De La Salle University - Dasmariñas 1

Junior High School

THE FEASIBILITY OF ACTIVATED Bambusa vulgaris

(COMMON BAMBOO) CHARCOAL AS A NATURAL
LAKE WATER FILTER

A Research Presented to the Faculty of

De La Salle University – Dasmariñas
Junior High School Department
City of Dasmariñas, Cavite

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In Research II

Datayan, Mickaela Donnajen Y.

Sinampayan, Joyce Nerisse F.
Alvarez, Rianne Sebastien M.
Purisima, Aliyah Francine L.
De Castro, Maxine Redje A.
Papa, Kianna Ysabelle A.
Barcenas, Katinka G.
Pe, Joshua R.
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ABSTRACT
Water pollution is very evident to the Philippines and the countries

around the world. In this case, water shortage is a problem that is

encountered by many, especially those who doesn’t have access to clean

water for everyday use. Bamboo is a material that can be found locally

and is accessible to people. The researchers conducted an experiment in

which unclean water can be filtered using activated charcoal. The

objectives of the study are to provide clean water and solve the primary

problem.

They created the activated charcoal by burning it in a can, and

activated it using bleach. The filtration process was done by using

cheesecloth, cotton balls, iodized salt, rock salt and the bamboo charcoal.

It was compared to the commercialized bamboo charcoal using the same

filtration process done to the activated bamboo charcoal. The tests that

were conducted to measure the feasibility of activated Bambusa vulgaris

(COMMON BAMBOO) charcoal as a natural lake water filter were pH level

test, turbidity of the water by using chlorine serial dilution test, and

microbiological water analysis. Results show that the activated bamboo

(B. vulgaris) charcoal is a viable water filter in comparison to the

commercialized activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal.

Key terms: activated Bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal, bamboo, water filter
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study 3

1.2 Conceptual Framework 6

1.3 Statement of the Problem 7

1.4 Hypotheses 7

1.5 Scope and Delimitations 8

1.6 Significance of the Study 9

1.7 Definition of Terms 12

CHAPTER 2 – REVIEW OF RELATER LITERATURE

2.1 Conceptual Literature 14

2.2 Related Studies 19

2.3 Synthesis 24

CHAPTER 3 – METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design 27

3.2 Research Setting 28

3.3 Research Procedure 29

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CHAPTER 4 – RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Results and Discussion 36

CHAPTER 5 – CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary 42

5.2 Conclusions 43

5.3 Recommendations 44

References 46

Appendices

A. Photo Documentation 52

B. Budgetary Requirements 57

C. Curriculum Vitae 58

CHAPTER 1
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INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia surrounded by water

located near the equator. Even so, the country is still experiencing major

water shortage. The primary factors causing a water shortage are

infrastructure delays, rising demands and the onset of summer shrinking

supply at dams. Immediate and long-term solutions are still to be found by

the government and private companies.

According to Water.org, “Out of 105 million Filipinos, nearly seven

million rely on unimproved, unsafe and unsustainable water sources and

more than 24 million lack access to improved sanitation”.

In the latest study of Asian Water Development Outlook, the

national water security of various countries was evaluated on a scale of 0

to 100. Access to clean water, sanitation systems, water sources for

agriculture and industry, laws designed to protect water resources, and

conservation efforts were used as basis for the said evaluation. Their

findings indicated that in the three years since the previous assessment of

Asia’s water resources, the Philippines amended their water security as

well as throughout the region.

In 2013, the Philippines had a national water security index score of

35 in the 2016 ADB report, that had improved to 40.4 due to better
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enforcement of environmental laws and the growth of water supply

systems serving communities.

The country’s population growth and industrialization brought an

increasing demand for water, in addition to the irreparable impact of the

climate change on our water resources. There is an imminent call for

action in ensuring water sustainability and coming up with ways to utilize

unclean water into viable sources of water.

Water shortage especially on the capital of the nation is a usual

recurring problem that affects many people and businesses. Places such

as provinces and rural community also experience water shortage and the

lack of clean water sources which affects their way of living.

According to the National Water Resources Board, agriculture is the

primary user of the country’s water, accounting for more than 85 percent

of yearly demand, most of it for irrigation.

Water is essential in increasing yield. According to Decena (2016),

“Empirical and experimental data have amply demonstrated that yields

from irrigated farms are always higher compared to non-irrigated farms”.

The application of technology to agriculture has proved to create superior

quality of crops and a greater yield, but there is still a necessity to sustain

the accessibility of water to continuously provide for agricultural life and

food security.
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The Philippines’ water supply declined drastically as the population

and economy swelled. Numerous studies over the past years led to one

conclusion: if the water demand still skyrockets at an alarming rate, not

being able to match the rate of the water supply, the country will suffer

from water crisis putting the population, the economy, and the ecosystem

at a serious risk.

With this in mind, the researchers determined that it is of

importance to find a method of turning unclean water into a viable water

source. The researchers will introduce a method of filtering dirty water

from sources such as bodies of water using activated Bamboo charcoal. It

will be a valuable contribution to the community if a method of filtering

water which is easy, replicable and cost-effective is introduced. With the

use of materials readily available in our surroundings, the researchers aim

to contribute their study in order to ease the lack of water supply in the

country.

1.2 Conceptual Framework

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Activated Bamboo
pH level, turbidity of the
(B. vulgaris) Charcoal
water, and
and Commercialized
microbiological water
Activated Bamboo
analysis
(B. vulgaris) Charcoal

Figure 1. Research paradigm of the study.

The activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal was used to filter a

controlled amount of lake water. Three samples namely A, B, and C were

acquired from the first variable. On the other hand, the commercialized

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal also has produced three samples

namely D, E, and F. The samples obtained from both variables vary in the

number of repetitions of the filtration performed. The filtration using both

variables affects the pH level, turbidity and microbiological analysis of the

filtered lake water. This is due to its porous structure and components

such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium stored in the pores.

As the water passes through the charcoal, it absorbs and retains various

impurities, and its minerals are dissolved in the water, thus affecting the

composition of the filtered lake water.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

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This study aims to determine the effects of activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal in comparison with the commercialized activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal as an effective lake water filter. \

Specifically, the researchers aim to answer the following questions:

1. What are the effects of using activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal as a water filter to the lake water?

2. Does the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal showed efficacy

in filtering the lake water?

3. What are the significant differences between the filtration using the

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal and the commercialized

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal in terms of pH level,

turbidity and microbiological analysis?

1.4 Hypothesis of the Study

The following hypotheses will be tested to accept or reject the

proposed study on the feasibility of activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal as a natural lake water filter.

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1. Null Hypothesis (Ho). The activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal as a water filter did not show efficacy in filtering lake

water.

2. Alternative Hypothesis (Ha). The activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal as a water filter showed efficacy in filtering

lake water.

1.5 Scope and Limitations

This study focuses on activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal as

an alternative water filter for the stagnant lake water from the man-made

lake in De La Salle University- Dasmariñas. Furthermore, the study will

also focus on the effects of the variable to the six samples of filtered lake

water varying in the number of repetitions of filtration, in terms of pH level,

turbidity, and microbiological analysis.

The general materials needed for the filtration method are salt,

cheesecloth, cotton, coffee filter, 1.5L plastic bottles, glass jars, rubber

bands, bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite), can, mortar and pestle, nail and

hammer, and a grill. Other necessary materials were available in the

researchers' house. The expense for this experiment is .

The testing of the pH level of the six samples of the filtered lake

water was conducted with the use of a pH meter for efficiency and
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effectiveness. In order to determine the turbidity of each sample of the

filtered lake water, chlorine serial dilution test was performed. The

microbiological analysis was performed with the aid of the laboratory

custodian. The six samples and the unfiltered water sample were

analysed for comparison and in order to prove whether the activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal showed efficacy in filtering the lake water.

The microbiological analysis is limited only to the qualitative and

quantitative analysis of the bacteria. The type and count of the bacteria

present in the different petri dishes were analysed only through eyesight,

with the confirmation of the Research Adviser.

This study is limited only to the utilization and efficacy of the

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal in comparison to the

commercialized activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal as a lake water

filter.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Students. They can promulgate this idea in order to aid their

household in providing a viable water filter for everyday use. This will save

them money instead of buying an expensive water filter. They can also

use this study to promote inexpensive paraphernalia to filter water for daily

uses. Students can become advocates to the community, so they can see

that water pollution and shortage is a big problem to our country

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nowadays. This will incite action in the community to contribute to

solutions for water pollution and shortage.

Being the future leaders of our country, this study may also serve

as a reference for them to make it more efficient to fit the future needs of

the country. Students can use and innovate this study in order to for it to

be acknowledged by the community: that using activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal in water filtration is feasible because of the properties

that the it possesses. They can prove that using this variable can remove

the impurities of a polluted water and its foul smell. Enhancing this

research study will able the students to have a better result which can

contribute to their community

Community. A clean water is considered as a necessity in the daily

lives of individuals. This research study contributes knowledge to the

community that using activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal can remove

impurities and foul smell that the unfiltered contaminated water has. The

community can acquire a clean water for daily usage by producing an

activated bamboo charcoal and using it as an alternative to expensive

water filters, which is cost-effective and replicable.

In the Philippines, the water supply starts to have a declining

situation that affects the health and hygiene of the people. Scarcity of

water is adamant in some regions which affects daily usage of the people.
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This method can effectively help individuals in their own households filter

unclean water so that they use it for domestic and agricultural purposes.

Farmers. Farmers whose farms lack proper irrigation system can

benefit from this study by utilizing contaminated water and turning it into a

viable source of irrigation water that is safe for the crops. Without a source

of clean water for growing crops, farmers cannot profit in their agriculture

business. With this method, it will provide them with knowledge and a new

method that will enable them to produce a viable irrigation water out of

contaminated water by using an activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal

as a water filter. This will not only contribute to their yield, but also to the

economy and sustain food security throughout their community.

Future Researchers. They can utilize and enhance this study in

order to help the community. In utilizing activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal, they can introduce a cost-effective and replicable water filter,

which will enable individuals to use unclean water in a way. Executing this

study can aid the individuals who lacks access to a clean source of water.

Also, the researchers can use this study as their reference in performing

this study in the future. They can change the variables which will lead

them to results that possibly will be different. In order to scientifically

conclude which variables are more efficient in purifying a polluted water.

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In the future, this study might be considered as a necessity to be

conducted because of the declining water supply and pollution of the

environment in the country. The Philippines is already experiencing a

water shortage especially in rural communities, that threatens sustainable

development and health. Producing a viable source of water for daily use

of individuals from polluted water is a big contribution to the community.

1.7 Definition of Terms

The following important terms are defined based on context:

Activated Charcoal is a fine black odourless and tasteless

powder made from wood or other materials that have been exposed to

very high temperatures in an airless environment and underwent in a

process called Pyrolysis.

Bamboo Charcoal comes from pieces of bamboo plants, and

burned in ovens at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1200 °C without the

presence of oxygen.

Filtration is a process used to separate solids from liquids or gases

using a filter medium that allows the fluid to pass through but not the solid.

Sanitation is the use of measures designed to promote health and

prevent disease; development and establishment of conditions in the

environment favourable to health.

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Pyrolysis uses heat to decompose organic materials into gas. It

removes contaminants and turns into carbon and ash, and liquid pyrolytic

oil.

Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills bacteria. It is used to clean

drinking water and swimming pool water. It usually comes from salt.

Serial Dilution Test is done to decrease the concentration of

bacteria or contaminants by a certain amount. Cultures are tolerated to

grow following the normal growth curve. It is done to compare the turbidity

of the water, and varies on the diluents.

Turbidity is the deduction of clarity in water, because of matter,

particles, and other materials or compounds present in the water.

pH level is the measure of the degree of acidity and alkalinity. It is

used to verify if a substance has normal acid-base balance

Microbiological water analysis is a way to look for bacterial

contamination in water that is contaminated.

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CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Conceptual Literature

BAMBOO

Bamboos are dispersed around the areas with tropical and

subtropical to mild temperature. However, in East and Southeast Asia and

on islands of Indian and Pacific oceans, the places which has a large

cluster of species. Bamboo is a part of the family Poaceae and subfamily

Bambusoideae, sky-high treelike grasses with 115 genera and 1,400

species. It is known for its capability for growing fast as much as 30 cm

per day in some species. Arundinaria a genus which has some species

that constructs thick canebrakes nearby the riverbank and in muddy

places. Arundinaria has scarcely any species local to Southern United

States (Petruzello, M., 2018).

Bamboo has a unique rhizome-dependent system which results to

be famously known for its height that makes it an outstanding choice for

Phtodepuration. It is called as the world’s tallest plant and tallest grass

species (Tallarico, G., 2018).

Panfili (2013) stated that "We chose bamboo because it has a very

dense root system.” Bamboo is a type of plant that grows over a short

period of time. Environmental factors do not affect the plant, including the
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number of water, and temperature. Compared to other biomass of plants,

bamboo biomass has the property of high heating value. The biomass

produced can be used as a source of heat.

Bambusoideae (BAMBOO) CHARCOAL

According to New Directions Aromatic, Bamboo charcoal acquired

from little bits of bamboo herbal undergoes a certain procedure. These

procedures can either be raw bamboo charcoal that contains the pieces of

bamboo plants or bamboo briquette charcoal where the remainder of

bamboo is made into a shape before carbonization proceeds.

Bamboo is known for its various miniscule opening that allows the

liquids to seep in. Also, the charcoal can appear bigger because it is

packed with an ordinary coal. Additionally, the pace of the absorption will

be stimulated because of the ingestion limit.

By using acid material, the Bamboo Charcoal will be activated. The

actuated charcoal is treated with oxygen and its enactment builds the

porosity of the carbon. You should blend the lemon by squeezing it and

remove the seeds.

According to Ever Bamboo, to activate and get the best result of the

bamboo charcoal it must be placed inside a pouch then set it outside

under the direct sunlight is needed, for 30-60 days and approximately 2-3

hours per side is recommended for the activation. The coal will expand
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due to the UV rays from the sunlight that the coal absorbs. Bamboo coals

will last up to one year if the coal will be recharged every 30-60 days by

releasing the trapped odours and moisture once the coal expands.

CHARCOAL

Individuals utilize charcoal for cooking and some industrial

processes for its flame is more sultry and cleaner than wood. However, it

is slower. Charcoal is a half-burnt wood which is necessarily needed to

soften copper and tin ore in order to manufacture bronze. Humans started

to manufacture charcoals since 4000 B.C. in China and West Asia region.

Not only the people in Asia used and make charcoals, also the North and

South American People, Africans, Europeans too. Generally, the method

of making charcoal was stacking the wood up, covering it with slightly wet

dirt, and setting the wood up on fire which makes the wood burn very slow

without much oxygen. A charcoal that comes from a hard wood like oak is

believed that produces the best quality (Carr, K., 2017).

SALT

Salt is also called as sodium chloride, and has a chemical

compound of Nacl. It is commonly used in kitchen purposes, such as

preservation and in seasoning. It is also used to manufacture chemicals in

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the chemical industry. It usually comes from seawater, as it is the

predominant compound of it. Average of 3% of seawater is salt, while

others can have a higher count of it. Seawater can be converted to salt by

evaporation. Sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate,

calcium sulfate, potassium chloride, magnesium bromide, and calcium

carbonate can be obtained with this process.

Rock salt is also called crystalline sodium chloride, came from the

evaporation of seawater and 78% of the content of the water is this. It can

also be mined, depending on the conditions. Solar evaporation can also a

way of acquiring sodium chloride. Flowing of seawater can be done, using

a wood as the material to flow on, to shallow ponds. It can remove less

soluble salts. (Hills, J. M., Ralston, R. H., & Wood, F. O., 2020)

To use salt as a killer of bacteria, the process of osmosis is used. It

is when water passes through a membrane, going from high concentration

to low concentration. In this process, high concentration of salt kills the

bacteria because of its antibacterial properties. (Walsh, E., 2019)

CHEESECLOTH

Cheesecloth is used to pre-filter water. It removes out small

particles in the water. If the cloth used has 8 layers, the contaminated
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water can be filtered and can possibly be a source of potable water.

Usage of cloth was evident when there was an epidemic of chlorella in

Bangladesh, and the use of it reduced the pathogen count of almost 99%.

(Vishwanath, A., 2010)

COFFEE FILTER

Liquid can pass through the coffee filter, but it does not allow

particles to go through it. Most of the oils and micro-grounds are removed

in the liquid. Sediments will also not be present after filtering using coffee

filter. (Oden, G., N.D.)

COTTON

According to Howstuffworks.com (2020) Cotton is hydrophilic,

meaning, they can captivate water molecules and absorb it. It can absorb

water that is heavier by 25 times the weight of cotton itself. It is made of

giant polymer molecules.

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BLEACH

Bleach has microbicidal properties, and is used as a disinfectant.

Bleaches that are commonly used are chlorine, sodium hypochlorite,

calcium hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide. 10-20% bleach may be

used against infectious microorganisms. (Augustyn, A., et, al., 2020)

2.2 Related Studies

On the efficacy of activated carbon derived from bamboo in the

absorption of water contaminants

The extracted Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) from a Nigerian

bamboo or also called as “Bamboo Vulgaris Schrad” can deplete

microbiological pollution, heavy metals, anions to an average level while

the GAC extracted from palm kernel shells and coconut shells cannot

deplete. It can absorb pollutants constantly for 72 hours with maximum

efficiency for 24 hours. It also verified that using an activated carbon to

filter water is much more effective and useful than being just a water

purifier as expected. Though, some of the parameters surpassed the limits

set by the World Health Organization for it to pass as a drinking water.

However, it did successfully meet the limits set for irrigation and animal

feed. World Health Organization and Federal Environmental Program

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Agency identified that the study has revealed that it can decrease the

pollution in surface waters like lakes and ocean to portability level through

absorption of GAC extracted from a Nigerian Bamboo. (Ijaola, O.O;

Ogedengbe, K; Sangodoyin, A.Y., 2013)

Utilization of chitosan/bamboo charcoal composite as reactive dye

adsorbent

Another study conducted by Walaikorn Nitayaphat said that

bamboo charcoal can also absorb reactive dye when combined with

chitosan (a substance formed from chitin by partial deacetylation with

alkali) and forms composite beads. It is also stated that the presence of

pores was more present on the beads using the combination of chitosan

and bamboo charcoal than in chitosan alone because of the presence of

the bamboo charcoal. When the researchers tested the effectivity of this,

the results stated that it has good absorption for Reactive Red 152 Dye. It

is said that the presence of bamboo charcoal made the absorption easier.

But when time passes by, it becomes less effective as an absorbing agent

for the dye. As you increase the bamboo charcoal concentration, the more

effective the absorption process. It is said that 84.4% of dye in the sample

tested was removed with the same amount of chitosan and bamboo

charcoal in chitosan or bamboo charcoal composite beads. This study

also stated that Bamboo charcoal is a very good absorbent because of its
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large pores and big specific surface area. That’s why with the combination

of this material with chitosan, it will become larger than normal chitosan

beads enabling it to remove dye. (Chiang Mai J., 2014)

Production and experimental efficiency of activated carbon from

local waste bamboo for waste water treatment

According to a study, it is possible to use the carbon produced from

the bamboo as an absorbent of different heavy metals before it goes to

the river or sea. Some of the heavy metals to be absorbed are Pb (Lead)

and Cu (Copper). The dosage of the carbon directly affects the capacity of

it to absorb those minerals. Meaning, the higher the dosage of activated

carbon, the more effective the absorbent. The pH level also affects the

absorption. It affects on how the metal ions were removed in the

wastewater and it also affects the absorption itself and how the particles

are broke down into smaller pieces for it to be absorbed. It is also said that

the pH level of the water to be tested is also an important controlling

element. (Eloka-Eboka, 2013)

Waste water treatment unit using activated charcoal

The water acquired from the activated carbon filter is free from

contaminants, bad smell, flavor, dissolved solids, turbidity, and is very

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transparent. Also, the possibility of having a temporary and permanent

hardness of the water has 0% chance because it is free from carbonates

and bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium. That is the reason why the

water can be used for cleaning, flushing, and laundry purpose. The

procedure can be expanded to the hotels by providing an irrigation

provision to water the plants. In addition, this treatment procedure using

activated charcoal do not require periodic substitution in comparison to

other techniques of water treatment. Important element in this system is

the density and large surface area obtainable for integration, and the

activated charcoal which has a vital role is inexpensive, easy to obtain,

and acquires a high degree of purification. The necessity of the world

today that was aimed to meet by using the procedure was successful. In

fact, this procedure has numerous edges. Nowadays, the activated carbon

filtration has been increasingly used in growing nations and has a good

range. (Abraham Francics et al., 2018)

Potential of bamboo in sustainable development

Bamboo has a distinctive qualities and edges which project

ecological and social benefits. Bamboo is also known for its rapid growth,

inexpensive trait, widespread, and it is a renewable resource. Bamboo

based panels have similar qualities as wood-based panels. Nowadays,

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there is a great space for bamboo-based panels to enter the market

considering there is a large gap in the supply of pre-fabricated

construction materials and has so many advantages in comparison to

other building materials. Although, the usage of bamboo requires a wide

popularization in order for people to be a patron around the world. There

will be a great contribution to the sustainable development of the

prefabrication industry and the protection of environment if ever bamboo-

based panel will be well used in the construction industry. The bamboo

plantations mostly are located in India are in Kerala and North-East states.

In fact, the central government and the state government have taken the

vitality to have bamboo plantations and shove the bamboo industry. Those

initiatives will surely develop value-added application avenues for bamboo

to cater local and international markets by taking an indigenous

technology route. (Gupta & Kumar, 2008)

Purification of contaminated water with reverse osmosis: effective

solution of providing clean water for human needs in developing

countries

Reverse osmosis is a procedure which is being adapted by different

technologies and processes. Including wastewater treatment, food and

beverage production, recycling, and generating energy. It is also known

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for using in purifying seawater to potable water, purifying brackish water to

clean water, pharmaceutical production, and milk processing because it is

said that reverse osmosis is a process which can effectively remove

minerals, volatile organic compounds, fluoride, and chemical contaminants

from drinking water supplies. The issue created by the community and

industry is addressed by the reverse osmosis procedure. About 8 million

individuals are dying every year and most of the cases were because of

diarrheal diseases in different parts of the world. The chemicals and toxins

contained in the contaminated water from sewage leads to diarrheal

diseases. There are various ways in purifying contaminated water but only

the reverse osmosis method can remove heavy metals and chemical

toxins. In order to produce a potable water for rural communities, reverse

osmosis is considered as an efficient alternative in developing countries

which experiences scarcity of water. (Wimalawansa, 2013)

2.3 Synthesis

These studies and journals provided ideas, insights, and possible

scientific results in the utilization of pulverized activated bamboo charcoal

as a lake water purifier. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge

in the community as an observation of the difference of pH level, turbidity,

and microbiological analysis between the lake water and the filtered water.
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The researchers will have different samples in filtering in order to

determine the most viable out of all the samples.

From the data gathered in different studies and journals, Abraham

Francis et al. (2018) proved that the water acquired from the activated

carbon filter is free from contaminants, bad smell, flavor, dissolved solids,

turbidity, and is very transparent and the water could be used for cleaning,

flushing, and laundry purpose. In comparison to the commercialized water

filter for daily use, the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal is cost-

effective yet removes the impurities of the contaminated water.

Also, Ijaola, Ogedengbe, & Sangodoyin (2013) verified that using

an activated carbon to filter water is much more effective and useful than

being just a water purifier as expected and the filtered water did

successfully meet the limits set by the Federal Environmental Program

Agency and World Health Organization for irrigation and animal feed.

Meeting such limits for irrigation and animal feed can serve a lot of help to

the farmers who are not provided with irrigation by the government. A

cost-effective water purifier for daily use would attract many individuals

than acquiring an expensive water purifier not only in terms of it being

budget-friendly, it is also much more effective and useful as said by the

authors stated above.

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From another study conducted by Wimalawansa (2013), he stated

that reverse osmosis is a process which can effectively remove minerals,

volatile organic compounds, fluoride, and chemical contaminants from

drinking water supplies. Through this study, the researchers gathered data

and adapted the process of reverse osmosis. Utilization of this process

can possibly increase the chance of having the chemical contaminants

removed from the lake water which can effectively attain the best results

which is the goal of the researchers.

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CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

The research is an experimental qualitative design where a

controlled variable, the lake water, is put through special treatment for

scientific observations that are kept with a constant variable which is the

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal. Such variables as activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal and the commercialized activated bamboo

(B. vulgaris) charcoal were utilized in this study. Separate groups were

created for each treatment. The activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal

which is the constant variable was used as a reference kept in a controlled

set-up environment.

The experimentation was performed using activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal, which will test the dependent variable of the study

which is the turbidity, pH level, and microbiological water analysis of the

filtered lake water. There are three samples namely Sample A, B, and C

which utilized the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal produced by the

researchers. Variation of the three samples will be the number of

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repetitions in the process of filtration. In Sample A, only one repetition of

filtering was done. In Sample B, two repetition of filtering was done. In

Sample C, three repetitions of filtering were done. The researchers will

use the activated (B. vulgaris) bamboo charcoal along with cheesecloth,

cotton balls, rock salt, sea salt and coffee filter layered in a plastic bottle.

The study also utilized commercialized activated bamboo charcoal in

Sample D, E and F to compare its qualities such as its turbidity, pH level,

and microbiological water analysis with the first method. In comparing the

two different methods, the researchers will utilize Analysis of Variance as

well as T-test for the pH level test, turbidity test and microbiological water

analysis.

3.2 Research Setting

The production of the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal was

conducted in the house of Joyce Nerisse C. Sinampayan at Block 7 Lot 16

Phase 3 Camargo St. Avida Sta. Catalina, Salawag, Dasmariñas City,

Cavite on February 5, 2020. An open area was utilized in the production of

the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal in order to cause less

inconvenience to the community as to not confine the smoke that will be

produced.
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On the other hand, the filtration process was performed in the

house of Maxine Redje A. De Castro at 183 Carungcong Subdivision

Brgy. Sabang, Dasmariñas City, Cavite on February 8, 2020.

The pH level test, turbidity test and microbiological analysis was

conducted at the Science laboratory of the DLSU-D Junior High School

campus on February 24, 2020, due to the availability of the tools and

equipment required for the testing.

3.3 Research Procedure

MATERIAL ACQUISITION

The main variable needed for the experimentation is the common

bamboo (B. vulgaris). This can be found at tropical, sub-tropical and

temperate places. It is available almost everywhere in the Philippines. One

of the researchers will be acquiring the bamboo from Bulacan. This will be

made as bamboo charcoal and will be produced by the researchers in one

of the researchers’ house. The lake water that will be filtered was acquired

the man-made lake at De La Salle University – Dasmariñas. Other

materials necessary are cheesecloth, coffee filter, cotton, salt, rubber

bands, bleach, 4L can, nail, matchsticks, firewood, scrap paper, glass jars,

plastic bottles. In addition, the equipment needed are a grill, hammer,

handsaw, scissors, mortar and pestle, and tongs.

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PRODUCTION OF THE BAMBOO (B. vulgaris) CHARCOAL

The 4L cleaned paint can was pierced once in the middle of the lid

using a nail and hammer. Then the bamboo (B. vulgaris) was cut into

pieces using a hand saw and was put inside the can. The researchers

sealed the lid and put the can into the grill for 4 hours. Continuous fanning

and burning of the charcoal in the grill were ensured by the researchers.

The estimated temperature inside the can is ranging from 800 to 1200 °C.

When a pressurized smoke is visible coming out of the hole, ensure that

the process of pyrolysis is done by exposing the match stick to the smoke

and when it produced fire, the charcoal is ready. Let the charcoal cool for

an hour. The researchers pried open the lid using a hammer. The bamboo

(B. Vulgaris) charcoal should be brittle and easy to break. Using a mortar

and pestle, crush the bamboo (B. Vulgaris) charcoal and place in a

container. Use a strainer to remove large pieces of the crushed charcoal,

and make sure that it is finely pulverized. (Cobb, A., M. Warms, E.P.

Maurer, and S. Chiesa, 2012)

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ACTIVATION OF THE BAMBOO (B. vulgaris) CHARCOAL

The researchers activated the pulverized bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal using Sodium Hypochlorite or most commonly known as bleach.

The activated charcoal is treated with oxygen and its activation increases

the porosity of the carbon. Using gloves, mix the bleach with the

pulverized charcoal until it forms a paste-like slurry. Store in a container

for 24 hours. Once done, use a coffee filter on a mesh strainer suspended

on a bowl to rinse the solution three times with distilled water. Place the

rinsed charcoal is a metal tray and cover with aluminium foil. Put in the

grill and cook for 4 hours until it is thoroughly dry. Store the activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal in a glass jar with lid to avoid exposing it to

air and degrading it, because it easily absorbs whatever it is exposed to.

(Nubie S., 2018)

APPLICATION OF ACTIVATED BAMBOO (B. vulgaris) CHARCOAL AS

A WATER FILTER

This method will have three samples, sample A, B, and C, which

will vary the number of repetitions in the process of filtering. Using a

scissors, cut the cleaned 1.5L plastic bottles in ¾ or almost at the bottom

part. This will serve as the actual container of the filter. Cut the
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cheesecloth into squares that will cover the mouth of the bottle. Get 4

layers of the cut cheesecloth and use a rubber band to secure it on the

mouth of the bottle. Then get 4 layers of cheesecloth, fold it in half and

roll. Place it inside the neck of bottle. Add 20 pieces of cotton balls around

and on top of the rolled cheesecloth, then measure 1 cup of salt and layer

it inside the bottle. Scoop 3/8 cups of the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal into the bottle. Finally, layer two coffee filters on top of each other

and secure it on the top of the inverted plastic bottle using rubber bands.

place the inverted bottle on a tall glass jar to support and catch the

dripping filtered water.

Prepare 1000ml of the acquired lake water per sample. Gradually

pour it into the water filter, making sure not to let the coffee filter overflow.

The filtration process will take a long time because of different layers in

the filter that will absorb impurities in the lake water. Repeat the filtration

process for sample B and C, transferring the filtered lake water into glass

jars in between repetition. Store the 3 samples of the filtered lake water to

labelled jars.

APPLICATION OF COMMERCIALIZED BAMBOO CHARCOAL AS A

WATER FILTER FOR COMPARISON

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This method has the same process with the application of activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal as a water filter, the only difference is that

this will utilize the commercialized bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal for the

sake of comparison. It will have 3 samples namely, sample D, E, and F,

which varies on the number of repetitions of filtration done. Sample D will

have one repetition of filtration performed while sample E will have two

repetitions and sample F will have 3 repetitions done.

3.4 Data Gathering and Statistical Analysis

In order to determine the differences and the results of the

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal filter and the commercialized

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal filter , these tests will be

conducted to samples A, B, and C of the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal filter and samples D, E, and F of the commercialized activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal filter.

TEST 1: PH LEVEL TEST

A pH meter was utilized in order to efficiently determine the pH level

of each set up. Whether they are different from each other, if they are too

basic or acidic and if the different samples contain the normal pH level for

lake water or not.

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CALIBRATION OF THE PH METER

The pH meter was calibrated by putting it into a beaker of distilled

water to allow the device to be rid of previous substances.

FILTRATION OF THE FILTERED LAKE WATER SAMPLES

The samples were once again filtered using filter paper and put into

beakers to remove the sediments still present in the samples. This was

conducted to ensure the efficacy of the pH meter, as the results may be

affected by the sediments, if not filtered again.

TESTING THE PH LEVEL OF THE SAMPLES USING THE PH METER

The sample A, B, C, D, E, F, and the unfiltered lake water in the

200ml beakers were tested. The pH meter was placed in each sample

until the numbers shown in the device stabilized. 3 trials for each sample

were conducted.

TEST 2: TURBIDITY OF THE WATER- CHLORINE SERIAL DILUTION

TEST

The turbidity of the samples was measured by conducting a Chlorine

serial dilution test as a scale for the turbidity of the filtered water samples.
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CONDUCTING THE CHLORINE SERIAL DILUTION TEST

In 5 volumetric flasks, the dilution per parts of the water to chlorine

in milliliters are as follow: 10:1, 100:1, 1000:1, 10000:1, 100000:1. The

varying turbidity of the solutions will be used as a scale for the turbidity of

the samples of the filtered lake water. These measurements will be

interpreted as 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4,and 10-5, and will be used as the

numerical scale for the turbidity of the water samples.

CHLORINE SOLUTION DILUTIONS AS SCALE FOR TURBIDITY

The chlorine solution dilutions were made as the basis and scale to

identify the turbidity of the filtered lake water samples.

MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER ANALYSIS

The water samples were sent to the Science laboratory of the

DLSU-D Junior High School campus for analysis. The petri dishes were

then retrieved and analyzed quantitatively by the researchers, with the aid

of the Laboratory Custodian.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The researchers used the One-Way Analysis of Variance test to

determine if there were any significant differences between the pH level of

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each of the samples from both the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal

and commercialized bamboo charcoal as a water filter.

The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to determine

whether there are any statistically significant differences between the

means of two or more independent groups.

They will also be using the Independent Samples t-test for

comparison of two filtered lake water samples in each tests.

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 What are the effects of using activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal as a water filter to the lake water?

The activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal removed the impurities

of the lake water, the sediments and some organisms were trapped in the

water filter. The unpleasant smell was removed along with the green

pigment that the water displayed. The presence of bacteria decreased

with the use of the activated bamboo charcoal as a water filter. There was

a noticeable change in the pH level of each sample of lake water, wherein

all of the samples’ pH levels decreased making it acidic. The turbidity of

the water became clearer than the lake water filtered by the
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commercialized bamboo (B. vulgaris). Table 1 below shows the turbidity

of the water with the presence of chlorine, using the chlorine serial dilution

test.

Table 1. Shows the presence of chlorine in the water samples which

affects its turbidity.

Water Sample Presence of Chlorine

A 10−1
B 10−1.5
C 10−2.5
D 10−4
E 10−4.5
F 10−5

Sample A has the lowest turbidity wherein 1 ml of chlorine is to

10ml of water. Sample B has the second to the lowest turbidity wherein

10−1.5 . Sample C has the third to the lowest turbidity wherein 10−2.5 . Sample

D has the third to the highest turbidity where in 1 ml of chlorine is to 1000

ml of water. Sample E has the second to the highest turbidity wherein

10−4.5. Sample F has the highest turbidity wherein 1 ml of chlorine is to

100,000 ml of water.
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4.2 Does the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal showed

efficacy in filtering the lake water?

The activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal showed efficacy in

filtering the lake water. It showed better results than the commercialized

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal, most prominent evidence is the

microbial activity. The total number of bacteria present in the unfiltered

lake water is 3280 per 1mL of the sample. The activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal reduced the number of bacteria up to 85%, while the

commercialized activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal only reduced at

most 77.4% of the bacteria. Table 2 below shows the total number of

coliforms that remained after the filtration process.

Table 2. Total coliforms that remained per 1mL of water in the samples A,

B, C, D, E, F, and G as the unfiltered water.

Water samples Number of Microbial Colonies

A 1470

B 860

C 490

D 1750

E 1280
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F 730

G 3280
Formula for getting the CFU: ([Number of colonies counted] x 10 =
Number of colonies forming units (CFU) per millimeter of starting culture.)

The results obtained shows that each of the activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal set-ups diminished the total number of bacteria 8%

more than the commercialized bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal set-ups.

4.3 What are the significant differences between the filtration using

the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal and the commercialized

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal in terms of pH level,

turbidity, and microbiological analysis?

In terms of pH level, the Table 1 below shows the different pH

levels obtained with 3 trials and computed for the average for the final pH

level.

Table 1. Measured Data from the 7 different samples from activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal and commercialized activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal water filter, including the unfiltered water (G).

pH Level Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Weighted

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Mean

(Final)

A 6.7 6.0 6.0 6.23

B 5.7 6.0 5.9 5.86

C 5.6 5.4 5.6 5.53

D 5.9 6.2 6.7 6.26

E 5.6 5.7 5.6 5.63

F 5.2 4.8 5.2 5.06

G 6.6 6.8 6.9 6.76

The table is split into four columns, one for the set-ups (far left), one column for

each trial, and one for the final pH level (far right).

Based on the data gathered, activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal or ABC is efficient in purifying lake water in comparison to the

commercialized activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal or CABC wherein

the pH level of the lake water filtered using the ABC is less acidic than

CABC, in comparing set-up C and set-up F, which have the same

procedure. In terms of the microbial activity, using activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal as a water purifier, showed a significant difference than

the set-up that used commercialized activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal.
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In terms of turbidity, the sample C turns out to be the clearest

among all of the filtered water, it was filtered 3 times using the activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal. The sample A had a tad bit of yellow in

colour while sample B was clear. The samples D, E, and F appear to be

yellow in colour because of the high concentration of sulphur present in

the lake water. In terms of microbiological activity, the samples A, B, and

C, that were filtered by the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal

decreased the total number of bacteria by, at most 85% rather than the

samples D, E, and F, that were filtered by the commercialized activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal that decreased, at most 77.4% of the

bacteria present in the lake water.

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CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

The researchers conducted an experiment to compare the

feasibility of the activated bamboo charcoal and the commercialized

bamboo charcoal as a natural lake purifier. They conducted the

experiment in the researcher’s house wherein they burned the bamboo in

a can with a lid for 4-5 hours for it to become a charcoal, and activated it

using bleach and bought the commercialized bamboo charcoal for

comparison.

For the experiment, they poured the contaminated water in a layer

of cheese cloth, cotton, activated charcoal, iodized salt, rock salt and

coffee filter in the upper portion of the cut 1.5L of soda bottle. The same

procedure and measurements were done in the commercialized bamboo

charcoal. They tested the samples by its pH level, turbidity, and

microbiological water analysis in the Science Laboratory of De La Salle

University-Dasmarinas Junior High School.

The results of the pH level test showed that sample A, which was

filtered using the activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal, has the

weighted mean of 6.23, making it less acidic to sample F, which is

commercialized bamboo charcoal, having the weighted mean of 5.06.

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Turbidity test shows the presence of chlorine in water samples. The

lowest turbidity sample is sample A, having the result of 10 -1 presence of

chlorine.

In microbiological water analysis, sample C is proven to have the

least number of microbial colonies, having only 490.

5.2 Conclusions

The filtered lake water using commercialized activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal or CABC were found to have a higher acidic pH

compared to the filtered lake water using activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal or ABC. The unfiltered lake water can be considered on the side

of the neutral pH scale. In terms of the pH level of the different samples

obtained by the researchers, the nearest to the neutral pH level is the

unfiltered lake water followed by the lake water filtered using the activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal and commercialized activated bamboo (B.

vulgaris) charcoal.

Through the data gathered considering the turbidity of the water,

sample A, which utilized activated activated bamboo (B. vulgaris)

charcoal, has clearly shown that it attained the lowest turbidity among all

the samples. The highest turbidity was attained by the sample F which

utilized commercialized activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal.

Considering the turbidity of the water, utilizing activated bamboo (B.

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vulgaris) charcoal as a water purifier is coherent than commercialized

activated bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal.

With reference to the microbial activity, sample C showed a

significant difference among all of the set-ups done by the researchers.

Comparing the sample A and D, sample A is filtered with ABC, sample D

is filtered with CABC, which showed that sample A relatively has a lower

amount of microbial activity compared to the sample D. It furtherly

revealed that using an activated bamboo charcoal is more efficient and

effective than the commercialized activated bamboo charcoal in

considering the amount of microbial activity in the filtered water.

Recommendations

The following recommendations were drawn based on the results

and conclusions of the study:

1. Further study of the difference of results compared to other sources

of lake water is suggested.

2. It is advised to find a water testing laboratory before conducting the

experiment and thoroughly researching and inquiring what type of

microbiology testing is the most appropriate for the study. This is

because the researchers had major inconvenience finding a water

testing laboratory, which caused delays in finishing the tests on

time.
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3. Conduction of more tests are recommended. Aside from the pH

level, microbiological water analysis and turbidity test. This is an

additional supporting detail for the study.

4. Make sure to allot 3-4 days in the production of activated bamboo

(B. vulgaris) charcoal. This procedure id time consuming and

messy. The production of the charcoal through pyrolysis took 4

hours and above while constantly keeping the fire burning. The

activation of the charcoal took 2 days as it is necessary to let the

mixture rest for 24 hours.

5. The usage of protective equipment such as face masks, safety

goggles, laboratory gown, and latex gloves are strongly advised to

be protected by the soot.

6. Make sure to find an open space for the safety of the community

while producing the bamboo charcoal. The smoke and the soot can

be harmful and can cause something bad.

7. The lake water should be collected 1 day before you start the

filtration. Because if the lake water was gathered early, the

sediments are starting to set and accumulate.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

Photo Documentation

PROCEDURE 1: PREPARATION OF BAMBOO CHARCOAL

The pierced can containing the bamboo was put into fire for 4 hours until

smoke comes out of the hole. Let cool for an hour and open the sealed

can.

PROCEDURE 2: PULVERIZATION OF BAMBOO CHARCOAL

The researchers pulverized the bamboo charcoal using mortar and pestle.

They used a strainer to remove large particles in the pulverized bamboo

charcoal.
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PROCEDURE 3: ACTIVATION OF BAMBOO CHARCOAL

The research added bleach to the bamboo charcoal for it to be activated.

They mixed it gradually for it to have a paste-like texture. As they were

mixing, they noticed that the mixture became hotter because of the bleach

itself. Let it sit for 24 hours. Place it in a metal tray and cover with

aluminium foil. Cook in the fire for 4 hours until dry. Let cool and strain the

large pieces. Store in a glass jar with lid.

PROCEDURE 4: APPLICATION OF ACTIVATED BAMBOO (B.

vulgaris) CHARCOAL AS A WATER FILTER

The researchers layered the cheesecloths, cotton balls, activated bamboo

charcoal, salt, and coffee filter inside the reversed plastic bottle. Place a

glass jar underneath it to catch the filtered water. They gradually poured

the lake water though the filter and repeated the process for sample B and

C.
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PROCEDURE 5: APPLICATION OF COMMERCIALIZED BAMBOO

CHARCOAL AS A WATER FILTER FOR COMPARISON

This method has the same process with the application of activated

bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal as a water filter, the only difference is that

this will utilize the commercialized bamboo (B. vulgaris) charcoal for the

sake of comparison. It will have 3 samples namely, sample D, E, and F,

which varies on the number of repetitions of filtration done.

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DATA GATHERING:

TEST 1: pH LEVEL TEST

The researchers filtered the water samples into a 200ml beaker to rid of

sediments that will hinder the efficacy of the pH meter. The sample A, B,

C, D, E, F, and the unfiltered lake water in the 200ml beakers were tested.

The pH meter was placed in each sample until the numbers shown in the

device stabilized. 3 trials for each sample were conducted.

TEST 2: TURBIDITY OF THE WATER- CHLORINE SERIAL DILUTION

TEST

In 5 volumetric flasks, the dilution per parts of the water to chlorine

in millilitres are as follow: 10:1, 100:1, 1000:1, 10000:1, 100000:1. The

varying turbidity of the solutions will be used as a scale for the turbidity of

the samples of the filtered lake water.

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TEST 3: MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER ANALYSIS

The water samples were sent to the Science laboratory of the DLSU-D

Junior High School campus for analysis. The petri dishes were then

retrieved and analysed quantitatively by the researchers, with the aid of

the Laboratory Custodian.

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APPENDIX B

Budgetary Requirements

EXAMPLE:

Items Amount in Pesos Total

Charcoal 10/bag PhP 100
Coffee filter 88/pack 88
Litmus paper 135/pack 135
Cotton balls 59/pack 295
Plastic containers 16/piece 112
Commercialized

activated bamboo 247/pack 247

charcoal
Salt 45/kilo 45
Plastic bottles 2/piece 18
Bleach 25/bottle
Total PhP 1065

APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae
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Alvarez, Rianne

Sebastien M.

Rianne Sebastien M. Avarez was born on September 11, 2004 in

Makati Medical Center and now lives at Block 8 Lot 2, Summerwind 3,

Salitran III, Dasmariñas, Cavite. He is the youngest son of Sharlene M.

Alvarez and Rogelio P. Alvarez. He is currently in his last year as a Junior

High in De La Salle University Dasmariñas. He is a consistent perfect

attendance awardee and a former member of the Taekwondo Varsity

team. He shows passion for singing, dancing, he also knows how to play

the guitar and ukulele. He also has a hobby for cooking and shows his

best interest in becoming a professional chef.

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Barcenas, Katinka G.

Katinka G. Barcenas is a student of De La Salle University -

Dasmariñas and is currently at her 10th grade. She was born on July 8,

2004 at Dasmariñas, Cavite, and now resides at Block 6 Lot 5 Olivine

street Dasmariñas Executive Village Barangay Zone 3 Dasmariñas,

Cavite. She is living with her parents, Norman B. Barcenas and Maricel G.

Barcenas, along with her 2 brothers. She received 3 distinction awards

(quarterly) in her 9th Grade. She is also in the Girls Volleyball team at her

school. She joined dance clubs in her 7th and 8th grade and at last

academic year, she is a member of Filipiniana Dance Troupe.

Katinka was also a member of Dayaw Dance troupe from her 4th

grade to her 6th grade at Jabez Christian School. They joined

interpretative competitions and in 2016, they won the championship. She

is an honor student during her elementary. She also participated in Mar

Dunong: Hekasi before. She shows interests in dancing and in the medical

field ever since. She is also very passionate in volleyball. She is planning

to get Medical Technician in college for her pre-med and be a General

surgeon or a Cardiothoracic surgeon. Katinka is very open to learn new

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things and discoveries that can help herself and the society to grow and

improve.
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Datayan, Mickaela Donnajen Y.

Mickaela Donnajen Y. Datayan was born on September 5, 2003 in

Quezon City. She is the second child out of the three children of Jenyvie

Y. Datayan and Manuel Orlando T. Datayan, and she has two 2 siblings

who are in the 11th grade and the 2nd grade respectively. She currently

lives in with her family in Imus City, Cavite. She loves making pastries

such as cookies, brownies, cupcakes and the like. She adores animals

especially cats. She has a liking for adorable things such as keychains

and stickers.

She studied at Vel Maris School Inc. during her elementary years.

She is a consistent honour student at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas

Junior High School. She has achieved a total of 11 distinctions in her three

years as a junior high school student and has been consecutively elected
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as a class officer. She has been awarded for her outstanding performance

in various extra curricular activities. She is currently striving to finish her

schooling with a total of 15 distinction and to continue doing so in her

senior high school and college years.

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De Castro, Maxine Redje A.

Maxine Redje A. De Castro was born on September 10, 2003 in

Dasmariñas City, Cavite. She is the eldest daughter of Rialyn A. De

Castro and Jericho G. De Castro. She lives with her parents, two siblings

and grandmother. She is currently in her last year as a Junior High School

at De La Salle University- Dasmariñas JHS. She is a consistent honor

student and acquired high honors on her 9th grade. She was a former

member of the esteemed school publication, The Green Herald, and

competed in various competitions outside the school. She participated in

Araling Panlipunan Quiz Bee on her 8th grade. She was awarded as

Batang Entrepreneur on her 9th grade for her excellent leadership in their

culminating task: 9Gosyo. She is a finalist of Mar Dunong: World

Challenge on her 10th grade and is privileged to represent her school.

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She attended elementary school at Disciple Learning Academy and

was a consistent honor student since her 1st grade. She was often called

an “overachiever” for participating in all kinds of competitions held inside

and outside the school, as well as being an active member of all the extra-

curricular clubs at her school. She was a former member of her school

paper and participated in various journalism competitions. She bagged

2nd place in News Writing on her 4th grade, and 8th place in Science

Writing on her 5th grade. She was elected as class president for 3

consecutive years from 3rd grade to 6th grade. Furthermore, she was also

part of the Student Council as Counselor. She was part of the volleyball

varsity team from 3rd to 6th grade and competed in various volleyball

tournaments outside the school. She is a consistent honor student since

1st grade. She finished elementary as the class valedictorian and received

various awards for Leadership Award, Girl Scout of the Year, A1 Child,

Loyalty Award, Lion’s Club Excellence Award and CDAPS Excellence

Award.

Her pastime activities are reading, watching films and series, and

organizing her thoughts on her planner. She shows passion for cooking,

arts, and creative writing. She aspires to be a well-known professional

chef and innovate the food industry.

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Papa, Kianna Ysabelle A.

Kianna Ysabelle A. Papa was born on July 28, 2003 in Dasmariñas

Cavite, and is currently residing at Carmona Cavite. She is the eldest

daughter of Rosalie A. Papa and Wilfredo B. Papa. Her mother is just a

house wife while her father works at Alorica call center as a Manager.

Belle was a former student of Colegio San Agustin Biñan and now

studying at De La Salle University- Dasmariñas in her last year as a Junior

High School student.

She took a liking in psychology and dreams to be a psychologist in

the future. She also loves reading, writing, music and singing. She has

experience with singing in front of hundreds of people. Belle also received

awards for her extra-curricular activities, like in swimming, soccer and

choir.
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Pe, Joshua R.

Joshua R. Pe was born on February 22,2004 in Sta.Mesa Manila.

He is the youngest child of Milagros Delsa R. Pe and Alfredo F. Pe. Jr. He

currently resides in Trece Martires, Cavite. He previously studied and

graduated in Jesus Good Shepherd School in Imus. He is currently in his

last year as a Junior High School student at De La Salle University-

Dasmariñas. Since his elementary days, he has been an athletic and

sportsmanship player awardee. He is a varsity player of basketball,

volleyball, and chess which enabled him to acquire various trophies and

medals. His hobbies are playing video games, playing sports, and

communicating with others. He shows interest in the field of medicine and

aspires to be a Dermatologist someday.

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Purisima, Aliyah Francine L.

Aliyah Francine L. Purisima was born on October 23, 2003 in

Quezon City, Metro Manila and currently lives in Block 1 Lot 5, Austria

Drive, Franceville Homes Subdivision, Bulihan, Silang, Cavite. She is the

eldest of Helen L. Doyola and former PNP Chief Alan L. Purisima. She is

currently a Grade 10 student in De La Salle University-Dasmarinas Junior

High School and a consistent honor student.

In her previous school year, she achieved an academic award with

high honors. She was also a part of the organization of the school paper of

her previous school, Casa Real Montessori, and participated in a

Journalism competition for creative writing and news writing. She has love
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for films, specifically for Filipino independent films. She also shows

passion on cooking, photography, directing, reading and writing and to

anything connected to the visual media. She aspires to direct something

that has a potential of changing the world. She spends her time studying

and reading through articles and studies related to issues of the country.
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Sinampayan, Joyce Nerisse F.

Joyce Nerisse C. Sinampayan was born on April 28,2004 in

Bacoor, Cavite. She is the only child of Robert T. Sinampayan and

Lourdes C. Sinampayan. She currently resides in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

She previously studied and graduated in Divine Light Academy in Bacoor

with a Silver Award. She is currently in her last year as a Junior High

School student at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas. Since her

elementary days, she has been a consistent academic awardee. She is a

completer of the Math and Reading program of Kumon which also enabled

her to acquire a lot of medals. Her hobbies are playing volleyball, watching
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various dramas, and listening to music. She shows interest in the field of

medicine and aspires to be a Surgeon someday.