Costa, Olsen M.
Cubcubin, Kate Zinnia P.
Dimailig, Krizia Camil R.
Edjan, Danielle May A.
Erni, Aeron Ace Joshua F.
Garcia, Maria Isidra Cassandra M.
Kim, Yeil
Mojica, Anne Jelene R.
Pucate, Lizbeth Angelika N.
Renzales, James Jardi A.
Reyes, Kimberly P.
STEM 2112
2017-2018
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Global warming has been a major concern for several years and until to this date it
is considered as one of the leading problems worldwide. One of its causes is the production
and irresponsible use of plastics; it is widely used in everyday life of every people because
of its convenience but despite its usefulness, it causes harm to the environment. Petroleum-
based plastics are made from non-biodegradable materials, hence, it takes up at least 1000
years before it decompose and some people has their own way of discarding unused plastic
This growing concern regarding plastic is undeniably alarming since it may cause
further damage to the environment, even the government suggests different resort to stop
this problem such as the ban of plastic bags and eliminate the use of it, the fact is it cannot
be really done because of its versatility, it has become a necessity, an accessory and even
a form of advertisement for some businesses which helps the economy to grow.
content.
Pure Starch is a white, tasteless and odorless powder that is insoluble in cold water
or alcohol. It consists of two types of molecules; the linear and helical amylase and the
Biodegradable plastics take less time to decompose and are created from materials
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that are fully biodegradable. It is also good for the environment and causes no harm since
it does not contain harmful chemicals or toxins. This product harmlessly breaks down and
Due to the fast paced society and different innovations growing, the condition of
the environment might be put aside and be worse. People being mindful that there is an
alternative material that can be used instead of petroleum-based plastic is significant since
using biodegradable plastic will lessen the possibility of greater land and water pollution
Philippines as the third who contributes most in the pollution caused by plastic materials.
The local government of Davao City, implemented an ordinance that bans the use of non-
Over 67 million ton of plastic waste is generated annually in Europe and this
problem has caused many environmental concerns. Using plastics has been part of the
everyday lives of people and even in packaging industry that helps the economy to grow.
It has become an alarming concern that led the government to turn its head to biodegradable
plastic materials with its idea of preventing its further damage (Song. J. H. et al., 2009).
This research project attempts to develop a biodegradable plastic utilized from the
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starch of Colocasia most esculenta (Taro). Also, it aims to answer the following problems:
1. Which among the four formulas is the most effective concentration in producing
organic plastic?
plastics in terms of :
a. Heat Resistance
b. Water Resistance
c. Durability
d. Biodegradable Test
3. Is there any significant difference between the biodegradable plastic and petroleum-
based plastic?
Hypothesis
At the end of the research project, the following hypotheses may be or may not be
proven:
The demand for plastic use is disturbingly increasing each year. In accordance to
a research article by Geyer et al. (2017), there are over 8.3 million metric tons (Mt) of
plastic waste had been produced, 12% were destroyed by burning, 79% were piled up in
landfills or scattered everywhere, and only 9% were recycled. If the production of non-
biodegradable plastics and the problem in plastic waste management persists, there will
be approximately 12,000 Mt of plastic waste in the natural environment by the year 2050.
This research aims to replace or lessen the production and usage of the common
petroleum-based plastics with biodegradable plastics, specifically made from taro starch
As the research deals with the Utilizing Colocasia esculenta Starch in Developing
how to make an environment-friendly, inexpensive and toxic-free bio plastic resins from
taro starch.
Local community. This research may help people gain knowledge about the
problem on plastic waste management and the need to reduce the use of non-recyclable
plastics. The information that will be produced during the study may be an eye opener
Definition of Terms
This is achieved when microorganisms in the environment metabolize and break down the
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structure of biodegradable plastic. The result is one which is less harmful to the
Biomass – It is an organic material that comes from plants and animals and a
tropics for its edible root and in temperate areas as an ornamental for its large glossy leaves
Hydrochloric Acid – Also known as HCl or muriatic acid, it is a strong acid and
Lemon – Contains the chemical Limonene which can be substituted to BPA which
Pure Starch – It is a white, tasteless, and odorless powder that is insoluble in cold
from primary chemicals generally coming from oil, natural gas, or coal (American
stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, and varying widely in appearance according
The principal objective of this study is to make biodegradable plastic using Taro
This study aims to identify the characteristics of the Taro starch that can prove that
such as the durability and texture, will be compared to a non-biodegradable plastic (plastic
labo) not to be its alternative but to show the capability of the Taro starch to be an eco-
friendly plastic.
The researchers will make the initial trial of extraction of starch from Taro roots at
Buenavista I, General Trias City, Cavite because of the availability of materials needed. It
is limited to be done from April 19 to May 1, 2018. This research project is also limited to
producing biodegradable plastic; hence, other material that can be produced using
Colocasia esculenta starch will not be processed. Also, the study only limits itself on the
CHAPTER II
This chapter presents and discusses the review of relevant literatures, studies and
concepts essential and helpful to the direction of the study. Data and information were
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journal article by Ahmed (2014), taro is consisting of two types of molecules: the
linear and helical amylose and the branched amylopectin. Depending on the plant,
fructose, glucose and sucrose. It also has high starch content. Various taro tubers
are consisting of high amount of starch with a percentage ranging from 66% to 87%
calcium oxalate
Organic Acid
oxalic acid
cyanidin 3-glucoside
Anthocyanins pelargonin 3-glucoside
cynadin 3-rhamnoside
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vitamin c
thiamine
Vitamin
riboflavin
niacin
1.2. Specie
Hawaii and Australia while in Cuba, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands and in
French Polynesia it is known as the “invasive species”. This specie could adapt
of substrates and its habitats. Colocasia esculenta (taro) has grown throughout the
Philippines especially in Eastern and Central Visayas, Bicol regions and Mindanao
(Cabi, 2018).
Starch from the tubers of talas or Taro has a potential to be a raw material
for bioplastics with the use of glycerol as a plasticizer (Hasibuan, 2014). Taro starch
additive that helps plastics to decompose naturally (Ahmed, 2014). It was also
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mentioned by Alam et al. (2015) that smaller granular starch has been determined
that it can be used as a filler for biodegradable plastic films. An ample amount of
2. Conventional Plastic
2.1. Properties
Conventional plastics are made and produced using petroleum, coal or gas—
which are all non-renewal resources vulnerable to the unpredicted market of rising
weight ratio, transparent or wide variety of colors, shock resistant, good durability,
inexpensive, are easy to produce, water resistant and have low toxicity
(eMachineShop, 2017).
is synthetic. Many plastic products kill wildlife by polluting their houses. Also, it
makes our environment look less attractive. Plastics are made out of carbon-based
polymers. It is flexible and can be used for a lot of products. Plastic disposal is not
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will release dioxins which is toxic for both the environment and the human
beings.
Additives are complex blend of materials that are added to the polymer
either during the manufacture or during the processing into their finished parts. The
basic mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of a plastic may not be very
effective if there are no additives added to it. On the other hand, if these are present,
the product will be safer, tougher, cleaner, and more appealing. These additives
have different common functions like helping in changing the melt flow of a
polymer; degrading effects of light, heat, or bacteria; and improved appearance and
reduced friction. The following are the common materials added to polymers to
Ultraviolet light.
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underlayment.
the material.
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3. Biodegradable Plastic
compared to plastics which are engineered to last long. This makes bioplastic
easier to get rid of because of them breaking down easier. The best way of
crops or bio-organic plastics will play a vital role in making and producing plastics
and packaging in the future for it can offer a new alternative of recycling. Also,
they release less carbon dioxide over their life cycle and do not need much energy
be an added factor to the global food crisis because it is taking over a wide range
of land that was used to cultivate food crops for human consumption. Moreover, in
gases on landfill sites because some require great amount of heat to dissolve and
Synthesis
Biodegradable plastics are said to be a new option of recycling because they emit
Starch from the tubers of talas or taro has a potential to be a raw material for
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bioplastics with the use of glycerol as a plasticizer and can be used to produce
biodegradable or bio-organic plastics for it has an additive that helps plastics to decompose
added factor to the global food crisis because it is taking over a wide range of land that was
used to cultivate food crops for human consumption. Moreover, in Britain, the petro-plastic
substitutes can contribute to the release of greenhouse gases on landfill sites because some
CHAPTER III
METHODLOGY
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the condition of the environment. Specifically, this research was designed to develop
biodegradable plastic which utilizes the starch from Colocasia esculenta (Taro). This
chapter is divided into several parts addressing the research design, locale, and data
Research Design
This study utilizes the mixed method type of research because of its appropriateness
to the study. Mixed method is used for collecting, analyzing, and mixing both qualitative
research problem (Creswell & Plano, 2011). The research design used in this study is
This research design was utilized to have ideal proportion of ingredients in making
the biodegradable plastic to obtain a good quality product. It would help in identifying the
variables’ relationships.
Locale
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The research was conducted in five (5) places. Literature reviews and background
research on various books, journals and other relevant reading materials were conducted at
the Libraries of the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) – Cavite in General Trias
City, and City Library of Dasmariñas. The experiment proper commenced at the residences
of three (3) of the researchers, in Buenavista I, General Trias City, Cavite in Barangay
Buna Lejos, Indang, Cavite and in Hugo Perez, Trece Martires, Cavite. The researchers
chose the said locations due to their accessibility to the materials needed for the experiment
and of the researchers. The conduct of the study is covered from near end of February to
May 2018.
Sources of Data
The data for this study were acquired during and after the experiment was done
which serve as the primary source of data and literature review and background research
Data from the experiment were gathered, organized and analyzed, statistically to
attain results needed for the project. While the secondary data helped the researchers gain
able to obtain quantitative and qualitative data, the researchers will conduct different
treatments to the taro starch. All the observations made throughout the manipulation in the
data. After all the manipulations are conducted and all the data are recorded, the researchers
will then compare all the data that has been gathered throughout the experiment.
The major materials needed for the extraction of starch are Taro roots, mortar, bowl,
water, paring knife, and strainer. These will be later used for making the biodegradable
plastic with the aid of other ingredients such as lemon, glycerol, and polyvinyl acetate resin
glue.
The Taro roots to be used in the proper experiment shall be gathered from Barangay
4, Magallanes City, Buenavista I, General Trias City and San Aggustin, Trece Martires due
The Taro roots will be peeled using a paring knife and was washed through a
running water. Then the peeled taro roots will be grated using a grater and will be placed
into the mortar and water will be added. The Taro-water mixture was pour through the
strainer with a bowl below it, leaving the grated Taro behind the strainer. Then the grinding
and pouring of the mixture was repeated twice more and the mixture will be left overnight
to let the starch settle in the bowl. The starch that had settled in the bottom of the container
will be sun dried. After this process, the taro starch will be split into four for the treatments,
which will have varying amounts to be used in making the biodegradable plastic. An
observation will be made after the treatments and data that will be gathered will be recorded
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Measured amounts of the ingredients will be added everything to the pan. The stove
will be turned on to medium heat and the mixture will be stirred until it turns from cloudy
white to clear, until a sticky paste was formed. Then the heat will be turned up a little and
was stirred rapidly until it is completely clear. Then the mixture will be quickly poured
After the process of making the biodegradable plastic, the product will be put into
several tests that will prove its durability and quality of being biodegradable. All the data
and observation will be recorded and later be used in the fulfilment of the research.
The researchers will consult their professors in the subjects, General Biology II,
observation table, which is an instrument they constructed to gather data. After the
instrument has been validated, the researchers will start the tests to examine the
● Length
● Width
● Appearance
DURABILITY TEST
● Length
● Width
● Appearance
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● Length
● Width
● Appearance
BIODEGRABLE TEST
● Length
● Width
● Appearance
WATER RESISTANCE
● Length
● Width
● Appearance
Several tests will be conducted to the plastic sheet to determine its mechanical
Table 2. Formulas
Water 60 ml 70 ml 70 ml 70 ml
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Polyvinyl
Acetate Resin 15 ml 15 ml 20 ml 25 ml
Glue
Each formula will be designed to determine the right combination; four treatments
Collection of Materials
Extraction of Starch
Preparation of Treatments
Experimentation Proper
Data Analysis
Instrumentation Protocol
The conduct of the research involves the use of observation table, which
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will be used as a guide for the researchers to gather qualitative data to examine and
determine the effectiveness of the biodegradable plastic. The table will consist of the before
and after changes in length, width and appearance of both the experimental and control
groups.
Materials
The materials needed for the extraction of starch are Taro roots, paring knife, bowl,
mortar and pestle, measuring cups and spoons, grater, water and strainer. In cooking the
plastic, the dependent variables will be the glycerol and lemon while the dependent
variables will be the starch and water. The major materials to be used in the conduct of the
tests are pan, water, spring balance, soil and hydrochloric acid.
Procedures
Preparing of Taro:
2. Peeled Taro roots will be grated and placed in a bowl filled with water.
4. After settling overnight. The starch-less water will pour out from the bowl.
5. The starch that settled at the base of the bowl will dry in the in the sunlight for 5
hours.
6. After 5 hours the dried starch will be powdered using mortar and pestle.
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The following tests were conducted to determine the physical characteristics of the
samples. Each test will also determine the effectiveness of the biodegradable plastic sheets.
1. Heat Resistance
The plastic sheets with different treatments will be placed in a non-stick pan
with medium heat for 10 minutes. The changes in length, width and appearance will
heat.
2. Water Resistance
with water enough for them to be immersed. After 5 days, changes in length, width
plastic.
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3. Durability Test
The plastic sheets will be hooked to a spring balance and will be pulled until
they tore apart. The readings (in kg) when the plastic sheets broke will be recorded.
4. Biodegradable Test
The plastic sheets will be stapled to a piece of cardboard and will be buried
in a can of soil. After 5 days, the strips will be dug out and the changes in length,
width and appearance will be recorded. The purpose of this is to determine if the
Changes in length, width and appearance will be recorded. The purpose of this is
Data Analysis
The researchers will be using observational table to gather data and analyze the
results.
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EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT 1
STRONG ACID TEST BEFORE AFTER
DURABILITY TEST
BIODEGRABLE TEST
WATER RESISTANCE
EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT 2
STRONG ACID TEST BEFORE AFTER
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DURABILITY TEST
BIODEGRABLE TEST
WATER RESISTANCE
EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT 3
STRONG ACID TEST BEFORE AFTER
DURABILITY TEST
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BIODEGRABLE TEST
WATER RESISTANCE
EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT 4
STRONG ACID TEST BEFORE AFTER
DURABILITY TEST
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BIODEGRABLE TEST
WATER RESISTANCE
CONTROL TREATMENT
STRONG ACID TEST BEFORE AFTER
DURABILITY TEST
BIODEGRABLE TEST
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WATER RESISTANCE
The tables show that among the five treatments, the most favorable in terms of
results is the experimental treatment 3. These support the hypothesis, Colocasia esculenta
CHAPTER IV
This chapter presents the findings inferred from the gathered data. It also includes
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The objectives of the study are to: 1) determine which among the four formulas is
the most effective concentration in producing organic plastic and 2) determine the
effectiveness of using Taro starch in developing biodegradable plastics in terms of: a) Heat
Acid Test.
completely burnt
broke apart
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Table 1 shows that after heating the treatments for 10 minutes, the experimental
treatment 4 has the positive results of being able to withstand heat for 9 minutes because
its parts did not broke down into pieces compared to the control variable which was
Table 2 shows that after immersing the treatments in water for 5 days, the
treatment 3 which resulted to being partially dissolved. But this test shows that
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1.5 kg
Experimental 1
0.5 kg
Experimental 2
Experimental 3 1 kg
0.3 kg
Experimental 4
Table 3 shows that after hooking the treatments on a spring balance, the
experimental treatment 1 is the best treatment having the durability and resilience with the
kg and the experimental treatment 2 being the least durable and resilient among the
treatments.
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Table 4 shows that after burying the treatments in the soil for 5 days, the
experimental treatment 3 has the positive results of being able to decompose compared to
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Table 5 shows that after submerging the treatments in hydrochloric acid for 30
minutes, the experimental treatment 2 has the positive results of becoming completely
dissolved, compared to the control variable that showed no changes except becoming
slightly hardened.
CHAPTER 5
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This chapter presents the summary of the findings, the conclusions derived from
This study has the primary objective to utilize the starch extracted from the Taro
1. Which among the four formulas is the most effective concentration in producing
organic plastic?
a. Heat Resistance
b. Water Resistance
c. Durability
d. Biodegradable Test
3. Is there any significant difference between the biodegradable plastic and petroleum-
based plastic?
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
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Presented below are the summary of the results that are gathered in the conduct of
the study.
1. The physical characteristics of the tested samples are purely based on the physical
senses of the researchers. The color of the samples was observed after the tests,
2. The odor of the samples tested after the Biodegradable test, Heat Resistance test,
and Strong Acid test is identified as odorless, moreover, the odor of the samples
after the Water Resistance test is identified as rancid but not much as before, lastly,
the odor of the samples were not affected in the Durability test.
3. The samples were submerged in water for 5 days (Water Resistance test) to observe
its capability of being dissolved in water. Sample 3’s water became blurry because
some of its portion were already dissolved in the water, moreover, the Sample 1, 2,
and 4’s water were also blurry but the portions of the samples were still intact; all
samples softened upon the test. The control variable which is the commercial plastic
4. For the Strong Acid test, the samples were immersed in Hydrochloric Acid for 30
minutes. The control variable for the experiment which is the commercial plastic
(plastic labo) was also immersed and observed. After the given time, Sample 2 was
Sample 1 and 4 were not dissolved partially or completely but were softened by the
strong acid. The commercial plastic did not show any significant changes.
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5. The researchers used the instrument Spring Balance to test the developed
was also included in the test as the control variable. Sample 3 resulted to 1 kg while
6. The samples were heated in a medium high heat for 10 minutes. All the samples in
terms of color turned as black as burnt; moreover, all the samples became brittle.
The researchers then tried pounding one of the samples using mortar and pestle,
after being powdered; the researchers tried dissolving the powdered sample in the
water: it partially dissolved. Commercial plastic was also placed in heat with the
same duration but around 25 seconds of the given time, the plastic shrunk and
hardened.
7. To prove its biodegradability, the samples were buried in the soil for 5 days. All of
the samples discolored and softened; all of the samples showed signs of
decomposition and the thickness also decreases. Sample 3 showed the greatest
change in the physical characteristics since its thickness greatly decreased after the
test and also, molds are already visible in most parts of the sample which is a sign
of decomposition.
8. The measured amount of each ingredients used in the processing is one of the basic
CONCLUSION
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Based on the gathered data and results of this study, such conclusions were drawn:
1. Three of the tests performed (Water Resistance test, Strong Acid test, and
Biodegradable test) lightened the color of the samples; moreover, the samples were
2. The odor, after some of the tests: Strong Acid test, Heat Resistance test, Water
Resistance test, and Biodegradable test turned out that can be lessen or removed.
3. Based on the tests that were conducted in the treatments, the formula used in
developing biodegradable plastic using the Colocasia esculenta (Taro) starch since
experimental treatment 3 was the most favorable among all the samples in most of
completely/partially decomposes in the soil. Based on the tests, it does not require
will be: consumes lesser time in decomposing and can decompose in a way that is
5. After the treatments done in the samples, the researchers then observed and
thoroughly analyzed the results; they came up with the conclusion based on the
tests results that the commercial plastic and biodegradable plastic has significant
difference.
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plastic, however, there are still factors needed to be modified to produce a better
RECOMMENDATIONS
From the conclusions that were drawn and analysis that were done, the researchers
1. The local government should do more research about the benefits of using
biodegradable plastic for commercial use is important in a way that it will be beneficial
2. Every individual should learn how to properly and responsibly use plastic especially if
help the environment as well and prevent further dilemma. In addition, people should
learn the existence of biodegradable plastic and should not stop in looking for other
3. The future researchers are encouraged to conduct this study in deeper approach by
testing other possible parts of the Taro that may contain starch in producing the
biodegradable plastic.
3.1. In addition, the researchers could possibly test other binder that will enhance the
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3.2. Moreover, the researchers can look for other plasticizers that will improve the
3.3. Lastly, they can look for other additives that can lessen or remove the rancid smell
of the produced plastic due to the PVA resin glue, lemon, and starch.
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