Chapter 3

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, sampling method and

techniques, instrumentation, research methods and procedures, and data analysis

used in this study. It also includes Ethical considerations dealing with human

participants, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, and

hazardous activities and devices.

Research Design

The researchers will employ an experimental research type of qualitative

research in this study by testing three different types of methods to purify

wastewater into industrial water and will identify which of the three is the most

efficient way to purify wastewater.

An experimental design is the process of carrying out research in an

objective and controlled fashion so that precision is maximized, and specific

conclusions can be drawn regarding a hypothesis statement.¹ Generally, the

purpose is to establish the effect that a factor or independent variable has on a

dependent variable. This study aims to identify what is the most efficient of the

three methods of purifying wastewater (Distillation, Filtering, and Water

Treatment).

¹ Mishra, Srikanta, and Akhil Datta–Gupta. “Experimental Design and Response Surface Analysis.”
Elsevier eBooks, January 1, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-803279-4.00007-9.
 This study also aims to know the possible ways to manage, purify, and

produce industrial water from wastewater for people who lack in ability to acquire

commercial water.

Furthermore, experimental research seeks to identify sustainable ways of

wastewater purification that are used for environmental sustainability purposes as

well as the most efficient method out of all the given methods.

Sampling Technique and Procedures

The researchers have specifically targeted common household wastewater

as our focus due to its relevance to everyday lives. Purposive sampling technique

is a type of non-probability sampling that is most effective when one needs to

study a certain cultural domain with knowledgeable experts within.¹ Purposive

sampling may also be used with both qualitative and quantitative research

techniques. The inherent bias of the method contributes to its efficiency, and the

method stays robust even when tested against random probability sampling. The

selection of this wastewater type serves as the basis for obtaining samples

through three distinct methods of purification. These methods include distillation of

wastewater, filtration using pebbles, carbon, and filter paper, and the application

of water treatment chemicals for wastewater purification, and then measuring the

pH of the resultant mixture.

¹ Tongco, Ma.D.C. “Purposive Sampling as a Tool for Informant Selection.” ResearchGate,

January 1, 2007.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285632539_Purposive_sampling_as_a_tool_for_informa
nt_selection#:~:text=The%20purposive%20sampling%20technique%20is,qualitative%20and
%20quantitative%20research%20techniques.

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 The study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of these

purification methods on common household wastewater. The samples will be

collected systematically, and the entire study will be conducted using this targeted

approach to ensure the applicability of our findings to household wastewater

treatment. In addition, according to Campbell et al. (2020), the reason for

purposive sampling is the better matching of the sample to the aims and

objectives of the research, thus improving the rigor of the study and the

trustworthiness of the data and results. This sampling technique was employed to

selectively choose common household wastewater as a particular type used in the

study.

Instrumentation

This experimental study includes controlled observations and a collection

of household wastewater and pH level papers after the experiment. For the

researchers to conduct this experimental research, a letter of permission is used

to gain access to a laboratory. During the controlled observation, a smartphone’s

stopwatch is used to time each purification process and list the time and pH levels

of each method’s tries.

¹ Campbell, Steve, Melanie Greenwood, Sarah Prior, Toniele Shearer, Kerrie Walkem, Sarah
Young, Danielle Bywaters, and Kim Walker. "Purposive sampling: complex or simple? Research
case examples." Journal of research in Nursing 25, no. 8 (2020): 652-661.)

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 For controlled observation, the researchers will watch closely during each

purification process. A notebook and a pen will be used to write down the time of

each purification process as well as their measured pH level during the controlled

observation.

For the collection of household wastewater, a dipper will be used to collect

the used water from the kitchen sink, water from the shower, under the pot of the

watered plant, and spilled water on the ground that contains dirt. All of the

collected wastewater will be contained in a one-gallon container and will be

transported to the laboratory for experimentation.

For the filtering, the researchers will use a cut half-one-point-five plastic

bottle containing filter paper at the bottom, followed by 400 grams of carbon, and

then one small layer of marble pebbles. 100 ml of wastewater will be put on each

try.

For the distillation, a pot will be used to boil the wastewater, and aluminum

foil will be molded on top of it to catch the rising vapor and then collect it into the

paper cup.

For the water treatment, a mixture of three chemicals is called ACH

(aluminum chloralhydrate), polymer, and pH adjuster. 800 ml of wastewater along

with 25 ml of the chemical mixture will be vigorously shaken inside a 1 L plastic

bottle for 30 seconds and placed on a table for the waste to settle down.

For the collection of the pH levels of each try, each pH level of each

method will be tested by dipping a pH paper in each 100-ml sample and writing in

a notebook.

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Data Gathering Procedures

Permission for the use of the laboratory: In anticipation of our upcoming

experimentation, formal permission will be diligently sought from the educators

within the STEM strand. The specific requirements of our experiment will lead to

the creation of tailored methodologies, including the strategic implementation of

distillation and water treatment processes. This approach is crucial, as we aim to

transform water samples sourced from industrial wastewater into a usable and

practical form. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the experimentation

outcomes, a precision instrument in the form of a pH tester will be provided. This

instrument, which functions as a decisive indicator, will be applied to the samples

derived from industrial wastewater. Its utilization serves as conclusive evidence of

the success or otherwise of our experimental endeavors. This commitment to

thoroughness and precision underscores our dedication to adhering to a

comprehensive and rigorous scientific methodology throughout the entirety of the

experimentation process.

Collection of Household Wastewater:

For the collection of household wastewater, a dipper will be used to collect

the used water from the kitchen sink, water from the shower, under the pot of the

watered plant, and spilled water on the ground that contains dirt. All of the

collected wastewater will be contained in a one-gallon container and will be

transported to the laboratory for experimentation.

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Preparation for the Experimentation:

In anticipation of our forthcoming experimentation, meticulous preparations

have been set in motion, encompassing the acquisition of the requisite materials

and chemicals essential for water treatment. This involved the proactive step of

seeking permission from the water district, a process facilitated by the drafting of a

comprehensive letter outlining the purpose and requirements of our endeavor.

Beyond this, an array of additional materials has been procured to accommodate

various aspects of our experimental methods, including the necessary provisions

for fire to facilitate the distillation process. Moreover, paramount importance has

been accorded to safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of individuals engaged

in the experimentation. To this end, robust safety measures have been

established, complemented by the provision of adequate safety equipment. This

holistic approach underscores our commitment to conducting the experimentation

with the utmost care, diligence, and consideration for the well-being of all involved

parties.

The preliminary method will be conducted at Vivant Palawan National

School. The results will be observed and gathered through controlled observation

by the researchers. Each sample will be tested by a pH tester and then written

down.

Test for filtering: Assemble the filtration apparatus, which typically includes

a half-cut 1.5-litre plastic bottle that contains a layer of filtration paper, 400 grams

of carbon, and a small layer of pebble marbles on top. 100 ml of wastewater will

be put on each try.

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 Test for Distillation: Boiling the wastewater inside the pot and collecting the

vapors by molding aluminum foil on top of it to catch the rising vapor and then

collecting it into the paper cup.

Test for Water Treatment: A mixture of three chemicals is called ACH

(aluminum chlorohydrate), polymer, and pH adjuster. 800 ml of wastewater along

with 25 ml of the chemical mixture will be vigorously shaken inside a 1 L plastic

bottle for 30 seconds and placed on a table for the waste to settle down.

For the collection of the pH levels of each try, each pH level of each

method will be tested by dipping a pH paper in each 100-ml sample and writing it

in a notebook.

Data Analysis

In the data analysis, the data gathered by the researchers is identified and

examined, which will help us conclude our study. First, the researchers will be

conducting a controlled observation in the Vivant laboratory at Palawan National

School to gather the needed data. The researchers will be using a combination of

descriptive and inferential statistics to answer the researcher's problems.

Descriptive Statistics

Descriptive statistics are the kind of information presented in just a few

words to describe the basic features of the data in a study, such as the mean and
standard deviation.¹

¹ Mishra, Prabhaker, Chandra M. Pandey, Uttam Singh, Anshul Gupta, Chinmoy Sahu, and Amit
Keshri. "Descriptive statistics and normality tests for statistical data." Annals of cardiac
anaesthesia 22, no. 1 (2019): 67.

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 To determine how long each of the three wastewater purification processes

takes, our research relies on descriptive statistics. Specifically, we calculate the

mean (average) duration from data collected during 15 trials in the experimental

phase.

This mean duration provides a central value representing the typical time

for each purification method. Using descriptive statistics in this way ensures a

clear and comprehensive analysis, enhancing our understanding of the time

dynamics in wastewater purification processes.

Inferential Statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

The researchers used inferential statistics for the pH levels, and their

significant differences can be shown. Inferential statistics aims to find a general

pattern or feature of a large group by analyzing a smaller sample size with the

expectation that the findings will apply to the larger group.¹ Use either the ANOVA

or the t-test to see if group means differ. The ANOVA can be applied to two or

more groups, but the t-test can only be applied to two groups. An ANOVA could

be used, for instance, to determine if groups assigned to one of three distinct

interventions differ significantly in terms of a primary outcome measure or

dependent variable.²

¹ “Basic Inferential Statistics - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University,” n.d.

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/writing_with_statistics/
basic_inferential_statistics.html.

² Guetterman, Timothy C. "Basics of statistics for primary care research." Family medicine
and community health 7, no. 2 (2019).

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Based on Guetterman and Timothy C., the ANOVA will be the best fit for the

researcher's analysis of data as the research contains three group means, in this

case, the 15 tries of filtering, distillation, and water treatment done in the

laboratory. The researchers specifically used One-Way ANOVA. The means of

three or more independent groups are compared using a one-way ANOVA

("analysis of variance") to see if the corresponding population means differ

statistically significantly.¹

For finding the mean, the given formula will be used:

x̄ = ( Σ xi ) / n

x̄ being the sample mean.

Σ is summation notation.

xi all of the x-values.

n the number of items in the sample

Since the researchers have three different methods to compare, the researchers
predicted that the data will not align with a specific amount of purified wastewater
if the researchers take a specific amount of purified water.

The following are the formulas for the data after finding the sum and average of
each method to balance the amount of purified wastewater:

¹ Zach. “One-Way ANOVA: Definition, Formula, and Example.” Statology, December 21, 2021.
https://www.statology.org/one-way-anova/.

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Between Groups Degrees of Freedom: DF = k − 1 , where k is the number of

groups.

Within Groups Degrees of Freedom: DF = N − k , where N is the total number of

subjects.

Total Degrees of Freedom: DF = N – 1

Sum of Squares Between Groups: SSB = Ski=1ni (xi − x)2 , where ni is the number

of subjects in the i-th group

Sum of Squares Within Groups: SSW = Ski=1(ni − 1) Si2 , where Si is the standard

deviation of the i-th group.

Total Sum of Squares: SST = SSB + SSW

Mean Square Between Groups: MSB = SSB / (k − 1)

Mean Square Within Groups: MSW = SSW / (N − k)

F-Statistic (or F-ratio): F = MSB / MSW

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Risk and Safety

The researchers aim to convert household wastewater into usable water with a

focus on safety. Special care is taken during chemical applications for water

treatment due to their potential hazards, emphasizing the prevention of accidental

ingestion. Distillation, a key aspect of the experiment, is approached with awareness

of risks such as severe burns, prompting strict safety protocols. Every phase of the

experiment, from chemical handling to distillation, is executed with meticulous care.

This conscientious approach is driven not only by the pursuit of experimental success

but also by a commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved. The

research team aims for a comprehensive and successful outcome in transforming

industrial wastewater into a valuable resource while prioritizing the well-being of

everyone engaged in the process.

Ethical Considerations

To address ethical considerations, the researchers endeavor to uphold the

ethical principles outlined in Republic Act No. 11058, placing paramount importance

on occupational safety and health standards. Rigorous measures have been

meticulously integrated into the study's design to guarantee the protection and well-

being of all participants and researchers involved in the research process. These

precautions extend across all phases, from initial data collection to subsequent

analysis, ensuring that potential risks or hazards are mitigated to the fullest extent

possible.

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Hazardous Chemicals, Activities, and Devices

The researchers will use reactive, flammable, and corrosive chemicals such as

aluminum chlorohydrate, pH adjusters, and polymers. Appliances such as portable

gas stoves and casseroles will be used for boiling, a method that we will use in our

study.

Waste Disposal

Used aluminum chlorohydrate shall be neutralized with a base. Proceed to

dilute the solution to reduce its concentration. Lastly, add a suitable reagent to form a

solid precipitate for easier disposal. Non-hazardous waste will be properly sealed and

sent to its proper waste disposal.

Human Participant

Experimental research on household wastewater will be conducted through

controlled observation in a laboratory to determine the best method to purify

household wastewater. The amount of wastewater that will be used is 1 gallon. The

sample will be selected by purposive sampling and must be common household

wastewater, and approval from the stem-strand school head will be secured before

any experimentation is conducted in the laboratory. A controlled observation with

three methods—filtration, distillation, and water treatment—will be prepared for

experimentation. The purpose and benefits of this experiment are to find the best

method to purify household wastewater to have a new source of water. The

researchers will guarantee that their experiment will find the best method of purifying

household wastewater. The researchers will provide the result of controlled

observation in the laboratory.

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