceptual

framework guiding our research.

We seek to quantify the effectiveness of Malunggay and Alugbati as water purifiers

through systematic data collection and analysis. We aim to generate reliable and

generalizable results to inform water purification practices.

The selection of Malunggay and Alugbati is rooted in traditional ecological

knowledge, which has been passed down through generations in certain communities.

These plants have been traditionally used for water purification due to their perceived

ability to clarify water and reduce microbial contamination.

Coagulants can destabilize and aggregate fine suspended particles in water, forming

larger flocs that can be more easily removed. Malunggay and Alugbati, with their

proteinaceous components, are hypothesized to act as natural coagulants, aiding in the

removal of suspended particles.

Both Malunggay and Alugbati have been reported to possess antimicrobial

properties. This property is relevant to our study's objective of assessing their effectiveness
in reducing microbial contamination in water. We expect that these plants may inhibit the

growth of harmful microorganisms in water sources.

Building upon the theoretical foundation outlined above, our research hypotheses

propose that:

• The application of malunggay and alugbati as water purifiers will result in

a significant reduction in microbial contamination.

• The use of malunggay and alugbati will lead to a substantial decrease in

microbial contamination in water sources.

Key variables in our study include:

• Independent variable: The formulation of malunggay and alugbati seed

extracts as coagulants in water treatment

• Dependent Variables: The conductivity, pH level, and clarity of the water.

This framework positions our study to contribute valuable insights to the field of water

purification and offers the potential for practical solutions to water pollution challenges in

resource-constrained places
Related Theory

This study is anchored on the Theory of Water Filtration by O’Melia and Stumm

(1967) and is supported by Louis Pasteur’s Germ Theory (1880).

Water Filtration Theory by O’Melia and Stumm (1967) states that Water filtration

is among the most widely used and extensively investigated processes in the field of

sanitary engineering. Water filtration may be described as a combination of particle

transport and particle attachment. Particle transport is a physical-hydraulic process and is

affected by factors that govern broad distribution. The factors that possibly affect the

behavior of particle transport are the size of suspended particles, liquid temperature, the

density of water, and filtration rate. Meanwhile, particle attachment is a chemical process

influenced by chemical components. This theory is interconnected in the study, as it

emphasizes on the concept of water purity. It can be utilized to infer the Malunggay

(Moringa Oleifera) seeds' ability to remove pollutants from water.

Additionally, Louis Pasteur’s Germ Theory (1880) explained how microorganisms

could spread diseases through mediums like water. Surfaces of water have been treated

using water filtration to get rid of suspended matter and to lessen turbidity. Water filtration

is certainly an essential procedure in killing undesirable bacteria and tracing contaminated

residues. That concludes our study that malunggay seed and alugbati extract can be an

alternative water purifier.

Statement of the problem

The study aims to provide quantitative evidence in regards to the effectiveness of

extracting the seeds of Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) and Alugbati (Basella alba L.) and

utilizing them as a natural alternative for water purification. This quantitative study will be

conducted over the S.Y. 2023-2024. The results will help determine whether these natural

extracts can be used as an affordable and sustainable method for improving water quality,

especially in resource-constrained places. The result of this study will be the bases for

recommendations.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following:

1. Is there a significant difference in the pH level of the water using the following

malunggay and alugbati mixture:

a. 75% Malunggay seeds; 25% Alugbati seeds,

b. 50% Malunggay seeds; 50% Alugbati seeds

c. 25% Malunggay seeds; 75% Alugbati seeds

2. Is there a significant difference in the clarity of the water in the following malunggay

and alugbati mixture:

a. 75% Malunggay seeds; 25% Alugbati seeds

b. 50% Malunggay seeds; 25% Alugbati seeds

 c. 25% Malunggay seeds; 75% Alugbati seeds

3. Is there a significant difference in the conductivity of the water in the following

malunggay and alugbati mixture:

a. 75% Malunggay seeds; 25% Alugbati seeds

b. 50% Malunggay seeds; 50% Alugbati seeds

c. 25% Malunggay seeds; 75% Alugbati seeds

Statement of the Null Hypothesis

H01. There is no significant difference in the effectiveness and utilization of

malunggay (Moringa oleifera) and alugbati (Basella alba L.) seed extracts in water

purification using the following concentration:

a. 75% Malunggay seeds; 25% Alugbati seeds

b. 50% Malunggay seeds; 25% Alugbati seeds

c. 25% Malunggay seeds; 75% Alugbati seeds

H02. There is no significant difference in the pH level and clarity of the water when

using the following malunggay and alugbati mixture:

 a. 75% Malunggay seeds; 25% Alugbati seeds

b. 50% Malunggay seeds; 50% Alugbati seeds

c. 25% Malunggay seeds; 75% Alugbati seeds

H03. Is there a significant difference in the conductivity of the water in the following

malunggay and alugbati mixture:

a. 75% Malunggay seeds; 25% Alugbati seeds

b. 50% Malunggay seeds; 50% Alugbati seeds

c. 25% Malunggay seeds; 75% Alugbati seeds

Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the efficiency and benefits of utilizing a low-cost water

purifier alternative. This involves using malunggay seeds and alugbati seeds as water

purifying alternatives. With this study, we can incorporate a simple, cost-effective, and

economic water purification and help rural areas — specifically, in the suburbs of Cebu —

that are in need of clean water.

The study will primarily examine the application of Malunggay and Alugbati as

coagulants for treating turbid water from natural sources like rivers, wells, and springs. The

study will be limited to utilizing these coagulants for water treatment. The samples for

turbid water are taken from Carmen, Cebu City, as this area is the most undemanding

source in Cebu. Data will be collected during the academic year 2023-2024, covering one

full academic year and will involve quantifying the changes in water quality parameters

through laboratory testing and measurements, including the use of appropriate instruments

and equipment. The study will focus on analyzing specific water quality parameters. such

as clarity, pH level, and conductivity of the water. It is believed that the findings of this

study will deliver a significant innovation and help for the citizens and provide a solution

to the constant abundance of turbid water. The scope of the study will include the

preparation and application of malunggay and alugbati coagulants in water treatment. The

preparation process may involve grinding, drying, and measuring specific quantities of the

plant materials.

This study is to be conducted within a specific time frame, which include

limitations on the duration of data collection, analysis, and reporting. The study
delimitations of this study focus on the environmental variables that could affect water

quality. The study focuses on a specific preparation method for malunggay and alugbati

coagulants. Variations in preparation methods or dosage may not be explored in depth.

While the study examines water quality improvements, it cannot extensively address

potential health implications associated with the consumption of treated water.

These plants are generally sustainable sources of natural water purification. This

could reduce the reliance on chemical water purification methods that may have

environmental drawbacks. malunggay and alugbati are readily available in many regions,

and their use as water purifiers may be cost-effective compared to commercial water

purification methods. This can make clean water more accessible to communities with

limited resources. Implementing such a water purification method can involve local

communities in sustainable practices. Traditional water purification methods often involve

the use of chemicals that can have adverse health effects when used. This research can be

part of a larger movement towards finding locally sourced solutions for global water quality

issues. It highlights the potential for harnessing the power of nature to address pressing

environmental challenges. Using malunggay and alugbati can reduce the need for such

chemicals. malunggay and alugbati are known for their natural filtration capabilities, as

they can absorb impurities and bacteria from water. This can lead to cleaner and usable

water.

Significance of the Study

Considering the vital importance of water filtration for safe drinking water, this

study is most beneficial for the following:

 Communities. This study will greatly benefit the communities with unpurified

water connection. This shall be their guide into creating alternatives in the purification of

their water systems.

Environment. Unlike chemical and electrical purifiers, this study utilizes the

application of natural purification methods. This method conveys environmental

advantages by reducing harm and eliminating adverse effects. Additionally, it acts as a

precaution, guarding against potential harm brought on by the improper use of non-natural

purification methods.

Future Researchers. This study may serve as a guide for the future researchers to

identify the gaps using the new knowledge found in this study. It can be utilized as a

reference for obtaining information, data, and assistance. It also paves the way for future

investigations and potential discoveries.

References:

Letigio, D. D. (2022). Rivers in Cebu City dirty, unsafe but hope remains — CCENRO,

EMB

Rodhiyana, R., & Fadillah, S. N. (2022) Moringa oleifera Seeds Extract Effervescent

Tablets as Water Purifier: to Overcome Clean Water Issues

Boretti, A., & Rosa, L. (2019) Reassessing the projections of the World Water

Development Report

O’melia, C., & Stumm, W. (1967) Theory of Water Filtration

Pasteur, L. (2023) germ theory

Zamora-Ledezma, C., Negrete-Bolagay, D., Figueroa, F., Zamora-Ledezma, E., Ni, M.,

Alexis, F., & Guerrero, V. (2021) Heavy metal water pollution: A fresh look about hazards,

novel and conventional remediation methods

Martin. (2023, September 8). Water and Sanitation - United Nations Sustainable

Development. United Nations Sustainable Development.

Links:

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/444832/rivers-in-cebu-city-dirty-unsafe-but-hope-

remains-ccenro-emb

https://journal.biomedicalsciences.or.id/index.php/InABR/article/view/inabr28

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41545-019-0039-9

https://www.jstor.org/stable/41267535

https://www.britannica.com/science/germ-theory

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421001528

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation