Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) as an Alternative Carbon Filter

Fernandez, Sean C.

Ursolino, Jim Cedric R.

Zafranco, Karlo F.

Akol, Yshe Abygail C.

Ambas, Shelem Anne E.

Revuelta, Andreyya Leoneth N.

Proponents

Luis Palad Integrated High School

Division of Tayabas

Mrs. Zenaida Moreno

Research Adviser
 RESEARCH PLAN

Title: Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) as an Alternative Carbon Filter

Proponents: Fernandez, Sean C.

Ursolino, Jim Cedric R.

Zafranco, Karlo F.

Akol, Yshe Abygail C.

Ambas, Shelem Anne E.

Revuelta, Andreyya Leoneth N.

A. Rationale

Carbon filter refers to a method of filtration that uses activated carbon to

filter out the impurities of the water or air. Carbon filters use a process where

the pollutants adhere to the carbon particles as the water or air passes

through it. Carbon filters are useful for purifying water and purifying the air of

contaminants, but they are also exceptionally useful in removing offending

odors from and around indoor gardens. Activated carbon has special

properties that allow it to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odor

and other gaseous pollutants from the air. It accomplishes this in a way

that is different from other air purifiers like HEPA that only filter particle

pollution from the air. Carbon air filters trap gas molecules on a bed of

charcoal, a process that has a surprisingly colourful history.

In this study, the researchers decided to create an alternative carbon filter

using bamboo husk as a device to filter and cleanse the carbon air that the

vehicles, specially trucks emitted. Residues and other contaminants are

expected to be separated and filtered using the bamboo husk. Bamboo can

be widely seen here in the Philippines, especially in Tayabas and it is more

effective than the other commercial ones which cannot be reused. It is a lot

cheaper and also it is eco-friendly.

B. Goals and Expected Outcomes

b.1) General and Specific Objective

In this research study, Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) husk will be used

as an alternative carbon filter. It will be used to filter air. This study aims to

answer the following questions:

1. What are the chemical properties of Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) husk

as an alternative carbon filter in terms of:

a. Conductivity

b. Ash content

2. How effective is Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) husk as an alternative

carbon filter in terms of weight difference before and after testing?

3. What are the significant difference between Bamboo (Bambusa

vulgaris) husk as an alternative carbon filter and commercial carbn filter

b.2) Hypotheses

Ho : There is no significant difference between the weight of filtered

residue of the Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) husk as a carbon filter before

and after testing.

H1: There is a significant difference between the weight of filtered

residue of the Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) husk as a carbon filter before

and after testing.

b.3) Engineering Goals

In this study, Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) husk will be utilized as an

alternative carbon filter. The activated carbon will be placed between two

screen plates. A fan will be placed on the cap to suck the air in to be filtered

through the activated carbon. A threaded plug will also be placed. The

Bamboo husk will filter the air passing through it. Furthermore, it also aims

to produce carbon filter for the market and provide additional income for the

community in obtaining the Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) husk.

b.4) Expected Outcome

This study will help reduce the amount of harmful substances in the air

using Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) husk. This research also aims to benefit

the following sectors:

 The environment, it will help reduce air pollution through removal of

volatile inorganic compounds odor, and other gaseous pollutants from the air.

The community, Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) is also abundant and it is

easy to obtain. This study can help filter the air breathe by everyone.

The future researchers, this can serve as a related study and guide for

researchers studying in the same field of science investigatory project.

Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) as an Alternative Carbon Filter

Fernandez, Sean C.

Ursolino, Jim Cedric R.

Zafranco, Karlo F.

Akol, Yshe Abygail C.

Ambas, Shelem Anne E.

Revuelta, Andreyya Leoneth N.

Proponents

Luis Palad Integrated High School

Division of Tayabas

Mrs. Zenaida Moreno

Research Adviser
 Introduction

Cars, trucks, and buses powered by fossil fuels are major contributors to

air pollution, transportation emits more than half of carbon dioxides in our air,

and is a major source of global warming emissions in our country. Studies

have linked pollutants from vehicle exhaust to adverse impacts on nearly

every organ system in the body. This air pollution carries significant risks for

human health and the environment, through clean vehicle and fuel

technologies, we can significantly reduce emissions from our cars and trucks.

Cars, trucks and buses produce air pollution throughout their life cycle,

including pollution emitted during vehicle operation and fuel production.

Carbon filters also help eliminate unpleasant odors so your indoor air

remains fresh.

Our personal vehicles are a major cause of global warming. A typical

passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

This number can vary based on a vehicle’s fuel, fuel economy, and the

number of miles driven per year. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas

produced by motor vehicles.The principal emissions from motor vehicles (by

volume) are greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. In

vehicles, the principal greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), but vehicles

also produce the greenhouse gases nitrous oxide and methane

Despite technological advances in recent years, cars and trucks remain

some of the world’s biggest polluters because of carbon dioxide (C02)

emissions and the continued demand for fuel.

 Since man has a special way of thinking, the researchers seek a

alternative carbon filter that can help to reduce the air pollution in our society

Background of the study

Carbon filter refers to a method of filtration that uses activated carbon to

filter out the impurities of the water or air. Carbon filters use a process where

the pollutants adhere to the carbon particles as the water or air passes

through it. Carbon filters are useful for purifying water and purifying the air of

contaminants, but they are also exceptionally useful in removing offending

odors from and around indoor gardens. Activated carbon has special

properties that allow it to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors

and other gaseous pollutants from the air. It accomplishes this in a way

that is different from other air purifiers like HEPA that only filter particle

pollution from the air. Carbon air filters trap gas molecules on a bed of

charcoal, a process that has a surprisingly colorful history.

In this study, the researchers decided to create an alternative carbon filter

using bamboo husk as a device to filter and cleanse the carbon air that the

vehicles, specially trucks emitted. Residues and other contaminants are

expected to be separated and filtered using the bamboo husk. Bamboo can

be widely seen here in the Philippines, specially in Tayabas and it is more

effective than the other commercial ones which cannot be reused. It is a lot

cheaper and also it is eco-friendly. In this way, others will have the idea to
have a alternative carbon filter in their vehicles so that we can assure that air

pollution and diseases caused by it will be decreased.

Statement of the Problem

This study will aim to determine the effectiveness of a bamboo husk as

an alternative carbon filter and will answer the following:

1. What are the chemical properties of Bamboo ( Bambusa vulgaria )

husk as an alternative carbon filter in terms of:

1.1 Conductivity

1.2 Ash Content

2. How effective is bamboo (Bambusa vulgaria) husk as an alternative

carbon filter in terms of weight difference before and after

3. What are the significant difference between Bamboo (Bambusa

vulgaria) husk as an alternative carbon filter and commercial carbon filter?

Significance of the Study

This study will aim to determine the effectiveness of bamboo husk as

an alternative carbon filter. The outcome of the study can be beneficial and

useful to the following:

 To environment, it will help to reduce the air pollution through removal

of volatile, inorganic compound odor and other gaseous pollutants from the

air.

To community, bamboo is very abundant and it is easy to obtain. This

can help filter the air breathe by everyone

To students and future researchers, this can serve as an related

studies, guide and references for researchers studying in the same field of

science investigatory project

Scope and Limitation

This study will determine the effectiveness of bamboo husk as an

alternative carbon filter. This study results to lessen the air pollution and

disease causing by air pollution. The proponent will only use the bamboo husk

since it is for filtering purposes, biodegradable and readily available. No other

parts of bamboo plant. The researchers will observe the effectiveness of

bamboo husk as an alternative carbon filter. This study will conduct in Luis

Palad Integrated High School.

 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES

Related Literature

Water bamboo husk is one of the major agricultural wastes in Taiwan.

The carbon, oxygen and hydrogen contents of fibers obtained from the outer

layer of water bamboo are 40.35, 46.20 and 6.60%, respectively. In this study,

the fibers obtained from water bamboo husks were chemically modified by

coupling agents. Moreover, the powders obtained from water bamboo husks

were also used, but without chemical modification. Furthermore, the modified

fibers and untreated powders were, respectively, added to epoxy resin to form

novel reinforced composites. Morphologies, mechanical properties and heat

resistance of these water bamboo husk reinforced composites were

investigated. The results indicate that the fiber is cellulose I type. The

morphology analysis reveals that the fibers modified by coupling agents

exhibited better compatibility with the polymer matrices than the untreated

fibers did. Moreover, the thermal resistance was improved as the plant fibers

and powders were individually incorporated to those polymers. The

increments of char yields of epoxy were about 13.5–52.8% with the addition of

10% fiber or powder. It is also found that the glass transition temperature of

epoxy was increased to be about 8–18°C higher than that of the pristine

sample. In addition, the mechanical properties were also enhanced due to the

addition of coupling agent treated fibers and untreated powders. The

increments of storage moduli of epoxy were about 16.4 and 36.1% with the

addition of 10% coupling agent treated fibers and untreated powders,

respective.
 Based on Bamboo and Rattan Commodity Team (2011), Bamboo

protects the environment and cleanse the air we breathe. Bamboo stands

release 35% more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees. Some bamboo can

sequester up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide from the air per hectare. It can also

lower light intensity and protects man against ultraviolet rays. It is a plant

found almost everywhere and is known for its rapid growth. A bamboo culm

reaches its full height in about 60-90 days. In three to five years, the culms

are Bamboo is a good substitute for wood. A bamboo culm matures and

develops strength properties comparable to most wood species in about three

years. Its utility has expanded to include its transformation into various

structural floors and panels and engineered bamboo products. Already

matured and can already be harvested , depending on the intended uses.

Related Studies

As stated by Wan Asma (2011), production of activated carbon from

industrial bamboo wastes. Activated carbon was produced from bamboo

residues using carbonisation and steam activation in a high temperature

reactor. Tests were carried out to study the effects of two processing

parameters, namely, activation time (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min) and

activation temperature (650, 700, 750 and 800 °C) on the properties of

activated carbon produced. Activated carbon properties were analysed based

on iodine number and Brunauer-Emmett Teller (BET) surface area.

Increasing activation temperature gave higher iodine values. Optimum

conditions for producing activated carbon from bamboo wastes were at

activation temperature 800 °C and activation time 120 min that resulted in
bamboo activated carbon with the highest iodine number of 823 mg g-1 and

BET surface area of 719 m2 g-1. With these parameters, waste bamboo has

the potential to be a promising precursor for the production of activated

carbon. The characteristics of the activated carbon in this study was

comparable with commercial ones.

Based from Ceo, Science (2014), Activated carbon is used in a wide

variety of purification techniques including gas and water purification, metal

extraction, water purification, pharmaceutical manufacturing, gas masks, and

air filters. Several physical forms of activated carbon exist, including

powdered, bead, and extruded, yet granular activated carbon is one of the

most commonly used for air filtration. Activated carbon filters are produced in

two main styles, granular multi-layer free fill and bonded filters. Granular multi-

layer carbon filters contain loose fill car-bon media layered to meet specific

chemical filtration needs. Bonded filters utilize various chemical processes to

bond the carbon particles into a rigid matrix. This study tested the hypothesis

that granular activated carbon filters, specifically Air Science filters utilizing the

Multiplex Filtration System, have a longer useful life and greater filtering

efficiency with no associated performance defects than bonded filters. To test

this hypothesis, a third-party laboratory (IBR Laboratories) analyzed the

adsorption efficiency of an Air Science granular loose fill filter and a

dimensionally identical bonded carbon filter from RSE Incorporated based on

the SEFA 9 (2010) benchmark testing methods.The Air Science ASTM-001

granular filter retained 1709.7 grams of isopropanol at a run time of 450

minutes before reaching1% threshold limit value (TLV). The bonded filter

ASTM200-001 retained 1348.8 grams of isopropanol after 355 minutes before

reaching 1% TLV. This difference of 360.9 grams represents a 26.8% greater

efficiency than a comparable bonded filter. The Air Science filter took 95

minutes longer to reach the 1% TLV saturation, suggesting a significantly

longer useful life than that of the bonded filter.The results of this study verify

that under similar laboratory settings, Air Sciencegranular carbon filters have

a higher filtering efficiency and will maintain safeoperating conditions for a

longer period of time than similarly-sized bonded filters.Air Science granular

carbon filters are also easier for operators to change out,have greater stability

in shipping / packaging, and offer a variety of chemical impregnation options

to meet specific filtration needs.