Yda Jandra Cubijano Fertilizers play a crucial role in

Grade 10 – Mendel
Research IV agricultural productivity. However, their

high prices can make them inaccessible to

Efficacy of Monosodium many farmers globally, resulting in low

Glutamate (MSG) as an
Alternative Fertilizer for Eggplant yields and income (Herbebrand &
(Solanum melongena) Plant Laborde, 2022). In the Philippines, the cost
Growth
of fertilizers has been on the rise since

Rationale mid-2021, with a significant surge towards

the end of the year (Coronado & Mula,

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is 2022). In Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte,
one of the widely-cultivated vegetable there had been also problems regarding the
crop around the world (Taher et al., 2017), rise of fertilizer prices, such that the
and is a staple in some of the South Asia, Department of Agriculture had to
Southeast Asia and African countries distribute P12-million worth of fertilizer
(Gowda, 2016). In the Philippines, vouchers to about 1,400 local farmers to
eggplant (Solanum melongena) is the aid in their farm productivity (Palicte,
primary vegetable crop in both production 2023). Therefore, it is concerned to look
volume and cultivation area, with an for alternative and cost-effective ways that
average of 21,225 hectares allocated for can improve crop productivity.
planting every year (ISAAA, 2020). With
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is
this, farmers benefit greatly from eggplant
a commonly used spice in East and and
production as it provides them with a
South Asia as a food flavor enhancer for
significant source of income (Hautea et al.,
different dishes (Awal, 2023). Despite its
2016).
widespread use as food additive, recent

studies have shown that MSG possesses a

positive impact to plant development and affordable and accessible way to improve

acceleration of growth as an alternative plant growth, thus, to determine the

fertilizer (Kamarulzaman & Mohamad, effectivity of MSG on eggplant (Solanum

2019). It is due to the presence of high melongena) growth and its potential as an

content of nitrogen, phosphorus, alternative fertilizer. The findings of this

potassium, amino acids, and organic study will provide valuable insights and

matters which help to establish a healthy aid to the farmers and individuals who

plant growth. (Suraya, 2023). have a growing garden at home.

Hence, the researcher comes up to Bibliography

a study that aims to seek for a more
Awal, R. (2023, April 2). Is MSG Good for Plants? - Dengarden. Retrieved from Dengarden:
https://dengarden.com/gardening/Is-MSG-Ajinomoto-Good-for-Plants

Coronado, K., & Mula, M. (2022, July 4). Philippine fertilizer price outlook: A reality for farmers and
fishers. Retrieved from GOVPH: https://fpa.da.gov.ph/NW/index.php/information-
resources/publications/articles/454-philippine-fertilizer-price-outlook-a-reality-for-farmers-
and-fishers#:~:text=Prices%20of%20fertilizer%20had%20been,the%20months%20(Figure
%204).

Gowda, L. R. (2016). Solanum melongena. Retrieved from ScienceDirect:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/solanum-
melongena

Hautea, D. T. (2016). Field Performance of Bt Eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) in the Philippines:
Cry1Ac Expression and Control of the Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis
Guenee). PLoS One.

Herbrebrand, C., & Laborde, C. (2022, April 25). High fertilizer prices contribute to rising global food
security concerns. Retrieved from IFPRI: https://www.ifpri.org/blog/high-fertilizer-prices-
contribute-rising-global-food-security-concerns

ISAAA. (2020, September 23). Questions and Answers about the Fruit and Shoot Borer Resistant
Egglant (Bt Talong), the First Filipino Biotech Product. Retrieved from ISAAC:
https://www.isaaa.org/blog/entry/default.asp?BlogDate=9/23/2020#:~:text=Why%20is
%20eggplant%20important%20in,on%20it%20for%20their%20livelihood.

Kamarulzaman, A., & Mohamad, M. A. (2019). The Effects of Monosodium Glutamate as an

Alternative Fertilizer Towards the Growth of Zea mays. GADING Journal for Science and
Technology, 1-2.

Lamichhane G., e. a. (2023). Microplastics in environment: global concern, challenges, and

controlling measures.
Palicte, C. (2023, April 13). DA distributes P12-M fertilizer vouchers to Davao Norte Farmers.
Retrieved from GOV.PH: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199295

Suraya, M. (2021, October 8). Living: What? MSG For Plants May Actually Be Good For Them?
Retrieved from TRP: https://www.therakyatpost.com/living/2021/10/08/what-ajinomoto-
for-plants-may-actually-be-good-for-them/

Taher, D., Solberg, S., Prohens, J., Chou, Y., Rakha, M., & Wu, T. (2017). World Vegetable Center
Eggplant Collection: Origin, Composition, Seed Dissemination and Utilization in Breeding.
Frontiers in Plant Science, 1-2.

UTILIZATION OF
HYDROPHOBIC
LOOFAH (Luffa
aeygptiaca) AS AN
EFFECTIVE
BIODEGRDABLE WATER
FILTER FOR
MICROPLASTIC
REMOVAL

Yda Jandra Cubijano

Researcher
 in aquatic environments which include

oceans, rivers, lakes, and even in drinking

Suzette B. Villarino water. (Sulpizio, 2022).

Research IV Teacher Microplastics don't break down

easily like other types of plastic. It can

take hundreds or even thousands of years

Ricardo M. Olmedo Jr. for them to decompose, causing harm to

Principal IV the environment in the meantime (National

Geographic Society, 2023). Globally,

around eight million metric tons of

JANUARY 2024 discarded plastic end up in the oceans each

Rationale year, resulting in more microplastics being

broken down (Fava, 2022). The

The issue of microplastics in water
Philippines is also one of the top
has become a growing concern due to its
contributors of plastic waste, generating
adverse effects on both the environment
2.3 million tons of plastic waste annually,
and human health (Lamichhane et al.,
and 72% being discarded (The World
2023). Microplastics are tiny plastic
Bank, 2021). Alarmingly, numerous
particles measuring less than 5 millimeters
sources have also reported about the
in size, which originate from various
occurrence of microplastics in Metro
sources such as the breakdown of larger
Manila air (Albano, 2023). Furthermore, a
plastic items, commercial product
recent study have risen a concern about the
development, and fibers from synthetic
presence of microplastics in Davao Gulf
textiles (Kye, 2023). These particles
(Llemit, 2021).
possess a huge threat as they are pervasive
 Natural loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) sawdust, this study can develop

sponges come from the fruits of vine- sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to

growing Luffa plants and are popularly address the pressing issue of microplastic

used for exfoliating and cleaning the skin. pollution and contribute to the preservation

(Watson, 2019). Despite its general of water resources, the environment, and

purpose of being a shower accessory, health.

loofah sponges (Luffa aegyptiaca) have

been tested as an excellent filter system for

microplastics, whereas 381 milligrams of

polystyrene microplastics were collected

from 569 grams of water, achieving a 99%

efficiency (Viet Ha, 2023). Meanwhile,

sawdust is also a good biodegradable

microplastic filter because it is a highly

absorbent material consisting of cellulose,

hemicellulose, lignin, and it also has high

porosity which all contribute to the

absorption rate. (Camomot et al., 2023)

Hence, the researcher comes up to

a study that aims to produce an effective

water filter for microplastic removal which

highlights fully-biodegradable materials

such as a hydrophobic-functionalized

loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) and sawdust. By

harnessing the properties of loofah and

Awal, R. (2023, April 2). Is MSG Good for Plants? - Dengarden. Retrieved from Dengarden:
https://dengarden.com/gardening/Is-MSG-Ajinomoto-Good-for-Plants

Coronado, K., & Mula, M. (2022, July 4). Philippine fertilizer price outlook: A reality for farmers and
fishers. Retrieved from GOVPH: https://fpa.da.gov.ph/NW/index.php/information-
resources/publications/articles/454-philippine-fertilizer-price-outlook-a-reality-for-farmers-
and-fishers#:~:text=Prices%20of%20fertilizer%20had%20been,the%20months%20(Figure
%204).

Gowda, L. R. (2016). Solanum melongena. Retrieved from ScienceDirect:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/solanum-
melongena

Hautea, D. T. (2016). Field Performance of Bt Eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) in the Philippines:
Cry1Ac Expression and Control of the Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis
Guenee). PLoS One.

Herbrebrand, C., & Laborde, C. (2022, April 25). High fertilizer prices contribute to rising global food
security concerns. Retrieved from IFPRI: https://www.ifpri.org/blog/high-fertilizer-prices-
contribute-rising-global-food-security-concerns

ISAAA. (2020, September 23). Questions and Answers about the Fruit and Shoot Borer Resistant
Egglant (Bt Talong), the First Filipino Biotech Product. Retrieved from ISAAC:
https://www.isaaa.org/blog/entry/default.asp?BlogDate=9/23/2020#:~:text=Why%20is
%20eggplant%20important%20in,on%20it%20for%20their%20livelihood.

Kamarulzaman, A., & Mohamad, M. A. (2019). The Effects of Monosodium Glutamate as an

Alternative Fertilizer Towards the Growth of Zea mays. GADING Journal for Science and
Technology, 1-2.

Lamichhane G., e. a. (2023). Microplastics in environment: global concern, challenges, and

controlling measures.

Palicte, C. (2023, April 13). DA distributes P12-M fertilizer vouchers to Davao Norte Farmers.
Retrieved from GOV.PH: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199295

Suraya, M. (2021, October 8). Living: What? MSG For Plants May Actually Be Good For Them?
Retrieved from TRP: https://www.therakyatpost.com/living/2021/10/08/what-ajinomoto-
for-plants-may-actually-be-good-for-them/

Taher, D., Solberg, S., Prohens, J., Chou, Y., Rakha, M., & Wu, T. (2017). World Vegetable Center
Eggplant Collection: Origin, Composition, Seed Dissemination and Utilization in Breeding.
Frontiers in Plant Science, 1-2.
UTILIZATION OF HYDROPHOBIC LOOFAH (Luffa aeygptiaca) AND
ABACA (Musa textilis) FIBER AS SUSTAINABLE FABRIC
FOR ECO BAG PRODUCTION

Science Investigatory Project

Physical Science Individual

YDA JANDRA CUBIJANO

Researcher

SUZETTE B. VILLARINO
Research IV Teacher

RICARDO JR. M. OLMEDO

Principal IV

FEBRUARY 2024
 RESEARCH PLAN

Rationale in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte wherein

the usage of plastic packaging in

Plastic pollution is one of most
establishments is prohibited, and
alarming environmental issues due to an
encouraging individuals to use eco bags
overwhelming volume of plastic waste
instead (Santo Tomas DavNor Information
generated and its long-term impact on
Office, 2024).
ecosystems (Parker, 2024), producing 460

million tons of plastic in 2019 (Ritchie et Hence, the researcher comes up

al., 2023). It occurs when plastic products with a study that aims to produce

and materials, such as single-use plastics, sustainable and budget-friendly eco bags

especially packaging, end up in natural using Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) and

habitats (Fava, 2022). Abaca (Musa textilis) fiber. Other

synthetic fibers such as polyester and

It was found in a recent study that
nylon are non-biodegradable and
the Philippines ranked first in terms of
unsustainable (Anggraini, 2023), which
plastic waste emission, with over 350,000
suggests that switching from synthetic
tons of plastic waste contributed into the
fibers to natural fibers would be an ideal
ocean annually, accounting 36% of the
choice. Natural Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca)
global total (Longley, 2023). To address
sponges come from the fruits of vine-
these problems, it is ideal to limit the use
growing Luffa plants and are popularly
of single-use plastic packaging by using
used for exfoliating and cleaning the skin.
eco bags. Regarding this, a municipal
(Watson, 2019). Loofah sponges (Luffa
ordinance has been recently implemented
aegyptiaca) would be turned into a natural 1. Does Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca)

fiber as a sustainable fabric by spinning have the characteristics to be

them into yarn, and then weaving the yarn turned into fiber and into fabric for

into fabric. The resulted fabric will be then eco bag production?

coated with natural wax to be hydrophobic 2. Will the eco bag be durable when

and to be water resistant (Zhang et al., hydrophobic Loofah (Luffa

2019). Meanwhile, the Abaca (Musa aegyptiaca) fiber is combined with

textilis) fibers, which are indigenous to Abaca (Musa textilis) fiber?

Asia and commonly cultivated in the 3. Will the eco bag be water resistant

Philippines, are recognized as when natural wax (beeswax) is

biodegradable and renewable natural fibers applied to the Loofah (Luffa

available (Unal et al., 2020). The findings aegyptiaca) fiber?

of this study will provide insights into the 4. Will this study be efficient in

feasibility, performance, and potential mitigating the environmental issues

applications of Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) caused by plastic pollution?

and Abaca (Musa textilis) fiber as

sustainable alternatives in the eco bag

Hypotheses
production. Ultimately, this study can
Based on the specific objectives, the
contribute to the transition towards a more
following Null hypothesis (Ho) were
sustainable community and mitigation of
formulated:
plastic pollution.

1. If Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) has

the characteristics to be turned into

Research Questions
fiber and into fabric, then Loofah
 (Luffa aegyptiaca) is efficient for The Loofah gourds (Luffa

eco bag production. aegyptiaca) will be harvested when they

2. If the eco bag is durable when reach maturity, typically when they turn

hydrophobic Loofah (Luffa brown and begin to dry out on the vine.

aegyptiaca) and Abaca (Musa After harvesting, the Loofahs (Luffa

textilis) fibers are combined, then aegyptiaca) will be cleaned to remove dirt,

hydrophobic Loofah (Luffa debris, and any remaining plant material.

aegyptiaca) and Abaca (Musa The cleaned Loofahs (Luffa aegyptiaca)

textilis) fibers are efficient for eco will be soaked in water and once softened,

bag production. the outer skin will be peeled away,

3. If the applied natural wax revealing the fibrous interior. The peeled

(beeswax) is successful in making loofahs (Luffa aegyptiaca) will be then

the Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) fiber dried in the sun.

hydrophobic, then the eco bag will

1.2 Preparation of Abaca (Musa textilis)
be water resistant.
Mature abaca (Musa textilis) leaves
4. If Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) and
will be harvested, and the outer layers will
Abaca (Musa textilis) fibers are
be stripped away by hand to extract the
effective in eco bag production,
fibers. The extracted fibers will be then
then this study would help
cleaned to remove any impurities or
minimize the environmental
residue.
impacts of plastic pollution.

1.3 Fiber Extraction of Loofah (Luffa

aegyptiaca)
Procedures

1.1 Preparation of Loofah (Luffa

aegyptiaca)
 After drying, the Loofahs (Luffa 1.7 Preparation of the Different

aegyptiaca) will be crushed and scraped to Tests/Treatments

loosen the fibers.

These are the different tests that

will be conducted and analyzed to

determine which test is the most effective

1.4 Processing of Loofah (Luffa
in producing eco bags based on the
aegyptiaca) and Abaca (Musa textilis)
objectives of the study:
Fibers

T1 – Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) with

The fibers will be separately fed
beeswax applied and Abaca (Musa textilis)
into a spinning machine, to be drawn out
fibers
and twisted together to form yarn.

T2 – Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) and Abaca

1.5 Weaving of Loofah (Luffa
(Musa textilis)
aegyptiaca) and Abaca (Musa textilis)

Yarn T3 – Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) with

beeswax applied
The yarns will be woven into fabric

using a loom. T4 – Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) (Control)

1.6 Hydrophobic Treatment of the

Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) Fabric

Risk and Safety

For the resulted Loofah (Luffa

The researcher will be working on
aegyptiaca) fabric to have hydrophobic
fiber and fabric production out of Loofah
properties to be water resistant, the surface
(Luffa aegyptiaca) and Abaca (Musa
of the fabric will be applied with beeswax
textilis), thus, some fiber and fabric-
using a brush.
making processes such as cutting, sewing,

spinning, and weaving can pose risks to

the researcher. To address this, proper

handling of equipment and safety

guidelines should be followed. The

procedures and methods of this study will

be conducted at the Science, Technology,

and Engineering Department grounds at

Sto. Tomas National High School.

Data Analysis

This study will be having several

treatments to compare, therefore the

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be

used to analyze the difference between the

means of more than two groups (Bevans,

2020).
Bibliography

Anggraini, N. (2023, March). Nylon and Polyester: The Enviromental Impact of Fast
Fashion. Retrieved from changemakr.asia: https://changemakr.asia/nylon-and-
polyester-the-environmental-impact-of-fast-fashion/#:~:text=Synthetic%20fibers
%20are%20hurting%20our,carbon%20dioxide%20into%20the%20atmosphere.
Bevans, R. (2023, June). One-way ANOVA | When and How to Use It (With Examples).
Retrieved from scribblr.com: https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/one-way-anova/#-
text=ANOVA%2C%20which%20stands%20for%20Analysis, ANOVA%20
Fava, M. (2022, May). Ocean Plastic pollution and overview: data and statistics. Retrieved
from oceanliteracy.unesco.org: https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-
ocean/
Hannah Ritchie, V. S. (2023). Plastic Pollution. Retrieved from OurWorldInData.org:
https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution?fbclid=IwAR0-
gV6C1MVWHtoHQwYGO2eyPaRJh-ncGVHwyjvEFVylKzHOu2eYmjFwrJw
Longley, J. (2023, September). Plastic Polluters | Utility Bidder. Retrieved from
utility.bidder.co.uk: https://www.utilitybidder.co.uk/blog/plastic-polluters/?
fbclid=IwAR38siA50GF-
voljWzvcdew3eZsaLmOIV4nmoCIGKGoJdBWDglxLKmVkah4
Parker, L. (2024, February). Plastic Pollution facts and information. Retrieved from
nationalgeographic.com:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution
Santo Tomas DavNor Information Office. (2024, February). Municipal Ordinance 2023-001.
Davao del Norte, Philippines.
Unal, F. e. (2020, April). Sustainable Textile Designs Made from Renewable Biodegradable
Sustainable Natural Abaca Fibers. Retrieved from researchgate.net:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340474085_Sustainable_Textile_Designs_
Made_from_Renewable_Biodegradable_Sustainable_Natural_Abaca_Fibers
Watson, K. (2019, September). Popular Loofah Sponges May Not Be the Best Shower
Accessory — Here’s Why. Retrieved from healthline.com:
https://www.healthline.com/health/loofah-sponge
Zhang, Y. (2019). Functional food packaging for reducing residual liquid food: Thermo-
resistant edible super-hydrophobic coating from coffee and beeswax. colloid and
interface science, 533, 742-749.

Anggraini, N. (2023, March). Nylon and Polyester: The Enviromental Impact of Fast Fashion.
Retrieved from changemakr.asia: https://changemakr.asia/nylon-and-polyester-the-
environmental-impact-of-fast-fashion/#:~:text=Synthetic%20fibers%20are%20hurting
%20our,carbon%20dioxide%20into%20the%20atmosphere.

Bevans, R. (2023, June). One-way ANOVA | When and How to Use It (With Examples). Retrieved from
scribblr.com: https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/one-way-anova/#-text=ANOVA%2C
%20which%20stands%20for%20Analysis, ANOVA%20

Fava, M. (2022, May). Ocean Plastic pollution and overview: data and statistics. Retrieved from
oceanliteracy.unesco.org: https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/

Hannah Ritchie, V. S. (2023). Plastic Pollution. Retrieved from OurWorldInData.org:

https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution?fbclid=IwAR0-
gV6C1MVWHtoHQwYGO2eyPaRJh-ncGVHwyjvEFVylKzHOu2eYmjFwrJw

Longley, J. (2023, September). Plastic Polluters | Utility Bidder. Retrieved from utility.bidder.co.uk:
https://www.utilitybidder.co.uk/blog/plastic-polluters/?fbclid=IwAR38siA50GF-
voljWzvcdew3eZsaLmOIV4nmoCIGKGoJdBWDglxLKmVkah4

Parker, L. (2024, February). Plastic Pollution facts and information. Retrieved from
nationalgeographic.com: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-
pollution

Santo Tomas DavNor Information Office. (2024, February). Municipal Ordinance 2023-001. Davao del
Norte, Philippines.

Unal, F. e. (2020, April). Sustainable Textile Designs Made from Renewable Biodegradable
Sustainable Natural Abaca Fibers. Retrieved from researchgate.net:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340474085_Sustainable_Textile_Designs_Made_
from_Renewable_Biodegradable_Sustainable_Natural_Abaca_Fibers
Watson, K. (2019, September). Popular Loofah Sponges May Not Be the Best Shower Accessory —
Here’s Why. Retrieved from healthline.com: https://www.healthline.com/health/loofah-
sponge

Zhang, Y. (2019). Functional food packaging for reducing residual liquid food: Thermo-resistant
edible super-hydrophobic coating from coffee and beeswax. colloid and interface science,
533, 742-749.