Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula
Division of City Schools
DON PABLO LORENZO MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Gov. Ramos Avenue, Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City

SNAKE PLANT (Dracaena trifasciata) FIBER AS AN ALTERNATIVE PAPER WATER FILTER

MATTHEW ANDREI D. JIMENEZ

PHYSICAL SCIENCE – INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

10 – STE A

THIS RESEARCH PAPER IS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF STE RESEARCH IV SUBJECT

DON PABLO LORENZO MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

ZAMBOANGA CITY

NOVEMBER 2023
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The potential for biobased filters to be inexpensive, lightweight, and biodegradable has increased

interest in their utilization for water filtration in recent years (Bethke et al., 2018). To physically remove

bacteria from water, such as fecal bacteria, microfiltration is used. Recently, research has concentrated on

using cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) to make biobased membranes for micro- and ultrafiltration (Carpenter,

2015; Voisin et al., 2017). For instance, Mautner et al. used CNF paper with a few nanometer-sized pores

as an ultrafiltration membrane while Ma et al. used electrospun ultrafine nanofibers made from cellulose

to create a barrier layer on petroleum-based membranes to achieve a pore size of about 20 nm (Ma et al.,

2011; Mautner et al., 2015). Utilising paper filters made of cellulose fibers is one method for basic

biobased POU water filtration. Filters made of cellulose pulp fibers do typically have large pores that

make it easier for water to percolate through them, but they are insufficient at removing bacteria because

of size exclusion; other methods are therefore required to have a bacteriologically beneficial effect. Silver

nanoparticles (AgNPs) and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), which are both known to have potent

antibacterial effects, have both been incorporated by a number of groups into cellulose-based water filters

as a solution to this problem (Dankovich & Gray, 2011; Chou et al., 2005; Thomas et al., 2014).

A species of flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family, Dracaena trifasciata is indigenous to

tropical West Africa from Nigeria to the Congo. The Dracaena trifasciata is one of its most well-known

names, along with Saint George's sword, mother-in-law's tongue, and viper's bowstring hemp (SUBG,

2019). Dracaena trifasciata are herbaceous, succulent, perennial plants that can reach a height of 90

centimeters. The sword-shaped, flat, thick, leathery leaves have transverse greyish-white markings that

are variegated and form a basal rosette. Up to 5 centimeters long, the flowers are a whitish-green color.
Flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, steroids, and saponins were discovered during the phytochemical

screening of leaf extract (Karomo & Rwai, 2016).

In a study on fiber, extraction from Dracaena trifasciata using the water retting method. It

revealed a fiber with good strength, fineness, and low elongation. The findings point to a fiber source that

is strong, economical, renewable, and potentially useful for making sacks, ropes, crafts, mattresses, and

other textile products (Kant & Alagh, 2015). The retting method for extracting fibers, their near-surface

chemical composition, their diameter, tensile strength, and elongation, as well as the contents of cellulose,

lignin, and ash, are all covered in the study. According to observations, this material has the potential to

be used as a source of fiber for woven, nonwoven, composite, -cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, nano-

cellulose, and lignin-based products as well as for textile and non-textile uses (Abdullah et al., 2020).

Utilizing Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) fiber as an alternative paper water filter holds the

promise of both eco-friendly water purification and sustainable resource utilization, offering a green

solution to address water quality challenges. Thus, the study “Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) fiber as

an alternative paper water filter” will be conducted.

Objectives of the Study

The study aims to test the Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) fiber as an alternative paper water

filter. The specific objectives are as follows:

1. Determine the clarity of the SPF paper water filter in terms of in terms of how clear the water is

after it passes through the paper water filter through the turbidity test and measuring it in centimeters.

2. Determine the significant difference between SPF paper water filter and commercial paper water

filter in terms of how clear the water is after it passes through the paper water filters through the turbidity

test and measuring it in centimeters.

Significance of the Study

The study focuses on the clarity of the water from the paper water filter that is made from snake

plant (Dracaena trifasciata) fiber. The significance of this study lies in its potential to advance

sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in paper production, water purification, and waste reduction. This

study will contribute to the existing literature in the field of Physical Science since this study can help

produce a sustainable and eco-friendly paper water filter. By exploring the use of Dracaena trifasciata

fibers as an alternative material for paper water filters, this research addresses pressing environmental and

societal challenges while opening doors to new opportunities for resource utilization and technological

innovation.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study focuses on the clarity of the water from the paper water filter that is made from snake

plant (Dracaena trifasciata) fiber. Specifically, this study aims to determine the clarity of the SPF paper

water filter in terms of in terms of how clear the water is after it passes through the paper water filter.

Furthermore, this study aims to determine the significant difference between SPF paper water filter and

commercial paper water filter in terms of how clear the water is after it passes through the paper water

filters. This study will be conducted within the month of January to March 2024 at Pasonanca,

Zamboanga city. Each of the three treatments in this study contains a different composition, which is

measured in grams. While the fourth treatment in this study is a commercial paper water filter. First, the

needed materials will be gathered and prepared before the experiment begins. Next is the extraction of

Dracaena trifasciata fiber. Then, turn it into a paper shape. Finally, let the water pass through it to

determine its effectiveness. This study does not cover the physical appearance nor how fast the water

flows. The clarity of the water from the paper water filter is the dependent variable covered in this study.
Definition of Terms

Terms Definition

1. Filter is a mechanism designed to separate, screen, or remove specific elements,

substances, or impurities from the water to achieve the desired outcome.

2. Turbidity Test is a measurement of the cloudiness or haziness of the liquid, by measuring how

deep a piece of white paper can be seen submerged in water that has passed

through a paper water filter.

3. Paper Water Filter is a porous material made from paper that is used to separate solid particles

from liquids by trapping the particles while allowing the liquid to pass through.

4. Clarity the state or quality of being clear or transparent to the eye

5. Fiber a thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile

is formed.
 CHAPTER II

METHODS

RESEARCH LOCALE

The study will be conducted at Pasonanca, Zamboanga city. According to the 2020 Census, its

population was 27,215. This accounted for 2.78% of Zamboanga City's total population. Pasonanca is

situated at roughly 6.9487, 122.0725, in the island of Mindanao. At these coordinates, the elevation is

calculated to be 36.6 meters or 120.1 feet above mean sea level.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Table 1. Completely Randomized Design(CRD)

T3R4S3 T2R4S3 T2R3S2 T1R1S2 T2R1S1 T3R1S3

T3R2S3 T3R3S1 T2R3S3 T4R3S1 T4R3S2 T4R4S1

T2R4S1 T1R3S3 T1R4S3 T2R1S2 T3R1S2 T4R3S3

T1R2S3 T1R1S1 T2R2S2 T3R3S2 T4R4S2 T2R1S3

T4R1S2 T3R2S1 T3R4S1 T4R1S3 T1R3S1 T3R4S2

T4R2S1 T2R3S1 T4R4S3 T4R2S3 T1R2S2 T1R4S1

T3R3S3 T1R4S2 T2R2S1 T1R3S2 T3R2S2 T2R2S3

T1R1S3 T2R4S2 T1R2S1 T4R1S1 T3R1S1 T4R2S2

As shown in the table 1, the research design displayed is Completely Randomized Design(CRD)

there are four treatments total, four replicates for each treatment, and three samples for each replicate. The

first treatment consists of 350g of Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) Fiber(SPF) and 150g of cornstarch.

400g of SPF and 100g of cornstarch will be used in the second treatment. 450g of SPF and 50g of

cornstarch will be used in the third treatment. The fourth treatment consists solely of commercial paper
water filters and serves as a control set up so that the researcher could compare the three other treatments

with the commercial product after the experiment.

RESEARCH PROCEDURE
Preparation of Materials

The researcher will gather at their house at least 15 Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) leaves,

cornstarch (150g; 100g; 50g), scissor/knife, beaker, strainer, blender, 45ml large basin, silkscreen.

Preparation of Fiber Extract

First, the researcher will clean the snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata), and then he will cut it into

small pieces. Then, boil the sliced Dracaena trifasciata for 10–15minutes to soften it. Once the Dracaena

trifasciata softens, use a strainer to speed up the drying process. Next, put the dried Dracaena trifasciata

in the blender, blend in for 5minutes until it becomes a pulp. Use a triple beam balance to measure the

amount of pulp in grams and cornstarch to be used in the experiment. After that, mix it in a beaker,

transfer it in a 45ml large basin, and filter the mixture by using a silkscreen. Finally, sun dry it for 48

hours.

Preparation of Experimental Set-up

The researcher will use the Table 1. Completely Randomized Design(CRD) as guide in

organizing the samples. The researcher will utilize 48 300ml containers of the same size and label it

depending on its arrangement.

Table 1. Completely Randomized Design(CRD)

T3R4S3 T2R4S3 T2R3S2 T1R1S2 T2R1S1 T3R1S3

T3R2S3 T3R3S1 T2R3S3 T4R3S1 T4R3S2 T4R4S1

T2R4S1 T1R3S3 T1R4S3 T2R1S2 T3R1S2 T4R3S3

T1R2S3 T1R1S1 T2R2S2 T3R3S2 T4R4S2 T2R1S3

 T4R1S2 T3R2S1 T3R4S1 T4R1S3 T1R3S1 T3R4S2

T4R2S1 T2R3S1 T4R4S3 T4R2S3 T1R2S2 T1R4S1

T3R3S3 T1R4S2 T2R2S1 T1R3S2 T3R2S2 T2R2S3

T1R1S3 T2R4S2 T1R2S1 T4R1S1 T3R1S1 T4R2S2

Turbidity Test

The researcher will put dirt that can make the water dirty where the water will be poured into all

the samples. In the turbidity test, the researcher will use a piece of white paper and dip it in water that has

flowed through the samples.

Data Gathering

After water flows through the filter, it will be determined who is most effective through the

turbidity test. The researcher will use a ruler to determine if the white paper is visible up to a few

centimeters.

Data Analysis

In data analysis, the researcher will organize the raw data into its treatment. The researcher will

use the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 which will compute all the

necessary data. The descriptive data which includes the mean and standard deviation of each treatment.

The inferential data which includes the analysis of variance, or ANOVA, Post-hoc, and the means plot.

Through tables and figures, the researcher can better understand the most successful experimental

treatment.

Waste Disposal
 Under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003), all solid waste will be

disposed of in the trash can to maintain both economic viability and environmental sustainability. Every

used container will go in the recyclables bin. The mixtures that are left will be put in the soil.
 FLOW CHART

Preparation of
Materials

Preparation of Fiber
Extract

Preparation of
Experimental Set-
up

Turbidity Test

Data Gathering

Data Analysis

Waste Disposal
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