UTILIZATION OF CALAMANSI (CITROFORTUNELLA MICROCARPA)
INTO HOMEMADE FOOTPOWDER
__________________
A Research Paper
Presented to the
Science & Math Department
Integrated Developmental School
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology
__________________
In Partial Fulfillment for the Course
Science Research
__________________
ADECEL GRACE C. CALISO
KURT KEEVIN A. PATAGNAN
March 2011
APPROVAL SHEET
This
research
paper
entitled
“UTILIZATION
OF
CALAMANSI
(CITROFORTUNELLA MICROCARPA) INTO HOMEMADE FOOT POWDER”
prepared and submitted by ADECEL GRACE C. CALISO and KURT KEEVIN A.
PATAGNAN is hereby recommended for approval.
MS. CHARITY I. MULIG_
Adviser
________________
Date
PROF. ALMA GLORIA SILVA
PROF. VICTORIA TARRANZA
Panel Member
Panel Member
____________
____________
Date
Date
Accepted and approved in partial fulfilment of the Course in Science Research I.
PROF. VICTORIA TARRANZA
Chairperson, Science & Math
__________________
Date
PROF. LEILA V. BERNALDEZ
Principal, IDS
____________
Date
Abstract
Caliso, Adecel Grace C. and Patagnan, Kurt Keevin A. (2011) “Utilization of
Calamansi (Citrofortunella Microcarpa into Homemade Foot Powder”. College of
Education-Integrated Developmental School, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology.
Adviser: Prof. Charity I. Mulig
Adsorption is the act of absorbing a particle to a surface of another particle or medium. In
this research, adsorption of the calamansi peelings in powdered form will be studied. This will be
compared to a common type of foot powder. Foot powder is chosen because aside from
underarm sweat, foot sweat is also the main reason why body odours are released. Sweat,
actually is not the reason why odours are released but the bacteria living in it. So, the powdered
form of the peelings will serve as the product—the calamansi peel foot powder.
The methods of drying the peelings for pounding are Sun Dry Method, Air Dry Method,
and Air-Sun Dry Method. 300 calamansi peelings were used in this study. 100 of them will be
dried through SDM (Sun Dry Method), 100 will be through ADM (Air Dry Method), and the rest
were dried using the A-SDM (Air-Sun Dry Method). After days of drying, the peelings were
ground using food processor.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researchers would like to thank the following for the help / making the research
study possible.
Before anyone else, they would like to thank the Almighty God for providing the
researchers their needs and for His guidance throughout the study.
To the research advisers, Ms. Alma Gloria L. Silva, Prof. Odyssa Natividad R. M.
Molo and Prof. Charity I. Mulig for guiding the researchers during the course of the study and
in writing their manuscripts.
To the researchers’ supportive parents, Mrs. Jocelyn and Mr. Nolan Caliso and to Mrs.
and Mr. Patagnan for their never ending love and support.
To Maristelle Regencia, Rodolfo Marba Jr., Irish Espejo, and to the whole class of
III-Neon ’12 for helping us in making our research paper possible.
To the teachers of MSU-IIT CED-Integrated Developmental School for their concern for
this field.
To the staff of I-School and Library for letting us use the facilities for us to finish our
research works even at school.
A.G.C.C. and K.K.A.P.
DEDICATION
This study is dedicated to everyone who made it possible—
The researchers, first and foremost, offer this research to
God as a way to show their gratitude for everything He has given
us.
To the researchers’ loving and caring parents who provided a
place to work, encouragement and immeasurable support;
To their teachers who have given them guidance during the
progress of the study, especially their research advisers, Ma’am
Silva, Ma’am Molo and Ma’am Mulig, for their patience in
correcting the researchers’ work and providing help in its
completion;
To their friends, especially to their classmates in Neon ’11–
'12, who are always there to make us laugh and together, help
ourselves keep our sanity during the writing of the manuscript.
Adecel Grace C. Caliso
Kurt Keevin A. Patagnan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE……………………………………………………………………….i
APPROVAL SHEET………………………………………………………………ii
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………….iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT…………………………………………………………..iv
DEDICATION……………………………………………………………………..v
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………….vi
LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………………..vii
LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………………………………vii
CHAPTER
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
B. Statement of the Problem
C. Objectives of the Study
D. Hypotheses of the Study
E. Significance of the Study
F. Scope and Limitations of the Study
G. Definition of Terms
II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE & STUDIES
III. METHODOLOGY
A. Research Design
B. Materials and Equipment
C. General Procedure
i. Germination of Seeds
ii. Nutrient Solution Preparation
iii. Preparation of Set-ups
iv. Growing of Pechay
D. Instruments in Gathering Data
E. Statistical Tool
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
VI. BIBLIOGRAPHY
VII. APPENDICES
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C:
Appendix D: Curriculum Vitae
1
1
2
3
3
5
5
7
12
12
13
14
14
15
17
17
18
25
27
29
31
33
36
List of Tables
List of Figures
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Body odour (esp., foot odour) is the body’s unpleasant smell that is caused by bacteria.
The main cause of this is foot sweat. Actually, sweat itself is odourless, but it creates a beneficial
environment for certain bacteria to grow and produce bad-smelling substances. These bacteria
are naturally present on our skin as part of the human flora. More smell is created with factors
that cause more sweating such as wearing shoes and socks with inadequate air ventilation for
many hours. Hair on feet, especially on toes may contribute to the odours’ intensity by increasing
its surface area where bacteria can thrive. Foot powder is a type of sweat-absorbing powder that
helps prevent or remove foot odour. But some common foot powders aren’t as absorbent as the
ideal foot powder. Some irritates the skin and some are expensive enough for consumers to
reject. So therefore, the researchers thought of making such Calamansi Peel Foot Powder to
provide a cheaper and a skin-friendly prevention for foot odour.
Calamansi is a tropical fruit usually found at the Philippines. This is commonly made into
juice drinks, additive to common juice, native sauces such as toyo, and even as a body odour
repellent. This small circular fruit prevents body odour especially the underarm odour. So, if it
can prevent underarm odour, maybe it can help in foot odour too.
B. Statement of Problem
This study aims to answer the following questions:
Main Problem: Can foot powder from calamansi peelings be produced?
Sub Problems:
1. Is the product cheaper than the commercial powder?
2. Will the foot powder from calamansi peelings prevent foot odour due to
sweat?
3. Is there a significant difference between the commercial talc powder and
the Calamansi Peelings Foot Powder in terms of adsorbency?
C. Objectives of the Study
This research aims to:
1. provide consumers a cheaper and a more effective foot powder and help
them save their money by converting their calamansi wastes into foot powder
2. compare the difference between the commercial foot powder and the
calamansi foot powder;
3. use an equipment that will help in comparing two certain types of foot
powders; and to
4. determine which of the two foot powders that are compared is more
effective in terms of adsorbency.
D. Hypotheses of the Study
1. The Calamansi Foot Powder will absorb less liquid than the
commercial foot powder. Therefore, this product will not prevent
foot odour.
2. The equipment to be used is is inefficient enough in comparing the
two types of foot powders. So, the result will not be reliable.
E. Significance of The Study
This study may help in waste segregation and to save money. This is cheaper because
most of the time, people just throw away calamansi peelings. Calamansi consumers may
keep their wastes and put it into reusable garbage. This is cheaper because most of the time,
people just throw away calamansi peelings. Instead of letting the peelings rot, the consumers
may convert these peelings into powder. And this study may help calamansi consumers save
the calamansi peelings for future use.
F. Scope and Limitations
The product’s color will not be significant in this research study. If it rained during the
drying process, the calamansi peelings will be placed in a plastic bag and the number of
hours of drying will be paused depending on the number of hours it rained. The study is
limited only for school year 2011-2012.
G. Definition Of Terms
Foot Sweat-
moisture that is released out of the foot
through the pores found at the skin when
temperature on foot is too high or when
there is not enough air ventilation in our
socks and shoes
Foot Powder-
a product that prevents bad odour from foot
by absorbing sweat and killing bacteria.
Calamansi Peel-
an outside layering of a circular fruit named
calamansi.
Foot Odour-
an unpleasant odour produced by
bacteria on foot.
Absorption Tester-
an improvised device used to compare two
different powders. This comes with an
amount of liquid and a 8.5x11in piece of
cloth.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Bromhidrosis, also known as foot odour is a painless and a non-contagious disorder. It is
a burden to someone with it because unlikeable smell is released. This is common on people with
sweaty feet. Normally, the feet produce half a pint of sweat through 2-5 million sweat glands. An
ordinary foot’s sweat evaporates easily. But for a person with bromhidrosis, the sweat that is
released evaporates slower and probably this is because more sweat is produced. And this
situation will result to odorous feet. The bacteria’s job on one’s foot is to break down this
liquid’s particles to simpler ones which commonly releases an awful smell. If one washes his feet
regularly and dries them up after washing, then, there would be reason for one to have this
ailment.
Aside from foot odour, drying and washing of foot also help in preventing mild cases of
athlete’s foot. Foot powder is a type of antiperspirant powder used to relieve itching and absorbs
sweat on feet. Applying foot powder will lessen the presence of bacteria by absorbing the sweat.
(Renner, 1993).
Foot odour is the term used for describing foot’s foul smell. This is generally caused by
bacteria. Moisture on feet serves as the breeding area for bacteria and fungi. This is commonly a
long term ailment which means, if one does not prevent it during the first signs, then this ailment
will hardly dwindle from one’s system. (Alengasa, 2009)
Citrofortunella Microcarpa belongs to the Rutaceae family and is locally known as
Calamansi or Calamondin. This Rutaceae family include ither types of oranges, limes, and
citruses. Calamansi, or the Philippine Lemon is an important source of citrus for the Filipinos.
This is widely grown throughout Southern Asia specifically Malaysia. This fruit is thought to be
hybrid in nature because this was neither a lemon nor a lime. This is best used when its color is
greenish to yellow (mature yet unripe) or yellow to orange (ripe). This fruit’s juice is a common
ingredient in some common drinks, cakes, sauces, and marmalades. This fruit is juicy and acidic.
This can also help in enhancing iron absorption in the body. Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos
2000 developed by the Technical Working Group headed by the Food and Nutrition Research
Institute of the DOST(2000) once stated, “Aside from the food and medicinal uses of Calamansi,
the fruit juice is used to bleach ink stains from fabrics and serve as a body deodourant. (Sarasota,
1999).
Apocrine glands and Eccrine glands are the two main types of sweat glands in the human
body. The Apocrine glands releases sweat at the genital areas and armpits which produces strong
odour. The Eccrine glands are the glands which are responsible for thermoregulation. When
temperature rises, these sweat glands release water and oil. For some reasons, more eccrine
sweat glands are found at the feet. About 500,000 out of millions of sweat glands are on the feet.
This is the reason why the feet has the place of highest concentration of sweat.(Huyom, 2009)
The calamansi tree is usually cylindrical, erect, and commonly ranges from 6.5ft to 25ft high. The
upper surface of its leaves is glossy and is about 1.15in to 3in long. The fruits are round or elliptic and has
a diameter of 1.75 in. Its fruit peel is aromatic and glossy. It has 6 to 10 segments. Its pulp is juicy, and
usually have seeds in it. This fruit was said to be discovered in China and was soon brought to the
Philippines and Indonesia. It is a common ornamental tree in Hawaii. This was introduced in Florida by
Dr. David Fairchild in 1899. Calamansi is now used for greenhouse researches at the Agricultural
Experiment Station of the University of Florida in Gainesville. This can be planted through its seed or bu
cuttings. Its growth rate is 1ft per year. Drought and drhydration may lead to its mesophyll collapse.
(Morton, 1987)
Calamansi is also a great snack time pal. One can squeeze a halved Calamansi to a cup then
honey and sugar can be added. Calamansi, as a member of Rutaceae family, is a great Vitamin C
provider. For tea, it is also great when added to ginger. At the bars, calamansi fruits are used to make
shots tastier. Its smell is a good air freshener and deodorizer too. This fruit is great for dark knees, elbows,
and armpits. It is used as a basic additive to a famous Filipino dip called toyo. This fruit is also great in
dandruff
treatment
and
prevention.
It
was
also
proven
to
remove
stains
on
clothes.
(Tips and Tricks, 2008)
Foot odour is one of the reasons why a person loses self confidence. One gets conscious if he or
she removes his foot wear, thinking that everybody would react negatively about the smell. There are a lot
of ways in preventing and reducing foot odour. The most common reason for foot odour is foot sweat.
That is why one must dry his feet before wearing any foot wear. Air drying is great after washing the feet
too. Moisture-smart socks are great for students and office men for a whole day comfort. Salt absorbs
sweat too. So, after a bath, one can place the feet to a basin of warm salt water. Try not to rinse it off
instead, wipe it off using a piece of cloth. Make sure that the feet are completely dry before wearing socks
and shoes. Vinegar can also help in this type of problem. Soak the feet in vinegar at least once a week.
But to prevent it from stinking, one can soak the feet at the end of the day, before sleeping. Because of the
annoying smell of vinegar, one can instead use black tea. Green tea can do the job too. Foot scrub can
also lessen the problem. Natural foot scrub acts best than artificial ones in reducing smell. If you dry your
feet and your foot wear is wet, that would give no effect on reducing foot odour. Instead, it helps in
making the feet smellier. Shoes should be aired outside the house to let it dry before using it again.
Breathing shoes are great to be used too. They aren’t actually breathing; they are shoes that have good air
ventilation to prevent sweat from staying on the feet. Shoes should be changed regularly so the shoes
could at least dry itself for a day or two. One can at least alternately use shoes to prevent same smelly
shoes to be used again. Shoes must only be worn when there are socks. If there is none, sweat would stick
to the shoes and would cause generation of an unlikeable smell. Some ladies who use nylon-made shoes
may wear socks to prevent sweat and odour. The only exceptions in wearing socks are shoes which are
open toed. Aside from socks, one can also use foot deodorizer too. Powder is the most common form of a
foot deodorizer. Underarm deodorants work well on foot odour too. This can fix the problem faster than
the said steps but it can only last for a few hours or a few minutes. But if you are in a hurry, you can use it
anytime. There are some other types of deodorizers such as shoe deodorizer. Corn starch and baking soda
can be a temporary shoe deodorizer when you can’t still buy one. Products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide
can kill bacteria and can lessen foot odour problem too. Determining the reason why your sweat is
released can help too. If you sweat because of stress, you can have some relaxation techniques for you to
lessen the production of sweat in your body. Some components of a regular diet can lessen or strengthen
the odour of one’s foot. A regular diet with zinc might help too. Almost everyone who suffers from foot
odour lacks zinc in their diets. Antibacterial soaps must also be used to wash the feet for at least once a
day. Make sure not to use inappropriate to prevent making the problem bigger. If the problem is still there
despite all the steps said, one must consult a podiatrist for some information. You must make sure that
you are not undergoing a serious foot disease. Some strong solutions such as antibiotics, aluminium
chloride and ethyl alcohol, and Botox can also help. But in some cases, surgical operations are needed.
(Vercillo, 2006)
The worst thing to have is smelly feet because of the embarrassment it brings to a person who has
it. There are some ways to lessen this problem.
In washing the feet, one must not just take it as a simple part of a daily shower. The main reason
why you should wash your feet is to remove the bacteria which caused bad odours to be released. Bacteria
could be in the dead skin cells found at your foot. A quick rub on foot with soapy water is not enough to
remove bacteria. So, it would be better if you use washcloth and antibacterial soap. In drying the feet, it
should be completely dry to avoid making a breeding area for bacteria. So, one must take his time drying
the feet.
In changing the socks, make sure to change it with laundered one. A white sock is less prone to
bacteria than a colored one. (McGimpsey, 2006)
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
In this chapter, the testing of the product will take place. Here, the improvised absorbent
tester made from wheel and axle, funnel, and clips will be used. This “equipment” will determine
the amount of liquid absorbed by a certain type of powder used.
A. Research Design
In this experiment, Foot Powder will be used though these are different in nature . One is
the calamansi product and the other one is the commercial product. Therefore, Completely
Randomized Design or CRD will be used.
B. Materials and Equipments
Materials:
Equipments:
8.5x11in Oxford Cloth
2 thin Metal bars
Food Processor
Dried calamansi peelings
Basin
Beaker
Water
Teaspoon
4 pieces 17x2x4in wood
Talc Powder
Wheel and Axle
C. General Procedure
Gathering of Materials
The researchers need 100 calamansi pieces per type of drying process. So, 300
pieces will be used for there are 3 types of drying process namely, Sun Drying, Air
Drying, and the Air-Sun Drying method.
Drying the Calamansi Peelings
The calamansi peelings need to be dried so it would be possible for us to grind it.
These will be placed in trays and will be stored to different conditions.

Sun Dry Method
100 calamansi peelings will be sun dried for 48 hours.

Air Dry Method
100 calamansi peelings will be air dried for 72 hours.

Air-Sun Dry Method
100 calamansi peelings will be air dried for 24 hours and will be sun dried for 48
hours.
Pulverization of Peelings
The dried peelings will be ground using food processor for us to have the
expected result.
Preparation of Equipment
The next thing to do is to make the tester while the drying process is going on.
The clips will be attached to the pieces of wood first. Afterwards, two sides of the funnel
will be nailed to the pieces of wood. To keep the equipment balanced, a piece of plywood
will be nailed at its base.
Equipment Expectation:
Wet Cloth Preparation
20ml water will be poured in the 8.5x11in piece of Oxford Cloth. After this,
1teaspoon of foot powder will be sprinkled. This step and the following step will be
repeated thrice per type of foot powder.
Water Collection
Tie the cloth to the metal bars. Turn the axle for 15 times. The basin will catch the
water extracted.
D. Experimental Set-up
The following table represents the data gathered in the experimentation.
Type of Foot Powder Used
No Powder Used
(Plain Cloth)
Commercial Talc Powder
Calamansi Foot Powder:
Air Dried
Sun Dried
Air-Sun Dried
Commercial Talc Powder with:
Air Dried Calamansi Foot Powder
Sun Dried Calamansi Foot Powder
Air-Sun Dried Calamansi Foot
Powder
E. Statistical Tool
Amount of Water
Extracted(in mL)
Amount of Water Absorbed
(in mL)
Since data taken during the course of the study are numerical in nature, the ANOVA
(Analysis of Variance) Test will be used to determine if there is a significant difference
between the set-ups.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A. BOOKS
Mabberley, D.J. (1987) The Plant Book: A portable dictionary and the higher plant.
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge P 706
Renner, John H. (1993) The Home Remedies Handbook. Lincolnwood, Illinois; Louis Weber,
C.E.O. Publications International, Ltd. P.169-170
B. INTERNET ARTICLES
Cindy (2008) “Oil Extracted from Calamansi Peelings as Preservatives for Hair Oil”
from
http://cindy07-08.blogspot.com/2008/03/chapter-i.html
Hoyum, Nils (2011) “How to Get Rid of Foot Odour” from
http://odours.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-foot-odour.htm
Morton, Julia (1987). “Calamondin the Versatil Fruit” from
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/calamondin.html
Tips_tricks (2008) “13 Ways to Use Calamansi” from
http://www.tipsandtricks4me.com/2008/03/13-ways-to-use-calamansi.html
Vercillo, Kathryn (2009) “20 Tips for How to Get Rid of Foot Odour” from
http://kathrynvercillo.hubpages.com/hub/20-Tips-for-Reducing-Foot-Odour
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name:
Adecel Grace C. Caliso
Nickname: Adecel
Religion: Roman Catholic
Gender: Female
Place of Birth:
Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
Date of Birth: July 19, 1997
Home Address:
Zone Cancer Suarez, Iligan City
Father’s Name:
Nolan C. Caliso
Mother’s Name:
Jocelyn C. Caliso
Educational Background:
Elementary
Name of School:
Address:
South II Central School
Zone Orchids Suarez, Iligan City
Date of Graduation:
Secondary
Name of School: MSU – IIT – Integrated Developmental School_
Address:
Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City
Date of Graduation:
Honor and Awards Received:
Elementary
Fourth Honor (Grade 1 – 2),
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name:
Nickname:
Religion:
Gender:
Place of Birth:
Date of Birth:
Home Address:
Father’s Name:
Mother’s Name:
Educational Background:
Elementary
Name of School:
Address:
Date of Graduation:
Secondary
Name of School:
Address:
Date of Graduation:
Honor and Awards Received:
Secondary