Apple and Tomato Peelings as Water Purifier

A Thesis Proposal

Presented to

The Faculty of Senior High School Department

Cebu Institute of Technology- University

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Course

Research 4 – Capstone Project

By

Howell N. Enriquez

Lovely Jane L. Galpo

Kaye Coleen L. Gerasmio

Matt Jude Augustine U. Getigan

Tara C. Mc Callan

Reanne Celestine E. Mediano

Christian Vhon Othelio C. Roma

Christel Anne T. Tanilon

 CHAPTER 1
Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study:

Water is the most abundant compound here on earth, and is one of the

basic necessities of every human being1. Human body is composed of about

65% of water and every organ in our body performs metabolic processes that

require the presence of water2. Having an insufficient amount of water in your

body can lead to dehydration. In addition, drinking of contaminated water can

cause waterborne diseases such as cholera, gastroenteritis, and other diarrheal

diseases3.

Water pollution and water scarcity are considered as the usual yet

massive problems that most countries encounter. It can already be anticipated

that in the near future, the inadequacy of clean water will worsen 4. Water is

prominent in terms of survival and it is a need that everyone should have access

to clean and potable water. Knowing feasible method of water purification will

also help in providing potable water especially to the areas experiencing drought

and water scarcity.

Water purification is the removal of contaminants from raw water to

produce drinking water that is pure enough for human consumption. One of the

doable water purifier is the use of apple and tomato peelings. Apple peels are

said to remove range of dissolved water pollutants through the absorption

process. Zirconium loaded apple peels were found to be able to extract the
anions such as phosphate, arsenate, arsenite, and chromate ions from aqueous

solutions5. On the other hand, tomato peel is an efficient adsorbent for water

purification. It is said as the second most consumed vegetable in the world 6. The

disposal of the tomato skin and its other fibrous materials is an economic waste

for many food-processing industries7.

Moreover, both apple and tomato peelings are efficient at absorbing a

wide variety of harmful pollutants, and those they could be transformed into

effective water filters that can be done in simple methods 8. Previous researchers

found that the apple and tomato peels together were infallible absorbents of toxic

heavy metal ions dissolved organic and inorganic chemicals, various

nanoparticles, dyes and pesticides9.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Water helps human survive. There is enough fresh water on earth but

because of pollution and bad economics a lot of people die due to water scarcity.

About 40 percent of people are affected of water scarcity and about 783 million

people cannot access clean water10. However, still there are people who can

access clean water but to be able to have this they need financial assistance.

The proposed project will help resolve the said problems.

The researchers will develop a way to purify water in an accessible way.

The proposed project will work automatically once the user decides to purify

water.
 One important point of this project is that less fortunate people can easily

access this kind of purifier. Furthermore, this project can also lessen people's

financial needs and water consumption.

1.3 Objectives of the Study:

This project aims to:

• Reuse the apple and tomato peelings

• Provide easy access of potable water

• Lessen water scarcity and water pollution

• Develop water purification with minimal energy consumption

• Innovate water treatment at a low cost

1.4 Purpose of the Study:

The primal aim of this project is to know whether this project can yield

potable water. This is to improvise a way that can purify water easily; this project

also intends to reuse and repurpose the apple and tomato peelings that have

been a common part of every one’s consumption. With the help of this project,

the amount of disposable wastes would be lessened and promotes biomass

production. The pollution of potable water in the rural and urban areas would also

be prevented and minimized. This method of water purification is also helpful in

terms of survival during at the peak of water scarcity and crisis. This project also

aims to convert water from riverbanks, and other possible water sources.

This paper aims to produce potable water through integrating alternative

materials mainly the apple and tomato peelings that are found at home and that
can be performed in a simple method. Also, this paper aims to lessen the

household expenses. Lastly, people will acquire knowledge about this matter and

will have an accessible way in obtaining potable water.

1.5 Scope and Limitations:

This innovation shall be operated and be limited to the following conditions:

1. Use at peelings of at least 8 or more tomato and apple to purify one

liter of water.

2. Use only rubbing alcohol solution in soaking the tomato and\or apple

peel.

3. Ensure all the parts of the fruit peels are well soaked to achieve

seamless result.

4. The fruit peels should be well desiccated after soaking and drying.

5. Never use tomato or apple peels that are almost rotten.

6. Be watchful of the time required in purifying the water to ensure the

water’s quality and safety.

1.6 Definition of terms

Anion

It refers to a negatively charged ion.

Dehydration

It refers to the state of loss of water.

Pollutants

It refers to a substance that pollutes something, especially water or the

atmosphere.

Scarcity

It refers to the state of having a shortage or short in supply.

Waterborne diseases.

It refers to the conditions caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are

transmitted in water.

Water purification

It refers to the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological

contaminants, suspended solids and gases from water.

Zirconium

It refers to a hard silver-gray metal of the transition series.

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