Talisay (Terminalia catappa) Fruit and Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Manure

as Biogas

A Research Proposal Presented to

the Faculty of the Senior High School
Dr Vicente F Gustilo Memorial National High School
Cadiz City

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Course
Practical Research 2

By
Maekhaella Daniella B. Descalsota
Jade C. Divinagracia
Julianne Lara Bona
John Vincent Saturinas
Rea Agosto
Geraldine Argel
Leorie Mae Escosia
12 STEM- GERMAIN

OCTOBER 2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tittle Page Page

I. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................…1

Background of the Study............................................................................................1-2

Statement of the Problem...............................................................................................3

Hypothesis......................................................................................................................3

Significance of the Study...............................................................................................4

Scope of the Study.........................................................................................................4

Definition of Terms.......................................................................................................5

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE............................................................6-8

Theoretical Framework.................................................................................................9

Conceptual Framework................................................................................................10

References...............................................................................................................11

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 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the global reaction to it stand to make the
situation worse including sending gas prices soaring (Stewart, 2022). Russia's dominance
is particularly evident in Europe, where it supplies more than 20% of the continent's oil
and more than 30% of its gas (Muqsit, 2022). Southeast Asian economies are also bracing
for the effect of higher prices of crude oil and natural gas (Jakubec, 2022). The United
Nations finds that prices are now 75% higher than pre-pandemic levels, and the rise in
prices is palpable in Southeast Asia, where the average inflation rate has increased by
3.8% from January 2021 to April 2022 (CSIS, 2022). The inflation rate for ASEAN as a
group increased from 3.1% in 2021 to 4.7% in 2022 (Huda, 2022). In the rest of the
world, the economic consequences will be felt mainly through the rise in commodity
prices, which will fuel already existing inflationary pressures (Coface, 2022).

Filipinos have been experiencing the rose of inflation rate in the country. The rate
of increase in prices of goods in the Philippines jumped to the top end of the
government’s target band as Russia’s attack on Ukraine sent oil and commodity prices
soaring (Rivas, 2022). According to PSA’s report, inflation figures for June 2022 were
higher than the 5.4% recorded in May 2022, and compared to June 2021’s 3.7% (PSA,
2022). In addition, preliminary data from the PSA showed the consumer price index
(CPI) eased to 6.3% year on year in August, from the nearly four-year high of 6.4% in
July. It remained significantly higher than the 4.4% seen in August 2021 (Business
World, 2022). Overall, headline inflation marginally eased in August following five
consecutive months of increases. However, core inflation rose further, which is indicative
of underlying price pressure and strong domestic demand (World Bank Group, 2022).

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 The inflation rate in Western Visayas continued to rise to 6.9% in July 2022 from
6.2% in June 2022. A report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) VI said the
average inflation in the region from January to July 2022 is recorded at 5.2%. The
inflation in July of the previous year was lower at 3.7% (PIA, 2022). Among the
provinces in the region, Negros Occidental had the fastest inflation rate at 8.2% growth
while Iloilo had the slowest movement with 4.0% in June 2022. For the HUCs in the
region, Iloilo City recorded 7.3% inflation rate, while Bacolod City had 5.1% inflation
rate during the period (PSA, 2022). As a result of the region's aforementioned inflation
rate, prices for basic goods increased, including gas prices, which is observed to have a
significant impact on local consumers within Cadiz City.

Inflation is a decrease in the purchasing power of money, reflected in a general

increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy affecting people With
problems associated with rise of gasoline price due to inflation, there are some initiatives
that were undertaken to solve the problem; To reduce inflationary pressures, the
Philippines recently doubled its fuel subsidy programme for public transport and also
plans to increase the use of coal in electricity generation (Huda, 2022). Though, there are
several reasons for the lack of immediate practical solutions to close the gap. This
includes the time it will take to increase the capacity of alternative energy sources, such
as renewables, nuclear energy and natural gas; and particularly liquified natural gas
OPEC's spare oil capacity is already stretched thin; and while coal could be used to meet
some energy needs, it would jeopardize the industry's—and the world's—commitment to
decarbonization (Muqsit, 2022). Thus, the researchers aims to fill the gap, particularly
methodological research gap, which is known as the missing gap of knowledge on a more
appropriate underlying methods which can be used in research instead of the previously
one.

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 One unfavorable consequence of inflation, both internationally and locally, is that
it disproportionately affects low-income households, whose budgets are dominated by
expenses like food and gas, leaving little room for discretionary spending. Considering
the problem, the researchers were persuaded to analyze the constituents of talisay fruit
and rabbit manure to be utilized as biogas. The study seeks to determine the effectiveness
of talisay fruit and rabbit manure as biogas in terms of its density, flammability and
viscosity. Density will be measured using a weighing scale, flammability will be tested
by how quickly it will ignite in a coal, and density will be measured using a coin and the
time it will sink to the bottom.

Findings of this study will benefit local consumers since they may opt from
choosing cost-effective and environment friendly biogas as a substitute for commercial
ones. This would also help them save and spend their money on other necessities.
Furthermore, the findings of this research will provide an in-depth knowledge of the topic
and will be used as a foundation for future research studies. The conclusions of this study
are meant to motivate future researchers to delve deeper into biogas production methods,
as well as by modifying, adding, or exploiting new variables. The local government will
also benefit from this study because the findings will serve as a guide for providing
programs that use eco-friendly and cost-effective biogas, allowing their people to manage
their budgets and cope with inflation, particularly with rising gasoline prices.

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Statement of the Problem

The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Talisay

(Terminalia catappa) fruit and Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Manure as Biogas

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Is there a significant difference between Talisay Fruit and Rabbit Manure to be used as
an alternative biogas and gasoline in terms of:

a. density

b. flammability

c. viscosity

Hypothesis

1. There is no significant difference between Talisay Fruit and Rabbit Manure to be used
as biogas and gasoline in terms of:

a. density

b. flammability

d. viscosity

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Significance of the Study

This study will primarily help local consumers, future researchers, and the local
government. Due to the high cost of using gasoline, another intervention was developed.
Through the formulation of biogas out of Talisay fruit and rabbit manure, and if it is
shown to be a substitute and significantly more effective than commercial ones, with the
intervention that the researchers suggested, affected consumers can utilize the Talisay
fruit and rabbit manure as biogas since it is affordable and environmentally friendly. It
can help local consumers in a way that they may opt for eco-friendly and cost-efficient
biogas as a substitute for commercial ones. This would also help them save and spend
their money on other necessities. Also, the findings of this research will provide an in-
depth knowledge of the topic and will be used as a foundation for future research studies.
The findings of this study are intended to inspire future researchers to dig deeper
primarily into the methods of producing biogas and also by modifying, adding, or
utilizing additional variables. Also, the local government will benefit from this study for
the results will serve as their guide to provide programs with the use of eco-friendly and
cost-efficient biogas, helping their people manage their budget and be able to cope with
inflation mainly with the soaring prices of gasoline.

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Scope of the Study

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Talisay (Terminalia catappa)

Fruit and Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) manure as biogas. The research will be carried
out for three (3) months, from November to January 2023, and will take place in the
researcher's home in Villa Barbas, Brgy. Zone II, Cadiz City. The Talisay (Terminalia
catappa) Fruit and Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Manure will be collected from the
homes of the researchers and will undergo Anaerobic digestion process to be able to
produce gas. The researchers will therefore test the effectiveness of biogas through its
density, flammability and viscosity . Density is used to test the effectiveness of biogas
which is measured as the quantity per unit volume, unit area, or unit length Thus,
density will be measured using a weighing scale. Also, the efficacy of biogas can also be
measured through its flammability. Flammability is the ability of a chemical to burn or
ignite, causing fire or combustion. Thus, flammability will be tested by how quickly it
will ignite in a coal. Moreover, viscosity test will be used to determine the effectiveness
of biogas. Viscosity is the resistance of a fluid (liquid or gas) to a change in shape, or
movement of neighbouring portions relative to one another (Britannica, n.d). Thus,
viscosity will be measured using a coin dropped in a glass with biogas and the time it
will sink to the bottom. The findings of this study can be utilized by the local consumers
since it’s cost-effective and environment-friendly as compared to commercialized ones.

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Definition of Terms

For better understanding of the terms used in this study, the following are
operationally and conceptually defined:

Anaerobic digestion is a process through which bacteria break down organic

matter—such as animal manure, wastewater biosolids, and food wastes—in the absence
of oxygen (Environmental Protection Agency, 2022). In this study, it refers to the process
of making biogas.

Biogas is an environmentally-friendly, renewable energy source. It’s produced

when organic matter, such as food or animal waste, is broken down by microorganisms in
the absence of oxygen, in a process called anaerobic digestion (Nationalgrid, 2022). In
this study, it is what we want to achieve.

Density is the quantity per unit volume, unit area, or unit length (Merriam-
Webster, n.d). In this study, it’s the basis to compare biogas to gasoline.

Flammability is the ability of a chemical to burn or ignite, causing fire or

combustion (Little Pro, 2016). In this study, it’s the basis to compare biogas to
gasoline.

Gasoline means solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel which is ordinarily produced,

manufactured, or sold for the purpose of creating heat (Law Insider, 2022). In this study,
it refers to the comparison of biogas to gasoline.

Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Manure is organic matter and improves poor

soil structure, drainage and moisture retention (Sandborn, 2016). In this study, it refers to
research variable.

Talisay (Terminalia catappa) is a Malayan tree having edible seeds, planted

widely in the tropics as a street tree (Dictionary, 2022). In this study, it refers to research
variable.

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 Viscosity is the resistance of a fluid (liquid or gas) to a change in shape, or
movement of neighbouring portions relative to one another (Britannica, n.d). In this
study, it’s the basis to compare biogas to gasoline.

Review of Related Literature

Inflation hits the lowest-income families harder because items such as gasoline and
food make up a much larger portion of their budgets, leaving less for discretionary
spending (Williams, 2022). Due to the war between Ukraine and Russia, Russia has cut
off the gas supply to Europe and is caused the biggest energy crisis. It is also the cause
why the gas prices rose. The conflict has roiled global markets, causing stock market
turmoil, sending gas prices higher, and injecting even more uncertainty into an already
off-balance worldwide economy. It’s also sparked concerns that inflation, already
running hot, could run even hotter (Stewart, 2022). Aside from the pandemic, filipinos
have been battling with the rising inflation rate in the country. Inflation is all about
having to pay more for the same goods and services that you used to afford at a lower
cost.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, from 2.1% in May 2020, the
inflation rate rose to 4.5% in May 2021, which shows an increase of more than 100%. In
addition, PSA's report for June 2022 was higher than the 5.4% recorded in May 2022 as
compared to June 2021's 3.7%, and most of the time, the rise in income is not able to
keep up with inflation, which puts a heavier challenge on making ends meet (Sunlife,
2021). The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said that the inflation rate in Western
Visayas soared to 6.2 percent in June compared to the national average of 6.1 percent
(Yap, 2022). All six provinces in Western Visayas registered a continued uptrend in
inflation rates in July 2022. Guimaras recorded the highest inflation of 8.7 percent, while
Iloilo had the lowest at 5.3 percent. Of the two highly urbanized cities in the region, Iloilo
City recorded 8.9 percent while Bacolod City had a 4.2 percent inflation rate, respectively
(PSA, 2022).

Due to inflation, all basic commodities rose including gas prices. Through this, it is
observed that gas price hikes highly affect consumers living in Cadiz City. In this study,

i.
it is observed that Filipinos have been battling with inflation as the implications of the
Ukraine and Russia wars, which are linked and have resulted in price increases in basic
commodities such as gasoline. However, the immediate implementation of clean and
renewable energy seems to be far-fetched due to high capital costs and inadequate
infrastructure (Mohammad et. Al, 2021).

Given that inflation circulates and has a significant impact on the way of life of
Filipinos, it is observed that there is a lack of remedies and other alternative approaches
within the local community to counteract gasoline price spikes, which disproportionately
affect individuals living in Cadiz City. Thus, this study seeks to fill the gap, specifically,
the methodological research gap as a researcher may propose a method to address a
particular aspect in life or research which is more fitting to realize improved research
findings than before (Mbuva, 2022).

Composition of Biogas

Biogas is a combustible gas whose main components include methane and carbon
dioxide. It can be used for energy production in a combined heat and power unit or can be
fed to the natural gas grid after upgrading and conditioning (Raychaudhuri, 2022). Biogas
is produced from organic matter, which is degraded by microorganisms in an anaerobic
fermentation (digestion) process. Biogas is the end product of a biological mediated
process, the so called anaerobic digestion, in which different microorganisms, follow
diverse metabolic pathways to decompose the organic matter (EPA, 2022). The process
has been known since ancient times and was widely applied at domestic households
providing heat and power for hundreds of years.

Nowadays, the biogas sector is rapidly growing and novel achievements create the
foundation for constituting biogas plants as advanced bioenergy factories (Kougias,
2018). Also, biogas production technology has led to the growth of a number of biogas
appliances for lighting, cooking, heating, incubating and electricity generation. The most
commonly used appliance for cooking purposes in both households and institutions is the
biogas stove. However, some households are using biogas lamps for lighting their homes
(Tumwesige, 2014).

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Composition of Talisay (Terminalia catappa) Fruit

Talisay seed/fruit contains 51.2 percent fixed oil, Catappa oil, with 54% olein,
palmitin, and 46 % stearin. Physiochemical analysis of sun dried mesocarp of fruits
revealed about 12.65% ash, 84.93% carbohydrate, 0.37% oil, 316 mg/g glucose, 0.1%
protein, 1.30 mg/g tannin, 1.95% moisture, with 3434.5 kcal/kg calorific value. Talisay
seeds yield 4.13% moisture, 23.78% crude protein, 4.27% ash, 4.94% crude fiber,
51.80% fat, 16.02% carbohydrate and 548.78 Kcal calorific value (Philippine Medicinal
Plants, 2018).

Composition of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Manure

Rabbit Manure is packed with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, minerals and

micronutrients. It contains beneficial trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, boron.
Rabbit manure is also higher in phosphorus than the other manures. It is not as smelly as
other manures and is easy to handle. It also helps with the transformation of solar energy
to chemical energy (Sandborn, 2016).

Carbohydrates have a very high conversion rate in methane. Anaerobic

degradation of these substrates can result in excessive formation and accumulation of
VFA, leading to a decrease in pH and process shutdown. Proteins have a high conversion
rate with a theoretical biogas generation. When compounded with nitrogen, their
degradation can lead to the formation and accumulation of ammonia, leading to an
increase in pH and inhibition. Due to their high carbon content, they have the highest rate
of biogas generation (Sustainability, 2020). Accordingly, the researcher came to the
conclusion that talisay with a high percentage of carbohydrates may have a higher
likelihood of producing methane, while rabbit manure with a combination of proteins and
nitrogen will result in the formation of carbon dioxide, which is primarily required in the
production of biogas ( a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide).

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 As stated to the constituents of Talisay fruit, it consist a large percentage of
carbohydrates. Carbohydrates have high biogas potential due to the ease of its chemical
biodegradation (Alibardi & Cossu, 2016). The help of nitrogen from the constituents of
rabbit manure, during the anaerobic digestion, carbon to nitrogen has effects on methane
production yield and it is a very important factor for the stable operation. The C/N ratio
represents the amount of carbon and nitrogen in the feedstock and is an important process
parameter for high solids AD. Both carbon and nitrogen are vital for the microbial cell
growth and functioning. Nitrogen present in the feedstock facilitates the synthesis of
amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, while carbon acts as the structural unit as well as
the energy source for microbes (Khanal, et. Al, 2019). Overall, based on the presented
articles relating to a previous study of biogas and the constituents found in Talisay
(Terminalia catappa) seeds and rabbit manure, it is said that it can be a potential biogas.

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Theoretical Framework

The study theorizes that Talisay (Terminalia catappa) Fruit and Rabbit (Oryctolagus
cuniculus) Manure will be an effective alternative biogas. Biogas is a mixture of gases
mainly methane and CO2 suitable for cooking, heating, electricity generation, and for
transport fuel (Fuel, 2016). Biogas can be produced from the fermentation of organic
matter. This so-called anaerobic digestion. AD occurs naturally in landfills or in a more
controlled and efficient manner in biogas systems re-using biowastes such as excrement,
plant material, and sewage (Da Costa Gomez, 2013).

As stated to the constituents of Talisay fruit, it consists a large percentage of

carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (Feldman,
2021). Carbohydrates have high biogas potential due to the ease of its chemical
biodegradation (Alibardi & Cossu, 2016). The help of nitrogen from the constituents of
rabbit manure, during the anaerobic digestion, carbon to nitrogen has effects on methane
production yield and it is a very important factor for the stable operation. The C/N ratio
represents the amount of carbon and nitrogen in the feedstock and is an important process
parameter for high solids AD.

Both carbon and nitrogen are vital for the microbial cell growth and functioning.
Nitrogen present in the feedstock facilitates the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, and
nucleic acids, while carbon acts as the structural unit as well as the energy source for
microbes (Khanal, et. Al, 2019). The carbon to nitrogen ratio is maintained between 20
and 30 for better biogas conversion because bacteria consume carbon at a rate 30 times
faster than nitrogen (Muthudineshkumar et. Al, 2019). Overall, based on the presented
articles relating to a previous study of biogas and the constituents found in Talisay fruit
and rabbit manure, it is said that it can be a potential biogas which is much more cost-
effective and environment-friendly as compared to gasoline.

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Conceptual Framework

The model depicts inflation mainly with gas prices as the major concern and problem
of this study. The researchers evaluated a solution to lessen its impact on consumers and
concluded with the production of biogas out of Talisay fruit and Rabbit manure. The
researchers devised a study to determine the significant difference in the effectiveness of
alternative biogas from Talisay fruit and rabbit manure when compared to gasoline in
terms of: density, flammability and viscosity. After evaluating and obtaining the desired
result, the researchers will provide recommendations to the residents of Cadiz City who
have been experiencing the problems associated with inflation and the rose of other basic
commodities including gas prices so that they will have a cost-effective and environment-
friendly biogas.

Figure 1.

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i.
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