Research Paper

Parallel Research Choice

Pieces 2009-2010

By:
Nino Felices
Gene Albert Alvaro
Janssen Ainsley Sison
And
Antoni Carlo Reyes
Fish Scales Wastes for the Recovery of
Astaxanthin

Fish Scales Wastes from Selected Teleosts-Innovative Sorption Materials for the Recovery of
Astaxanthin. This study shows the potential use of fish scales of telleosts chanos and Tilapia
nilotica as natural sorption materials in the recovery of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, a feed additive,
is a major carotenoid responsible for the pink-red pigmentation of fish and shrimps.

Aquatic animals cannot synthesize this thus it must be supplemented in their diet. Aside from
being a colorant, astaxanthin has both biological and nutritional importance as well as antioxidant
property. Astaxanthin therefore needs to be recovered from wastewaters that have been colored
with astaxanthin as it may pose serious environmental threats.

Fish scales of teleosts: Chanos chanos and Tilapia nilotica were utilized for recovering
astaxanthin. The innovation in adsorption is the utilization of solid wastes as natural sorption
material and their availability at minimal cost. Syntheticastaxanthin dissolved in water was made
to flow in "Fish Scale Adsorption Apparatus" (FSAA) containing unshredded or shredded scales.
Comparison of treatments based on the discoloration of filtrate to be released from the FSAA and
the length of time the flow lasted revealed that shreddedtilapia scales were most effective in
retaining the pigments. Scanning electron micrographs of the surface of tilapia scales revealed
porous tooth-like structures called sclerits. These pores along with particles scattered on the
interspacing between sclerits’ particles were inferred to bind the pigment. Based on the effective
filtration features of thetilapia fish scales, it is suggested that the scales be used in wastewater
treatment of different factories. Moreover, fish scales as sorption materials for heavy metals
should be explored.
Cassava starch as an effective component
for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic
Inventions have evolved and continue to evolve such that after several years of study, research and
experimentation reach great developments. With continuing efforts to investigate the constituents of
Philippine plants, we have pursued investigation of starch of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). Cassava
tubers were gathered, ground and squeezed to extract starch. Starch obtained was weighed and divided into
three equal parts; 80 grams in T1, T2 and T3.

Treatments also consisted of 60 ml plastic resin glue and resin with 50 grams of flour catalyst for T1, 100
grams for T2 and 150 grams in T3. The components in every treatment were mixed, stirred and then poured
in silk screen with oil and then sun-dried. Test for capacity to carry weight indicated T3 as the best. For its
ability to hold water, all products passed but for biodegradability, T1 gave the best results. The tensile and
bending properties had been tested using the Universal Testing Machine and Analysis showed that T3 had
the greatest tensile strength while T2 had the greatest bending property. Using ANOVA single Factor, results
showed that there was significant difference among the three treatments in bending and tensile strength.
However, for biodegradability test there was no significant difference. The final phase of the study
determined the effectiveness of cassava starch as component of biodegradable plastic. Results confirmed that
cassava starch is ideal as tests proved its worth.

Used Cooking Oil as an Additive Component of

Candle
Abstract

The study aims to produce a low-priced, high-quality candle by using used cooking oil as a major
component. The following candle compositions were used: 100 percent paraffin wax; 90 percent paraffin
and 10 percent oil; 80 percent paraffin and 20 percent oil; 70 percent paraffin and 30 percent oil; 60 percent
paraffin and 40 percent oil; 50 percent paraffin and 50 percent oil. The firmness, texture, and light intensity
of the candles were tested and compared.

Results of the tests showed that the candle made from 100 percent paraffin wax had the lowest melting rate,
lowest amount of melted candle, and a light intensity of 100 candelas (cd). The 90:10 preparation had the
next lowest melting rate and amount of melted candle. The other preparations ranked according to the
proportion of used cooking oil in the candle, with the 50:50 preparation performing least comparably with
the 100 percent paraffin wax candle.

Introduction

Today, candles are made not only for lighting purposes but for many other uses such as home décor, novelty
collections, as fixtures for big occasions (weddings, baptismals, etc.), and as scented varieties for
aromatherapy. Candles are made from different types of waxes and oils.

Cooking oil is a major kitchen item in Filipino households. It is also used substantially in fast-food outlets,
where it is used in different stages of food preparations. Ordinarily,used cooking oil is discarded. This waste
oil pollutes and clogs canals and sewerage systems.

Dried Papaya Leaves as Organic Mulch for

Tomato Plants
Abstract
Introduction

Usually defined as the use of organic and biodegradable materials to give plants the nutrients they
need, organic farming proved to be the safest and most effective method of increasing and sustaining
yield. Various methods fall under organic farming, such as composting, green manuring, legume
inoculating, and utilizing animal manure as fertilizers.

Mulching is a simple process that increases soil fertility and regulating several factors affecting
overall plant growth. In this method, a layer of material-the mulch-is placed on soil surface around
the plant. The mulch is used to retard the growth of weeds, protect roots and stems from sudden or
extreme temperature changes, reduce soil erosion by wind and water, retard runoff of rainfall,
prevent soil puddling by breaking the impact of raindrops, and keep flowers and fruits from being
spattered with mud during rainstorms.

Insecticidal Property of Acacia Seeds and

Bark Against Termites
Insecticidal Property of Acacia (Samanea saman) Seeds and Bark Against Termites (Coptotermes
vastator). A study on the insecticidal property of Acacia seeds and bark against termites was
conducted to find out if these could be used against termites. The experiment was conducted at the
laboratory of the Bureau of Soils in Lipa City and in Lumbang National High School from
September to October 2005. The effort was initiated to enrich the laboratory activities in Chemistry
and Biology for high school students.

It especially attempted to answer the following questions:

1. How can insecticides be prepared from Acacia seeds and bark?

2. How effective is the Acacia insecticide in combating or killing termites (Coptotermes
vastator);
3. Are there significant differences in the effectiveness of the ethanolic Acacia extract and
commercial insecticide (Solignum) in combating termites?
4. What are the implications of the use of Acacia seeds as insecticide on the environment and
human health?

Ethanolic extracts were prepared from the seeds and bark of Acacia collected from areas
surrounding Laurel farm in Lumbang, Lipa City. These extracts were used as samples in the
qualitative analysis and preliminary screening for insecticidal property against termites. The
screening of the ethanolic extracts fromAcacia seeds and bark revealed the presence of saponin,
tannins, alkaloids, reducing agents – glycosides, carbohydrates, which have the capacity to kill
termites. The one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used in comparing the means of the
effect of the ethanolic extracts against termites. Results were positive, showing the experimental
sample to be comparable to Solignum.
Sunday, March 8, 2009

The termites are a group of social insects usually classified at the taxonomic rank of
order Isoptera. As truly social animals, they are termed eusocial along with the ants
and some bees and wasps which are all placed in the separate order Hymenoptera.
Termites mostly feed on dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter,
soil, or animal dung, and about 10% of the estimated 4,000 species (about 2,600
taxonomically known) are economically significant as pests that can cause serious
structural damage to buildings, crops or plantation forests. Termites are major
detrivores, particularly in the subtropical and tropical regions, and their recycling of
wood and other plant matter is of considerable ecological importance.
As eusocial insects, termites live in colonies that, at maturity, number from several
hundred to several million individuals. They are a prime example of decentralised,
self-organised systems using swarm intelligence and use this cooperation to exploit
food sources and environments that could not be available to any single insect acting
alone. A typical colony contains nymphs (semi-mature young), workers, soldiers, and
reproductive individuals of both genders, sometimes containing several egg-laying
queens.
Termites are sometimes called "white ants", though they are unrelated to true ants.
Due to their wood-eating habits, many termite species can do great damage to
unprotected buildings and other wooden structures. Their habit of remaining
concealed often results in their presence being undetected until the timbers are
severely damaged and exhibit surface changes. Once termites have entered a
building, they do not limit themselves to wood; they also damage paper, cloth,
carpets, and other cellulosic materials. Often, other soft materials are damaged and
may be used for construction. Particles taken from soft plastics, plaster, rubber, and
sealants such as silicon rubber and acrylics are often employed in construction.
Humans have moved many wood-eating species between continents, but have also
caused drastic population decline in others through habitat loss and pesticide
application.
Acacia is an ancient treatment used mainly for digestive disorders and diarrhea. It is
an astringent that is rich in tannic acid that checks bleeding, discharges and excess
mucus. Recent research has discovered that an extract from this highly astringent
herb may block the body's pain triggers.
When used mainly in the form of a decoction, Acacia Bark is well known for its
treatment of diarrhea and digestive ailments, and the decoction is also used as an
astringent, mouthwash and lotion. Acacia Bark has also been used in the treatment of
dysentery.
Acacia is commonly used in maintaining dental hygiene. The fresh twigs have long
been employed for the protection of gums and teeth, and recent studies indicated
that Acacia's antiseptic qualities was found to inhibit the growth of germs in the oral
cavity. The herb is useful as an external application for mouth ulcers. Further, extract
of Indian gum Arabic tree has been found to reduce gingival (gum) inflammation
occurring as a consequence of plaque reduction.
In India, Acacia Bark has long been administered for its astringent properties, and
there are current reports that, in combination with other herbs and barks, traditional
Indian healers use it in the treatment of leprosy in rural areas. The healers also claim
that it aids in the treatment of stomachache and is used as an aid to digestion.
There are current reports claiming that Acacia Bark extract appears to block the
body's pain trigger mechanisms. It is highly regarded by Australian Aborigines for the
treatment of headaches.
Used externally, Acacia Bark's astringency checks bleeding, nose bleeds,
hemorrhoids, skin eruptions, bed sores, mouth ulcers, sore throats and dental
infection.