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Effect of Activated Carbon and Sawdust as a Component of a Water Filter System on the

Turbidity and pH Level of the Tap Water

Submitted in Fulfillment

of the Requirement for

Capstone Project

John Lourence Alfiscar

Francis Gabriel Cayao

Brian Jorilla

Janray Lacbanes

Fritz Andrew Flores

John Carl Yanson

Sunja Marie Salido

Erean Dawne Sumande

Krisza Mae Udani

Student Researchers

Sheryl Alayon

Capstone Project Adviser

April 2023

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL HIGH SCHOOL

Division of Negros Occidental

Region VI
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ABSTRACT

This study looked at how sawdust and activated carbon affected the pH and turbidity of tap

water. A commercial water filter (Set-up D) and three experimental configurations with different

sawdust and activated charcoal ratios (Set-ups A, B, and C) were among the four setups that

were looked at. Turbidity and pH levels were measured and contrasted. The experimental setups

consistently produced slightly acidic water, whereas the commercial water filter consistently

produced neutral water (pH 7). Set-up C (50 g sawdust and 50 g activated charcoal) produced

water with a mean pH of 6.83, Set-up B (40 g sawdust and 60 g activated charcoal) produced

water with a mean pH of 6.67, and Set-up A (20 g sawdust and 80 g activated charcoal) produced

water with a mean pH of 6.3. Set-up C produced the most acidic water. The various setups had

different turbidity levels. The commercial water filter showed the clearest water with the lowest

turbidity levels (mean 10 NTU). The mean turbidity of Set-ups C and B was 20 NTU, Set-up A

was 50 NTU, and Set-up A had the greatest mean turbidity.

The experiment sets produced slightly acidic water with varied turbidity, while the

commercial filter produced neutral pH and clearer water, the study showed that adding activated

carbon and sawdust to the water filter system altered turbidity and pH. These results highlight

how important filter composition is for optimum water quality. To investigate new parameters for

comparing various filter materials for water purification, more study is required.

Keywords: sawdust, activated carbon, pH, turbidity, tap water, commercial water filter, mean pH,

turbidity levels, filter composition, water purification.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals

for their financial, physical, mental, and emotional contributions to the success of this research

project.

To our beloved parents and family, who went to great lengths to morally support us while

also meeting our financial needs, as well as to be with me and guide me.

To Mrs. Sheryl Alayon, our Capstone advisor, for her concerns, feedback, time and

commitment in directing the researchers in the study.

To Sumande’s family, for letting us conduct our project in their house, and for

accommodating our needs.

To the Barangay Estefania officials, for letting us conduct the project in their barangay.

To Cayao’s family, for letting us do our papers at their house and for providing us enough

food.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page........................................................................................................................................ 1
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.............................................................................................................3
TABLE OF CONTENTS...............................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 6
Background of the Study........................................................................................................... 6
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES.................................................................................................... 10
HYPOTHESES........................................................................................................................ 10
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK............................................................................................ 11
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY.................................................................... 12
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY........................................................................................ 13
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE................................................................................. 16
Water Pollution........................................................................................................................ 16
Pollutants................................................................................................................................. 17
Water Filter System..................................................................................................................18
Sawdust.................................................................................................................................... 19
Activated Charcoal/Activated Carbon..................................................................................... 19
METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................................... 21
RESEARCH DESIGN............................................................................................................. 21
SAMPLES OF THE STUDY.................................................................................................. 21
SAMPLING TECHNIQUE AND SAMPLE SIZE .............................................................. . 22
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT......................................................................................... 23
FLOWCHART OF THE PROCEDURE................................................................................. 23
PROCEDURE..........................................................................................................................24
DATA GATHERING............................................................................................................... 25
DATA ANALYSIS...................................................................................................................26
RESULT........................................................................................................................................27
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................ 29
RECOMMENDATION............................................................................................................... 30
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................31
TIMETABLE................................................................................................................................34
APPENDIX...................................................................................................................................35
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INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Tap water, also known as faucet water, running water, or municipal water is water

supplied through a tap, a water dispenser valve (Rd, 2020). In many countries, tap water usually

has the quality of drinking water. Tap water is commonly used for drinking, cooking, washing,

and toilet flushing. Indoor tap water is distributed through indoor plumbing, which has existed

since antiquity but was available to very few people until the second half of the 19th century

when it began to spread in popularity in what are now developed countries. Tap water became

common in many regions during the 20th century, and is now lacking mainly among people in

poverty, especially in developing countries. The quality of tap water is frequently regulated by

government agencies (Brook, 2019). Household water purification methods such as water filters,

boiling, or distillation can be used to treat microbial contamination in tap water to improve its

potability. A major subfield of sanitary engineering is the application of technologies such as

water treatment plants involved in providing clean water to homes, businesses, and public

buildings. The term "tap water" distinguishes a water supply from the other major types of

freshwater that may be available, which include water from rainwater-collecting cisterns, water

from village or town pumps, water from wells, or water carried from streams, rivers, or lakes

whose potability may vary (Water Tech Philippines, n.d.).

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In the Philippines, 91% of the country's estimated 100.7 million people have access to at

least basic water services; however, access varies greatly across the country, with regional access

ranging from 62% to 100%. Around 99% of the richest one-fifth of households have access to

basic water services, while only 80% of the poorest quintile do (Yuki, 2021). Additionally, a

minimum of 2 billion people around the world depend on contaminated drinking water sources.

The biggest threat to the safety of drinking water is microbial contamination brought on by

excrement. An estimated 829,000 individuals each year are thought to pass away from diarrhea

as a result of poor hand hygiene, sanitation, and drinking water. According to World Health

Organization studies (2022), people may decide that handwashing is not important when water is

limited, raising the risk of diarrhea and other diseases.

Water turbidity, which is brought on by dissolved chemical and biological particles, can

have an impact on both water quality and aesthetics for the supply of tap water. Although

turbidity in and of itself may not necessarily pose a direct threat to public health, it can

nevertheless reveal the presence of pathogenic microorganisms can serve as a reliable warning

sign for dangerous situations anywhere along the water supply chain, from the source to the point

of use ( World Health Organization, 2017). According to De Roos, A. J., Gurian, P. L., Robinson,

L. F., Rai, A., Zakeri, I., & Kondo, M. C. (2017), water turbidity, which measures how cloudy

the water is, is frequently used as a stand-in for microbial contamination. Turbidity and

microbiological contamination of filtered drinking water and source water are connected.
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According to Cirino E. (2019), municipal drinking water providers maintain their water's

pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Extremely low or high pH levels in water can indicate chemical or

heavy metal pollution. Even if water is alkaline and outside the "safe" pH range of 6.5 to 8.5, it

may not be dangerous. But extremely alkaline water can taste or smell bad, and it can harm

water-carrying equipment and pipes. Water that has an acidic pH under 6.5 is more likely to

contain contaminants, making it dangerous to consume. Metal pipes may corrode or dissolve as a

result. According to Dr. Ashley Robert (2018), the risk of more acidic water is that it can leach

metals from the well and the pipelines that transport your water when the pH is less than 6.5.

These metals, which can be toxic in excessive quantities, include lead, manganese, copper, and

iron. Therefore, drinking acidic water is definitely unhealthy. Water filtration is the process of

removing or reducing the concentration of particulate matter from contaminated water to create

safe and clean water for a specific use, such as drinking, medical, and pharmaceutical

applications. This includes suspended particles, parasites, bacteria, algae, viruses, and fungi

(Mao N. 2016). In contrast to chemical or carbon filtration systems, which use specific materials

to attract or directly target the contaminants in the water, reverse osmosis works by forcing water

through a microscopic-sized filter material, making it one of the most effective methods of water

filtration. With pores that are only 0.0001 microns across, this semi-permeable membrane

successfully lets only tiny water molecules pass while trapping larger molecules of impurities,

chemical compounds, or even salt (Crail C., and Allen S., 2023). One significant finding from a

study is that, during the purification process of reverse osmosis water filtration, around 75% of

the provided water is lost and only 25% is made purified. This wastewater is delivered straight to

the sewage treatment facility for additional processing and redistribution. Additionally taken into

account are the resources and energy needed to treat wastewater as well as used water. This helps
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to better understand how the drinking water delivery system affects the environment. It has also

been discovered that the water discarded during purifying procedures contributes to a higher risk

of water depletion (Bhakar V., Kumar D.N.S H., Sai N.K.., Sangwan K.S., and Raghuvanshi S.,

2016). The average cost of reverse osmosis water filtration is $ 1000 and that’s not even taking

into account the maintenance cost, hence it is expensive for the average and underprivileged

people (FORBES home, 2023).

According to Batool F., Islam K., Cakiroglu C., and Shahriar A. (2021), 3 million tons of

sawdust are produced annually in the USA, and most of it is dumped in landfills. Additionally,

the open disposal of sawdust may have detrimental effects on one's health. These difficulties are

much more serious for developing nations like Bangladesh and Pakistan because they are burned

off, posing environmental challenges like pollution. Therefore, proper sawdust utilization is

extremely challenging and will continue to endanger the ecology and environment. Meez E.,

Rahdar A., and Kyzas G. (2021) reported that due to its structure, which is made up of cellulose,

lignin, and carboxyl groups that boost the capacity of cations to be acquired by the active sites on

sawdust, sawdust in particular has proven to be an intriguing material for water purification.

A study from Siong Y.K., Atabaki M.M., and Idris J. (2013) reported activated carbon

has been utilized as a water filtration media to clean drinking water. Its strong capacity for

adsorption of such compounds, resulting from its huge surface area and porosity, makes it

frequently utilized for the removal of pollutants from water. Because of its diverse surface

properties and distribution of pore sizes, activated carbon plays a crucial part in the adsorption of

pollutants in water. The results of the research of Seyedsalehi M., Barzanouni H., Nikeghbal

M.J., Khanbalaghi H., and Goodarzi M. (2014) showed that active carbon, a potent absorbent

with large porosities and a wide lateral surface, is useful for removing turbidity, color, and smell.
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Thus, these cases and scenarios motivated the researchers to create a water filter system

with sawdust and activated carbon as the main components.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study is to create a water filter system with sawdust and activated

carbon as the components.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the turbidity and pH levels of tap water samples before and after the

introduction of sawdust and activated carbon?

2. What is the effect of the varying amount of sawdust and activated carbon and the control

set-up on the post-test reduction/elevation turbidity and pH level?

3. Is there a significant difference among the varying amounts of Activated Carbon and

Sawdust and the control setup on the post-test percent reduction/elevation turbidity and

pH level?

HYPOTHESES

In view of specific objectives, the following hypotheses are advanced:

1. There is no significant difference among the varying amounts of activated carbon and

sawdust and the control setup on the posttest percent reduction/elevation turbidity and pH

level.
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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Independent Dependent

Figure 1. A diagram showing the relationship between the independent and dependent variables

The figure above shows the relationship between the independent and dependent

variables which are the varying amount of sawdust and activated charcoal in terms of the

cleanliness of tap water in Villa Alexandra 2. Brgy. Estefania. The measurements was taken as

pH level in terms of alkalinity and acidity of the water, and Turbidity in terms of clearness of the

water that is measured in NTU (nephelometric turbidity units).

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SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study focused on the effectiveness of activated charcoal with sawdust as a water

filter on the treatment of tap water in Villa Alexandra 2 Subdivision, Barangay Estefania. The

study compares the performance of various setups, including a commercial water filter (Set-up

D) and three experimental configurations with varying sawdust-to-activated-charcoal ratios

(Set-ups A, B, and C). Turbidity and pH levels are measured and analyzed to determine the

impact of the filter compositions. The study's goal is to identify differences in turbidity and pH

levels among the various setups and determine their effectiveness in improving water quality.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study. Firstly, the research

is limited to evaluating the effects of activated carbon and sawdust as components of the water

filter system. Other filter materials or combinations are not considered in this investigation.

Secondly, the study is conducted within a controlled laboratory environment, which may not

fully replicate real-world conditions and variations that can impact water quality. Thirdly, the

study utilizes tap water as the source for filtration, and the results may not be directly applicable

to other water sources such as well water or surface water, which may have different initial

turbidity and pH levels. Additionally, the study may be limited by a relatively small sample size,

which can affect the statistical significance and generalizability of the findings. Finally, the

evaluation parameters in this study are primarily focused on turbidity and pH levels, and other

important water quality parameters such as microbial contaminants or chemical impurities are

beyond the scope of this research.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Homeowners. The findings of this study can provide homeowners with a clean, affordable, and

easy to make water filter, specifically in areas where access to chemical coagulants may be

scarce or expensive.

Consumers. This study is beneficial to consumers because it is more affordable than other

chemical coagulants. The materials used in making the water filtration system are affordable and

much more accessible which makes it a suitable option for them, especially if they have limited

financial resources.

Environmental Agencies. The result of this study can help them promote the utilization of

wastes that have filtration capabilities like sawdust and activated carbon, as they can minimize

the introduction of dangerous chemicals into water bodies, thereby supporting sustainable water

management techniques, maintaining biodiversity, and safeguarding aquatic habitats.

Other Researchers. The result of this study allowed future researchers to do similar studies

using other variables that cannot be found in this study

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DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms were conceptually and operationally defined to ensure the understanding of

the study:

Barangay Estefania. A barangay in the city of Bacolod. Its population as determined by

the 2020 Census was 48,323. This represented 8.04% of the total population of Bacolod

(PhilAtlas, 2020).

In this study, Barangay Estefania would be the site of study and is where the tap water

samples are gathered and assessed by using activated carbon with sawdust as a water filter.

Activated Carbon. For many years, activated carbon has been utilized as a water filtration

media to clean drinking water. Its strong capacity for adsorption of such compounds, resulting

from its huge surface area and porosity, makes it frequently utilized for the removal of pollutants

from water. Because of their diverse surface properties and pore size distribution, activated

carbon plays a crucial part in the adsorption of pollutants in water. (Siong, Y. K., Idris, J., &

Atabaki, M., 2013).

In this study, the effectiveness of activated carbon together with sawdusts was evaluated

in terms of pH level and turbidity of tap water.

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Sawdust. Is used for the removal of toxic salts from water it has properties for removing

larger particles and impurities from water. Additionally, it has adsorption properties that can help

in the removal of certain contaminants. (Shukla, A., Zhang, Y. H., Dubey, P., Margrave, J. L., &

Shukla, S. S. (2002).

In this study, the effectiveness of sawdusts with activated carbon was evaluated in terms

of pH level and turbidity of tap water.

Turbidity. is the measure of relative clarity of a liquid. It is an optical characteristic of

water and is a measurement of the amount of light that is scattered by material in the water when

a light is shined through the water sample (Water Science School (2018).

In this study, the relative purity of the water in each treatment was used to evaluate the

cleanliness of the tap water.

pH level. pH level is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, indicating the

concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) present. It is expressed on a logarithmic scale ranging from

0 to 14, where a pH value of 7 is considered neutral, values below 7 indicate acidity, and values

above 7 indicate alkalinity. (Sharma, R., Gupta, N., Mehta, R., & Bansal, R. C. (2017).

In this study, the degree of acidity or basicity of each treatment of tap water were

measured.
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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Water Pollution

The degradation and pollution of the environment, caused by human activities such as

industrialization and agricultural practices, has a negative impact on the bodies of water (such as

rivers and the ocean), which are essential for life (Owa, F. 2013). Water contamination causes

illnesses and deaths worldwide, every day, almost 14000 individuals perish as a result of water

contamination (Chaudhry, F. N., & Malik, M. F., 2017).

Water pollution can be caused by various factors, including human activities, natural

disasters, and environmental factors. Human activities such as industrialization, urbanization,

and agricultural practices are major contributors to water pollution (Jabeen et al., 2015).

Industrialization leads to the discharge of toxic chemicals and heavy metals into water bodies,

which affects aquatic life and human health (Wang et al., 2017). Agricultural practices, such as

the use of pesticides and fertilizers, also contribute to water pollution by contaminating

groundwater and surface water (Kumar et al., 2019).

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Water pollution has numerous negative effects on the environment and human health. The

most significant effect of water pollution is the depletion of aquatic life, which can lead to the

extinction of some species (Ahmed et al., 2018). Water pollution can also affect human health by

causing waterborne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever (Srivastava et al., 2018).

Exposure to polluted water can also lead to skin irritations, respiratory problems, and other

health issues.

Pollutants

According to Chaudhry, F. N., & Malik, M. F. (2017), pollutants are substances that,

when introduced into the environment, cause adverse effects or resource waste, it could be a

long-term or short-term harm brought on by these substances.

Zhang et al. (2020) conducted a study to investigate the occurrence and distribution of 22

organic pollutants in surface waters of the Yangtze River Delta region in China. The study found

that some organic pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were present at

high levels in some areas, indicating the need for better management practices. Similarly, Li et

al. (2021) conducted a study to investigate the sources and distribution of heavy metals in the

Yarlung Zangbo River Basin in Tibet, China. The study found that mining activities were the

primary source of heavy metal pollution in the river and that the levels of some heavy metals,

such as cadmium, exceeded national standards.

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Microbial pollutants, such as bacteria and viruses, can also cause water pollution and lead

to the spread of diseases. Duggan et al. (2021) conducted a study to investigate the impact of

microbial pollution on shellfish harvesting and human health in the UK. The study found that

shellfish beds were frequently closed due to high levels of microbial contamination, indicating

the need for better sanitation practices in coastal areas.

Lastly, emerging pollutants are a growing concern as they are not traditionally monitored

in waterways but are becoming more prevalent due to increased use in industry and agriculture.

Cao et al. (2020) conducted a study to investigate the occurrence and fate of emerging pollutants

in the Pearl River Delta region in China. The study found that some emerging pollutants, such as

per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), were present at high levels in some areas, indicating

the need for better regulation and monitoring of these chemicals.

Water Filter System

Water filtration systems are designed to remove impurities from water, making it safer

and healthier for consumption. According to a study published in the International Journal of

Environmental Research and Public Health, water filtration systems can effectively remove a

range of contaminants from water, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals

(Heaney et al., 2017). Additionally, water filtration systems can improve the taste and odor of

water, making it more palatable.

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Water filtration systems offer several benefits, including improved health and safety,

better taste and odor, and cost-effectiveness. According to a study published in the Journal of

Environmental Health, water filtration systems can help reduce the incidence of waterborne

illnesses, such as diarrhea and cholera, by removing harmful contaminants from water (Khan et

al., 2016). Additionally, water filtration systems can help reduce the use of bottled water, which

can be expensive and environmentally harmful.

Sawdust

Considering that agricultural wastes are underutilized resources and, frequently, pose

significant disposal challenges, their usage is becoming an increasingly important issue. Among

these, sawdust happens to be one of the most alluring substances for filtering pollutants from

water and wastewater, including colors, salts, and heavy metals (Shukla A., et al, 2002).

According to Chikri, R., et al. (2020), sawdust is essential in the absorption of

contaminants from wastewater because its structure includes a variety of functional groups like

carboxyl, hydroxyl, phenolic, and amide groups, which are advantageous for absorbing a wide

range of colors. Additionally, sawdust can be altered by alkalis and acids to improve its

adsorption capabilities.

Activated Charcoal/Activated Carbon

Activated charcoal is an extremely porous, inert, and nontoxic adsorbent substance. It is

created through the controlled pyrolysis of low-ash wood pulp, bone, sucrose, peat, lignite (coal),

wood, or petroleum, which finally yields charcoal. It is turned on by heating it at high

temperatures (600-900º C) in steam, air, or carbon dioxide (Mahto, V. 2013).

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Activated carbon (AC) can be effectively utilized to eliminate a variety of contaminants

in the soil, air, and liquids. AC has an abundance of small pores (microspores), giving it a

substantial interior surface, which is what gives it its impressive adsorption characteristics. They

are hence efficient adsorbents for numerous pollutant compounds like insecticides, herbicides,

chlorinated hydrocarbons, heavy metal ions, and phenols that are commonly present in many

water supplies. (Mohammad-Khah, A., & Ansari, R. 2009).

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METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study, which examined the effects of various concentrations of activated carbon and

sawdust on the physico-chemical properties of tap water, used a posttest only control group

design. Three treatment groups and a fully randomized design were used in the trial.

To assess the effectiveness of the intervention, the pH and turbidity of tap water that had

been treated with various concentrations of activated carbon and sawdust were evaluated

afterward.

This study used a Posttest Only Control Group Design and a fully randomized design to

evaluate the effects of various experimental circumstances on the physico-chemical properties of

tap water, with an emphasis on turbidity and pH level. Multiple treatment groups' inclusion

allowed for a comparison of the results of various sawdust and activated carbon concentrations.

SAMPLES

The samples in this study were obtained by using the simple random sampling technique. The

sample of this study is the tap water in one of the researcher’s residences since the

experimentation process was held at their residence.

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SAMPLING TECHNIQUE AND SAMPLE SIZE

The samples for this study, which were the tap water from Villa Alexandra 2 Subdivision,

Barangay Estefania were selected through simple random sampling. The simple random

sampling was implemented through the selection of different tap water sources within the chosen

area. They were subjected to different treatments to determine the effectiveness of activated

carbon with sawdust in treating tap water in terms of its pH level and turbidity.

Materials and Equipment

This project requires the following materials and equipment: one (1) plastic water bottle,

one (1) cloth, one (1) shoelace, one (1) Sack of Sawdust, five (5) plastic bags of Coal, a couple

of pebbles, and one (1) bottle of Calcium chloride.

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FLOWCHART OF THE PROCEDURE

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PROCEDURE

A. Gathering of Materials/Equipment

The cloth, plastic bottle, and shoelace is bought at the central market here in Bacolod

City. The sack of sawdust is bought at Rogelio Coco Lumber. The plastic coal is bought at

convenience stores. The bottle of calcium chloride is bought at lazada.

B. Activation of Charcoal

The charcoal is powdered using a hammer and calcium chloride. The mixture of charcoal

and calcium chloride is spread on a clean cloth. And bake at 250 F for 30 minutes or until all

moisture is entirely gone.

C. Preparation of Different Set-ups

Table 1: Different ratio of amount of sawdust,activated charcoal, and commercial water filter

Set-ups Amount of Sawdust Amount of Activated Commercial Water

(g) Charcoal (g) filter (piece)

A 20 80 0

B 40 60 0

C 50 50 0

D 0 0 1
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D. Assembly of Water Filtration System

The water filtration system is divided into six sections: (in order) The coarse screen filter,

activated charcoal, and lastly, sawdust. Coarse screens remove large solids, rags, and debris from

wastewater, and typically have openings of 6 mm (0.25 in) or larger. Types of coarse screens

include mechanically and 40 manually cleaned bar screens, including trash racks. (United States

Environmental Protection Agency, 2003). A filter with granular activated carbon (GAC) is a

proven option to remove certain chemicals, particularly organic chemicals, from water. GAC

filters also can be used to remove chemicals that give objectionable odors or tastes to water such

as hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs odor) or chlorine. (Environmental Health: Minnesota Dept. of

Health, 2020). Sawdust, a relatively abundant and inexpensive material, is currently being

investigated as an adsorbent to remove contaminants from water. Chemical substances including

dyes, oil, toxic salts and heavy metals can be removed very effectively with the organic material.

(Shukla et al., 2002).

DATA GATHERING

a. Collection of filtered water

The water filters were used to filter a specific amount of water coming from the

faucet. Each set-up will have 3 replicates, each replicate will contain 50 mL of filtered

water that is put in a water container, specifically glass bottle.

b. Testing the pH level of filtered water

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Each replicate in every set-up of filtered water is tested using a pH meter. The pH

meter electrodes were dropped in every collected water sample one at a time. Everytime

the pH meter is dropped, the pH measurement is recorded and kept for further analysis.

c. Testing the turbidity of filtered water

The bottle of each sample of collected water is kept in a stable position for about

5 minutes to allow any remaining particles to settle to the bottom of the container. Then, a

dropper is used to take about 5 mL of sample water in each of every container. Each

sample is placed into the chamber of the turbidity meter. After that, the turbidity of each

sample is recorded in NTU (nephelometric turbidity units) as raw data and kept for

further data analysis.

E. Proper Disposal

After the experiment, the water subjected for analysis is disposed properly at the sewage.

All biodegradable wastes such as papers from the packaging were buried under the ground or

burned. Non-biodegradable wastes like plastics and excess clothes are thrown into a separate

trash can.

DATA ANALYSIS

The study data was reported and analyzed using statistical methods such as the mean which was

a basic or arithmetical mean of a set of values or quantities, determined by dividing the sum by

the number of values. The mean was used in this analysis to calculate the average of the

outcomes of each set-up based on the turbidity and pH level of tap water.
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RESULT

Table 1. pH level of filtered water

Set-ups Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Mean

A 6 6.5 6.4 6.3

B 6.5 6.5 7 6.67

C 7 6.5 7 6.83

D 7 7 7 7

Table 1 shows the data for pH level of filtered water in each replicate of every set-up. Set

up D (Commercial water filter) got the mean score of 7 which indicates that the filtered water is

in neutral state. Next, Set-up C (50g sawdust with 50g activated charcoal) got the mean of 6.83

which indicates slightly acidic, Set-up B (40g sawdust with 60g activated charcoal) got the mean

of 6.67. which is identified as slightly acidic. Lastly, Set-up A (20g sawdust with 80g activated

charcoal) got the mean of 6.3 which means the filtered water is acidic.

Table 2. Turbidity of filtered water

Set-ups Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Mean

A 50 40 50 46.67
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B 40 40 30 36.67

C 20 20 20 20

D 10 10 10 10

Table 2 shows the data for each set-up measured in NTU (nephelometric turbidity units).

The lower the NTU, the clearer the water. Set-up D (commercial water filter) got the lowest

mean score of 10 NTU, followed by Set-up C (50g sawdust with 50g activated charcoal) which

is 20 NTU, then Set-up B (40g sawdust with 60g activated charcoal) which is at 36.67 NTU.

Lastly, Set-up A (20g sawdust with 80g activated charcoal) which got 46.67 NTU.

DISCUSSION

According to studies, commercial water filters generally perform better than homemade

filters consisting of activated carbon and sawdust at reducing turbidity and maintaining pH

levels.

In one study, Li et al. (2018) examined how well handmade and store-bought water filters

performed at eliminating turbidity. According to the findings, commercial filters outperformed

handmade filters in terms of turbidity removal rates by a wide margin. Commercial filters have

been found to use specialized filter media that is more effective in trapping particles and bringing

clarity to the water.

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Similar to the previous study, Sharma et al. (2017) assessed the efficiency of both

home-made and store-bought water filters in regulating pH levels. The results showed that

commercial filters were more successful than DIY filters at keeping the pH level within

acceptable ranges. The improved pH control was made possible by the employment of specific

filter media and cutting-edge filtration technology in commercial filters.

These investigations provide credence to the idea that commercial filters perform

superior than those constructed at home with activated carbon and sawdust. The commercial

filters' improved effectiveness in turbidity reduction and pH level management is a result of their

quality control procedures, cutting-edge filtration techniques, and specific filter media.

It is crucial to remember that these results could change based on the particular

homemade filter design and the caliber of the activated carbon and sawdust employed. To

investigate alternate filter media and improve the design of homemade filters for better

performance, more research is required.

CONCLUSION

The study assessed the turbidity and pH level of tap water as well as the impact of

activated carbon and sawdust as parts of a water filter system. The commercial water filter

(Set-up D), which produced clear water with a balanced pH, produced the best results. The pH

level became steadily more acidic and the turbidity of the filtered water increased as the amount

of sawdust in the filter system (Set-ups A, B, and C) increased. It is crucial to do more study to

evaluate the filter system's overall effectiveness and effectiveness in addressing water quality

metrics other than turbidity and pH.

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RECOMMENDATION

Based on the results of the study, the researchers would like to recommend for the future

researchers that will conduct a similar study to change the independent variable and to add

another material to increase the water filter’s effectiveness. The researchers would also like to

recommend using the water filter system on running tap water. Lastly, the researchers would also

recommend conducting the study in a more neutral area for more accurate data.
 30

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TIMETABLE

Activity/Project phases Estimated Date Location

Preliminary planning March 20, 2023 NOHS

The acquisition of research-related studies March 22, 2023 NOHS

Canvassing and Gathering of Materials March 30 - April Coco Lumber, Bacolod

(Sawdust and Activated Charcoal) 28, 2023 City (Sawdust)

Establishing contact with the Brgy. officials April 28, 2023 Brgy. Estefania,

for supervision. Bacolod City

Experimentation (developing, testing, and April 29-30, 2023 Brgy. Estefania,

improving) Bacolod City

Writing, editing, and revising March 22 - May NOHS

26, 2023

Submission and dissemination May 26, 2023 NOHS

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APPENDIX

Figures 1 to 3. Crushing and Activating of Charcoal

Figures 4 to 5. Setting up of the filter

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Figures 6 to 9. Set up A

Figures 10 to 12. Set up B

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Figures 13 to 15. Set up C

Figures 17 and 18. Turbidity of setup A and B

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Figures 19 and 20. Turbidity of Setup C and D