A Comparative Study on the Effectivity Citrus Sinensis and Musa Acuminata Peels in Wastewater Quality

Nina Maria Calderon Resurreccion

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Health Professions and Human Services

Major: BS.EXERCISESCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Sharmistha Das Iyer  

Abstract:

Industrialization has evolved in rural regions and water treatment is not able to keep up with the pollution that it creates, making accessible drinking water a global issue due to the health concerns that arose with other factors such as poor sanitation systems. This research studies the superficial effectivity of using orange (citrus sinensis) and banana (musa acuminata) peels as biosorbents to improve water quality. There are four research questions that helps through this experiment, (1) the simplest way to convert fruit peels into a filtration method, (2) which water-quality parameter they can adsorb, (3) the broader global context of water pollution, and (4) which population would benefit most from this low-cost filtration process and how. Four experimental groups are filtered through dried banana and orange peels separated by two categories, sliced and powdered, while the fifth experimental group is filtered through paper towels. The results of the study showed better turbidity, however, there is an aggressive increase of TDS, suggesting leaching from the biomass, while pH level decreases due to peel acidity. Overall, this study shows that while banana and orange peels can clarify water, their wastewater interaction adds dissolved compounds.This research presents potentials and limitations of unmodified fruit peels used as water filtration treatments and can be used to contribute in future studies. Further research may use excessive drying, rinsing, or chemical activation to increase their adsorption capacity and reduce leaching. Urban areas with high waste production of agricultural products would benefit from low-cost, organic, and accessible water treatment, especially with industrialization creeping around different rural areas in today’s generation.Key words: banana peels, orange peels, pH, TDS, water quality, water treatment