1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Researcher would like to extend her warm gratitude to the following people for

their guidance, moral, physical, and emotional support.

To Mr. Kristopher C. Miranda, Ph. D., who gave guidance, tips, and help the

researcher to improve the study.

To Dr. Revelyn Camacho PhD, who gave guidance and advices for the improvement of

the study.

To Airen A. Esquejo, Noel D.V. Esquejo, Mikaella Gabrielle A. Esquejo and Prince

Noren A. Esquejo, who guided and helped the researcher.

To Jhenrex A. Gonzaga and Jude S. Castillo, who gave tips and information about the

study.

To G10 SSP especially Sharmaine B. Alap, Edna Mae C. Martinez, Charls Vincent

L. Angeles, John Wesley B. Abenojar, Grevhen V. Quinton, Paul Andrei S. Fajardo, and

Ace Lourence C. Rafael, who gave their moral and emotional support to the researcher.

The researcher acknowledge the parents who gave their moral, physical, emotional and

financial support for the needed materials and lab testing. Lastly, the researcher wants to thank

our Almighty God, who gave hope, energy, and guidance from the beginning of the study until

the end.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Princess Anneliese A. Esquejo

Researcher

2
 Abstract

Lead is a toxic metal whose widespread use has caused extensive environmental

contamination and health problems in many parts of the world. It is a cumulative toxicant that

affects multiple body systems, including the neurologic, hematologic, gastrointestinal,

cardiovascular, and renal systems. On the other hand, Arsenic is a natural component of the

earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land. It is

highly toxic in its inorganic form.

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical

Emission Spectroscopy was used for testing lead and arsenic content; Materials used were 2 g of

Snake plant(Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) in duplicate. . Investigations were: I. Know the

absorption ability of Snake plant on arsenic and lead content; II. Measure the adsorbed amount of

arsenic and lead; III. Evaluate removal capacity for arsenic and lead.

Results showed that Snake plant can not adsorbed arsenic and lead. The snake plant does

not adsorb any arsenic and lead proving that biosorption using snake plant can not become

alternative remediation for arsenic and lead contamination.

Keywords: Snake plant ,Lead, Arsenic, Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Inductively

Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy, Adsorbs

3
 RESEARCH PLAN

A. Rationale

Lead is identified by Thürmer et al. (2002) as a highly toxic metal whose widespread use

has caused extensive environmental contamination and health problems in many parts of the

world and Arsenic is a proto plastic poison since it affects primarily the sulphydryl group of cells

causing malfunctioning of cell respiration, cell enzymes and mitosis (Gordon & Quastel, 1948).

Lead and Arsenic are harmful and one of the cause of pollution. The biosorption ability

of snake plant will be considered as an alternative remediation for arsenic and lead

contamination if the results of this study can prove that the snake plant can adsorb lead and

arsenic.

B. Goals/Expected Outcomes/Hypotheses

GOALS

Generally:

● To determine the biosorption ability of snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) on Lead

(Pb) and Arsenic (As).

Specifically:

● To determine the effect of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) on lead and arsenic.

● To determine how much is the adsorbed lead of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain).

● To determine how much is the adsorbed arsenic of Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata

Prain).

HYPOTHESIS(ES)

● The snake plant can adsorb lead and arsenic.

● Biosorption using snake plant on lead adsorbed 0.40 mg/Kg.

4
● Biosorption using snake plant on arsenic adsorbed 0.36 mg/Kg.

ENGINEERING GOAL(S)

This study only focused on the biosorption ability of snake plant(Sansevieria trifasciata

Prain) on lead and arsenic.

This study will use 250 grams (g) of snake plant that will be gathered at Legaspi Tayug,

Pangasinan. The plant identification will be conducted at Pangasinan State University (PSU) Sta.

Maria, Pangasinan.

The method that will be used in determining the biosorption ability of snake plant is

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission

spectrometry. It will be conducted at CRL Environmental Corporation - Environmental Testing

Laboratory located at Angeles City, Pampanga.

Risk and Safety

All of the procedures will be according to the professionals of CRL Environmental

Corporation - Environmental Testing Laboratory. The researcher will also ensure the sterility of

all the materials to be used in the study

DATA ANALYSIS

Research Design

This study made use of Single Group Design where in no treatment will apply.

Materials

The following materials will be gathered for the conduct of this study. Ceramic knife,

chopping board, zip lock, and tissue will be used in preparation of plant material. Beaker, HNO3

acid, watch glass, nitric acid, Reagent water, hydrogen peroxide, and volumetric flask will be

used in preparation of sample for AAS/ICP.

5
Procedures

A. Gathering and Preparation of Materials

The researcher will gather 250 grams (g) of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain).

Next, Snake plant will be washed with flowing water and then dried with tissue. Then, the leaves

will be cut into pieces. Chemicals (Lead and Arsenic) will be ordered to certified distributor of

chemicals and will be submitted at CRL Environmental Corporation - Environmental Testing

Laboratory, Angeles City, Pampanga.

B. Plant Identification

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) samples will be submitted at Pangasinan

States University (PSU) Sta. Maria, Pangasinan and will be verified and plant identified.

C. Preparation of Plant Samples

Wearing appropriate apparatuses, a professional will weigh 2 g of sample in duplicate

into a clean 150 ml beaker ,add 10 ml of 1:1 HNO3 acid, mix and cover the beaker with a watch

glass ,reflux for 15 mins without boiling @95°C ,cool and add 5 ml concentrated nitric acid

,reflux for 2 hrs without boiling @95°C ,cool, add 2ml Reagent water and 3 ml 30% hydrogen

peroxide, reflux for 2 hrs without boiling @95°C, Cool, add 10 ml concentrated HCl acid

,Reflux for 15 mins, cool, filter the sample in a 100 ml volumetric flask and dilute the volume

with reagent water. Sample will now be ready for aspiration AAS/ICP.

D. Laboratory Analysis

The plant material will be tested and analyzed at CRL Environmental Corporation,

Pampanga to prove the efficacy of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) in absorbing lead

and arsenic.

Analysis of Lead Content of Snake Plant

6
 The Lead content of the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) will be analyzed

using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.

Analysis on Arsenic Content of Snake Plant

The Arsenic content of the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) will be analyzed

using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy

After the laboratory analysis, plant materials will be submitted to a registered treater for

proper disposal in prior with DENR guidelines.

E. Data Gathering and Interpretation

After the laboratory analysis (Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry/ Inductively

Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) data will be gathered by writing the process

involved and reading data on screen. Data will be interpreted.

F. Evaluation of Data

Data will be evaluated to determine the percentage of adsorb lead and arsenic of snake

plant.

7
 Table of Contents

Title Page………………………………………………………………………………………….1

Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………………..2

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………3

Research Plan…………………………………………..………………………………………….4

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………….8

List of Tables…………..………………………………………………………………………....10

List of Figures……………………………………………………………………………………10

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study.………………………...……………………………………………...12

Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………..……………….13

Hypotheses……………………………………………………………………………………….13

Significance of the Study…………………………………………...……………………………13

Scope and Limitations………………………………………………………...………………….15

Definition of Terms………………………………………………………………………………15

Review of Related Literature……………………………...……………………………………..17

8
Related Studies…………………………………………………………………………………...20

METHODOLOGY

Research Design………………………………………………………………………………….21

Materials………………………………………………...……………………………….………21

Procedures………………………………………………………………………………………..22

Flowchart of Methodology……………………………...…………………………………….....24

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results……………………………………………………………………………………………25

Discussion………………………………………………………………………………………..25

Conclusions………………………………………………………………………………………26

Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………..26

REFERENCE BIBLIOGRAPHY

References………………………………………………………………………………………..26

Project Cost………………………………………………………………………………………28

Curriculum Vitae…………………………………………………………………………………29

Appendix A………………………………………………………………………………………30

Appendix B………………………………………………………………………………………31

Appendix C………………………………………………………………………………………32

9
Appendix D………………………………………………………………………………………33

Time Table…………………………………………………………………………………...…..34

Attachments…………………………………………………………………………………..….36

List of Tables

Table 1. Results for the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma

Optical Emission Spectroscopy

Table 2. Time Table

List of Figures

Figure 1. Sansevieria trifasciata

Figure 2. Snake plant

Figure 3. Ceramic knife and Chopping Board

Figure 4. Tissue

Figure 5. Zip lock

Figure 6. Weighing scale

Figure 7. Washing of snake plant

Figure 8. Drying of snake plant using tissue

Figure 9. Cutting of snake plant

Figure 10. Weighing of snake plant

Figure 11 . Weighing of snake plant

10
Figure 12. Preparation of snake plant for AAS/ICP

Figure 13. Analysis on Lead and Arsenic Content of Snake plant using Flame Atomic Absorption

Spectrometry

11
 Introduction

A. Background of the Study

Arsenic is one of the most important heavy metals causing disquiet from both ecological

and individual health standpoints (Hughes et al., 1988). It has a semi metallic property, is

prominently toxic and carcinogenic, and is extensively available in the form of oxides or sulfides

or as a salt of iron, sodium, calcium, copper, etc. (Singh et al., 2007). Arsenic is the twentieth

most abundant element on earth and its inorganic forms such as arsenite and arsenate compounds

are lethal to the environment and living creatures. Humans may encounter arsenic by natural

means, industrial source, or from unintended sources. Arsenic is a proto plastic poison since it

affects primarily the sulphydryl group of cells causing malfunctioning of cell respiration, cell

enzymes and mitosis (Gordon & Quastel, 1948).

Lead is a highly toxic metal whose widespread use has caused extensive environmental

contamination and health problems in many parts of the world. Lead is a bright silvery metal,

slightly bluish in a dry atmosphere. It begins to tarnish on contact with air, thereby forming a

complex mixture of compounds, depending on the given conditions. The sources of lead

exposure include mainly industrial processes, food and smoking, drinking water and domestic

sources. The sources of lead were gasoline and house paint, which has been extended to lead

bullets, plumbing pipes, pewter pitchers, storage batteries, toys and faucets (Thürmer et

al., 2002). Lead is an extremely toxic heavy metal that disturbs various plant physiological

processes and unlike other metals, such as zinc, copper and manganese, it does not play any

biological functions.

12
 Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) was studied as a potential biosorbent for

chromium, copper and nickel removal in batch process from electroplating and tannery effluents.

Different parameters influencing the biosorption process such as pH, contact time, and amount of

biosorbent were optimized while using the 80 mm sized particles of the biosorbent. As high as

91.3 % Ni and 92.7 % Cu were removed at pH of 6 and 4.5 respectively, while optimum Cr

removal of 91.34 % from electroplating and 94.6 % from tannery effluents was found at pH 6.0

and 4.0 respectively. Moreover, 84% biosorbent was recovered on desorption.

In view of this growing scenario, the researcher comprehended the idea of studying the

biosorption ability of Snake plant on Lead and Arsenic. Because if this study will be verified

effective, it can benefit people and the environment in cleaning and lessen of arsenic and lead.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study utilized Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) in determining its

biosorption ability on Lead (Pb) and Arsenic (As).

Specifically, it sought to answer the following problems:

1. What is the effect of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) on lead and arsenic?

2. How much is the adsorbed lead of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain)?

3. How much is the adsorbed arsenic of Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain)?

C. Hypotheses

1. The snake plant can adsorb lead and arsenic.

2. Biosorption using snake plant on lead adsorbed 0.40 mg/Kg.

3. Biosorption using snake plant on arsenic adsorbed 0.36 mg/Kg.

D. Significance of the Study

13
 Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) is a highly variable robust perennial grass that

can grow to 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft.) in height. It is usually found in large tufts. The branches are very

flexible and spread or droop. The leaves are elongate and can measure 1 m (3 ft.) in length and

2.5 cm (1 in.) in width. The leaves have a silver white midrib. The tips of the leaves are sharp

and recurving. The fan-shaped terminal panicle is 15-61 cm (6-24 in.) long and can be silvery to

pale pink in color. The branches of the panicle are erect or ascending. These panicles reach full

maturity in the fall. The glabrous spikelets are very small, yellow-brown in color and encircled at

the base with white or purple-color hairs.

Lead is a toxic metal whose widespread use has caused extensive environmental

contamination and health problems in many parts of the world. It is a cumulative toxicant that

affects multiple body systems, including the neurologic, hematologic, gastrointestinal,

cardiovascular, and renal systems. On the other hand, Arsenic is a natural component of the

earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land. It is

highly toxic in its inorganic form.

With that, this study presents the usage of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) as a

heavy metal remover to replace the expensive, activated carbon. This study will be beneficial to

the following sectors:

Community. People which are worried about the safety of the water can use the Snake plant

(Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) to adsorb hazardous metal like lead and arsenic.

Health. Cases of illnesses caused by the exposure to lead and arsenic will have the possibility to

decrease.

Environment. Since this study aims to adsorb lead and arsenic in wastewater, it will help the

environment a lot. As what our environment is facing, several bodies of water are now polluted

14
and both lead and arsenic are considered one of its causes. So this study will clearly help the

eradication of water contamination cases not only in the Philippines but also worldwide.

Researchers. Those who wish to conduct a similar study may use the findings in this study to

justify his/her proposal.

International community. The international community can benefit from this study because it

will inform people of the use of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) as a heavy metal

absorbent.

Moreover, the outcome of this study will provide empirically-based information to law

makers of Republic Act No. 3931, commonly known as the Pollution Control Law.

E. Scope and Delimitations

The scope of this study encompasses only on the biosorption potential on lead and arsenic

using Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain). This study tackles on the biosorption potential

of Snake Plant that were tested on the CRL environmental corporation, a Department of

Environment and Natural resources (DENR) accredited laboratory that is located at Building 2,

Berthaphil Compound I, Berthaphil Inc. Industrial Park, Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Clark

Freeport Zone, Clarkfield, Angeles City, 2010, Pampanga with the direct supervision of an

accredited laboratory analyst, water quality supervisor and a engineering supervisor and

underwent encapsulation and disposal of contaminated samples that were submitted to a

registered waste treater in prior to the DENR guidelines thus would not be harmful to human

health.

Moreover, this study is conducted to determine Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata

Prain) on adsorbing lead and arsenic. This were done in 4 weeks.

F. Definition of Terms

15
Activated carbon. A prominent heavy metal remover that is expensive.

Adsorb. It is the way when a solid hold molecules of gas or liquid or solute on the outside or

internal surface within a material.

Lead. It is a toxic metal and a very strong poison.

Arsenic. Arsenic is a natural component of the earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout

the environment in the air, water and land. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form.

Agricultural waste. Waste produced on a farm through various agricultural/farming activities.

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain). Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) is a

genus of about 70 species of flowering plants, native to Africa, Madagascar and southern Asia.

Biosorption. A technique or process can be used to remove pollutants such as heavy metals.

Heavy metals. Heavy metals are toxic and can cause serious health problems.

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Method in determining the heavy metals content of

water samples using flame.

Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry. It is a technique in which the

composition of elements in (mostly water-dissolved) samples can be determined using plasma

and a spectrometer.

Lignocellulosics. Properties of agricultural wastes that can also remove pollutants.

Method Detection Limit. Minimum measured concentration of a substance that can be reported

with 99% confidence that the measured concentration is distinguishable from method blank

results.

16
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Figure 1: Sansevieria trifasciata

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain)

According to Saadia R. Tariq, Farah Iqbal, and Yusra Safa, Snake plant (Sansevieria

trifasciata Prain) was studied as a potential biosorbent for chromium, copper and nickel removal

in batch process from electroplating and tannery effluents. Different parameters influencing the

biosorption process such as pH, contact time, and amount of biosorbent were optimized while

using the 80 mm sized particles of the biosorbent. As high as 91.3 % Ni and 92.7 % Cu were

removed at pH of 6 and 4.5 respectively, while optimum Cr removal of 91.34 % from

electroplating and 94.6 % from tannery effluents was found at pH 6.0 and 4.0 respectively.

Pseudo second order model was found to best fit the kinetic data for all the metals as evidenced

17
by their greater R2 values. FTIR characterization of biosorbent revealed the presence of carboxyl

and hydroxyl groups on its surface that were responsible for metal uptake. The data for Cr

removal from both the effluents was best explained by Langmuir model, while data for Ni and

Cu removal was best fitted to Freundlich isotherm. Moreover, 84% biosorbent was recovered on

desorption.

Lead

Lead is a toxic metal whose widespread use has caused extensive environmental

contamination and health problems in many parts of the world. It is a cumulative toxicant that

affects multiple body systems, including the neurologic, hematologic, gastrointestinal,

cardiovascular, and renal systems. Children are particularly vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects

of lead, and even relatively low levels of exposure can cause serious and in some cases

irreversible neurological damage.

Recent reductions in the use of lead in petrol, paint, plumbing and solder have resulted in

a substantial reductions in population-level mean blood lead concentrations. However,

significant sources of exposure still remain, particularly in developing countries.

Further efforts are required to continue to reduce the use and releases of lead and to

reduce environmental and occupational exposures, particularly for children and women of

child-bearing age. Interventions include eliminating non-essential uses of lead such as lead in

paint, ensuring the safe recycling of lead-containing waste, educating the public about the

importance of safe disposal of lead-acid batteries and computers, and monitoring of blood lead

levels in children, women of child-bearing age and workers.

Arsenic

18
 Arsenic is a natural component of the earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout

the environment in the air, water and land. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form.

People are exposed to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic through drinking contaminated

water, using contaminated water in food preparation and irrigation of food crops, industrial

processes, eating contaminated food and smoking tobacco.

Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic, mainly through drinking-water and food, can

lead to chronic arsenic poisoning. Skin lesions and skin cancer are the most characteristic effects.

Lignocellulosic Biomass

Lignocellulose refers to plant dry matter, so called lignocellulosic biomass. It is most

abundant available raw material on the earth for the production of biofuels, mainly bio-ethanol. It

is composed of carbohydrates polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose), and anaromatic polymer

(lignin). These carbohydrates polymers contain different sugar monomers (six and five carbon

sugars) and they are tightly bound to lignin.

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS; AAS-FLame) determines the presence of

metals in liquid samples. Metals include Fe, Cu, Al, Pb, Ca, Zn, Cd and many more. It also

measures the concentrations of metals in the samples. Typical concentrations range in the low

mg/L range.

In their elemental form, metals will absorb ultraviolet light when they are excited by

heat. Each metal has a characteristics wavelength that will be absorbed. The AAS instrument

looks for a particular metal by focusing a beam of uv light at a specific wavelength through a

flame and into a detector. The sample of interest is aspired into the flame. If that metal is present

in the sample, it will absorb some of the light, thus reducing its intensity. The instrument

19
measures the change in intensity. A computer data system converts the change in intensity into

an absorbance.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy

As indicated by its name, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy

(ICP-OES or ICP-AES) is a technique that uses a plasma as a source and relies on optical

emission for analysis. However, unlike many other spectrometers, the sample is not simply

placed in-between source and detector. ICP-OES is mainly used for liquid samples, which first

need to be turned into an aerosol (“nebulization”) and then are injected into the plasma. Solid

samples can be directly analyzed if a means of vaporization is available, e.g., laser ablation

(LA-ICP-OES) or electrothermic vaporization (ETV). The high temperatures in the plasma are

sufficient to break down the sample into atoms and provide the energy for ionization and

excitation.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) has become the

leading technology for routine analysis of liquid samples as well as materials that can be easily

turned into a liquid form by dissolution or digestion. Its origin lies in so-called spectroscopes and

spectrographs that allow visual evaluation of spectral lines on a film, which required much

experience and time in order to obtain reliable results. The developments in electronics and data

processing allowed ICP instruments to appear on the market in the middle of the 1970s which

helped overcome these obstacles and enable the routine use of optical emission spectroscopy in

laboratories.

Related Studies

Comparative Analysis on the Biosorption Ability of Powderized and Fresh Banana (Musa

paradisiaca) Stalk on Lead (Pb) and Arsenic (Ar)

20
 A study by Castillo et. al (2015) was conducted to test and compare the biosorption

ability of powderized and fresh banana stalk, which contains lignocellulosic constituent, on lead

and arsenic. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry was the method used for testing of lead

content. The result of the study showed that powderized and fresh banana stalk can adsorb lead

and arsenic on wastewater. It showed that the removal capacity of fresh banana stalk for Pb was

40%, greater when compared to powderized banana stalk which was 8 %.

Biosorption Ability of Areca Nut (Areca catechu) Husks on Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb):

Alternative Remediation on Heavy Metal Contamination in Wastewater

In the study of Timothy Torio (2018), he stated that Toxic heavy metals contaminated

bodies of water where people depend for irrigations and consumptions—resulting in acquiring of

diseases and deaths. Most likely source of cadmium toxicity in humans is contaminated foods

(Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 2008). World Health Organization (2013)

estimated that 143,000 deaths per year result from lead poisoning. This study utilized areca nut

husks (anh) on biosorption of cadmium and lead in wastewater.

Materials used were ten (10) g of anh and two (2)-200 mL distilled water spiked with1

parts per million (ppm or mg/L) of cadmium and 5 ppm of lead. Flame atomic absorption

spectrophotometry was used for testing cadmium and lead content; and electrometric method for

testing of pH level at 25.0 ̊ C. Investigations were: I. Know the effect of anh on cadmium and

lead content; II. Measure the adsorbed amount of cadmium and lead; III. Know the effect of anh

on pH level; IV. Evaluate removal capacity for cadmium and lead.

Results showed that anh adsorbed cadmium and lead. Control set-up had 0.82 mg/L

cadmium, 4.2 mg/L lead and pH level was 2.7. In experimental set-up, cadmium content

decreased to 0.19 mg/L, lead content to 1.6 mg/L and pH level regulated to 5.3. Removal

21
capacity for cadmium was 76.829 % and 61.905 % for lead, proving that biosorption using anh

can become alternative remediation for cadmium and lead contamination in wastewater.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study made use of Single Group Design where in no treatment will apply.

Materials

The following materials were gathered for the conduct of this study. Ceramic knife,

chopping board, zip lock, and tissue were used in preparation of plant material. Beaker, HNO3

acid, watch glass, nitric acid, Reagent water, hydrogen peroxide, and volumetric flask were used

in preparation of sample for AAS/ICP.

Procedures

A. Gathering and Preparation of Materials

The researcher gathered 250 grams (g) of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain).

Next, Snake plant were washed with flowing water and then dried with tissue. Then, the leaves

were cut into pieces. Chemicals (Lead and Arsenic) were ordered to certified distributor of

chemicals and were submitted at CRL Environment Corporation, Pampanga.

B. Plant Identification

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) samples were submitted at Pangasinan States

University (PSU) Sta. Maria, Pangasinan and were verified and plant identified.

C. Preparation of Plant Samples

Wearing appropriate apparatuses, a professional weigh 2 g of sample in duplicate into a

clean 150 ml beaker ,add 10 ml of 1:1 HNO3 acid, mix and cover the beaker with a watch glass

,reflux for 15 mins without boiling @95°C ,cool and add 5 ml concentrated nitric acid ,reflux

22
for 2 hrs without boiling @95°C ,cool, add 2ml Reagent water and 3 ml 30% hydrogen

peroxide, reflux for 2 hrs without boiling @95°C, Cool, add 10 ml concentrated HCl acid

,Reflux for 15 mins, cool, filter the sample in a 100 ml volumetric flask and dilute the volume

with reagent water. Sample is now ready for aspiration AAS/ICP.

D. Laboratory Analysis

The plant material were tested and analyzed at CRL Environmental Corporation,

Pampanga to prove the efficacy of Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) in absorbing lead

and arsenic.

Analysis of Lead Content of Snake Plant

The Lead content of the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) were analyzed using

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.

Analysis on Arsenic Content of Snake Plant

The Arsenic content of the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain) were analyzed

using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy

After the laboratory analysis, plant materials were submitted to a registered treater for

proper disposal in prior with DENR guidelines.

E. Data Gathering and Interpretation

After the laboratory analysis (Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry/ Inductively

Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) data were gathered by writing the process

involved and reading data on screen. Data were interpreted.

F. Evaluation of Data

Data were evaluated to determine the percentage of adsorb lead and arsenic of snake

plant.

23
FLOWCHART

24
 RESULTS

A. Plant Identification

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) samples are submitted at Pangasinan States

University (PSU) Sta. Maria, Pangasinan and were verified and plant identified.

B. Results of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Inductively Coupled

Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy

Table 1. Results for the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma

Optical Emission Spectroscopy

Results Method Detection Limit/s

Lead ND 2.41 mg/Kg

Arsenic ND 1.0^ mg/Kg

Legend ND = Not Detected

D= Detected

These findings indicated that snake plant does not have a biosorption ability in lead and

arsenic.

DISCUSSION

It is not expected that snake plant can not adsorb lead and arsenic component base on the

lab tests because it has lignocellulosics component. In the study of Saadia R. Tariq, Farah Iqbal ,

and Yusra Safa, snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) can adsorb heavy metals and can be a

biosorbent. During the testing, the researcher and the lab center had a misunderstanding which

lead to complication in the method used which affects the result of this study.

25
 CONCLUSIONS

1. The result of the laboratory analysis showed that snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain)

do not have effect on sample water.

2. The laboratory analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) showed that

Snake Plant can not adsorbed lead.

3. The laboratory analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) showed that

Snake Plant can not adsorbed arsenic.

RECOMMENDATIONS

For the improvement of this study, the following were suggested by the researcher:

1. It is recommended to use the Snake Plant for a different purpose base on its other

components.

2. It is recommended to focus also on soil contaminants that will improve the study.

3. It is also recommended to add more variables (such as different lengths of time, temperature)

and other tests (turbidity, dissolved oxygen, test on microorganisms) and other heavy metals

that will be significant and will improve the study.

BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES

Published Journals

CASTILLO et. al (2015) “Comparative Analysis on the Biosorption Ability of Powderizedand

Fresh Banana (Musa paradisiaca) Stalk on Lead (Pb) and Arsenic (Ar)” Tayug National

High School

TIMOTHY TORIO (2018),” Biosorption Ability of Areca Nut (Areca catechu) Husks on

Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb)” Tayug National High School

26
JHENREX GONZAGA (2019), “Biosorption Ability of Agave (Agave Angustifalia) Leaves on

Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) Contaminated Water” Tayug National High School

Electronic Sources

Lead and arsenic abstract. Retrieved on May 14,2021 12:50 A.M. from

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic

https://www.who.int/ipcs/assessment/public_health/lead/en/

Lead and arsenic introduction. Retrieved on May 14,2021 12:50 A.M. from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427717/

Snake plant as biosorbent. Retrieved on October 15,2019 6:59 P.M. from

https://iasj.net/iasj/download/6be42ae9ac8b7015

https://www.eddmaps.org/ipane/ipanespecies/grass/Miscanthus_sinensis.htm

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Retrieved on November 21,2020

7:43 P.M. from

https://www.ru.nl/science/gi/facilities-activities/elemental-analysis/icp-oes/

https://www.google.com/search?q=icp+oes+definition&rlz=1C1GGRV_enPH901PH901&oq=ic

p+oes+definition&aqs=chrome.0.0j0i22i30l3j0i390.3812j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#

Lignocellulosic Biomass. Retrieved on December 02,2020 3:12 A.M. from

https://aavos.eu/glossary/lignocellulose/

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Retrieved on October 15,2019 7:18 P.M. from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/flame-atomic-absorption-spectroscopy

Method Detection Limit. Retrieved on June 14,2021 4:19 P.M. from

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-12/documents/mdl-procedure_rev2_12-13-2016

.pdf

27
 Project Cost

Expenditure/s Cost

Laboratory Materials and Tests Php 2,103

Courier Php 50

Others Php 150

Total Php 2303

28
 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Princess Anneliese A. Esquejo

Address: Magpali St. Tayug, Pangasinan

Birthdate: January 03,2005

Age: 16

Gender: Female

Birthplace: Tayug, Pangasinan

Father: Noel D.V. Esquejo Occupation: Driver

Mother: Airen A. Esquejo Occupation: Housewife

Siblings: Prince Noren A. Esquejo

Mikaella Gabrielle A. Esquejo

Educational Attainment of the Researcher: Elementary Graduate

Educational Course Graduated: Tayug Central School

29
 APPENDICES

Appendix A

Materials

Figure 2. Snake plant Figure 3. Ceramic knife and Chopping Board

Figure 4. Tissue Figure 5. Zip lock

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 Figure 6. Weighing scale

Appendix B

Preparation of Snake Plant

Figure 7. Washing of snake plant Figure 8. Drying of snake plant using tissue

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Figure 9. Cutting of snake plant Figure 10. Weighing of snake plant

Appendix C

Analysis of Snake Plant

Figure 11. Weighing of snake plant Figure 12. Preparation of snake plant for AAS/ICP

32
 Appendix D

Laboratory Analysis

Figure 13. Analysis on Lead and Arsenic Content of Snake plant

Using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

33
 Time Table

October 2019 The researcher decided to conduct

this study. She started to gather

information about heavy metals

and how to probably solve it, when

the researcher finished gathering

she decided to choose the variable

Snake Plant for the study.

February 2021 After further editing the study, the

researcher contacted CRL

Environmental Corporation in

Clark, Pampanga to test the Snake

Plant if it can adsorb heavy metals.

March 2021 The researcher received the results

of the laboratory tests. The study

was then presented to the Final

Research Defense of Tayug

National High School via online

due to the COVID-19 virus, after

the defense, the researcher received

34
suggestions to improve the study.

The researcher adds more data to

support the study.

35
ATTACHMENTS

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