Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the procedures that will be used in determining

effectiveness of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) as an Alternative Biodegradable Plastic. It
includes the research/experimental design data collection procedure and statistical
analysis.

Research Design

In this study the researchers will use experimental design with taro root as
their experimental plant. Specifically, completely randomized design (CRD) will be
used as the design of experiment. A completely randomized design (CRD) is the
simplest design for comparative experiments, as it uses only two basic principles of
experimental designs: randomization and replication (Salkind, 2010). The
researchers in this study want to test the characteristics and capacity of taro starch as
bioplastic in resistance to heat and to test how effective is taro starch as an
alternative bioplastic.

Sample Design

The researchers will use the purposive sampling design in the collection of
plant materials which is taro (Colocasia esculenta). The biodegradable plastic that will
be used in study will be obtained at Purok 21. Madaum, Tagum City.

Research Procedure

A. Collection of Taro

The first thing that the researchers wIll do is picking of fresh taro root. The
researchers will gather Taro (Colocasia esculenta) plant at Prk. 23 Madaum Tagum
City, Davao Del Norte.

The fresh root of taro will be washed thoroughly with water, dry them within
1 hour.
 B. Preparation of Taro Starch

Collected taro root will be peeled using a kitchen knife. The taro (Colocasia
esculenta) will be cut into pieces and grated using a grater and knife. The grated taro
(Colocasia esculenta) root starch will be placed into a clean basin to avoid
contamination. After settling for 1 day, the starch with less water will be poured out
from the basin. The starch that settles at the base of the bowl will be dried in the
sunlight for 5 hours. The dried starch will be powderized using a spoon.

C. Cooking of Plastic

Taro starch will be put into a container then glycerine and vinegar will be
added to the mixture. Water will be added next to the mixture. The mixture will be
stired using a spatula. Mix the mixture well before cooking. Stir the mixture well
while cooking and when bubbles appear, the mixture is done. Pour the mixture on a
container and make sure to flatten it. Let it dry overnight or until the mixture is not
sticky.

D. Testing Process

In testing the taro starch bioplasticity, the bioplastic will be stapled in a card
board and will be exposed in the sunlight to test its resistance to heat within

Treatments Replication Replication Replication Replication Replication

1 2 3 4 5

Negative 6 taro roots 6 taro roots 6 taro roots 6 taro roots 6 taro roots
Treatment with water with water with water with water with water

Taro starch 6 taro roots 6 taro roots 6 taro roots 6 taro roots 6 taro roots
with 5 ml of with 5 ml of with 5 ml of with 5 ml of with 5 ml of
glycerine glycerine glycerine glycerine glycerine

Adapted frrom: Coligman, 2014.

 Collection of Preparation of Cooking of
Taro Taro Plastic

Testing
Process

Figure 3. Diagram of Research Procedure

Statistical Analysis

Mean will be used to determine average percentage (%) of taro starch

(Colocasia esculenta) as alternative source. One-way analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
will be use in determining the significant effect of Taro starch (Colocasia esculenta) at
different concentration as an alternative biodegradable plastic.