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Influence of the Reverse Osmosis machine on the Water’s Chemical Properties and the
Extraction of Microplastic

A Science Investigatory Project

Submitted to the Science Technology and Engineering Department

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In Research II

Submitted by:

John Christoff T. Cuntapay, Edeline M. Edianel,

Rhianne Mitch N. Lizades, Julia P. Tingson

Submitted to:

Dr. Kevin Clyde Ong

Research II Teacher

Sum-ag National High School

Bacolod City
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Chapter 1

Introduction

Approximately 70% of our globe is made up of oceans, making them one of Earth’s largest

pools of water. The ocean has greatly aided research; sure, scientists are experts at assessing and

seeking new information that could add to our understanding of the intricacy of marine life. Because of

how the ocean’s enormous surface interacts with the atmosphere, it plays a significant role in our

climate (Noaa, 2024). The ocean is an extensive reservoir of carbon, water, and energy (Stocker,

2013). These days, human activity is mostly to blame for most problems involving water, including

climate change, water scarcity, and, most significantly, pollution. The ocean will become less critical if

these persistent issues remain unresolved in many nations.

Various things harm our water and marine life, some of which are pollutants that have

substantial economic benefits, making it difficult to naturally stop them from doing so without spending

huge costs. These pollutants, primarily standard rubbish and agricultural and industrial waste, are

unavoidable since certain waters have become accessible to everyone. Given the amount of rubbish

in our oceans, it is considerably easier to deal with common waste than the costly removal from

factories and other large businesses. The ocean is gradually becoming poisonous, and the amount of

life beneath the surface is gradually decreasing due to the waste covering it and even adding

unwanted chemicals to it

Numerous factors play a role in our oceans’ depletion of health, and plastic is known to be the

most common and abundant among the others. According to the National Geographic and

International Union for Conservation of Nature Report: (IUCN), there are approximately 8-14 million

tons of trash in the ocean each year, with plastic comprising about 80% of marine debris found in the

ocean. Due to its design, plastic is durable and can withstand long periods in the environment before
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slowly breaking down into microplastics through sunlight, wind, and wave action. Microplastics refer to

plastic fragments and particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm. They are called nanoplastics when

the diameter is less than one μm (Chen et al., 2023). The particle size of microplastics ranges from a

few microns to a few millimeters (Li et al., 2023). Often invisible to the naked eye, these tiny particles

infiltrate marine environments globally, where a wide variety of aquatic organisms consume them and

pose a significant threat to marine life and human health. Furthermore, pollution appears as a plastic

cycle, microplastics in the oceans are so small that they may reach clouds through evaporation, fall as

rain even in the most remote places, and then return to the ocean through rivers (Blackburn and

Green, 2021). And now, over the years, it has become evident that microplastics are one of the most

important contaminants of concern requiring significant attention (Stapleton and Hai, 2023).

The effects of microplastics on marine life and human health are significant and complex,

posing issues in public health, science, and the environment due to their toxicity effects. Microplastic-

induced impairments in species ranged from minimal disturbance of biological systems to substantial

unfavorable consequences that resulted in mortality (Mallik et al., 2021). Much like sponges,

microplastics gather and absorb toxic substances (Begum, 2020), and when consumed by marine

organisms, they will also ingest these harmful materials. These can cause several negative impacts

on the organism’s health, such as inflammation, reduced fertility, and disruption of the digestive

system, leading to malnourishment (Lee et al., 2023). Additionally, Scott Coffin, a research scientist

at the California State Water Resource Control Board, says that according to a 2021 analysis, over

10,000 distinct chemicals are used in plastics, of which over 2,400 are potentially dangerous. This

means that as we consume these marine animals that have ingested these microplastics, such as

fish, we humans ingest the same harmful toxins that the organism has already absorbed and may

experience adverse effects on our health. Currently, none of the current treatment technologies in

wastewater treatment plants is designed for plastic particle removal, as they have been developed to
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remove and neutralize nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and solid waste (Mason et al.,

2016).

Reverse Osmosis, the invention of the Loeb and Sourirajan is a pressure-driven process

whereby a semi-permeable membrane rejects dissolved constituents present in the feed water

(Malaeb and Ayoub 2011). It is a water purification method that utilizes a semi-permeable membrane

to filter and rid of any unwanted molecules. This technology works by applying pressure to the water,

forcing it through the membrane while leaving contaminants behind. Because of its great

effectiveness in eliminating a wide range of dissolved and suspended materials, this machine is

widely used in industrial processes as well as home water purification, guaranteeing safe drinking

water.

Safe and clean water is crucial for human health, and several chemical properties play a

significant role in determining its safety and quality. properties including pH level, salinity level, and

total dissolved solids (TDS) or electrical conductivity (EC) level can help determine if a certain body of

water is safe or not. The average pH level of safe drinking water is around 6.9 – 7.5 (Kulthanan et al.,

2013), which is considered neutral. pH levels below 7 indicate acidity, while levels above 7 indicate

alkalinity. Maintaining a neutral pH is important as extreme pH levels can affect the taste,

corrosiveness, and safety of drinking water (Cirino, 2019). Salinity levels below 500 mg/L are

considered safe for consumption of water on average. High salinity levels have the potential to alter

the flavor of water and could be a sign of the presence of impurities like sulfate or chloride. Lastly, the

concentration of dissolved solids, such as minerals, salts, and metals, in water is measured by TDS or

EC levels. Safe water has an average TDS content of less than 500 mg/L. The taste, appearance,

and safety of drinking water can all be affected by high TDS levels. To find possible sources of

contamination and guarantee the quality of drinking water, TDS level monitoring is essential.
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Maintaining appropriate levels of pH, salinity, and TDS/EC in drinking water is essential for ensuring

its safety and quality.

This study aims to investigate the effects of Reverse Osmosis machines on the extraction

process of microplastics. Additionally, to determine if the use of a Reverse Osmosis machine alters

the water’s chemical properties. This study was chosen by the researchers to possibly find a solution

to the number of microplastics found in the ocean. Through a comprehensive examination of this

topic, the objective of this research is to identify and propose effective measures to prevent and

reduce the amount of microplastics in our oceans

Research Objectives

The main objective of the study is to determine the influence of Reverse Osmosis machines on

the extraction of microplastics.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the average chemical properties of water contaminated with microplastics?

2. What is the effect of the Reverse Osmosis machine on the extraction rate of the microplastics?

3. Is there a significant difference between the water’s chemical properties (PH, Salinity, and TDS

EC level) before and after the experiment?

4. Is there a significant relationship between the Reverse Osmosis machine and the varying

amount of microplastics added on the effectiveness of the extraction rate on microplastics?

5. Is there a significant relationship between the Reverse Osmosis machine on the chemical
properties of water?
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Research Hypotheses

1. There is a significant difference between the water’s chemical before and after the experiment.

2. There is a significant relationship between the Reverse Osmosis machine and the varying

amount of microplastics added to the effectiveness of the extraction rate on microplastics.

3. There is a significant relationship between the Reverse Osmosis machine on the chemical

properties of water.

The researchers expect that the Reverse Osmosis machine will affect the extraction rate of the

microplastics. Furthermore, the researchers expect that there will be a difference between the

water’s chemical properties before and after the experiment.

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Chapter 2

Methodology

Research Design

In conducting this study, the researchers will be mainly using a Reverse Osmosis machine, this

is an experimental research that will employ an assessment evaluating study that focuses on the

collecting of data to define or understand a problem better. In this case, the Reverse Osmosis

machine will be used to gather information and to answer the research questions given. This

approach aims to determine the microplastics' extraction rate and to observe any changes within the

water’s chemical properties.

The researchers chose to use a reverse Osmosis machine as this method purifies water by

using a partially permeable membrane to remove ions, undesirable molecules, and larger particles

from water. The research design involves four different setups namely; Setups A, B, C, and D, each

containing controlled amounts of water and varying percentages of microplastics. Set up A contains

100% microplastics, equivalent to 15 grams. Set up B contains 75% microplastics, set up C contains

50%, and set up D contains 25%. The findings of the study will be analyzed by the researchers to

assess if microplastics were successfully extracted and to address the research questions.

Materials

The materials that will be utilized in this study are the following; Reverse Osmosis machine, 2

liters of water, containers, stirring ladles, sifters, 3 trays, and microplastics. To build the reverse
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Osmosis machine, the researchers will be purchasing a set. It will contain the filter machine, flow

restrictor, tubing, Drain Clamp, and Check valve. Containers will be used to hold the controlled

amounts of water, and the varying amount of microplastics added to each setup. Stirring ladles,

Sifters, and a minimum of 3 trays will also be used for the separation of microplastics.

The materials will be collected by purchasing them from stores or online, in addition to using

materials already found in common households.

Equipment

The researchers will be using equipment such as a PH meter, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) EC

(Electrical Conductivity) meter, and Salinity meter for the experiment, as well as Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE), including gloves, and appropriate attire.

All equipment will be cleaned and dried. Before the experiment, the meters will be checked and

tested to make sure they are functioning properly.

Location and Duration of the Study

The study will be conducted at a researcher’s house where it will be stored and observed in an

area with proper safety measures where accidents are prone to happen. The researchers will also

utilize materials needed from The Villarosa Beach Resort.

The duration of the study will take approximately 1 month, including preparations, gathering of

materials, and experimentation.

Procedures
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a. Gathering and Preparing of Microplastics

The researchers will gather the microplastics on the seashores and waters of the

Villarosa Beach resort. Using sifters and trays, these will then be sifted and separated from any

other substances that are not plastic. The plastics will then be separated accordingly.

b. Gathering of Testers/Meters and Reverse Osmosis machine

The materials will be purchased from stores or online. And made sure to be authentic.

c. Machine Preparation

To guarantee correct and safe construction, the researchers will assemble the machine

under the supervision of an adult.

d. Conducting of Experiment

The researchers will be conducting the experiment based on the experimental design

and to answer the research questions given.

Using a container filled with equal amounts of water, each container will store the

varying amounts of microplastics. It will then be labeled set up A, B, C, and D to avoid

confusion. The reverse osmosis machine will then be used. The waters of the container will be

tested before and after the experiment using the PH meter, TDS EC meter, and Salinity meter.

e. Observation

The goal of the experiment is to determine whether or not microplastics could be

extracted by the reverse osmosis machine. Additionally, the researchers will also be testing if

there are any effects the experiment may have on the chemical properties of the water.
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Chapter 3

Results and Discussions

The Reverse Osmosis machine demonstrated a high efficiency in extracting microplastics from
the water samples. Analysis revealed a significant reduction in microplastic concentrations post-
filtration, indicating the effectiveness of the Reverse Osmosis process in removing these
contaminants.

Additionally, the water’s chemical properties also showed changes after using the Reverse
Osmosis machine.

The table below answers the given research objectives:

Table 1

Average chemical properties of water contaminated with microplastics

pH Salinity Total Dissolved Electro Conductivity

Solids(TDS) (EC)

8.085 1.020 – 25% 1005 2020

Table 1 shows the overall average of all contaminated water samples from setups A, B, C, and D that
were used in this experiment. A total of 8.09 for pH, indicating Alkaline, 1.020 -25% for Salinity, 1005
for TDS, and 2020 for EC.
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Table 2

Significant difference between the water’s chemical properties (PH, Salinity, and TDS EC level)
before and after the experiment

Total Dissolved Electro

pH Salinity
Solids(TDS) Conductivity (EC)
Setups
Before After Before After Before After Before After

A 7.93 5.97 1.020 - 0 1010 25 2020 95

25%

B 8.13 6.01 1.020 - 0 1010 23 2040 80

25%

C 8.13 5.89 1.020 - 0 1000 25 2000 45

25%

D 8.15 5.82 1.020 - 0 1000 20 2020 60

25%

Table 3 shows a comparison between the properties before and after experimentation. There is a
significant difference among all properties before and after the experiment.

Paragraph 1

Effect of the Reverse Osmosis machine on the extraction rate of the microplastics

The effect of the reverse osmosis machine on the extraction rate of microplastics was found to
be significant. The RO process effectively removed a high percentage of microplastics from the water
samples, indicating a strong extraction rate.

Paragraph 2

Significant relationship between the Reverse Osmosis machine and the varying amount of
microplastics added on the effectiveness of the extraction rate on microplastics

After doing the experiment, the researchers conclude that there is a significant relationship
between the Reverse Osmosis Machine and the varying amount of microplastics added to the
effectiveness of the extraction of microplastics, the more microplastics added into the reverse
osmosis machine, the more microplastics the machine managed to filter.
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Paragraph 3

Significant relationship between the Reverse Osmosis machine on the chemical properties of water

The researchers also conclude that there is a significant relation between the RO machine and
the chemical properties of water. After the unfiltered water was put under the process of reverse
osmosis, its chemical properties began to have more similar chemical properties to distilled water.

Chapter 4

Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Findings

The reverse Osmosis machine succeeded in extracting microplastics from the water
samples, apart from

The Reverse Osmosis process led to notable changes in the water's chemical properties. The

pH of the water showed a decrease from the initial average value of 8.85 to 5.92. Salinity levels

decreased, with the average concentration of dissolved salts dropping by 25% (100%) Additionally,

Total dissolved solids (TDS) and Electro Conductivity (EC) were also reduced, indicating a higher

purity of the treated water.

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Conclusion

Results show that the microplastic contained in the water was extracted after being filtered

through the Reverse Osmosis machine. The machine effectively extracted microplastics from water,

reducing their presence physically and chemically. The effectiveness of Reverse Osmosis as a

method for microplastic removal was confirmed when this mechanism successfully removed

microplastics from the water sample.

Additionally, the Reverse Osmosis process also altered the chemical properties of the water.

The pH level, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electro conductivity (EC) showed different

results before and after each filtration. These changes in chemical properties may have been due to

the particles of plastic, and other substances that were extracted during experimentation.

Thus, the researchers conclude that the Reverse Osmosis machine was effective in extracting

microplastics from water, and it alters the water’s chemical properties

Recommendation

Based on the results of the study, the following are highly recommended by the researchers:

1. Further analysis of other water chemical properties such as; Turbidity, Taste, Odor, and

Radioactivity.

2. Assessing other ways that Reverse Osmosis can be used for Reverse Osmosis treated water

on downstream processes, such as its suitability for drinking water or agricultural use.

3. Testing the Reverse Osmosis machine in larger amounts of plastic to observe its

effectiveness In bigger quantities.

4. Utilizing more ways and initiatives to test other chemical properties of the water, such as

laboratory examinations and etc.

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