TARO (Colocasia Esculenta) AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF

ORGANIC PLASTIC

A Science Investigatory Project Presented to

the Faculty of Basud National High School

as partial fulfillment of the requirements

for Science Research I

RESEARCHERS

Alorro, Kyla

Del Agua, Kimberly

Quintanar, Kim Carlo

Raña, Joel Rustom

Raro, Jercel

ISAGANI FERNANDEZ MUSA

ZResearch Adviser

Region V-Bicol

Division of Camarines Norte

Basud National High School

ABSTRACT

TITLE : TARO (COLOCASIA ESCULENTA) AS AN

ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC

Names : Jercel J. Raro, Kimberly S. Del Agua, Kyla J. Alorro,

Kim Carlo M. Quintanar, Joel Rustom Raña

School Address : BASUD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Basud, Camarines Norte

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Taro as an

alternative source of biodegradable plastic.

There is a significant difference between the different concentrations of Taro as

an Alternative Source of Organic Plastic.

Taro that gathered at Brgy. Caayunan Basud, Camarines Norte was peeled

using a knife. Peeled Taro roots were grated and place in a bowl of water. After

for 3-4 hours. The starch less water will pour out from the bowl. The starch that

settled at the base of the bowl will dry in the sunlight for 24 hours. Starch was put

in a container, added with glycerin and vinegar and added with water. Mixture

was stir using tablespoon and heated slowly on a stove. The cooked mixture will

dry for 48 hours.

Statistical analysis between the effect of the different concentration of Taro

starch and Corn starch in terms of resistance to heat that the computed value

1.20 is less than the tabular value of at 5% level of significance, therefore

alternative hypothesis is accepted. In terms of resistance against solubility,

computed value of 0.89 is less than the tabular value of 6.49 at 5% level of

significance the null hypothesis is rejected.

Based from the discussion of the result and findings, the following conclusions

were made:

1. Treatment 3 or the 100% Taro starch is the effective concentration in

producing organic plastic.

2. Taro starch is effective in terms of resistance to heat and resistance

against solubility.

3. There is significant difference in effectiveness of Taro as an Alternative

Source of Biodegradable Plastic compared with the other concentration.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENT

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

B. Statement of the Problem

C. Statement of the Hypothesis

D. Significance of the Study

E. Scope and Limitation

F. Definition of terms

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

A. Related Literature

B. Related Studies

C. Synthesis of the state of the art

Methodology and Procedure

a. Research design

b. Materials

c. Equipments
 d. Procedure

e. Flow Chart

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION

RECOMMENDATION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

APPENDICES
INTRODUCTION

The governments are working out to lessen the impact of plastic bags on

the environment. Each of us should shoulder some of the responsibility for this

problem which ultimately harms us. It must be understood the risk of the harmful

effects of plastic bags on the environment. They are not only non-biodegradable,

but are one of the pollutants of the bodies of water.

The government passes out an order banning shop keepers from

providing plastic bags to customers for carrying their purchases with little lasting

effect, but it doesn’t directly address the problem.

Plastic bags are very popular with both retailers as well as consumers

because there are cheap, strong, lightweight & functional. A hygienic means of

carrying food as well as other goods. Even though they are one of the modern

conveniences that we seem to be unable to do without, they are responsible for

causing pollution, killing wildlife, and causing up the precious resources of the

Earth.

A. Background of the Study

The biodegradable plastic take less time to decompose or breakdown

after being discarded, if they haven’t been recycled, of course, this means

is that it gets absorbed in the earth, and there will no longer be tons of

plastic are dominating our landfills.

 Biodegradable products are renewable and biodegradable plastic are

mode from biomass which are completely renewable resource. It is an organic

compound which breaks down biomass includes trees, plants. Grass and all

organic materials that also include animal fats, meats and other tissues.

Biodegradable products are good in the environment, because there is no

harmful to the Earth when recovering fossil fuels. In this process there are few

greenhouse gas and harmful carbon emissions. The regular plastics need oil for

their manufacturing, which pollutes the environment.

Biodegradable product needs less than half the energy to produce, than

the non-biodegradable counterparts. This means that it is possible to make twice

the amount of biodegradable packaging and biodegradable bags using the same

amount of energy.

Biodegradable products are easier to recycle and this is created from

materials that are fully biodegradable. This means that they can breakdown

much faster and recycling them take less energy. Biodegradable products can be

reused more efficiently, which gives them a clear advantage.

Biodegradable product are completely safe and do not contains chemical

or toxins. This product harmlessly break down and get absorb into the earth.

Advantages of bio-plastic are of extreme importance.

Biodegradable product are created from domestic biomass material,

so it reduces the dependence foreign oil, providing a domestic solution. The

advantages of biodegradable product significant and of great importance

for the future of the planet.

There has been recent research that indicates that biodegradable plastics can be

produced by adding starch grains from Taro. With these ideas the researcher

though of testing Taro as an Alternative source of Organic Plastic.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study will be conducted to solved the problem of the inorganic plastic

waste. Further this will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of the

Taro as an Alternative Source of Organic Plastic.

Specifically it will seek answers the following questions.

1. Which among the three treatments is the effective concentration in

producing organic plastic?

2. How effective is the Taro as an Alternative Source of Organic Plastic

in terms of:

a. Resistance to heat

b. Resistance against solubility

3. Is there any significant difference between the different concentration

of as Taro an Alternative Source of the Organic Plastic.

C. Hypothesis

There is a significant difference between the different

 concentration of Taro as an Alternative Source of Organic Plastic.

D. Significance of the Study

The researchers believed that the results of this study is highly

significance to the following:

Environment

It will help to solved the problem of plastic which is the common cause

of air pollution.

Community

They may have an opportunity to use an organic plastic instead of the

hazardous plastic or inorganic plastic.

Plastic Manufacturer

It help them to develop biodegradable or organic plastic that could be

indorse to the public.

Teacher

It will help them to gain new ideas in recycling waste materials.

Student
To gather new ideas or knowledge about the preservation of the

environment

Future Researcher

This study will help them in searching new ideas about their future

research.

E. Scope and Limitation

This study focused on the effectiveness of Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) as

an Alternative Source of Biodegradable Plastic.

Taro (Colocasia Esculenta)will be gathered in the farm at Purok 1 Brgy.

Caayunan Basud, Camarines Norte. The experimentation will be conducted

in the laboratory room of Basud National High School Main Campus, from

February to March 2015.

Gathering Taro (Colocasia Esculenta)in the farm, how the Taro (Colocasia

Esculenta) will produce starch and determining the durability of the

Biodegradable Plastic after the experimentation. The research design that

will use in this study is experimental design, specifically single group

design: three treatments with different concentration that will be replicated three

times will be employed in the experiment.

Hardness and resistance to heat and acid will measured by the researchers. The

study will be conducted from February and March 2015.

F. Definition of Terms

Biodegradable

- Capable of being broken down (decomposed) rapidly by the action of

microorganisms. Biodegradable substances include food craps, cotton,

wool, wood, human and animal waste, manufactured products based on

natural materials (such as paper and vegetable-oil based soaps).

Taro

- A large-leaved tropical Asian plant (Colocasia esculenta) of the arum

family grown throughout the tropics for its edible starchy corms and

cormels and in temperate regions for ornament.

Resistance to heat
 - Ability to prevent melting from heat.

Resistance against solubility

- The quality or state of beng soluble

- The amount of a substance that will dissolve in a given amount of another

substance.

REVIEW OFRELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

A. RELATED LITERATURE

Taro (Colocasia Esculenta), also called eddo or dasheen, herbaceous plant of

the family Araceae. Probably native to southeastern Asia, whence it spread to

Pacific islands, it became a staple crop, cultivated for its large, starchy, spherical

underground tubers, which are consumed as cooked vegetables, made into

puddings and breads, and also made into the Polynesian poi, a thin, pasty, highly

digestible mass of fermented taro starch. The large leaves of the taro are

commonly stewed.

Taro is cultivated in rich, well-drained soil. The tubers are harvested seven

months after planting. Taro leaves and tubers are poisonous if eaten raw; the

acrid calcium oxalate they contain must first be destroyed by heating.

(http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/583637/taro)

Taro is a starch-rich, globular fleshy taproot of aroid family plants. Its crunchy,

underground root, known as corm, is one of the popular edible root vegetables in
large parts Asia, Pacific islands, West Africa, and Amazonian regions of South

America.

Taro or dasheen corms have more calories than potatoes. 100 g provides 112

calories. Their calorie value chiefly comes from complex carbohydrates in them

known as amylose and amylopectin. Nonetheless, the roots are very low in fats

and protein than in cereals and pulses. Their protein levels can be comparable to

that of other tropical food sources like yam, cassava, potato, plantain, etc.

The corms, however, are free from gluten. They carry high-quality phyto-nutrition

profile comprising of dietary fiber, and antioxidants in addition to moderate

proportions of minerals, and vitamins.

Taro is one of the finest source dietary fibers; 100 g flesh provides 4.1 g or 11%

of daily-requirement of dietary fiber. Together with slow digesting complex

carbohydrates, moderate amounts of fiber in the food help gradual rise in blood

sugar levels.

Further, the corms provide healthy amounts of some of important minerals like

zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. In addition, the root has very

good amounts of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and

body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.

(http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/taro.html)
According to Putatunda (2011) plastic bags harm us, by polluting the

environment, and killing animals as well as aquatic life .About a hundred billion

plastic bags are used every year in the US alone. If one considers the huge

economies and population of India ,China , Europe ,and other parts of the

worlds, numbers can be staggering. The problem is further exacerbated by the

developing countries like India plastics bags are used by everybody. Plastic bags

are being used, most bags go into landfill or rubbish tips. Every year more and

more bags are ending up littering the environment. If they become litter, plastics

bags find their way into our water ways, parks, beaches, streets, and if they

burned they infuse the air with toxic fumes. Then about 100,000 animals such as

dolphins, turtles, whales, penguins, are killed every year due to this plastics

waste. Many animals ingest plastics bags mistaking there for food die. And

worse, the ingested plastics bag remains intact even after the death and

decomposition of the animal. The one of the worst environment effects is they

are non-bio degradable. The decomposition takes place about 400 years. No one

live so long to witness the decomposition of plastics (Putatunda 2011).

This precious resources should not be waste on producing Plastics bags.

(http://www.Buzzle.com/Article/Environmental Pollution-The harmful-Effect-of-

plastics bags. HTML. By PUTATUNDA , Rita on December – 14 – 2011)

 The Chemical composition of Non-Biodegradable plastics is made up

principally of a binder together with plasticizer fillers, pigments, and other

additives. The binder gives a plastic s its main characteristics and usually its

name. Thus, polyvinyl chloride is both the name of a binder and the name of a

plastics into which it is made. Binders maybe natural materials, eg. Cellulose

derivatives, casein, or milk, protein, but are more commonly synthetic resins. In

either case, the binder materials consist of very long chainlike molecules called

polymer. Cellulose derivate are made from cellulose, a naturally occuring

polymer; case in is also a naturally occurring polymer. Synthetic resins are

polymerized, or built up, from small simple molecules called monomers.

Plasticizers are added to a binder to increase flexibility and toughness. Fillers are

added to improve particular properties , eg; hardness or resistance to shock.

Pigments are use to impart various colors. Virtually any disired color or shape

and many combinations of the properties of hardness , durability , elisticity and

resistance to heat , cold , and acid can obtain in a plastic.

There are two basic type of plastic, thermosetting, which cannot be

resoftened after being subjected to heat and pressure. When heat pressure

applied to a thermoplastic binder, the chainlike polymers slide past each other ,

giving the material “plasticity”. However, when to a thermosetting blinder, the

molecular chains become cross-linked, thus preventing any slippage if heat and

pressure re-applied are see epoxy resins ; polyacrylics ; polycarbonates ;

polyethylene; polydlefins ; polyprofylene; polystyrene; polyurethanes; polyvinyl;

chloride; vinyl plastic. (http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/science/plastic-

composition-types-plastic-html,columbia electronic encyclopedia, 6th ed

copyright © 2012).

Just a generation ago and plastic consumption was tenth of what is

now, for me researching into the advantages of bio-plastic has been of

biodegradable are so clear that the next stage is for the public to become

aware of this issue.

(http://www.greendiamz.com/index.php?option=comcontent&view=article&catid=

3:newsflash by Green Diamz Biotech LTD © 2011)

B. REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES

According to Sriroth K. et al (2009) starch foam is one of the major starch-

based packaging materials. It is produced by extrusion or

compression/explosion technology. Their product has been developed as a

replacement for polystyrene w/c is used to produce loose filters and other

expanded items. It was found cut in their research that in biodegradable

plastics, granular starch can be directly blended w/ polymer or its granular

structure can be destructurized before being incorporated into the polymer

matrix. (http://www.actahort.org/books/703/703_16.htmed)

C. SYNTHESIS-OF-THE-STATE OF THE ART

The said studies were found to be significant to the present study due to their

similarities and differences in the formation provided for this research.

The present and previous studies were similar in the method used, which is

experimental research. All the studies mentioned focused on the utilization of

indigenous plants as a new environment friendly products.

The present study differs in the experimental organism used. Present study used

a Taro where as previous studies use a cornstarch.

METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE

A. RESEARCH DESIGN

The research design in the study is experimental design. Experimental Design

is a problem solving approach that the study is describe in the future on

what will be when variables are carefully controlled and manipulated.

Variables is any factor, trait or condition that can exist differing amounts

of types. An experiment has independent and dependent variables. The

independent variable in this study is the amount of Taro (Starch) (25%,

75%, 100%) and the dependent is the durability of bio-plastic for every

amount of Taro (Starch) use. Specifically it will use the single group design.

Experimental Layout Design

 Replicate

Treatment R1 R2 R3

T1 (25%)

T2 (75%)

T3 (100%)

B. MATERIALS

-Taro

-Water

-Glycerin

-Vinegar
MATERIALS

TARO WATER

GLYCERIN VINEGAR
C. EQUIPMENTS

- Spoon

- Container

- Spatula

- Pan

- Gloves

- Shredder

- Basin

- Filter

- Cloth

EQUIPMENTS

SPOON KNIFE
GLOVES SHREDDER

SPATULA BASIN
 D. PROCEDURE

PHASE I

COLLECTION OF MATERIALS

Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) will be gathered in Brgy. Caayunan Basud,

Camarines Norte. Taro is enough to get a starch to make biodegradable plastic.

PHASE II

PREPARING OF TARO

1. Collected Taro root was peeled using a kitchen knife.

2. Peeled Taro roots were grated and place in a bowl filled with water.

3. After settling for 5-7 days. The starch less water will pour out from the bowl.

4. The starch that settled at the base of the bowl will dry in the in the sunlight

for 5 hours.

5. After 5 hours the dried starch was powderized using a spoon.

PHASE III

COOKING OF PLASTIC

1. Taro starch was put into a container.

2. Glycerin and vinegar was added to the mixture

3. Water was added to the mixture.

4. Mixture was stir using tablespoon.

5. Mixture was heated slowly on a stove.

6. The cooked mixture was put into a container.

7. The cooked mixture will dry for about 48 hours.

 E. FLOW CHART

PHASE I PHASE II PHASE III

COLLECTION OF PREPARING OF COOKING OF

MATERIAL TARO PLASTIC

Taro starch was put into

Taro will be gathered in a container.
Collected Taro root was

Brgy. Caayunan Basud, peeled using a kitchen

Camarines Norte. knife.

Glycerin and vinegar

was added to the

Peeled Taro roots was
mixture
grated and place in a

bowl filled with water.

Water was added to the

mixture.
After settling for 3-4

hours.The starchless

water will pour out from Mixture was stir using

the bowl. tablespoon.

The starch that settled at

the base of the bowl will

The cooked mixture was
dry in the in the sunlight
put into a container.
for 24 hours.

The cooked mixture will

dry for about 48 hours.

 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

This part presents the finding and the interpretation of the study based from the

statistical analysis made. The results of the study determined the effectiveness of

Tar as an Aternative Source of Biodegradable Plastic.

Table 1

RESISTANCE TO HEAT (seconds)

Replicate

Treatment R1 R2 R3

T1 (25%) 70 63 61

T2 (75%) 71 61 65

T3 (100%) 73 63 90

Table 1 shows the time of melting of the treatment. Treatment 2 increased in

minutes by 5 seconds and 29 seconds for treatment 3. Since the computed value

of 1.20 is less than the tabular value of 6.49 at 5% degree of significance,

therefore the alternative hypothesis is accepted which only means there is

significant difference between the different concentration of Taro as an

Alternative Source of Biodegradable Plastic.

 Table 2

RESISITANCE AGAINST SOLUBILITY (minutes)

Replicate

Treatment R1 R2 R3

T1 (25%) 145 148 152

T2 (75%) 155 157 162

T3 (100%) 170 205 212

Table 2 shows the time of melting of different treatment. Since the computed

value of 0.89 is less than the tabular value of6.49 at 5% degree of significance,

therefore the alternative hypothesis is accepted which only means there is

significant difference between the different concentration.

CONCLUSION

Based from the discussion of the result and findings, the following conclusions
were made:

1. Treatment 3 or the 100% Taro starch is the effective concentration in

producing organic plastic.
2. Taro starch is effective in terms of resistance to heat and resistance
against solubility.
3. There is significant difference in effectiveness of Taro as an Alternative
Source of Biodegradable Plastic compared with the other concentration.

RECOMMENDATION

Based on the findings and conclusion obtained by the research

recommendations are made:

1. To further more study the ways on how to improve the resistance to

heat of the plastic.

2. Find plant that has more or rich in carbohydrates.

3. Find plants that has a chemical composition that can help to

prevent the plastic from melting.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.sparknotes.com/biology/microorganisms/protista/section1-rhtml

http://www.Buzzle.com/Article/Environmental Pollution-The harmful-Effect-of-

plastics bags. HTML. By PUTATUNDA , Rita on December – 14 – 2011

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/science/plastic-composition-types-

plastic-html,columbia electronic encyclopedia,6th ed copyright © 2012

http://www.greendiamz.com/index.php?option=comcontent&view=article&catid=3

:newsflash by Green Diamz Biotech LTD © 2011

http://www.actahort.org/books/703/703_16.htmed

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/taro.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/583637/taro

http://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/articles11/kfr

onning2/characteristics.html
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With the Glory of God and his guide the researcher would like to thank the
following persons who support and believe that they can finished their research
study.

To Mr. Isagani F. Musa who gave his time and patience in guiding the
researchers in doing their study.

To Mr. Arnilo C. Ibasco for giving the opportunity to the researcher to

conduct their research.

To the parents and Friends of the researchers who gave their moral and
financial support to the researchers.

And to all persons who help and guide us in doing this study thank you and
God bless.
APPENDICES A

Materials and Equipment

TARO WATER

GLYCERIN VINEGAR
EQUIPMENTS

SPOON KNIFE

SHREDDER GLOVES
COLLECTION OF MATERIALS
PREPARING OF TARO
COOKING OF PLASTIC
APPENDICES B

RESISTANCE TO HEAT

STEP 1:

6172
= 42298.77
3𝑥3

STEP 2:

702 + 632 +612 + 712 + 612 + 652 + 732 + 632 +

902 =4900+3969+3721+5041+3721+4225+5329+3969+8100= 42973

42973-42298.77=674.3

STEP 3:

2142 1872 2162

- 42298.77
3

45796+34969+46656
-42298.77
3

42473.66-42298.77=174.88

STEP 4:

1942 1972 2262

- 42298.77
3

3763+38809+51076
-42298.77
3
=42507-42298.77

=208.23

STEP 5

674.3-174.88-208.23\

=291.19

STEP 6

SOV DF SS MS F

Rep. r-1=2 174.88 87.44 RepMS/ErrorMS=1.20

Trt. t-1=2 208.23 104.12 TrtMS/ErroMS=1.43

Error (r-1)(t-1)=4 291.91 72.80

Total tr-1=8 674.3

Rep: Trt:

F= 05,2,4= 6,49 F: 05,2,4= 6.49

F=01,2,4=18.0 F: 01,2,4= 18.0

Rep: Since F calc. (1.20) ˂ F tab. At the 95% and 99% levels of confidence,

therefore there is a significant difference between the different concentrations.

Trt: Since F calc. (1.43) ˂ F tab. At the 95% and 99% levels of confidence,

therefore the null hypothesis is rejected.

STEP 9:

APPENDICES D

RESISTANCE AGAINST SOLUBILITY

STEP 1:

15042
= 251335.11
3𝑥3

STEP 2:

1452 + 1482 +1522 + 1552 + 1572 + 1622 + 1702 + 2052 +

2122 =21025+21904+23104+24025+24649+26244+28900+42025+4494

=256820-251335.11

= 5484.89

STEP 3:

4702 5102 5242

- 251335.11
3

220900+260100+274576
-
3

= 523.56
STEP 4:

4452 4722 5872

- 251335.11
3

19802+222784+345689
- 251335.11
3

=3790.89

STEP 5

5484.89-523.56-3790.89

=1170.44

STEP 6

SOV DF SS MS F

Rep. r-1=2 523.56 261.78 RepMS/ErrorMS=0.89

Trt. t-1=2 3790.89 1895.45 TrtMS/ErroMS=6.47

Error (r-1)(t-1)=4 1170.44 292.61

Total tr-1=8 5484.89

Rep: Trt:

F= 05,2,4= 6,49 F: 05,2,4= 6.49

F=01,2,4=18.0 F: 01,2,4= 18.0

Rep: Since F calc. (0.89) ˂ F tab. At the 95% and 99% levels of confidence,

therefore there is a significant difference between the different concentrations.

Trt: Since F calc. (6.47) ˂ F tab. At the 95% and 99% levels of confidence,

therefore the null hypothesis is rejected.

STEP 9: