Mirko T. Abellera | Wiljoric Lander B. Cabanban | Deborah D. De Aro | Roselyn O. Guimawa | Rhey Vincent T. Tinawi
University of Baguio High School
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to identify the effectiveness of Lime Peel as an Alternative source of Activated Charcoal (LPAAC) in water purification in terms of pH level regulation, lead removal, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) removal. This study also aimed to identify the significant difference between river water treated with Lime Peel as an Alternative Activated Charcoal (LPAAC) and the commercialized water purifying company in terms of pH level regulation, lead removal, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) removal. Methods: Lime peel charcoal obtained at optimum percentage fixed carbon content was activated with 25% Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) solution and used for water purification. The method used by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for pre and post-test of pH level is the 23rd edition electrometric method. The test for lead content is the 20th edition atomic absorption spectrophotometry after microwave digestion and 23rd edition multiple tube fermentation technique-Most Probable Number (MPN) for Escherichia coli (E. coli) content. The statistical analysis was done using two-tailed test for 2 means. The computed value of t was compared with the tabular value at 95% confidence level or .025 is in each tail of the distribution. Results: The pH level of the river water after treatment increased from 7.03 to 7.14, which is slightly alkaline and safe according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Lime Peel as an Alternative Activated Charcoal (LPAAC) was effective in removing lead from 0.02 mg/L to 0 mg/L and was classified safe for human consumption World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Lime Peel as an Alternative Activated Charcoal was not robust enough to remove all Escherichia coli (E. coli) contaminants in the river water. The Total Coliform Count went from 170,000,000 MPN/100 ml to 200 MPN/100 ml and is not safe for human consumption. The study identified that there is a significant difference between river water treated with LPAAC and the commercialized water purifying company in terms of pH level regulation, lead removal, and E.coli removal, according to the statistical analysis (tc<tt). Conclusion: Therefore, Lime Peel as a local agriculture waste should be considered a worthwhile raw material for production of activated charcoal that is useful in river water treatment and purification.
Keywords: Lime Peel, Activated Charcoal, pH level, Lead, E.coli
