La Consolacion University Philippines

Valenzuela St.,

Capitol View Park Subdivision, Bulihan, City of Malolos, Bulacan

INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

IN EARTH SCIENCE

Improving Water Quality in Philippine Communities: A Study on the Effectiveness of

Bamboo Filtration

Group 6

11-STEM 6

Members:

Santos, Elise Gabrielle R.

Santos, Joseph Uriah C.

Santos, Maria Tsina S.

Sulit, Jylyana Lauryze M.

Sumala, Elyka Mhoshane S.

Tampoc, Lean Keith C.

Trinidad, Cara Loriz T.

Yambao, Hannah T. (Leader)

Date:

December 7, 2023

Submitted to:

Mr. Jose Mari Española

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I. PROBLEM

a. How can a bamboo water filtration system enhance access to safe and clean drinking

water using its natural filtration properties?

b. How can a bamboo filtration system be more ideal for replacing a moldy water filter using

its natural properties and accessibility?

c. How to use a bamboo water filtration system to filter water without removing its

minerals?

III. RATIONALE

1. How did you arrive at that kind of problem?

Access to clean and safe water is a major issue in various parts of the

Philippines, such as Bulacan. Contaminated water sources pose a significant risk to

individuals as they can lead to waterborne diseases and other health problems.

Moreover, conventional water filtration methods may prove costly and challenging for

certain rural and low-income populations. Thus, there is a need for developing an

eco-friendly water filtration technology that is locally available and beneficial.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that bamboo is a readily available resource in

the Philippines. It possesses water purification properties making it ideal for ensuring the

cleanliness of drinking water. By studying its effectiveness in purifying water we can

promote utilization of resources and reduce reliance on energy-intensive or costly water

treatment methods. Bamboo filtration holds promise as a low-maintenance solution to

enhance water quality, particularly in communities with limited resources. Exploring this

approach enables us to discover budget-friendly options for treating water. Ultimately this
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investigation serves as a means to enhance water quality and address the needs of

communities facing resource constraints by identifying solutions for water treatment.

2. Why do you like to investigate that kind of problem where in fact there are hundreds of

problems out there?

While there are indeed numerous problems in the world, focusing on this issue is

meaningful because it addresses a basic human need, access to safe drinking water. By

working on solutions for this problem, we can directly improve the quality of life for

communities facing water contamination issues. So, the motivation to investigate this

specific problem lies in its potential to make a positive and immediate difference in

people's lives.

Exploring such issues benefits humanity by ensuring access to clean and safe

water, a fundamental requirement for life. Poor water quality not only leads to waterborne

diseases with immediate health impacts but also serves as a preventive measure

against other health concerns. Enhancing water quality allows communities to alleviate

pressure on their healthcare systems, taking proactive steps toward addressing health

issues. Furthermore, this commitment to improving water quality aligns with the path to

sustainable development.

IV. MATERIALS

a. What are the things you need to solve your problem?

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Materials Quantity/Measurement

Bamboo stalks 5 pieces/1.5 ft

Cheesecloth Sufficient for covering

Gravel or small stones 1 kg

Activated charcoal 500 grams

Sand 2 kg

Rubber bands or strings Sufficient for tying

Plastic containers (various sizes) 5 pieces

Drill or sharp knife 1 piece

Measuring cups and spoons As needed

Water testing kit 1 kit

pH meter 1 piece

V. PROCEDURE

a. What are the orderly steps you are going to take to solve your problem?

1. Preparing Bamboo Stalks:

a. Cut bamboo stalks into 1.5-foot sections.

b. Remove the nodes and membrane from the bamboo sections.

c. Rinse the bamboo sections thoroughly to remove any debris.

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2. Creating Bamboo Filters:

a. Drill or cut a hole near the base of each bamboo section.

b. Place a fine mesh or cheesecloth over the hole, securing it with rubber

bands or strings.

c. Layer the bottom of the bamboo-section with small stones or gravel.

3. Filling Bamboo Filters:

a. Add a layer of activated charcoal on top of the gravel.

b. Follow with a layer of sand on top of the charcoal.

c. Repeat the layers until the bamboo-section is almost full.

4. Setting Up the Filtration System:

a. Place the bamboo filters in plastic containers to collect the filtered water.

b. Ensure that the containers are positioned to collect the filtered water that

passes through the bamboo filters.

5. Testing the Water Quality:

a. Collect water samples before and after filtration.

b. Use a water testing kit to assess the water quality, including testing for

contaminants and pH levels.

c. Record the results for analysis.

b. How are you going to present the data that you will gather? Will it be through graphs or

tables?

1. Present the data using tables and graphs, comparing water quality before and

after filtration.

2. Include visual representations of the effectiveness of the bamboo filtration

system.
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VI. IMPLICATION

a. In case your problem will be solved, what will be its importance to the school or to the

community? Will your findings benefit others?

If the bamboo water filtration system turns out to be successful, the school and

community will greatly benefit from it. The findings could lead to:

1. Community Health Improvement:

a. Decrease in waterborne diseases due to improved water quality.

​ b. Reduced healthcare costs for treating water-related illnesses.

​ c. Good impact on the health of future generations.

​ d. Enhances availability of clean water.

2. Environmental Impact:

a. Promotion of sustainable and eco-friendly water treatment techniques.

​ b. Decrease in the use of energy-intensive water filtration systems.

​ c. Improved agricultural practices.

3. Community Empowerment:

a. Access to a low-cost and locally available water filtering system.

​ b. Enabling local communities to address water quality issues

independently.

​ c. It will give the community the opportunity to gain knowledge about

clean water practices and sustainable behaviors.

4. Sustainable Community

a. Offers cost-effective and sustainable clean water.

b. Provides sustainable clean water without chemicals or electricity.

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​ c. Encourages sustainable resource management practices, ensuring the

long-term health of local ecosystems.

VII. TIMETABLE

a. How are you going to schedule the making of your project against the deadline set by

your teacher? Are your schedules attainable?

Activities Timeline

Research Planning April 1-5

Gathering Materials April 8-12

Bamboo Filter Construction April 15-19

Setting Up Filtration System April 22-26

Water Quality Testing April 29 - May 3

Data Analysis and Presentation May 6-10

Final Report Writing May 13-17

VIII. BUDGET

a. How much does each material you need cost in the market?

Materials Quantity/Measurement Amount

Bamboo stalks 5 pieces/1.5 ft ₱275

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Cheesecloth Sufficient for covering ₱60

Gravel or small stones 1 kg ₱35

Activated charcoal 500 grams ₱45

Sand 2 kg ₱70

Rubber bands or strings Sufficient for tying RECYCLED

Plastic containers (various 5 pieces RECYCLED

sizes)

Drill or sharp knife 1 piece HOUSE MATERIAL

Measuring cups and spoons As needed RECYCLED

Water testing kit 1 kit ₱60

pH meter 1 piece ₱280

TOTAL AMOUNT ₱825

b. How much are you going to spend on the project as a group? How much will be the

contribution of each member?

The amount that we will spend on the group project is ₱825 and the contribution

of each member will be ₱100.

c. Do your parents approve of your budget? Did your leader inform them about the possible

expenses through a letter?

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Yes, our parents approved of our budget, and our leader informed them about the

possible expenses through a letter.

IX. REFERENCES

Hornaday, F. (2022, May 19). Bamboo for water purification. Bambu Batu.

https://bambubatu.com/bamboo-for-water-purification/