BIO-ADSORBENT POTENTIAL OF COCONUT (Cocos nucifera L.

) HUSK
IN TREATING SIMULATED LEAD-CONTAMINATED SOIL

A Research Paper
Presented to the Faculty of the
Regional Science High School for Region I
Bangar, La Union

In partial fulfilment of the

requirements in the subject
Practical Research II

By
MICHAEL JOHN V. LABIANO

ROWEL P. LUCINA, MAN, RN, LPT

Research Adviser/ Co-author

June 2019

i
 INDORSEMENT

This research entitled, Bio-adsorbent Potential of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

Husk in Treating Simulated Lead-Contaminated Soil, prepared and submitted by
Michael John V. Labiano, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject,
Practical Research II, has been examined and is recommended for Oral Examination.

ROWEL P. LUCINA, MAN, RN, LPT

Research Adviser

This is to certify that the research entitled, Bio-adsorbent Potential of Coconut

(Cocos nucifera L.) Husk in Treating Simulated Lead-Contaminated Soil, prepared
and submitted by Michael John V. Labiano, and in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the subject, Practical Research II, has been examined and is
recommended for Oral Examination.

ANTONIETTE G. PADUA, MAED-Math

Chairman

JAKE L. MANTILLA SHERILYN G. DE CASTRO

Member Member

AMERFINA D. NELMIDA, Ed. D.

Secondary School Principal IV
Regional Science High School for Region I
Over-all Chairman

ii
 APPROVAL SHEET

Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination on March 2020.

AURELIA S. GARCIA
Chairman

HERMA D. ACOSTA MARTIN GREGOR D. ALLADA

Member Member

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject
Practical Research II.

AMERFINA D. NELMIDA, Ed. D.

Secondary School Principal IV
Regional Science High School for Region I
Over-all Chairman

This is to certify further that Michael John V. Labiano have completed all
academic requirements for the subject Practical Research II.

AMERFINA D. NELMIDA, Ed. D.

Secondary School Principal IV
Regional Science High School for Region I

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher would like to give and express his sincerest thanks to all people

who became a part of this research project and extended their utmost love,

encouragement, and support in reaching the triumph of this study.

Firstly, the researcher would like to fully thank the Almighty Father for the

endless love, care and guidance that He bestowed upon me along this journey;

To his supportive and ever-loving parents, who poured their overflowing and

limitless provision, love and guidance, in all aspects, in the conduct of the

experimentation. No words could ever define how grateful he is for the things they have

done for his victory;

To the whole administration of the Regional Science High School for Region I,

headed by Dr. Amerfina D. Nelmida, for the words of wisdom, inspiration and support

to the needs of the researcher;

To his former Research adviser, Mr. Allen Joshua R. Dominguez, for sharing

and imparting his knowledge and expertise in the field of Research. He became one of the

key in achieving this door of success;

To his classroom adviser, Mrs. Magdalena Paz H. Lazo, for extending her all-

out support and sharing words of encouragement and realizations as the researcher

partook his journey;

To his Physics adviser, Mr. Martin Gregor Allada, for being one of the mentors

of the researcher and for his outmost guidance in the conduct of the experimentation. His

iv
expertise had greatly helped the researcher and will always be a lesson from an

extraordinary teacher like him;

To his Research adviser, Mr. Rowel P Lucina, for being the greatest mentor and

a supplier of immeasurable motivation to all researchers and also served as a bridge in

attaining victory in this adventure. His knowledge, shared thoughts and happiness, and

his genuine positive outlook of life has led the researcher to be more inspired as the days

passed;

To his former Grade 9 adviser, Mrs. Herma D. Acosta, for being an inspiration

and a very approachable teacher for any problems regarding the study. His heart melts

with joy with all of the things she imparted, and also being a source of happiness for

everyone;

To his ever-supportive, energetic and loving friends, especially to Chiolo L.

Angelo, Lady Marian J. Quiming, Angela Joy T. Leonen, Cristafeah O. Mendoza,

Shaira V. Rulloda, Samantha M. Ormita, Abraham L. Andaya, Alliah Nicole M.

Mantilla, and many more to mention - his sincerest and biggest appreciation for all the

things these people imparted – the encouragement, the memories, the fun, and the ever-

welcoming hands for any help and such. These will surely be missed and treasured,

forever;

And to all people who were not mentioned, thank you very much for the lending

hands and hearts. This success will not be possible without these extraordinary people.

His success will be these people’s success too!

v
 DEDICATION

The researcher would like to fully dedicate this work of hard work, perseverance

and unending effort firstly to our Lord Almighty, for His endless and immense love and

guidance. This research paper may serve as a proof of how great and benevolent He is for

everything. This may not just serve as memorabilia of perseverance and hard work, but

will serve as a way in inspiring other people through Him.

Also, the researcher humbly dedicates this work to his loving and supporting

parents, who became and will always be the source of joyfulness and indubitable

motivation. Their existence as the researcher journeys through this feat was surely the

greatest support system he had for completing the study.

And last but not the least, to himself, to Michael John V. Labiano, for not giving

up despite of everything and continued to give his best shot at the end of his journey. He

proved that nothing is impossible with the will to achieve his dreams and continue to

strive for the best.

- The researcher

vi
 ABSTRACT

This study focused in determining the bio-adsorbent potential of coconut

(Cocos nucifera L.) husks in treating simulated lead-contaminated soils. This study was

conducted at the Regional Science High School for Region I from June 2019 to March

2020. Four treatments were prepared to see the bio-adsorbent capacities of coconut husks,

namely: T0 – 1000 grams of lead-contaminated soil with 168 grams of rice husk; T 1 –

1000 grams of lead-contaminated soil with 56 grams coconut husks; T 2 – 1000 grams of

lead-contaminated soil with 112 grams coconut husks and lastly; T 3 – 1000 grams of

lead-contaminated soil with 168 grams coconut husks. The experimentation lasted for

about 21 days. Pre – soil analysis of the simulated lead-contaminated soil samples

revealed the lead content to be 1500 mg/kg, suitable for experimentation. After the

experimentation, the treatments were submitted to CRL Environmental Corporation for

post – soil analysis, in which T0, T1, T2 and T3 garnered 947 mg/kg, 1326 mg/kg, 1097

mg/kg, and 856 mg/kg respectively. It was revealed that T 3 yielded the best result among

the treatments. ANOVA was employed to determine the significant difference of the

treatments with 0.01 alpha value. Result shows that there is no significant difference

among the treatments, thus, null hypothesis is accepted.

Key words: Bio-adsorbent, Lead, Simulation, Lead Contamination, Coconut Husk,

Phytoremediation, Heavy Metals

vii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
TITLE PAGE……………………………………………………………………………..i
INDORSEMENT………………………………………………………………………...ii
APPROVAL SHEET……………………………………………………………………iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………………...iv
DEDICATION…………………………………………………………………………..vi
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………….…vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………………………...viii
LIST OF TABLES…………………………………………………………………..…...x
LIST OF PLATES……………………………………………………………………....xi
CHAPTER I
Introduction………………………………………………………………………..1
Research Questions………………………………………………………………..8
CHAPTER II
Research Design………………………………………………………………….11
Materials and Equipment…………………………………………………………
12
Data Gathering Process…………………………………………………………..12
Data Management………………………………………………………………..15
Ethical Considerations…………………………………………………………...15
CHAPTER III
Comparison Between the Initial and Final Lead Contents………………………17
Comparative Analysis Among the Treatments…………………………………..22
CHAPTER IV
Conclusions………………………………………………………………………24
Recommendations………………………………………………………………..24

viii
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………….26

APPENDICES
A. Statistical Analysis……………………………………………………………30
B. Request Letter to the School for the Equipment………………………….
…...31
C. Certificate of Analysis for Pre-Soil Analysis of the Soil Samples……...…….32
D. Certificate of Analysis for Post-Soil Analysis of the Soil Samples…....……..33
E. Plagiarism Check……………………………………………………………...34
F. Plates……...…………………………………………………………………...37
G. Data
Book……………………………………………………………………..46
CURRICULUM VITAE………………………………………………………………..49

ix
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Comparison Between the Initial and Final Lead Contents……………………..17

Table 2. Comparative Analysis Among the Treatments…………………………………22

Appendix Table 1. Comparison Between the Initial and Final Lead Content…………...30

Appendix Table 2. ANOVA Single Factor Summary Table…………………………….30

Appendix Table 3. ANOVA Single Factor Results for Pre and Post-Soil Analyses…….30

x
 LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1. Gathering and sieving of the soil

samples………………………………………..37

Plate 2. Cutting, semi-refining and weighing of the coconut

husks……………………...38

Plate 3. Materials and equipment for the

experimentation……………………………….39

Plate 4. Measuring of the soil samples for the

treatments………………………………..40

Plate 5. Measuring the needed treatments for each soil

sample………………………….41

Plate 6. Measuring and contamination of lead on the soil samples………………………

42

Plate 7. Mixing of the treatments to the lead-contaminated soil samples………………..43

Plate 8. The treatments for T0, T1, T2 and T3……………………………………………..44

Plate 9. Straining and measuring of the soil samples for post – soil analysis……………45

xi
 1

Chapter I

Introduction

Soil protection and conservation has become a major concern for soil experts,

farmers and other people for it provides better quality of soil that is healthy for the

surroundings and a livelihood for farmers and other people. Various activities and

researches have now ventured on the probable solutions in countering the lethal and

detrimental effects of having unhealthy soils on plants, animals and humans as it has a

great factor on our everyday lives.

As the human activities grew larger and more developed, our approaches to life

are becoming more advanced and it caused to bloom certain improvements that have

either helped us with our life or brought damage to ourselves and to the environment.

Non-biodegradable materials such as plastics and other materials have been scattered

everywhere due to its widely usage for packaging and creating products. Along with this

industrial expansion, problems have risen, that on some point, makes it inevitable as

years pass by. Water, soil and air have been much contaminated with varieties of heavy

metals. These manifestation of the usage of metal-rich materials have now been a trend,

thus contributes to the existing aggravation of heavy metals. As an exemplification, soils

nowadays have been a site for dumping and with this, heavy metals in various forms have

infested the health of soil, resulting to the rising contamination for the past decades.
 2

Prior to this, great dangers and risked are imposed to the human health and the

continuous deterioration of environment health and quality. Unable to look at this matter,

it has cost a great impact mostly on the agricultural sector, and on people’s everyday

living, onto how these heavy metals could bring up such detrimental effects.

Example of dumping site for these wastes with heavy metals are sanitary landfills.

Because of the wastes being stuck inside the sanitary landfill, these wastes may

decompose little by little and by that, the chemicals that came from the wastes such as

plastics may leak and contaminate the soil from below it, resulting to soil pollution.

Because of the high increase of soil pollution, many industrialized economies and

developing countries are affected originating from mining, industrial activities, improper

waste disposal and mechanized agriculture (Paz-Ferreiro et al., 2018). Land and soil

pollution by heavy metals has become a critical and must-focused environmental concern

due to its underlying detrimental environmental effects. Heavy metals occur naturally at

low concentrations in soils, however, if they exceed the permissible limits or has greatly

increased, they are now considered to be soil contaminants due to its extensive

concentrations, as well as toxic acute and chronic effects. Most recently high

concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s, such as As, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb in soils, have often

been reported in a number of countries. These heavy metals are result of the excess use of

fungicide and herbicide that have very abundant content of heavy metals mentioned

(Adamcova et al, 2016).

In the mid-1970s, the use of leaded paint and leaded gasoline have been a major

source of contamination that came from different industrial sources, and with these, urban

soils have a higher concentrations of lead than the normal background levels. Lead is
 3

hard to biodegrade, or disappear over time, and it remains for myriad years (Stehouwer,

2019). According to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and

Liability Act (CERCLA), Lead (Pb) ranks 2 out of 275 toxic substances in the

environment, with Arsenic (As) being the top.

Serious human health risks, specifically with children ages under 6 are reported to

have been associated with lead poisoning. An approximation of about 5.9 million to 11.7

million children worldwide have been potentially exposed to lead in a form of soil and

dust. The suffocation of this lethal metal can affect several developmental and behavioral

problems in children, and also for teens. Among those are reduced IQ and attention span,

hyperactivity, impaired growth, learning disabilities, hearing loss and insomnia. If lead is

taken or absorbed by the body, it is already hard for it to be removed, that is why

prevention of lead intake is the only key to avoid lead absorption of the body (Stehouwer,

2019).

In a study entitled Sources and Toxicological Effects of Lead on Human Health, it

discussed how lead toxicity has been able to affect many people around the world and

how it affects further people when uncontrolled. According to the paper, lead toxicity is

one of the most hazardous and dangerous metal noxiousness, wherein, it can enter the

human body through lead-based paint, water, dust, soil and other mediums. It was also

found out that children mostly are the major affected persons with lead contamination.

When ingested, lead acts by inducing oxidative stress due to inefficient replenishment of

glutathione. Moreover, it also causes hemolytic anemia by disrupting cellular membrane

by lipid peroxidation. It also affects neurotransmitter levels and causes organ damages,

which can lead to death when mishandled. In the study, it was also gleaned how lead
 4

toxicity could also cause toxicity to other parts of the body, such as cardiovascular

toxicity, where it was found out that lead could also cause hypertension and blocks blood

vessels which can cause heart attack and even death. It can also cause anemia, which is

specified as lead-induced clinical anemia. It can also be nephrotoxic, wherein it affects

the kidneys, where the renal tubules are affected. And lastly, it can also be toxic in the

reproductive organ in the sense that, during pregnancy, it crosses the placenta that results

to prematurity, intrauterine deaths and low birth weight. Also, according to the Institute

for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), an estimation of 540,000 deaths and 13.9

million people affected due to lead poisoning were recorded. It was also revealed that

middle and low-income countries were the most affected (Debnath et al, 2019).

Heavy metals have been consistently one of the major problems of the world

because of its injurious effects on human and the environment. In China, the degree of

soil heavy metal contamination, specifically in the Yangtze River Delta, has been very

prominent. In the study of a group of researchers, it was found out that non-carcinogenic

risk for the people near the river is relatively low, but the possible risks of these heavy

metals such as Cadmium, Lead, and others, should not be overlooked. The level of the

heavy metals was below the guideline value, but at the alert level. And ingestion is the

main pathway of carcinogen risk bringer, the heavy metals, to the human health (Hu, et

al, 2017).

Researchers have ventured on environmental monitoring assessments entitled,

“Heavy metal concentrations in soils and vegetation in urban areas of Quezon City,

Philippines”, quantifies the concentrations of heavy metals (i.e., Chromium, Nickel,

Copper, Zinc, and Lead) in the urbanized vegetative soil landscapes in Quezon City,
 5

Philippines, and elucidating the correlation between its soil properties and heavy metal

concentrations pertaining to different land uses (i.e., protected forest, park and wildlife

area, landfill, urban poor residential and industrial areas and commercial areas). The

results revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals in urban soils were higher in

areas where anthropogenic activities or disturbance were dominant as compared to the

less disturbed areas (Navarrete, et al, 2017).

Potential threats and effects of heavy metals nowadays are also widely considered

for soils and how it affects the environmental surroundings. A research study discussed of

the allowable limit concentrations of heavy metals in soil. Seven heavy metals were

tested, and one of the heavy metals is lead, which has a maximum allowable limit of 100

mg kg-1 or ppm. Heavy metals sources were also determined. It can either be a natural

source, from which these heavy metals are found naturally in soils that resulted from

weathering of underlying bedrock, and can be from anthropogenic basis in which it

includes mining and refinement of ores, the wide use of pesticides and fertilizers, battery

usages, paper production, disposals of solid wastes which includes sewage sludge, water

irrigation and vehicular exhaustion (Khalid et al, 2017).

Different studies have now ventured the adsorption of copper and other heavy

metals from the wastewaters of various industrial waters and soils, and it had successful

results. It also had desirable and eco-friendly solutions, which guarantees people to use

them as an effective bio-adsorbent, and these are coconut husks.

Coconut husks (Cocos nucifera L.) are the outer layer of a coconut shell, and is

the largest waste product in the Philippines. They are made of 10% of bristle fibers, 20%

of mattress fiber, and 70% of coir, shorts or wastes. The coconut palm trees are found in
 6

tropical area for many culinary and non-culinary uses. They can be found anywhere in

the Philippines. It was estimated that the Philippines produces 12 billion coconut husks a

year with 75 percent of them are being thrown away. The coconut fruit yields 40%

coconut husks containing 30% fiber, with dust making up the rest. The chemical

composition of coconut husks consists of high cellulose and lignin content, pyroligneous

acid gas, charcoal, tar, tannin and potassium. The materials contained in the casing of

coco dusts and coconut fibers are resistant to bacteria and fungi. There are two types of

coconut fibers, the brown fibers extracted from matured coconuts, which are thicker,

stronger and have greater abrasion resistance, compared to the other type of coconut

fibers, which are the white fibers that are weaker but smoother and finer (Ali, 2010).

On a more scientific matter, a group of researchers ventured on the effectiveness

of activated coconut coir powder as bio-adsorbent in heavy metals Cu, Ni, and Cd. The

study used dosages of 1 gm, 3 gm, and 5 gm in 3 beakers. The waste waters with the

mentioned heavy metals were put in a beaker with the tested measures of activated

coconut coir powders and it was found out that the activated coconut coir powders are

efficient as an adsorbent material in removing heavy metals from the wastewater. It was

found out that the coconut coir has good adsorption capacity to separate the metals from

the wastewater (Aravind, et al, 2017).

There are several ways to remove or eradicate heavy metals in soil, for which

these have been extensively used worldwide. With this, a thesis paper by M. Lambert et

al. (2019), entitled, “New Methods of Cleaning Up Heavy Metal in Soils and Water”,

discussed the several methods that are used in treating or cleaning up soils contaminated

with heavy metals. The first discussed technique is the excavation, wherein it is defined
 7

as the oldest remediation method for contaminated soil. Its advantages include the

complete removal of the contaminants and the relatively rapid cleanup of a contaminated

site, but its disadvantages include the contaminated are simply moved from other place,

and there is a higher risk of spreading the dust particles of the heavy metals present in

that particular soil. Next method is stabilizing metals in the soil, or is also called

stabilization, wherein one adds chemicals to the soil that cause the formation of minerals

that contain the heavy metals in a form that is not easily absorbed by plants, animals or

people. An example of this one is the adding of phosphate fertilizers as a soil amendment

to soil that has high amounts of the heavy metal lead. It causes the formation of the so-

called lead pyromorphite. They are insoluble and that means that they cannot be

dissolved easily with water, making it less harmful to nearby bodies of water. And lastly,

the use of plants or is called phytoremediation, wherein it has the advantage of having

low cost and has wide public acceptance. But, phytoremediation has a disadvantage that

it might take longer to accomplish than the other techniques. Sometimes, a contaminated

site is revegetated in a process called phytostabilization, where plants are used to reduce

wind and water erosion that spread materials containing heavy metals. Other technique

connected to phytoremediation is also used, and that is phytoextraction, wherein it uses

plants to take up heavy metals and contain them in their tissues. As a result, the heavy

metal contained in the tissues of the plant may be gathered and can now be disposed

properly.

A related study authored by Vincent Nduka Ojeh (2017) entitled, “Rice Husk for

the Removal of Heavy Metals from Polluted Soils at Agbogbloshie E-Waste Dump Site in

Accra Ghana”, ventured on the adsorbent capacities of rice husk in bio-adsorbing three
 8

kinds of heavy metals: Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn). Certain amount of soil

contaminated with the aforementioned heavy metals were tested to determine the

effectivity of the rice husk on its adsorbent capability. Results showed that as the

treatment goes higher, the more effective its adsorption is. Also, the rice husk adsorbs

more copper than the other two heavy metals present in the soil. And finally, it was

concluded that the rice husk is an effective bio-adsorbent for the three heavy metals.

According to the Republic Act No. 3082, or also called the Five-year Soil survey

and Conservation Act, it tackles the protection and conservation of soil and promoting its

wise utilization, along with water sources, at the earliest possible time in order to

safeguard these vital sources and thereby insuring stability of farm production which is

basic and integral to our community and the general well-being of our people. In the

enactment of this law, it undertakes a nationwide soil survey to gather data on the types

of soil in all municipalities that include their barrios and sitios, and also to the various

agricultural sectors of the country, in order to have an identification or a map, to have a

basis on which parts of the place would be most fit for planting and for expanding

agricultural businesses to attain optimum yield of crops. This is also spearheaded by the

Bureau of Soils along with the concerned and connected agencies to assist and govern the

implementation of this law.

With the components of coconut husk that have been studied as an effective bio-

absorbent material for heavy metals, consistently on wastewater pollution, the researcher

would like to venture more on the probable uses of coconut husk on the lowering of lead

levels in soils.
 9

This study aimed to determine the bio-adsorbent potential of coconut (Cocos

nucifera) husk in treating simulated lead-contaminated soils. Specifically, it sought to

answer the following sub-problems: 1.) What is the level of lead content of the simulated

lead-contaminated soil? 2.) Which of the treatment yields best result? and lastly, 3.) Is

there a significant difference among the treatments?

This study is significant to all people especially to the people living near with

heavy metal contaminated soils like lead, in order for them to lower or eliminate the

levels of lead in soils to avoid further human chronic diseases. It is also significant to

other professionals on the possible effects of lead in soils when not controlled properly.

This study also introduces other uses of coconut husk as an effective and efficient bio-

absorbent, and lastly, it is very significant to the other researchers that will venture more

on this league.

This study was conducted from June 2019 to March 2020, at Regional Science

High School for Region I. The soil samples were gathered at Brgy. Baritao, Tagudin,

Ilocos Sur. The soil samples were gathered, air dried and contaminated with significant

amount of lead (Pb). Brown coconut husks were procured at Tagudin Yellow Market,

Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. The coconut husks were semi-refined and applied specific amounts

to each soil treatments. Pre and Post-Soil Analyses were done after the experimentation at

CRL Environmental Corporation, Angeles City, Pampanga.

For the clarification and understanding, the following terms are given their

operational meaning:
 10

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) husk is the plant sample that were semi-refined and

determine its efficiency on its bio-adsorbent potential in lead-contaminated soils.

Lead is a kind of metal, which when taken, can cause chronic and lethal effects on

humans and the environment. It is also the main subject in testing the bio-adsorbent

effectivity of coconut husks.

Heavy metals are metals that have high densities and are very toxic to the

environment. These are the subject in testing the bio-adsorbent activity of coconut

husk.

Pre-Soil Analysis is a test used to identify the existing level of lead content in the soil

samples to be used in the experimentation.

Post-Soil Analysis is a test used to quantify the amount of lead (Pb) in the

contaminated soil samples after the experimentation.

 11

Chapter II

Methodology

This chapter contains the research design of the study, the materials and

equipment, procedures, data management and the ethical considerations.

Research Design

In acquiring and gathering the needed data and information about the study, an

experimental research design, specifically the pretest-posttest experimental research

design was used. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed. With

this design, the researcher was able to see the observable effects of coconut husk

when immersed in simulated lead-contaminated soils. The pretest soil analysis was

conducted by submitting the soil samples to the CRL Environmental Corporation,

Angeles City, Pampanga to see the present chemical components of the soil samples.

On the other hand, the post-test soil analysis was conducted by submitting the soil

samples treated with specific amount of plant sample on the same institution to see
 12

the remaining lead contents of the soil samples after the subjected specific period of

time. This also enabled the researcher to come up with hypotheses to derive on a

more valid and scientific conclusion. The study was supported by experimental

procedures and processes gathered from credible related studies.

Materials and Equipment

The soil samples were collected at Brgy. Baritao, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. In digging

the soil samples, a shovel was used. Moreover, a sack was used to place the collected

soil samples. Brown coconut husks were gathered at Tagudin Yellow Market,

Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. On the other hand, rice husks were gathered at Brgy. Baritao,

Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. A pair of scissor was used to semi-refined the coconut husk.

Also, a weighing scale was used in weighing accurate amounts of semi-refined

coconut husks and rice husks needed for each treatment. In addition, the soil samples

were sieved and refined to remove any unwanted materials. Furthermore, twelve (12)

identical plastic pots were bought at Bangar Market and were used to contain the soil

treatments on a specific period of time. On the other hand, pure lead was procured

from a distributor and were used in simulating contamination of lead in the soil

samples. An analytical or digital balance was used to measure accurate amount of

lead for each treatments. Gloves and masks were procured at Tagudin Yellow Market

for the protection of the researcher from the contaminants.

Data Gathering Process

 13

The data needed were based on the outcome and results of the experimentation.

Related studies from journals and other researchers were used to support the

processes in conducting the experiment and were also used as credible references.

Professionals and other experts’ comments and suggestions were centralized to

validate the research data of the study.

Gathering of Soil Samples

Fifteen (15) kilograms of soil samples were gathered at Brgy. Baritao, Tagudin,

Ilocos Sur. A shovel was used to dig the soil samples and a sack was used as

containment. The soil samples were air dried for about three days to remove the

moisture. The air dried soil samples were sieved to remove excess unwanted

materials.

Preparation of semi-refined Coconut Husk

Preparation of the semi-refined coconut husk was conducted at Brgy. Baritao,

Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. One thousand (1000) grams of coconut husk were procured at

Tagudin Yellow Market, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. On the other hand, five hundred (500)

grams of rice husks were gathered at Brgy. Baritao, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. After

procurement, the coconut husks were checked to see any unwanted materials on the

coconut husks. After checking, the coconut husks were cut using a pair of scissor to

semi-refine the husks. After the processes were done, the coconut husks were

weighed using a weighing scale to accurately determine the needed specific amount

in accordance to the different treatments. Also, the rice husks were also weighed for
 14

the needed specific amount for the experimentation. On the other hand, the weighed

semi-refined coconut husk and rice husk were placed in a plastic container to contain

the plant samples needed in the treatments.

Conducting the Experiment

In obtaining 1.42 g of lead (Pb), it was measured using a digital balance, and

artificial contamination of the soil was done by weighing one kilogram of soil

samples and mixing it with 1.42 grams of lead in a big plastic container to obtain the

desirable level of Pb contamination in the soil (Succuro, 2010). On the other hand,

four treatments were prepared in order to test the bio-absorbent activity of coconut

husk in treating the soil samples: T0 – 1000 grams of soil with 168 grams of rice

husks, which serves as the control treatment, T 1 – 1000 grams of soil with 56 grams

of pulverized coconut husk, T2 – 1000 grams of soil with 112 grams of pulverized

coconut husk, and lastly, T3 – 1000 grams of soil with 168 grams of pulverized

coconut husk (Anponsem & Ojeh, 2017). The treatments were kept in a non-

ventilated room, which were also covered to avoid contamination of the surroundings

and avoid changes and any possible interventions to the treatments. Treatments were

replicated two times. The

experimentation lasted up to 21 days to see the possible effects of the semi-refined

coconut husk on the soil samples as was followed to the study of Anponsem and Ojeh

(2017).

Pre-soil analysis of the soil samples

 15

After the lead contamination of the soil samples based on the study of Succuro

(2010), the lead-contaminated soil samples were subjected for pre-soil analysis for

lead content in CRL Environmental Corporation, Angeles City, Pampanga. Flame

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry was used to see the lead level content of the

soil samples. This will determine if the soil samples are fit for experimentation in

determining the bio-adsorbent capability of coconut husks.

Post-soil analysis of the soil samples

After the 21-day experimentation, the soil samples from different treatments were

sieved to remove the rice husks and coconut husks from each treatment. The soil

samples were placed in a specified container and were transported in CRL

Environmental Corporation, Angeles City, Pampanga, for the post-soil analysis using

the same procedure from the pre-soil analysis. After the final soil analysis testing, the

researcher gathered and analyzed the significant changes of each of the treatments.

Data Management

The pre-soil lead level content of the simulated contamination of the soil samples

were determined by conducting a pre-soil analysis that was submitted to the CRL

Environmental Corporation, Angeles City, Pampanga. Also, the treatment that

yielded the best result was determined by the final outcome of the experimentation by

comparison of the pre-soil analysis and post-soil analysis results of the soil samples.

The data gathered were subjected to Analysis of Variance or ANOVA with an alpha

value of 0.01 to see the significant differences of the various treatments.

Ethical Considerations
 16

In the conduct of the experimentation, honesty was widely considered, in the

sense that, all of the things done were done systematically and in accordance to the

protocol with no things that were manipulated or changed. Also, objectivity was

reflected by avoiding partiality and self-deception in all aspects on the

experimentation. Data, procedures, and others were done and analyzed carefully and

objectively to avoid bias. The researcher also included respect for intellectual

property by fully citing various researchers from different authors to avoid

plagiarism. And lastly, openness to any criticisms thrown in the study. With these

denigrations, it allow upgrades, changes and betterments in the research paper for a

better, more credible and sufficing data and knowledge for other researcher’s sake.
 17

Chapter III

Results and Discussion

This chapter presents and discusses the data gathered and analyzed from the

experimentation. This also encompasses various related literatures to supply the

results with sufficient information and the data from the statistical procedures

conducted along with the results in tabular and graphical forms.

Table 1. Comparison Between the Initial and Final Lead Contents (mg/kg)

Treatments Initial Lead Content Final Lead Content

T0 – 1000 g of soil 1500 947
contaminated with Lead,
with 168 grams of rice
husks
T1 – 1000 g of soil 1500 1326
contaminated with Lead,
 18

with 56 grams of coconut

husks
T2 – 1000 g of soil 1500 1097
contaminated with Lead,
with 112 grams of coconut
husks
T3 – 1000 g of soil 1500 856
contaminated with Lead,
with 168 grams of coconut
husks

Table 1 shows the comparison between the initial lead content and the final lead

content of the soil samples after the four treatments were immersed in 21 days. Based

on the pre – soil analysis of the simulated lead-contaminated soil, the soil samples

have 1500 mg/kg of lead contamination because same amount of lead powders were

treated to each treatment with 1.42 grams of lead powder (Succuro, 2010). After the

specified amount of rice husk and coconut husk were treated to each soil samples, T0

had a decrease, from 1500 mg/kg to 947 mg/kg, T 1 had a decrease from 1500 mg/kg

to 1326 mg/kg, T2 from 1500 mg/kg to 1097 mg/kg and lastly, T3 had a decrease from

1500 mg/kg to 856 mg/kg of lead. This means that there is a visible decrease of lead

in the soil samples after being subjected to a specific amount of time with varying

amounts of coconut husks and rice husk.

Pre – soil Analysis was conducted to see the level of lead contamination among

the soil samples submitted. Table 1 shows the initial contamination level of lead in

the various soil samples in parts per million (ppm) or milligram per kilogram

(mg/kg). It can be clearly observed that the lead contamination levels for the four soil

samples are the same, which is 1500 mg/kg, because same amount of lead powders

were applied to each soil samples.

 19

The maximum permissible amount of lead in soils for the World Health

Organization (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) is 100 ppm,

while for the Philippines’ normal standard for lead content in soils, as was discussed

by Cortez and Ching in their study, Heavy Metal Concentration of Dumpsite Soil and

Accumulation in Zea mays (corn) Growing in a Closed Dumpsite in Manila,

Philippines, it ranges between 2 to 200 mg/kg. Basically, above 200 mg/kg of Lead

content are considered toxic and unfit for plant growth and also for humans and other

organisms. As based in the pre-soil analysis of the lead content of the soil samples

with a level of 1500 mg/kg, it can be inferred that the level of lead in the soil samples

are very high and also significant for experimentation, because it exceeds the

maximum permissible limit given by the WHO and FAO, and the Philippines’ normal

standard for such (Cortez and Ching, 2014).

On the other hand, post – soil analysis of the soil samples for lead was conducted

after experimentation to see and identify the treatment that yielded the best result in

terms of its bio-adsorbent potential after 21 days, as can be gleaned in Table 1. This

analysis was conducted to test which soil samples have the least level of Lead

contamination after the various amount of semi-refined coconut husks were applied

and strained.

The lead content of the various samples from the three trials of each treatments

was compared. As reflected in the Table 1, T3 yielded the best result with a lead

content of 856 mg/kg after the contaminated soil sample was mixed with 168 grams

of semi-refined coconut husks. The lesser the amount of lead in the post-soil analysis

as compared to the pre-soil analysis, the better the capability of the coconut husk to
 20

adsorb lead metal ions. It was followed by T 0, with 947 mg/kg, then T2, with 1097

mg/kg and lastly, T1, with 1326 mg/kg of lead.

Specified amount of rice husk and various amount of coconut husks were

immersed to each of the treatments. It can be gleaned that, the lead contents of the

soil significantly diminished as the amount of treatments increased. As was the study

conducted by Anposem, et al (2017) was mentioned, it was concluded that, the higher

the treatment, the higher the amount of adsorption.

The outcomes show that rice husks and coconut husks have exemplified

their adsorbing capacities, with T3 yielding the best adsorbing capability.

In the study conducted by Anposem, et al (2017), soil samples were collected

from the Agbogbloshie E-Waste Dump Site in Accra Ghana, which were tested to

have high amounts of Iron, Zinc and Copper, were used to test the bio-adsorbent

potential of rice husks in treating the various soil samples. After the soil samples were

subjected for various treatments for three weeks, the rice husks were found to be

effective because the level of Zinc, Copper and Iron contents of the soil changed

drastically, from 400.04 mg/kg to 321.31 mg/kg, 6158.98 mg/kg to 2272.50 mg/kg,

and 88.44 mg/kg to 38.89 mg/kg respectively.

Alongside, phytoremediation has since been found out to be one of the effective

ways of lowering levels of heavy metals in soil, with its advantages of being a low-

cost material and a publicly-accepted method of eliminating such. On the study

conducted by Anponsem and Ojeh (2017), rice husks were able to lower heavy metal

contents in soil, particularly, copper, iron and zinc contamination. There was a
 21

gradual decrease of the level of copper, iron and zinc contents on the soil samples in

21 days. This has led to the capability of plants to adsorb heavy metals in soil.

The bio-adsorbent capabilities of coconut husks were proven and tested by

various studies and researchers which concerns its use and its effects to heavy metal

contaminated surface waters and wastewaters. In the study entitled Batch Adsorption

of Heavy Metals (Cu, Pb, Fe, Cr and Cd) from aqueous solutions using coconut

husks by Agbozu and Emoruwa (2014), it carried out the efficiency of heavy metals

like copper, lead, iron, chromium and cadmium removal from mixed metal ion

solutions using coconut husks. Contact time, initial metal ion concentration,

adsorbent dose and pH were considered as factors affecting the adsorption rate of

metals. It was found out that in the increasing weight of coconut husk, there is also an

increase in the percentage removal of metals. Contact time effect on its adsorption

efficiency at different time intervals revealed that the elimination of tested metals was

rampantly achieved over s short period of twenty minutes. It generally revealed that

coconut husk is a viable and efficient heavy metal remover and thus, should also be

applied for larger scale industrial setting contaminated with heavy metals.

In a similar research study, various agricultural wastes were used in order to find

alternative methods in lowering and bio-adsorbing heavy metals in wastewaters, aside

from activated carbon, which is somewhat expensive. Coconut and rice husks were

one of the agricultural wastes studied for its bio-adsorbent capabilities. As reflected

by the experimentation, it was found out that rice husks, being one of the most

abundant waste product in the country, has been known to exhibit bio-adsorbent

capacities. Various formulation of rice husks was used: carbonized rice husks
 22

exhibited the best type for removing heavy metals with heavy metal removal

efficiency of one hundred percent (100%) for Cu (II), Zn (II), Cd (II) and Pb (II)

respectively. On the other hand, coconut husks have also displayed great efficiency in

heavy metal removal, specifically in Cr (VI) which a percentage of greater than

eighty percent (80%) efficiency. This has proven the effectivity of agricultural and

horticultural wastes to be an effective bio-adsorbent for various types of heavy metals

(Sharma et al. 2013).

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

Table 2. Comparative Analysis Among the Treatments

Treatments Mean Alpha F-crit F Decision Interpretation

Value

(ɑ)
T0 – 1000 g of 947
soil
contaminated
with Lead, with
168 grams of
rice husks

T1 – 1000 g of 1326
soil
contaminated
with Lead, with
56 grams of
coconut husks
T2 – 1000 g of 1097 0.01 16.69 0.18 Accept There is no
 23

soil Ho. significant

contaminated difference
with Lead, with among the
112 grams of treatments.
coconut husks

T3 – 1000 g of 856
soil
contaminated
with Lead, with
168 grams of
coconut husks

Table 2 shows the statistical analysis, particularly subjected to Analysis of

Variance (ANOVA) to compare and see if the treatments have significant difference

or not. Based from the table, as the results from each treatment was subjected to

statistical analysis, it was concluded that there is no significant difference among the

treatments because the f-crit, which is equal to 16.69 is greater than the F, which is

0.18, which also implies that the null hypothesis is accepted.

Based on the findings, it can be inferred that the treatments, rice husks and

coconut husks, are comparable to each other. The T0, which is the rice husks, has

been proven to have bio-adsorbent capabilities as was proven by the study of

Anponsem and Ojeh (2017). Furthermore, the coconut husks that were immersed with

specific amount to each soil samples also showed bio-adsorbent capacities. Coconut

husks were found out to be an effective bio-adsorbent as was testified by various

studies which concerns the usage of coconut husk in treating lead-contaminated

surface waters. Moreover, based from the post-soil analysis, T 3, which has 168 grams

of coconut husks immersed into lead-contaminated soil yielded the best result with a
 24

lead content of 856 mg/kg. All over, it can be seen and concluded that the treatments

were all effective in reducing heavy metal contamination, specifically lead, in soils.

Chapter IV

Conclusions and Recommendations

Simulation of lead contamination of the soil samples was conducted to make sure

that the soil has significant amount of lead content fit for experimentation, as was

based on the study of Succuro (2010). Based on the standards of the World Health

Organization and the Philippines’ normal standards for lead contents of soil, the

simulated lead – contaminated soils were higher than the maximum allowable limit

for lead and thus, allowing the soil samples to be tested for phytoremediation.
 25

Positive outcomes were gathered as coconut husks were discovered to be effective as

a bio-adsorbent for lead in soil, as was compared to rice husks, which were proven to

be an effective bio-adsorbent. The treatment with the highest amount of coconut

husks was found out to be the most effective in lowering the lead contamination in

soil. Thus, the researchers inferred that as the amount of coconut husks increase, the

adsorption capacity also increases. In addition, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was

employed to see the significant difference of the treatments with an alpha value of

0.01, and it was found out that there is no significant difference among the treatments

in adsorbing lead in the soil samples.

It is highly recommended that further testing of the replicability and reliability of

the study should be conducted. It is also suggested that different heavy metals should

also be focused with to see the bio-adsorbing capabilities of coconut husks. The time

frame of the experimentation should also be lengthened to see better results when

coconut husks are immersed to specified treatments. Various studies pertaining to

phytoremediation should also be incorporated to gather better ideas and information

with regards to the study. Lastly, more improvements of the study should be widely

observed to gather better and more credible data.

 26

REFERENCES

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contamination in landfills: a case study of a landfill in Czech Republic. Solid
Earth, 7(1), 239-247. doi:10.5194/se-7-239-2016
Ademola, O. Olaniran, Adhika Balgobind and Balakrishna Pillay. (2013). Bioavailability
of Heavy Metals in Soil: Impact on Microbial Biodegration of Organic
Compounds and Possible Improvement Strategies. International Journal of
Molecular Science, 14, 10197 – 10228, doi: 10.3390ijms140510197
Ange Nzihou and Patrick Sharrock. (2010). Role of Phosphate in the Remediation and
Reuse of Heavy Metal Polluted Wastes and Sites. Waste Biomass Valor, 1:163 –
174, doi: 10.1007/s12649-009-9006-x
Anponsem, J. and V. N. Ojeh (2017). Rice Husk for the Removal of Heavy Metals from
Polluted Soils at Agbogbloshie E-Waste Dump Site in Accra Ghana. Scientific
Federation Journal of Global Warming.
Dada, E. O., Njoku, K. L., Osuntoki, A. A., and Akinola, M. O. (2015). A review of
current techniques of In Situ Physico-chemical and Biological Remediation of
Heavy Metals Polluted Soil. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and
Management. 8(5): 606 – 615. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ejesm.v8i5.13
 27

Debnath, B., Singh, W. S., and Manna, K. (2019). Sources and Toxicological effects of
Lead on Human Health. Department of Pharmacy, Tripura University (A Central
University), Agartala, Tripura, India. p. 66-72, Retrieved from:
http://www.ijms.in
Harman, G., Patrick, R., & Spittler, T. (2007). ORIGINAL RESEARCH: Removal of
heavy metals from polluted waters using lignocellulosic agricultural waste
products. Industrial Biotechnology, 3(4), 366-374. doi: 10.1089/ind.2007.3.366
I., E. A., & F., O. E. (2014). Batch adsorption of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Fe, Cr and Cd)
from aqueous solutions using coconut husk. African Journal of Environmental
Science and Technology, 8(4), 239-246. doi: 10.5897/ajest2013.1577
Irina Shtangeeva, Jussi V-P Luiho, Hanna Kahelin and George R. Gobran (2004).
Improvement of Phytoremediation Effects with Help of Different Fertilizer. Soil
Science and Plant Nutrition, 50:6, 885 – 889, doi:
10.1080/00380768.2004.10408550
J. Komkiene and E. Baltrenaite (2016). Biochar as adsorbent for removal of Heavy Metal
ions [Cadmium (II), Copper (II), Lead (II), Zinc (II), from aqueous phase.
International Journal of Environmental Science Technologies, 13:471-482, doi:
10.1007/s13762-015-0873-3
Jiwan Singh, Ajay S. Kalamdhad. (2012). Reduction of Heavy Metals during Composting
–A Review. International Journal of Environmental Protection. Vol. 2. Iss. 9,
PP, 36 – 43
Khalid, S., Shahid, M., Niazi, N. K., Murtaza, B., Bibi, I., & Dumat, C. (2017). A
comparison of technologies for remediation of heavy metal contaminated
soils. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 182, 247-268. doi:
10.1016/j.gexplo.2016.11.021
M. Lee, et al. (2006). Remediation of heavy metal contaminated groundwater originated
from abandoned mine using lime and calcium carbonate. Journal of Hazardous
Materials, 144 (2007), 208 – 214. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2006.10007
Navarrete, I. A., Gabiana, C. C., Dumo, J. R. E., Salmo, S. G., Guzman, M. A. L. G.,
Valera, N. S., & Espiritu, E. Q. (2017). Heavy metal concentrations in soils and
vegetation in urban areas of Quezon City, Philippines. Environmental Monitoring
and Assessment, 189(4). doi: 10.1007/s10661-017-5849-y
O. A. Pasko and T. N. Mochalova. (2014). Toxicity Assessment of Contaminated Soils of
Solid Domestic Waste Landfill. IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environmental Science.
21012044
Onwuka, M. I., Ozurumba, U. V. and Nkwocha, O. S. (2016). Changes in Soil pH and
Exchangeable Acidity of Selected Parent Materials as Influenced by Amendments
in South East of Nigeria. Journal of Geoscience and Environmental Protection. 4,
80 – 88. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/gep.2016.45008
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Paliza, Shrestha, Korkmaz, Belliturk, and Josef H. Gorres. (2019). Phytoremediation of

Heavy Metal – Contaminated Soil by Swtchgrass: A Comparative Study Utilizing
Different Composts and Coir Fiber on Pollution Remediation, Plant Productivity
and Nutrient Leaching. International Journal of Environmental Research and
Public Health, 16, 1261; doi: 10.3390/ijerph16071261
Paz-Ferreiro, J., Gasco, G., Mendez, A., & Reichman, S. (2018). Soil Pollution and
Remediation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public
Health, 15(8), 1657. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15081657
Sanitary Landfill Leachate: Generation, Control and Treatment. (2017). Sanitary Landfill
Leachate, 1-8. doi: 10.1201/9780203740217-1
Sharma, P. K., Ayub, S., & Tripathi, C. N. (2013). Agro and Horticultural Wastes as Low
Cost Adsorbents for Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater: A Review.
International Refereed Journal of Engineering and Science (IRJES), Vol. 2,
Issued August 8, 2013, pp. 18-27
W. Roshan Singh, Shashi Kumar Pankaj, Jiwan Singh and Ajay S. Kalamdhad (2014).
Reduction of Bioavailability of Heavy Metals during Vermicomposting of
Phumdi Biomass of Loktak Lake (India) using Eisenia fetida. Chemical Speciation
and Bioavailability, 26:3, 158 – 166, doi: 10.3184/095422914X14043211756226
Wuana, R. A., & Okieimen, F. E. (2011). Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soils: A
Review of Sources, Chemistry, Risks and Best Available Strategies for
Remediation. ISRN Ecology, 2011, 1-20. doi: 10.5402/2011/402647
Yobouet, Y. A., Adouby, K., Trokourey, A., and Yao, B. (2010). Cadmium, Copper,
Lead and Zinc, speciation in contaminated soils. International Journal of Engineering
Science and Technology. Vol. 2(5), 802 – 812
29
 30

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

Statistical Analysis

Appendix Table 1. Comparison Between the Initial and Final Lead Contents (mg/kg)

Treatments Initial Lead Content Final Lead Content

T0 – 1000 g of soil 1500 947
contaminated with Lead, with
168 grams of rice husks
T1 – 1000 g of soil 1500 1326
contaminated with Lead, with
56 grams of coconut husks
T2 – 1000 g of soil 1500 1097
contaminated with Lead, with
112 grams of coconut husks
T3 – 1000 g of soil 1500 856
contaminated with Lead, with
168 grams of coconut husks
Groups Counts Sum Average Variance
 31

Row 1 2 2447 1223.5 152904.5

Row 2 2 2826 1413 15138
Row 3 2 2597 1298.5 81204.5
Row 4 2 2356 1178 207368

Appendix Table 2. ANOVA Single Factor Summary Table

Source of Sum of Degrees of Mean F P-Value F-crit

Variation the Freedom Square
Squares
Between 63230.5 3 21076.83 0.184635 0.901688 16.69437
Groups
Within 456615 4 114153.8
Groups
Total 519845.5 7
Appendix Table 3. ANOVA Single Factor Results for Pre and Post-Soil Analyses

Decision:

Since F-crit (16.69) is greater than the F (0.18), accept H0.

APPENDIX B

Request Letter to the School for the Equipment

Division of La Union
REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL FOR REGION I
Bangar, La Union

October 15, 2019

AMERFINA D. NELMIDA, Ed. D

Secondary School Principal IV
Regional Science High School for Region I
 32

Bangar, La Union

Thru: ALLEN JOSHUA R. DOMINGUEZ, RN, MAN

Teacher III – SHS Laboratory Custodian Designate

Sir:

I am pleased to inform you that the undersigned, Regional Science High School for
Region I student is currently conducting a research study entitled: “Bio-adsorbent
Potential of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Husk in Treating Simulated Lead-
Contaminated Soil” in partial fulfillment of the requirements in the subject Research II
(Quantitative Research).

In this regard, may I respectfully ask your assistance and full cooperation by lending the
following materials from the laboratory:

One (1) digital balance

One (1) beaker

The materials will be borrowed for a period of one to two days. Rest assured that the
materials will be used properly and will be returned without defects or any damages.

I am looking forward for a positive response regarding this humble request in the name of
noble cause of research.

Respectfully yours,

MICHAEL JOHN V. LABIANO

Researcher
APPENDIX C

Certificate of Analysis for Pre – Soil Analysis of the Soil Samples

 33

APPENDIX D

Certificate of Analysis for the Post – Soil Analysis of the Soil Samples
 34

APPENDIX E

Plagiarism Check
35
36
 37

APPENDIX F

Plates
 38

Plate 1. Gathering, sieving and air drying of the soil samples

 39

Plate 2. Cutting, semi-refining and weighing of the coconut husks

 40

Plate 3. Materials and equipment for the experimentation

 41

Plate 4. Measuring of the soil samples for the treatments

 42

Plate 5. Measuring the needed treatments for each soil sample

 43

Plate 6. Measuring and contamination of lead on the soil samples

 44

Plate 7. Mixing of the treatments to the lead-contaminated soil samples

 45

Plate 8. The treatments for T0, T1, T2 and T3

 46

Plate 9. Straining and measuring of the soil samples for post – soil analysis

APPENDIX G

Data Book
 47

Activity Date Started Date Ended Details/

Descriptions
Choosing a Research September 28, 2019 September 29, 2019 The researcher had
problem searched and
observed the
surroundings for a
probable problem to
be solved.
Gathering October 1, 2019 October 4, 2019 The researcher did an
background intensive background
information about the research to connect
chosen problem all of his ideas and
formulate probable
solutions to the
problem.
Preparation for the October 8, 2019 October 10, 2019 The researcher
Title Defense gathered more
information to
support his claims
and studied various
related literatures for
that matter.
Title Defense October 11, 2019 October 11, 2019 From his
conceptualized ideas,
the researcher
introduced and
explained his study
to the panel members
to see its advantages
and disadvantages.
Writing of the October 13, 2019 October 18, 2019 The researcher wrote
Chapter I and formulated the
background of the
study, its
significance, the
scope and
delimitations and the
statement of the
problem of the study.
Various related
literatures were
incorporated to
support the claims
and information
included by the
researcher.
 48

Writing of the October 22, 2019 October 25, 2019 Basing from the
Chapter II related literatures, the
researcher
formulated the
pathway of the
research and
integrated related
literatures to the
procedures to be as
the protocol for the
research study.
Preparation of the November 5, 2019 November 9, 2019 After the formulation
Experiment of the procedures, the
researcher prepared
the materials needed
for the conduct of the
experimentation.
Conduct of the November 12, 2019 December13, 2019 The researcher
Experimentation incorporated the
protocol and
proceeded to the
experimentation. The
step-by-step
procedures were
undertaken.
Pre-testing and Post- December 14, 2019 December 15, 2019 After the conduct of
testing of the Soil the experimentation,
Samples the soil samples were
submitted for post-
testing soil analysis
to see significant
changes from the
experimentation.
Writing of the January 11, 2020 January 16, 2020 Based from the
Chapter III pretesting and
posttesting soil
analysis of the
treatments, the
researcher gathered
data and analyzed it
to formulate answers
to the statement of
the problem. Related
literatures were also
incorporated to
suffice the data
 49

gathered from the

results.
Writing of the January 21, 2020 February 3, 2020 The results and
Chapter IV statistical data were
summarized to reflect
the overall result of
the experimentation.
Recommendations
were also given for
the improvement of
the research study.
Finalizing the whole February 11, 2019 February 15, 2019 The preliminaries
manuscript and the appendices
from the study were
undertaken. Revision
of the incorporated
data were also done.
Improvement of the
information given
was also done. The
research study was
completed and was
prepared for printing.

CURRICULUM VITAE
 50

Personal Information:
Name: Michael John V. Labiano
Age: 18 years old
Address: Brgy. Baritao, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
Sex: Male
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Civil Status: Single
Parents:
Mother: Violeta Labiano
Father: Emilio Labiano Jr.
Educational Background
Elementary: Tagudin Central School
Secondary:
Junior High School: Regional Science High School for Region
Senior High School: I
Regional Science High School for Region
I