Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology
College of Education
Integrated Developmental School
Research Journal
Compilation
Grade 10 - Omega
SY 2020-2021
Adviser: Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac
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Table of Contents
Arduino Clock Thermudity: Arduino-based clock with temperature and humidity sensor...................... 5
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM........................................................................................................................................... 7
OBJECTIVES................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................................................. 8
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .............................................................................................................................................12
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................................................................13
RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................13
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...........................................................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................................................14
CULTIV8: A Solar-powered Plant Growth Maintenance and Monitoring Device ...........................................15
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................................................15
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................15
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.........................................................................................................................................18
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ..............................................................................................................................................18
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ...........................................................................................................................................19
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY ....................................................................................................................19
METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................................................19
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .............................................................................................................................................30
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................................................................36
RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................37
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.........................................................................................................................................................38
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................................................38
Natrural Blue Dye: The Extraction of the Blue Butterfly Pea’s (Clitoria ternatea) Pigment Along With
the Use of a Natural Mordant, Aloe vera...........................................................................................................................41
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................................................41
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................41
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.........................................................................................................................................43
OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................................................................................................43
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ...........................................................................................................................................43
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................43
METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................................................44
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .............................................................................................................................................46
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................................................................49
RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................50
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.........................................................................................................................................................50
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................................................50
PLANTECKNON: Moisture Content Based Portable Automatic Watering System Device Using
Arduino UNO on Bayabang (Nephrolepis cordifolia)...................................................................................................52
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ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................................................52
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................52
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.........................................................................................................................................55
OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................................................................................................55
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ...........................................................................................................................................55
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................56
METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................................................56
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .............................................................................................................................................58
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................................................................62
RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................62
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.........................................................................................................................................................62
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................................................63
The Effectiveness of Different Soil Additives to the Growth of Baby White Pechay (Brassica Rapa) ..65
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................................................65
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................65
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.........................................................................................................................................68
OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................................................................................................69
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ...........................................................................................................................................69
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................69
METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................................................69
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .............................................................................................................................................72
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................................................................74
RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................74
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...........................................................................................................................................................75
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................................................75
Validation of the Aromatic Effects of Mint (Menthapiperata L.) And Basil (Ocimum africanum L.) to
Common Fruit Flies ....................................................................................................................................................................76
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................................................76
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................76
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.........................................................................................................................................77
OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................................................................................................78
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ...........................................................................................................................................78
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................78
METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................................................79
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .............................................................................................................................................83
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................................................................87
RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................87
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.........................................................................................................................................................88
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................................................88
Voice Controlled Swiss Army Rulers using Arduino Nano .......................................................................................92
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................................................92
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................92
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.........................................................................................................................................93
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OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................................................................................................93
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ...........................................................................................................................................93
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................93
METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................................................93
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 100
CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 101
RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 101
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...................................................................................................................................................... 101
WalleTech: Wallet Innovation Using GPS and Fingerprint Scanner Technology ....................................... 103
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................................................... 103
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................................... 103
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM...................................................................................................................................... 105
OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................................................................................ 105
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ........................................................................................................................................ 105
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 105
METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 106
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 109
CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 114
RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 115
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...................................................................................................................................................... 115
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................................................................... 116
APPENDIX: APPROVAL SHEETS .................................................................................................................................... 10323
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Arduino Clock Thermudity: Arduino-based clock
with temperature and humidity sensor
Justene Kaye M. Alota | Mohammad Buchary S. Dimaporo | Princess Gale L. Jaylo| Mark
Polo J. Macaraya | Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac | Prof. Neal Alfie Lasta | Prof. Kristen
Andoy
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School
*princessgale.jaylo@g.msuiit.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
Humidity and temperature are two of the many variables affecting people's everyday lives,
such as work productivity and general behavior. Extreme changes in temperature and
humidity, if not controlled, could potentially harm anyone. In severe cases, it could cause
people to overheat, greatly fatigue them, and put their lives at risk. Thus, the researchers aim
to use the Arduino programming language to create a multi-purpose clock with temperature
and humidity sensors and its efficiency depending on the location and size of the site. This
product can comfort people, especially students and workers, enabling them to go about their
daily tasks in a more comfortable environment. This device is composed of two systems:
passive and active. The passive system houses the main components which collect data: the
Arduino Uno board, temperature, and humidity sensors, while the active system operates
using the data from the passive system. Upon testing and a series of trials, the device can detect
temperature accurately with variations upon how far away the device is from the source. In
humidity detections, the results were reasonably accurate. Both of the results showed that the
researchers were able to design an Arduino-based multi-purpose clock that was fully working.
Keywords: Arduino, Temperature, Humidity
INTRODUCTION
Weather is the state of the atmosphere concerning heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or
storm, clearness or cloudiness. Weather affects everyone and everything in its path. The
weather affects almost everything humans do in their daily lives. It affects what people wear
and what types of activities that people do. In many professions, it involves either where
people work or when people work, and often affects if people work at all that day.
I. Weather System
According to National Geographic, weather systems are simply the movement of warm and
cold air across the globe. These movements are known as low-pressure systems and high-
pressure systems. High-pressure systems are rotating masses of cool, dry air. High-pressure
systems keep moisture from rising into the atmosphere and forming clouds. Therefore, they
are usually associated with clear skies. On the other hand, low-pressure systems are rotating
masses of warm, moist air. As a result, they typically bring storms and high winds.
Many factors affect the weather, many of which people cannot see. The four main factors that
affect the weather are the air mass, weather fronts, water cycle, and the jet stream.
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II. Humidity
Humidity is the concentration of water vapor present in the air. Water vapor, the gaseous state
of water, is generally invisible to the human eye. Humidity can make the temperature feel
warmer, as our sweat is slower to evaporate. Not only is the muggy air uncomfortable, but it
can cause our bodies to overheat, exhaust quickly, and poses a potential danger to human
health.
Humidity indicates the likelihood for precipitation, dew, or fog to be present. Humidity
depends on the temperature and pressure of the system of interest. The exact amount of water
vapor results in higher humidity in cool air than warm air. The amount of water vapor needed
to achieve saturation increases as the temperature increases. When it rains, it will increase the
relative humidity because of the evaporation. The air where the rain is falling may not be
completely saturated with water vapor. However, the longer it rains, the more the humidity
will increase because of the air constantly drawing the water. The evaporation will cool the air
and improve the absolute moisture content of the air locally.
III. Temperature
Temperature is a physical quantity that expresses hot and cold. It is the manifestation
of thermal energy, present in all matter, which is the source of heat, a flow of energy when a
body is in contact with another that is colder or hotter. Therefore, higher temperatures mean
that heatwaves are likely to happen more often and last longer, too. As average temperatures
at the Earth's surface rise, more evaporation occurs, which, in turn, increases overall
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precipitation. Therefore, a warming climate is expected to increase precipitation in many
areas. According to Means (2018), on average, raindrops have temperatures somewhere
between 32 F (0 C) and 80 F (27 C).
Based on the study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), even small
differences from seasonal average temperatures are associated with increased illness and
death. Temperature extremes can also worsen chronic conditions, including cardiovascular,
respiratory, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes-related conditions. Heat also has important
indirect health effects. Heat conditions can alter human behavior, the transmission of diseases,
health service delivery, air quality, and critical social infrastructures such as energy, transport,
and water. In addition, heat waves can be dangerous, causing illnesses such as heat cramps
and heat stroke, or even death.
On the other hand, warmer temperatures can also lead to a chain reaction of other changes
around the world. That's because increasing air temperature also affects the oceans, weather
patterns, snow and ice, and plants and animals. So the warmer it gets, the more severe the
impacts on people and the environment will be. Therefore, one should have a device that can
measure the level of temperature and humidity in a closed space.
This research aims to innovate simple clocks through an Arduino-based clock with the help of
a thermometer and humidity sensor device. An Arduino clock that detects both temperature
and humidity has not been found in the market. Most products either sell an Arduino clock
with a thermometer alone or a thermometer with a humidity sensor. Due to the lack of
research in this area, the researchers decided to create a device that caters to the uses of 3
different devices with the help of the Arduino programming language. The device itself will
have two systems, a passive system consisting of the Arduino Uno board, thermometer,
humidity sensor, and an active system that will take action based on the data fed by the passive
system. The components of the device will then be placed in one structure such that the
structure is a clock. Arduino will be used as the microcontroller for the programming device
and its main programming language, Arduino Integrated Developmental Environment
(Arduino IDE). This study will greatly benefit the user's health. Not only will it serve as a clock,
but it will also be advantageous for one's health. It will measure the level of humidity and
temperature such that the user will be able to determine if the level of humidity and
temperature in a closed space is the recommended degree or not.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The problem of the study is to examine the effectiveness of having a stable level of temperature
and humidity in a closed space. This project aims to explore and measure the best levels of
humidity and temperature for human comfort using statistical analysis, given that the ideal
indoor humidity falls at 30-50% and the average temperatures in the Philippines usually range
between 21 °C (70 °F) and 32 °C (90 °F). Furthermore, the researchers aim to investigate how
to create a multifunctional clock that provides the level of temperature and humidity of the
closed space, given that a simple clock will turn into something useful and will test the
effectiveness whether having a sufficient percent of humidity and temperature provides
comfort to the people inside a closed space or not.
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Specific Problems:
1. Determine the efficacy of maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level in a
closed space to maximize comfort.
2. Identify the accuracy rate of the temperature and humidity sensor.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to:
1. Design a multi-purpose clock using Arduino programming language.
2. Compare how accurate the device is versus other temperature and humidity sensors.
3. Determine the device's efficiency rate and how flexible it is based on its location and the size
of the location.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will help people become more productive by being able to monitor their room's
temperature and humidity level using one device and lessen the use of gadgets that may
become a source of distraction. Our information about our surroundings, temperature, and
humidity is not widely available to everyone. This study will provide people a product that
gives them data, which are the temperature by Celsius, humidity by percentage, and last date
and time. The data provided will help individuals determine if the temperature and humidity
are at their preference or at stable levels, which will help people find the most comfortable
spot to do their work and potentially maximize their productivity. This specifically aids
students in boosting their productivity during studying as it can efficiently determine a room's
status using a single device. This will assist workers in terms of price and utility as it is an allin-one device rather than buying different devices for different functions. It will help them
efficiently track the time, date, temperature, and humidity all in one glance rather than
checking them separately.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
The data collection for our study began on September 14, 2020; sadly, due to the ongoing
pandemic, the researchers will be conducting the research study in their homes.
This research primarily focuses on Electronics and Information Technology, notably Arduino
technology/programming. The researchers aim to design and manufacture an accurate
multifunctional alarm clock using Arduino technology, backing up the criteria of having an
economical price and is convenient to operate. Time, location, and location size are the
independent variables in this study. In addition, temperature and humidity are the study's
dependent variables.
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METHODOLOGY
1. RESEARCH DESIGN
The device itself had two systems, a passive system (which consists of the Arduino Uno board,
thermometer, and humidity sensor), an active system that took action based on the data fed
by the passive system. These were put in place to ease the design and fabrication. The
components of the device were placed in one structure such that the structure was a clock.
The researchers used Arduino as the microcontroller for the programming device and its main
programming language, Arduino Integrated Developmental Environment (Arduino IDE).
2. DEVICE DESIGN
A. Arduino Based Clock
The components below were the ones the researchers used for creating the Arduino-based
clock. The researchers also used basic components of Arduino, from an Arduino kit, to fully
construct this clock.
1. Arduino Uno
2. DS3231
3. DS1307
4. LCD
5. Push Buttons
B. Sensor
6. Resistors
7. LED
8. Buzzer
9. Jumper Wire
The DHT11 is a basic, low-cost digital temperature and humidity sensor. It used a capacitive
humidity sensor and a thermistor to measure the surrounding air and spat out a digital signal
on the data pin (no analog input pins needed). Thus, it was perfect for remote weather stations,
home environmental control systems, and farm or garden monitoring systems. In addition,
this sensor functioned as the remote system of the clock. This served as the primary
component of this project. As such, it innovated the simple clock.
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C. Microcontroller
The Arduino Uno is an open-source microcontroller board based on the Microchip
ATmega328P microcontroller and developed by Arduino.cc. The board was equipped with
digital and analog input/output pins that may be interfaced with various expansion boards
and other circuits. The board had 14 digital I/O pins (six capable of PWM output), six analog
I/O pins, and programmable with the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) via
a USB cable. It can be powered by a USB cable or an external 9-volt battery, though it accepts
voltages between 7 and 20 volts.
3. General Procedure
Figure 4. General Procedure Flow Chart
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4. Prototype
Figure 5. Prototype
The system started when the desired power is supplied. First, the system initialized the real-
time clock, 16x2 LCD, then the dht11 temperature and humidity sensor. If any of the initialized
components failed to initialize, the system would stop. On the other hand, if the system
successfully initialized all components, the system will proceed to an infinite loop. Next, the
system got the temperature and humidity, followed by getting the time and date data. The
system then displayed the acquired data then went back to the first process of the loop. The
system flowchart is shown above in Figure 6.
Figure 6. System Flow Chart
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In this chapter, the results of the testing done by the researchers will be presented and
discussed. This will include the data gathered, the process of collecting data, and thoughts
about the data gathered in relevance to the study.
A. Results
TABLE 1: TEMPERATURE
In temperature detection, the device was placed in a neutral, open area and was checked at
random times with an exemption to trial 4. Trial 4 was placed in a temperature controlledroom to see how accurately it can detect the temperature. The researchers set the room
temperature to 22℃ and left the clock near the air-condition to know if it could detect the
accurate temperature. The results showed that the device could detect the temperature
accurately, but the results may vary depending on how far away the device is from the source
of air and the size of the room.
For the rest of the trials, the gathered data was compared to the temperature shown in Google
for the area's temperature, as the table above showed that there was a minimal difference in
both temperatures. Therefore, the device was considered reasonably accurate. The minimal
differences may be caused by the location difference of the device and the temperature being
detected by Google.
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TABLE 2: HUMIDITY
The researchers did the same process for the detection of humidity. The device was placed in
a neutral, open room and was checked randomly to check the room's current humidity. It was
done five times to get five trials. The result was then compared to the humidity detected by
Google for the average humidity of the current area. Based on the table found above, the
research can say that the device can be considered fairly accurate.
This was a sample of what the researchers' setup looked like while gathering data for
temperature and humidity. This setup was done repeatedly until all trials were finished. First,
the clock was placed in an open and neutral location and was checked randomly, then
compared to the Google reading of the temperature.
CONCLUSION
With the assistance and cooperation of the researchers, they were able to design a multi-
purpose clock using the Arduino programming language that was fully working. And in using
the device, the researchers were able to compare the device with other humidity and
temperature sensor. With the gathered data in comparing two different devices, the
researchers were able to determine that the device is fairly accurate since it had yielded
results that had a minimal difference to Google due to the difference in the device's position.
RECOMMENDATIONS
•
•
•
An added feature of alerting those who use the system when the temperature or humidity
levels exceed unsafe levels for their health may be useful
Noise detection, since ambient sounds are irritating and impede people's efficiency
Install a timer-based component called Pomodoro timer for the routines or study habits of
the students.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported and guided us
throughout the end of this research. In addition, we are truly thankful for all the advice,
guidance, and constructive criticism that helped us improve our research.
First and foremost, praises and thanks to God, the Almighty, for His showers of blessings
throughout our research to complete this research successfully.
We want to thank our research adviser, Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac for the constant
encouragement and guidance throughout this research.
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We would also like to thank our research consultant, Mr. Jofel Batutay, for his willingness to
help us assemble and complete this research. We appreciate his help and his contributions to
our research.
Last but not least, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our family and friends for
their unconditional support and encouragement. Without them, this research would not be
successful.
REFERENCES
(1) Dunn, Margery G. (Editor). (1989, 1993). "Exploring Your World: The Adventure of Geography."
Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society.
(2) World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). "Heat and Health"
(3) Brenner, Laurie. (2018). "How Does the Weather Affect Us?" sciencing.com, Retrieved from
<https://sciencing.com/weather-affect-us-23423.html>
(4) Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Weather. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary., Retrieved from
<https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weather>
(5) Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2020, April 18). Air mass. Encyclopedia Britannica.
Retrieved from < https://www.britannica.com/science/air-mass>
(6) UCAR, (n.d). "Weather fronts" Retrieved from <https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/how-
weather-works/weather-fronts>
(7) NOAA (2019). "Water cycle" Retrieved from <https://www.noaa.gov/education/resourcecollections/freshwater/watercycle#:~:text=The%20water%20cycle%20shows%20the,within%20the%20Earth%20and%20atmosp
here.&text=Liquid%20water%20evaporates%20into%20water,through%20the%20atmosphere%20(t
ransportation)>
(8) ClimateandWeather (n.d). "Jet streams" Retrieved from
<https://www.climateandweather.net/world-weather/factors-that-influence-weather/>
(9) weather.gov (n.d) "The Jet Stream" Retrieved from <https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/jet>
(10) Smart Fog (2016, November 17). "How Rain and Humidity Connected?" Retrieved from
<https://www.smartfog.com/how-rain-and-humidity-connected.html>
(11) UPMC (2014, June 13). "Effects of Humidity on Your Body." Retrieved from
<https://share.upmc.com/2014/06/effects-humidity-
body/#:~:text=Humidity%2C%20or%20the%20amount%20of,potential%20danger%20to%20our%2
0health>
(12) Means, Tiffany. (2020, August 27). "Understanding the Various Temperatures of Rain Drops"
Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-determines-rain-temperature-3443616
(13) World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). "Heat and Health: temperature" Retrieved from
<https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-
health#:~:text=Even%20small%20differences%20from%20seasonal,has%20important%20indirect%
20health%20effects>
14
CULTIV8: A Solar-powered Plant Growth
Maintenance and Monitoring Device
Hafeesah Najmah Interino | Cara Nicole G. Maminta | Angelo Bryan S. Revelo | Frtizel S.
Siong | Engr. Algin Michael Sabac| Kristen Sulapas Andoy, R. ChT | Prof. Alan Vergara|
Engr. Angel Jane Roullo | George S. Mejos
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School
* caranicole.maminta@g.msuiit.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
With globalization and the insurgence of new technology, several studies have been about applying
technology to cultivation. However, there are still factors that put a line between technology,
cultivation, and plant practices. With the pandemic around, people are forced to be in their homes,
thus creating a surge of plant hobbyists in the Philippines, and that a device can be a handy tool for
them in their daily plant activities. With this in mind, the researchers sought to use Arduino
Technology to develop a solar-powered device that can help in plant growth maintenance and
monitoring by using a microcontroller and moisture-level sensors. A survey was carried out first to
determine if people are willing to use and adapt a device for their planting activities. Results show
that most respondents are using manual labor, never used any automatic watering system, and are
interested in creating the device. The device has two systems: passive (microcontroller and sensors)
and active (execution-based data) for its hardware and Arduino for its programming language. To
know the effectiveness of the device, tests were carried out in the process. Testing of the device
showed that the designed functions of the device worked without problems. It was able to monitor
the water content of the plant's soil and was also able to decide accurately when to activate the
water pump to water the plant. The device also allowed the plant to grow approximately 14% taller
and 15% faster than the manual method of watering plants.
Keywords: Arduino, sensors, agricultural technology, sensor systems, Internet of Things,
agriculture, technology and innovation in agriculture, cultivation, plant practices
INTRODUCTION
Home gardening is the process of transforming a family's outside space into a productive and
functional area. It refers to cultivating a small portion of land, which may be in the household or
within walking distance of the family home. Home gardening acts as a small-scale supplementary
food production system maintained by household members. It requires gardening knowledge,
ongoing nurturing of plants, maintenance skills, and consistent improvement. According to Rattan
Lal (2020), a home garden is a farming system that combines various physical, social, and economic
functions on land around the family home to supplement fresh food at the household level.
Many people have taken up home gardening as a hobby during the pandemic. It has become a way
to go green, providing the perfect opportunity to consume fresh and organic foods that aren't nearly
as expensive as produce from the grocery store. According to Galhena (2013), home gardens offer
convenient access to fresh vegetables and fruits, resulting in enriches and balanced diets by
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supplementing proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Home gardens are also essential for human health
and well-being as they provide medicinal plants and encourage physical activity.
According to Sothy Eng (2019), barriers associated with starting a garden include lack of time,
scarce resources, insufficient knowledge and skills, and inadequate space. In taking care of plants,
there are factors taken into consideration. First are the climatic factors which include light and
relative humidity. Light is crucial in plant photosynthesis and chlorophyll production. Meanwhile,
humidity is needed to make photosynthesis possible. The relative humidity is the amount of water
vapor air can hold at any given temperature. According to Duckham and Masefield (1970), some
scholars have treated climate as the chief natural variable in agricultural practice.
Traditional vs. Modern Methods
Traditional agriculture is a primitive style of farming that includes the extensive use of indigenous
knowledge, natural resources, organic fertilizers, traditional tools, and the cultural beliefs of
farmers. According to R Signh (2017), traditional agriculture is a climate-smart approach for
sustainable food production which deliberates the correlation between climate change and
agriculture. Meanwhile, modern agriculture is farming with the aid of new and advanced
techniques. It further means farming with the facilities of modern science and technology.
As the pressures of globalization and modernization continue to grow, traditional agricultural
practices and knowledge become outdated. These pressures have led to a change, from a food
system dependent on millions of farmers to a system dominated by a few agribusinesses. Modern
agricultural practices emphasize output, capital gains, input intensity, and crop quality. On the other
hand, traditional farming emphasizes sustainability, localization, common genetic resources, and
cultural appreciation for many different crops. This advancement will consider Agricultural
Technology, the use of technology and technological innovation to boost agricultural productivity
and output through information monitoring and analysis of weather, pests, soil, and air
temperature. Its applications include using big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to
understand more about the soil or the growing conditions of plants to harvest more food from less
space or use less water.
Several techniques, devices, applications have been used to improve the quality of the yield of a
product. As time goes on, technology is slowly used and applied to the field of agriculture. According
to Radhika Kapur (2018), agriculture needs effective utilization of technology to accelerate the
production and employability of individuals. It must go beyond the analysis of the market forces
because what the market is trying to explain are only about the long-run changes and are influenced
by institutional forces like economic policies, which result in distortion of the prices of the yield,
which affects the farmers or the people who are behind the agricultural sector. In this way,
technology proves that the money we invest in the farmers is getting to them. According to AA
Chandio et al. (2016), some challenges lead to instability in agriculture growth, affecting rural
development processes and hamper socio-economic development in one particular region. Such
problems as pollution, effects of the fertilizers on the plants, water contamination, and other factors
that affect agricultural production are considered to search for alternatives that benefit the crops
and the agricultural sector.
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Advent of Technology
With IoT or the Internet of Things, a platform where embedded devices are connected to the
internet, data can be collected and exchanged with each other. It enables devices to interact,
collaborate and learn from each other's experiences just like humans do. It provides a new
technology that strives to improve efficiency and productivity, promote the global market, reduce
human intervention, and reduce costs and time spent.
With the advent of the Internet of Things comes the modernization of agriculture, from traditional
to "smart farming." More affordable and reliable electrical components, such as microcontrollers,
solar panels, sensors, and others, enable everyone to learn and create different devices with
practical applications. Learning resources are also abundant, especially on the internet. The "AI" or
Artificial Intelligence technology is also gaining attraction in the media. When computers work to
learn from themselves, we will see even more advances going forward. According to Pereira (2018),
the soil moisture sensor is designed to measure soil moisture, thus controlling water flow regularly.
If the soil is too dry, as detected by the sensor, the water pump turns on and off automatically.
According to Duzic (2017), it is possible to control the amount of water released from watering the
plant.
Some factors affect why farmers have a hard time adapting to the new technology that scientists
generate. In the Philippines, the majority of the population of the farmers is small and marginal
farmers have little to no access to the technology offered by the government, if there is any. Since
they operate small, the technology provided must be zero-cost and easy to operate; however, using
these will depend on the farmer's knowledge of the usage and the benefits of the technology. Some
farmers are reluctant to change their farming practices due to their comfortability in using the
technology. Other farmers might feel unsure about using the technology. It can also be hard for the
farmers to be convinced because of the terms and instructions that might confuse them. Instead of
teaching the farmers about the theory and logic about using the technology, it might be better if we
demonstrate to them the usage of the technology presented by the scientists.
Solar Energy in Agriculture
The agriculture industry's sustainability is at risk due to its dependence on scarce resources such
as oil and gas to fuel power key processes. According to Chel and Kaushik (2011), renewable
resources have a huge potential for the agriculture industry. Solar energy is a renewable resource
that plays a vital role in the industry to address the issues compromising its long-term
sustainability. Furthermore, it provides numerous benefits that have improved the smart
agriculture sector.
Solar energy in agriculture has become attainable and has shown results. The amount of energy that
reaches Earth each day is enormous and provides households and businesses with renewable
power to accommodate their needs. Solar energy can be used in agriculture in several ways, saving
money, increasing self-reliance, and reducing pollution.
The ability to monitor crops and fields is one of the most notable advantages of incorporating solar
17
energy in the smart agriculture sector. Collecting data on a wide range of factors, such as
temperature or moisture, can assist gardeners in the proper care of their crops. However, supplying
energy to monitoring devices can be incredibly difficult since running the cables necessary to
provide power is often extremely costly. Solar energy is a solution to this problem as it can power
sensors and other tracking equipment without using cables or electrical sources. As such, they are
ideal alternatives for monitoring variations in field conditions. As a result, those who practice
agriculture can adopt strategies to maximize crop yield and quality, achieving the goals of smart
agriculture efficiently and sustainably.
Solar-powered monitoring equipment is also easy to install, which is incredibly helpful when
locational changes are necessary. It can be mounted anywhere conveniently because it does not
require cabling. It can also be quickly transported and relocated to meet changing needs. As a result,
you won't have to completely rewire the network, allowing the monitoring equipment to be moved
with ease.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This research applies to people who perform manual planting on a small scale to increase their
plants' growth and ease the monitoring and maintenance of their plants without manually taking
care of them. Over the years, technology has proved to be extremely useful in the agricultural sector.
The technologies reduce poverty by stimulating the transition from low productivity subsistence
agriculture to a high productivity agro-industrial economy. We can use this in different aspects, such
as the application of solar power and multi-sensors.
1. Does the use of the solar-powered multi-sensors benefit the plant hobbyists by the plant growth?
2. What are the benefits of students, teachers, and plant hobbyists on using the prototype towards
their crops or plants?
3. Is it usable for the daily growth maintenance and monitoring of the plants?
4. How does this technological activity lead to improvements in agriculture?
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study aims to develop a solar-powered plant growth maintenance and monitoring device to
determine its effectiveness towards the plants' growth and solve the gap between technology and
cultivation. Furthermore, this study also aims to apply technology in the watering methods of plant
hobbyists.
Specifically, this study aims to:
1. Develop a solar-powered plant growth maintenance and monitoring device
2. Identify the problems encountered while observing and testing the device.
3. Determine whether the CULTIV8 is effective in terms of:
a. Maintenance and tracking capability
b. Assist with the aid of plants
c. Managing conditions for plant growth
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4. Seek the benefits of using the solar-powered plant sensor system.
5. Give knowledge about the usage of the solar-powered plant sensor system.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The findings of this study will be used as evidence that a machine equipped with programmed plant
sensors is an efficient device for plant hobbyists. This study will also help plant hobbyists gain
knowledge about using technology and incorporate it into their plant-raising practices. Finally, this
study will also be given the benefits, advantages, and disadvantages of using technology in plant
practices.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The analysis will allow researchers to use Arduino, Arduino Components, Arduino Programming,
analog sensors, and solar panels in the design of the system. It will be hypothetically appropriate
for commercial use, but we will only evaluate crops that grow easily on ideal soils and conditions.
Therefore, this research will use indoor plants and loam soil as soil for the experiment. The
population of the preliminary survey consists of the students and parents of Integrated
Developmental School and select teachers from Doña Josefa F. Celdran Memorial School.
METHODOLOGY
1. Research Design
This research aims to ease the maintenance and growth of plants by using a Multi-sensor Arduinobased Device; as such, it is applied research. Surveying methods were used in determining the
viability and effectiveness of the device. After the survey and testing of the device, a conclusion was
made that the device is viable and effective. With this approach, it will be with validity and reliability
that the device will be feasible and adequate for commercial use.
The device itself has two systems, a passive system (which consists of the microcontroller and the
sensors) and an active system which takes action based on the data fed by the passive system. This
is put in place to ease the design and fabrication. The structure is separated into four sections: (a)
power supply, (b) sensors, (c) watering system, and (d) microcontroller.
19
For the programming of the device, the device used an Arduino as the microcontroller, as such, using
its main programming language, Arduino Integrated Developmental Environment (Arduino IDE).
Once the device was created, common plants were used, such as potato, monggo, and others, as a
platform for initial testing.
2. Device Design
a.
Power Supply
Materials:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Lithium-Ion Battery - 3.7V Lithium-ion Battery
Lithium-Ion Battery Charging Board - TP4056 5V 1A USB 18650 Lithium Battery Charger Board
Protection Module
Lithium-Ion Battery Holder - Storage Box Holder Case For 1x Li-ion Lithium 18650 3.7V Battery
with Pin
Boost Converter - USB DC-DC 0.9-5V Boost Converter
Diode - General Purpose Diode
2W 5V Solar Panel
1S / 2S / 3S / 4S Lithium 18650 Battery Pack Power Indicator
For the device to be self-sustainable, it needs to be powered by a seemingly limitless natural energy
source. One of the most reliable sources of natural energy is the sun; thus, the device used Solar
Cells or Solar Panels to power the device.
A 2W 5V Solar Panel was used to provide sufficient power to the device. According to LG Energy,
the highest solar generation is usually from 11 AM – 4 PM. However, solar panels can only provide
reliable power for 5 hours a day, and it won't give a constant voltage and current.
To mediate this, the prototype used a 3.7V Lithium-ion Battery to store the energy. Because Li-ion
batteries can cause a dangerous, out-of-control chemical reaction when charged a volt too high or
too low, the device used a 2PS TP4056 5V 1A USB 18650 Lithium Battery Charger Board Protection
20
Module to maintain an exact voltage while charging. To prevent discharging of the battery when
there is not enough sunlight, it used a general-purpose diode to allow one-way flow from the solar
panel to the Li-ion battery charging board.
Because the Li-Ion battery is only 3.7 volts, the device needs to boost its voltage to 5 volts to power
the Arduino board. Therefore, a component USB DC-DC 0.9-5V Boost Converter was used, which
takes any voltage from 0.9 volts to 5 volts and converts it to a steady 5 volts DC. While there already
is a Boost Converter Circuit integrated into the USB Bus of the Arduino Uno, it was remarked as
inefficient. As such, the USB DC-DC 0.9-5V Boost Converter was used to use the battery efficiently.
b. Sensor
Materials:
1.
2.
a.
Moisture Sensor - MLE00584 Soil Moisture Sensor
NPN Transistor
Diode
Soil Moisture Sensors are used to detect the moisture present in the soil or tell if there is water
around the sensor. The sensor outputs analog information to the microcontroller. This can be
translated into a percentage value and can be used as conditions for turning on the water pump. It
also resembles an alarm that tells you when to put water on the plants.
The Soil Moisture Sensor constantly requires 5v to operate. Running constant electricity through
water or watered soil can induce electrolysis. This can harm the plant itself as well as accelerate
corrosion to the water sensor. Therefore, the sensor was connected to a "digital switch" consisting
of an NPN transistor and a general-purpose diode. This allowed the microcontroller to only turn on
the sensor when necessary, reducing possible corrosion and preventing electrolysis.
c. Microcontroller
Materials:
1. Arduino Uno R3
21
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an
embedded system. All the microcontrollers communicate with each other to inform the correct
actions. Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and
software. You can tell your board what to do by sending a set of instructions to the microcontroller
on the board. It is important to understand that the Arduino board includes a microcontroller, which
executes the programs.
d. Watering System
Materials:
1. 3v-5v Mini Submersible Water Pump
2. NPN Transistor
a. Diode
b. Plastic Tubes
c. Container with airtight removable lid or cap
The watering system is a part of the active system and can provide water to the soil or plant
whenever there is a need for it. It used a 3v-5v Mini Submersible Water Pump, mainly sold as an
aquarium oxygen pump for fish. However, it was repurposed for this study.
22
An NPN Transistor is designed to pass electrons from the emitter to the collector (so conventional
current flows from collector to emitter). The emitter "emits" electrons into the base, which controls
the number of electrons the emitter emits. It is essentially a digital switch, wherein it can control
the amount of voltage that passes through from point a to b. The diode is used to direct electricity
in only one direction, protecting the Air Pump from reverse polarity damage.
e. Status System
Materials:
1. Three Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) - Red, Yellow, and Green, respectively
2. Assorted Resistors
The Status System is a part of the active system and served to "display" the device's process. It
consists of red, yellow, and green LEDs used to convey information by themselves or in combination.
Here are all the functions that the device will go through and its respective 3-LEDs Status. This is
chosen over the LCD screen to save more power while the device is active and reduce the number
of components. In addition, to control the LEDs' brightness and allow all three to have the same
brightness, we used resistors to reduce the amount of electricity going through the LEDs.
1.
Measuring Water level - staggering blinking from red to green, three times
a.
Low or Empty Water content - blinking red only, three times
c.
2.
High Water content - blinking red, yellow, and green, three times
3.
is on; blinking green three times to go to sleep
b.
4.
5.
Medium Water content - blinking red and yellow, three times
Low Water content, Turning on the water pump and going to sleep - holding green while the pump
Sufficient Water content, going to sleep directly - flashing red and green, three times
I just woke up from sleep - blinking yellow only, three times
Sleeping - blinking yellow only, once every 8 seconds.
23
Prototype of the device
3. Overview of procedures
This is the overview of the procedures to be done in this study. First, the circuit design must be
made for the power supply used by the solar panel and for the Arduino board where the sensors
will be connected. The design is made using software called Fritzing, which is available through
the Google Play Store. Second, the Arduino board needs a set of instructions useful for the
Arduino to start and give instructions to the sensors. Designing and making a code must be done
for the sensors to work, and it can be done using the Arduino's software available in the Google
Play Store. Third, the board is connected to the computer using a USB Type-B port to the
computer's USB Type-A Port which is made for the code to be transferred from the computer to
the microcontroller. Using the circuit design, the power supply will be assembled and the sensors
connected to the breadboard then to the Arduino board. To test the said device, a plant set-up
must be made so that the device's ability to work is seen. A watering system is also made for
when the plants lack moisture levels in the soil.
24
4. Conditions and variables programmed in Arduino
This is the process of how the sensor works by the conditions. For example, the Moisture Level
Sensor will detect whether the water level present in the soil is enough for the plants to grow. If
it determines sufficient water present in the soil, then the device will enter sleep mode. On the
other hand, if the water level is low, the water from the watering system would pass through a
tube inserted in the soil and then enter into sleep mode.
5. Arduino and Sensors Design
a. Moisture-level sensor
Measuring soil moisture in terms of percentage. Here, the analog output of the soil moisture
sensor is processed using ADC. The moisture content in terms of percentage is
displayed
on the serial monitor. The output of the soil moisture sensor changes in the range of ADC value
from 0 to 640. This can be represented as a moisture value in terms of percentage using the
formula given below. The value ADC is constrained from 240 to 610 and used map() to
correspond the values from 240-610 to
0-100, essentially outputting a percentage value.
Analog output = ADC Value
Water Level = constrain(ADC Value, 240, 640);
Moisture in percentage = map(Water Level, 240, 610, 0, 100);
b. Automatic Watering System
25
The watering system simplified it to only use three components: a Mini Submersible Water
Pump, a diode, and a transistor.
When the soil moisture level reaches a certain level of dryness (which will be monitored by the
Moisture Sensor), the NPN transistor is activated, allowing 5v to run through it and the water
pump powering it.
6. Survey Questions
a. Survey Questions
For the survey questions, the data is raw but arranged and organized so that the researchers can
interpret the results. The results for this part of the experiment used a percent-based analysis.
According to Razeen (2012), percentage analysis compares two or more series of data.
Percentages are used to determine the relationship between the series.
These are the survey questions that select students, teachers, and parents filled out. These
survey questions provide data to answer the question, "Are they willing to use and adapt to a
new device for maintaining their plants?"
1. Do you or any family members engage in plant cultivation?
If yes, is it indoor/outdoor cultivation?
26
□ Indoor
□ outdoor
If no, do you own any houseplant?
□ Yes
□ No
2. What type of plant do you own?
□ List three: ____________________, _____________________, _________________
3. Are you usually away from home due to work?
If yes, how long are you away?
□ Time in hours: __________
If no, do you check your plant frequently?
□ Yes
□ No
4. How often do you have garden plants dying from a lack of nutrients?
□ Never
□ Sometimes
□ Always
5. In what way do you water your plants?
□ With the use of a pitcher or a dipper or by hand
□ With the use of a hose with flowing water
□ With the use of a sprinkler
□ With the help of an automatic watering system
6. If given a chance, would you spend your money on a solar-powered multi-sensor device to
maintain and monitor plants?
□ Yes
□ No
7. If no, please state the reasons why for your answers to the previous question.
_______________________________________________________________.
b. Description of the Sample
The survey is held and carried through Google Forms, a web-based app used for data collection
purposes. There were a total of 61 random respondents of Integrated Developmental School
students and parents.
The respondents' age ranges from 14 to 55 years old. Most of the respondents were in the age
range of 15 to 29 years old. There were 42 females, 16 males, and three prefer not to say what
their gender is, answered the survey. Family income is also included in the survey. Many of the
respondents' family income is in the ranges of 20,001 to 30,000 Philippine Pesos. Followed by
incomes above 50,001 Philippine Pesos. Only three respondents have an income of below 10,000
Philippine Pesos. Below are the frequency tables of the respondents' age, gender, and family
income, respectively:
27
c. Survey Results and Interpretation
There were 61 respondents from the preliminary survey that was given. These are the results and
the interpretations.
Figure 2.11 represents the percentage results of the question, "Do you or any family member engage
in plant cultivation?" Out of 61 respondents, 30 answered yes, which means they engage in plant
cultivation. The other 31 respondents answered no, which means they do not engage in plant
cultivation. Thus, the majority (50.8%) of those who answered the survey do not engage in plant
cultivation or do not have any family member who does. However, some (9.96%) own houseplants.
This question provides whether the respondents engage in plant cultivation, which is significant
since the device's primary focus is on plant cultivation. However, the device may also be used for
houseplants. That is shown in Table 3.1, wherein the number of respondents who own houseplants
can be found.
During this pandemic, a lot of people have grown interested in taking care of plants. Some chose to
engage in plant cultivation for them to harvest their fruits and vegetables from. The others stuck
28
with the typical houseplants, which are easier to manage and maintain.
Figure 2.12.represents the percentage results of whether or not the respondents are usually away
from home due to work. Out of 61 respondents, 47 respondents answered no, which is 77% of the
respondents. The other 14 responded that they are away from home due to work which is 23% of
the respondents. Thus, the minority (23%) of those who answered the survey are usually away from
home due to work. On the other hand, some generally at home (32.57%) check their plants
frequently.
The device, which is solar-powered and automatic, checks if the plant received enough water and
sunlight. Thus, this question is significant because those who are usually away from home can use
this device and benefit from it. After all, it can take care of their plants. This device can also monitor
their plants and maintain or improve the quality of the plants. This device can also be helpful to
those who do not check their plants frequently.
Figure 2.13 shows the percentage results of the question, "In what way do you water your plants?"
This question looks for respondents who own an automatic watering system in their cultivation.
Out of 61 responses, 26 respondents, or 42.6%, water their plants using a hose with flowing water.
Twenty-two respondents, or 36.1%, water their plants using a pitcher or a dipper by hand. In
addition, nine respondents, or 14.8% of the respondents, water their plants using a sprinkler. 4
respondents or 6.6% of the respondents water their plants in other ways which were not specified.
None of the respondents answered or chose the option of watering plants by using an automatic
29
watering system. This means that out of the 61 respondents, using an automated watering system
is not yet implemented to their means of watering and monitoring their plants. It also means that
devices that use sensors in plant monitoring and maintenance have not been used and applied in
homes. Therefore, there are no respondents who apply technology and the use of sensor systems
for their cultivation. It can also be seen that the leading answers are using the means of pitcher or a
dipper and a hose. This means that the majority of the respondents water their plants manually. It
also shows how little to no applications of this device use sensor systems in home-based cultivation.
Figure 2.14 represents the percentage results of the question, "If given a chance, would you spend
your money for a solar-powered sensor device for maintaining and monitoring plants?" Out of 61
respondents, 45 answered yes, 73.80% of the respondents, and 16 answered no to the context of
the question. Those who answered no are then asked for the reasons why they are not considering
doing so.
The majority (73.8%) consider spending money on a solar-powered multi-sensor device for
maintaining and monitoring their plants. The minority (26.2%) listed the reasons as to why they do
not consider doing so as:
a. Others can maintain the plants. (9.83%)
b. Device is expensive (6.55%)
c. Limited Space (4.91%)
d. Owned plants don't need much monitoring. (1.64%)
e. Don't need it (3.28%)
From the accumulated results, most respondents would like to use the device if given a chance. It
means that they are open to using the device and learning and comprehending how to operate it.
However, other respondents answered no to the context of the question. Several factors such as the
expense, layout, or the space of the garden, and the responsibility of taking care of the plants are
just some of why they don't consider using the device.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In the previous chapter, the researchers had discussed the research outline and its goal, the
30
prototype design and systems, the general procedures for the experiment, the conditions for the
device, and the survey questionnaire.
For the device, the efficacy and effectiveness were tested using the device and implementing it to
plants. In addition, it was examined and observed how well the device performed the specific tasks
that it has been programmed.
c. efficacy and the effectiveness of the device
31
These were the notes in the first repetition: Both set-ups were planted with the same amount of
seeds, soil, and
potted in the
observations
were
two identically
exactly at 1:00
sized pots. All
PM.
made
32
These were the notes during the second repetition: Both set-ups were planted with the same
amount of seeds, soil, and potted in the two identically sized pots. All observations were made
exactly at 1:00 PM. At the second repetition and the third, the device was constantly powered by
connecting it to the outlet using a 5v regulator. This was done to truly measure the device's efficacy
if
it
functioning
was
glitching out and
restart every 8
continuously
rather
requiring
than
hours or so.
to
33
These were the notes during the third repetition: Both set-ups were planted with the same amount
of seeds, soil, and potted in the two identically sized pots. All observations were made exactly at
1:00 PM. At the second repetition and the third, the device was constantly powered by connecting
it to the outlet using a 5v regulator. This was done to truly measure the device's efficacy if it was
continuously functioning rather than glitching out and requiring to restart every 8 hours or so.
Testing of the device showed that the designed functions of the device worked without problems. It
was able to monitor the water content of the plant's soil and was also able to decide accurately when
to activate the water pump to water the plant. This was the case for the first day.
However, in the subsequent days, the limits of the Arduino Uno R3 is used as a microcontroller for
low-power usage was meeting its limits. It was estimated that the board lasted for around 5 hours
on cloudy days and 7-8 hours on sunny days before the Li-ion battery ran out and was already
undervolting the board. When it came to this stage, it was observed that the board was undergoing
a "hang" and repeatedly turned the moisture sensor on and off to measure the water. This is
probably due to the battery unable to supply the 5 volts needed to power the Arduino, undervolting
the board and causing hangs and glitches in the microcontroller.
The Solar Power Supply worked without flaw and could supply a considerable amount of power,
especially during sunny times. However, the Arduino Uno R3 uses too much electricity; thus, the
Solar Panel only delayed the eventual exhaustion of the battery. This was mediated by swapping the
battery with a new one and charging the battery via a micro-USB charging board integrated into the
34
Li-Ion Battery Charger Module.
These are the overall results of the experiment for three (3) trials and two pots: pot one with the
device and the pot two using manual watering respectively were used.
The table below shows the average height of the monggo plants in each pot.
The results show that the highest growth per category is 6.05 inches for the pot with the device in
the second repetition and 5.35 inches for the pot with manual watering. The following table shows
the change in the average height of the monggo plants per pot.
The results show that the largest gap between each day per category is 2.5 inches between Day 2
and Day 3 in the first repetition of the pot with the device and 2.1 inches between Day 2 and Day 3
in the third repetition of the pot using manual watering. The following tables are the average height
growth per day and the final average height growth per day. The average height growth per day is
the average height growth per repetition in each category, during the final average height growth
per day, the total average of the average height growth per day.
35
The final average height growth per day of each pot is 1.508 inches per day in pot one or the plant
with the device installed, while for pot two or the plant with manual watering, the final average
height growth per day is 1.317 inches per day. The following table shows the average height
difference between the two pots. This is achieved by calculating the average height of the fifth day
of each repetition and getting the difference between pot one's height and pot two's height. Thus,
the table gives information on which pot grew taller over the five (5) days of observations.
The table shows that the difference between the average heights of the two pots is 0.73 inches. Thus,
pot one or the pot with the device installed is taller than pot two or the pot with manual watering
by 13.774%. Lastly, the following table shows the final growth difference between the two pots.
The following table tells which pot is faster growth for the five (5) days of observations.
From the results of the observations, it was shown that our data gathering was successful in its main
function. The device allowed the plant to grow approximately 14% taller and 15% faster than the
manual method of watering plants.
CONCLUSION
The device can be used when the respondents or the people who own plants, for those who do not
check their plants frequently, are away from work, and those who are interested in technology being
applied and used to their daily lives. However, it depends on the people who are interested in
cultivation or gardening if they want to change their farming practices. It depends on the
comfortability of the people who wants to change and incorporate this device into their cultivation.
This research introduces only what can be done or observed when we introduce technology to our
36
daily lives.
Testing of the device showed that the designed functions of the device worked without problems. It
was able to monitor the water content of the plant's soil and was also able to decide accurately when
to activate the water pump to water the plant. This was the case for the first day. After that, however,
the microcontroller showed that it was meeting its limits. This was because the battery could not
supply the 5 volts needed to power the Arduino and eventually caused hangs and glitches. The solar
power supply worked and was able to supply a considerable amount of power, especially during
sunny times. However, the microcontroller uses too much electricity. Thus, this was mediated by
swapping the battery with a new one and charging the battery via a micro-USB Charging board
integrated into the Li-Ion Battery Charger Module.
The Arduino Uno R3 was not designed to be used for low-power applications. As a result, it uses
many unnecessary components integrated within the board that is not of use within the scope of
this research.
As stated in the second paragraph, using this device would benefit those who use Arduino sensors.
It might be thought that the microcontroller is expensive but compared to other microcontrollers,
the Arduino and its components are inexpensive. It is open hardware and software, which means it
can be accessible and easy to learn when troubleshooting. With proper care to the device, it can help
maintain and monitor the needs of the plants. It can be helpful and lessens the time to cater to the
needs of the plants. It also benefits those who live or reside in areas where weather and climate are
not too variable. It uses solar energy, which is then harnessed by the solar panels and then used as
the energy source to the device that is efficient. However, there are disadvantages such as the
reluctance of using the device, the comfortability of their chosen farming practices, their budget,
limited space, if the owners hand-to-hand take care of their plants, and the device meeting its limits.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The findings suggest these recommendations for research that seeks to incorporate technology into
plant cultivation and develop a device that uses Arduino microcontrollers and sensors.
●
Save more power:
Using a microcontroller such as Arduino Uno R3, while it is reliable and packed with many features,
also uses a relatively high amount of electricity to power components that would otherwise be
useless for the scope of this research. Therefore, moving forward, it would be wise to use a
barebones Arduino or even create an Arduino dedicated just to the device's features. This decreases
much of the power usage, increasing the battery time and possibly the device's lifetime. However,
the time required to learn and understand the intricacies of creating an Arduino is too lengthy for
the scope of this research.
●
Minify Everything:
Most of the volume of the actual device consists of the breadboard and the wires. This creates a
sense of messiness when working on the device and can create troublesome circumstances when
troubleshooting problems or modifying some parts. Moving forward, using PCB and integrating the
power supply components into one board eliminates the need to use a breadboard and also reduces
37
the length and amount of wires needed. This eliminates much of the volume allocated initially by
the device, increasing portability and removing problems from having messy wires and temporary
metal contacts through the breadboard.
●
Encase the whole device securely:
As it is now, the device is stored in a plastic container with a rudimentary hole for the wires to go
outside. Unfortunately, this is unsecure and can leak water inside if not placed under a roof. Initially,
the device was supposed to be encased in a 3D-Printed container specially designed for its
dimensions. Still, due to the pandemic, the research team could not use the 3D-Printing and
fabrication Facilities of FabLab Mindanao in MSU-IIT.
●
Increase survey respondents:
We had a total of 61 respondents to our survey. To get more accurate responses, we should further
increase the number of respondents in our survey. Besides students, teachers, and parents, we also
need to include agricultural-related workers and something to do with the agricultural sector.
●
Extended time of testing and monitoring the device
The testing time was only five days to observe the device and affect and monitor plants. Other times
could give more observations about the device and how it would work and maintain and monitor
plants. From the extended time, more observations can be made to come up with improvements.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Foremost, the researchers would like to express our deep gratitude to God Almighty and Allah in
His infinite wisdom to give us strength, wisdom, and good health throughout the research.
This research would not be possible without the support, encouragement, and help of many
individuals. Therefore, the researchers would like to extend our gratitude and sincere thanks to all
of these individuals:
Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac, the researchers' adviser and mentor, for his guidance, patience, and
expertise shared to the researchers and the encouragements that helped complete the research.
Sir George Mejos, Sir Dexter Ken Pepito Lopera, and Sir Alvin John Lucas, the researchers' technical
consultant, for his expertise, guidance, and time to help the researchers in the technical field.
The panelists: Prof. Kristen Sulapas Andoy, Prof. Alan Vergara, and Prof. Angel Jane Roullo, for their
suggestions and comments to improve the research.
Sixty-one (61) respondents: the students and parents of Integrated Developmental School and the
teachers of Doña Josefa F. Celdran Memorial School for their time in participating in this research.
The researchers' family and friends for their patience, consideration, guidance and encouragement
words helped them complete this research.
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40
Natural Blue Dye: The Extraction of the Blue
Butterfly Pea’s (Clitoria ternatea) Pigment Along
With the Use of a Natural Mordant, Aloe vera
Mohammed Akira A. Alonto | Isaac Joshua B. Bayal |Shane J. Mero | Al-Khalid Gandhi
K. Sayadi | Engr. Algin Michael Guiñares Sabac | Prof. Neal Alfie Lasta | Engr. Angel
Jane Roullo
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School
*mohammadakira.alonto@g.msuiit.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
Chemical dyes and mordants can cause several hazardous effects to people involved in the dyeing
process, which does not conform to today's eco-friendly trend. Many studies have claimed that
natural dyeing is fully implemented into their procedures but failed to realize the presence of
chemical mordants. The researchers investigated if blue dye from the Clitoria ternatea can adhere
to fabrics treated with Aloe vera, acting as the natural mordant, and is given comparisons to fabrics
treated with the chemical mordant alum. This study contains qualitative methods and analyses that
consider the factors of adherence and color appearance. Upon experimentation, two of the three
fabrics resulted in a blue-colored fabric: cotton and polyester. Both adhered with dye before and
after air-drying and managed to have a light-blue appearance. However, in the two trials conducted,
the silk fabric failed to show desirable results in both the adherence and color appearance. The color
faded after air-drying and now has a white color. The Setup A fabrics from the second trial resulted
in a green color after the dyeing process, mainly because of the yellow tint's combination after
undergoing the pre-mordanting process with the extracted blue dye. The mordant used, alum,
affects the resulting color of the dyed fabric that is different from the color of the dye itself. The
researchers concluded that the dye from the Clitoria ternatea and the Aloe vera mordant serve more
as eco-friendly alternatives than direct replacements to the standard chemical materials by
conducting two trial phases.
Keywords: Clitoria ternatea, Aloe vera, Natural Dye, Natural Mordant, Aqueous Dye-Bath,
Pre-mordanting, Adherence, Color Appearance
INTRODUCTION
The color blue that we all know today was non-existent during the olden times. It is considered a
modern invention by the Egyptians when they started mining and discovered an azure stone called
the lapis lazuli in Afghanistan. In 2500 BC, the early Egyptian scientists created the first artificial
pigment by heating lime, sand, and copper into calcium copper silicate. Other ancient civilizations
followed after the discovery of the Egyptians. The Chinese mixed copper with heavy elements like
mercury to create shades of blue, and the Mesoamericans also made a vivid blue color used in
paintings and pottery (Holmes, 2015). In the modern world, blue dyes are widely used in clothing,
paintings, and food. Coupled with the demand for sustainable yet eco-friendly products, blue dyes
are more important than ever, and there need to be alternative sources to it.
41
The Clitoria ternatea is a perennial creeper plant from the Fabaceae family growing in the tropical
equatorial zones of Asia and other countries such as South Africa, Australia, Angola, etc. (Heinrich,
Kumar, Mukherjee, & Venkatesan, 2008). The plant has a variety of uses. In some countries, it is
used by locals as a blue-colored food dye because the plant releases a blue pigment that can be
absorbed right into the rice after it had been soaking for hours in water (Abdullah, Lee, & Lee, 2011).
It also serves a greater medicinal use because of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties (Anand,
Doss, & Nandagopalan, 2011). However, its most dominant feature is its vivid blue flowers. Blue dye
can be extracted through an aqueous dye bath (Boiling method), microwave irradiation, and other
extraction methods. A study showed that 0.1 grams of the Clitoria ternatea were faster in extracting
when using the microwave irradiation method of extraction, finishing in only 2 minutes producing
4.605 mg L-1, compared to the aqueous dye-bath method of extraction, finishing in 3 hours (Datta,
Saha, Sinha, & Ramya, 2012).
In today's society, eco-friendly products and services are in great demand, and it is the job of the
researchers to meet those demands, and natural dyestuffs are one way to contribute to the trend.
Sources of natural dyes can range from flowers, like the Marigold (Targetes erecta Linn), to
vegetable peelings, like pomegranate peels. A study proclaimed that, in most cases, the properties
of natural dyes are comparable to those of conventional synthetic dyes, and they must conform to
the same quality standards for natural dyes to be commercialized (Bhat et al., 2013). Thus, it
suggests the need to advance the study of natural dyestuffs.
Natural dyes have initially been used to dye textiles back in 2600 BC in Ancient China. Still, now they
also dye various types of fibers, both synthetic and non-synthetic. The resulting color of the dye will
differ between the artificial and natural fibers present in the fabric (Bhat et al., 2013). A study on
textile dyeing and printing suggested that natural dyestuffs cannot replace commercial synthetic
dyestuffs. Still, they can be an excellent substitute for many toxic and hazardous carcinogenic dyes
(Mongkholrattanasit & Rungruangkitkrai, 2012).
Natural dyes require the use of mordants for the dye particles to adhere to the particles of the fabric.
Mordanting is classified into three ways, pre-mordanting, meta-mordanting, and post-mordanting,
in which they vary in when the mordant is treated with the fabric. Natural dyes require chemical
substances like metal-salt for the particles of the fiber and pigment to adhere, e.g., tin, copper, iron,
and the most common and less toxic mordant, alum, or hydrated potassium aluminum sulfate
(Bharati & Singh, 2014). Natural mordants are organic substitutes to chemical mordants, which
lowers the risk for hazardous effects. A great example of a natural mordant is the Aloe vera plant. A
study on the Aloe vera plant as a mordant, conducted by two students at Daffodil International
University, showed exemplary results. They used turmeric powder as the dye source and tested silk
and cotton fabrics (Haque, 2017).
The purpose of this study is to investigate if the natural blue pigment extracted from the Clitoria
ternatea, where it acts as a blue dye, can adhere to different fabrics in the presence of Aloe vera
working as the natural mordant. This knowledge contributes to the idea of a purely natural way of
dyeing fabrics to prevent the hazardous risks in dyeing fabrics.
42
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Different chemical dyes and mordants used in clothing and, in general, fabrics and other fibered
materials, feature harmful effects, and it is the job of the researchers to meet the demand of being
eco-friendly with the effectiveness of natural dyes and mordants and develop a more excellent way
or an alternative to dyeing and mordanting.
Specific Problems:
1. Will different kinds of fabric adhere with the natural blue dye and result in a blue-colored fabric?
2. How will the fabrics treated with the natural mordant compare to the fabrics treated with the
chemical mordant?
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to:
1. Implement the process of natural dyeing with the use of the Clitoria ternatea flowers to create a
natural blue dye and test it on different kinds of fabric and observe its adherence and color
appearance.
2. Make use of Aloe vera in the process of mordanting to serve as a natural substitute to chemical
mordants.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The findings in this study will serve as evidence for alternative ways to dyeing and mordanting. This
study will significantly impact many people in the community, especially local artists and textile
dyers who need a sustainable natural blue dye and mordant. Implementing the natural dyeing and
mordanting process in our study will greatly satisfy the demand for eco-friendly products and
services in the community. It will also influence future researchers interested in using other natural
materials, like flowers and food peelings, to create paints or dyes suitable for different mediums.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This study touches on the mere production of a natural blue dye, through the process of an aqueous
dye-bath method of extraction, from the Clitoria ternatea flowers, which is then tested on fabrics
that are mordanted using natural and chemical mordants. When gathering data from the results of
the researchers' testings, the two factors to be considered are adherence and color appearance. This
is to prove that the natural blue dye from the Clitoria ternatea can indeed be used on specific fabrics
(Cotton, Polyester, and Silk) in the presence of Aloe vera as the mordant.
The implementation of this study is not conducted in a Science-Research laboratory. Instead, it is
done in one of the researchers' homes. Therefore, this study does not focus on the color fastness of
the dyed fabrics. Furthermore, the researchers were also limited to the fabrics they can use in the
experiment since many fabric stores in Iligan City are closed due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
happening at the current time. Lastly, the shade of blue present in the fabric is not significant to the
43
researchers' findings, and they will only look at the adherence of the dye to the fabric and if a bluecolored fabric is produced.
METHODOLOGY
This qualitative study on the Blue Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) as a natural substitute for blue
chemical dyestuffs and Aloe vera as a natural substitute for chemical mordants. There were two
trials that the researchers conducted, where the second trial contained the revisions of the general
procedure and experimental Setup of the first trial. In the second trial, the independent variable in
the experiment was the type of mordant applied to the different fabrics through pre-mordanting, in
which the fabric was treated with the mordant before being soaked in the dye bath. Two main setups
were handled, Setup A and Setup B, with six in total. In Setup A, alum was used, and in Setup B, Aloe
vera, was used. First, the blue pigment from the flowers was extracted through the aqueous dye-
bath method. The dye (Controlled variable) was then tested on three common fabrics: cotton,
polyester, and silk, for varied results and observations. After the fabrics were soaked in the dye-
bath for a total of twenty-four hours, they were air-dried. The gathered data and observations were
recorded into two tables, one for adherence and the other for the color appearance (Dependent
variables).
Figure 1. Trial 1 (Unrevised)
1. Gathering of Materials
Before experimenting, the researchers collected one hundred (100) pieces of the Clitoria ternatea
from a field in Barangay Luinab, Iligan City. The researchers then bought a small supply of the alum
powder, Aloe vera extract, and one (1) meter of the polyester and silk fabrics. The rest of the
materials and equipment needed were readily available in the homes of the researchers.
2. Pre-treatment of Fabrics
Before using the fabrics for dyeing, they needed to be soaked in hot water to remove dirt and other
impurities. Therefore, the cotton, polyester, and silk fabrics were placed in a basin filled with boiling
water.
3. Extraction of Clitoria ternatea
44
The method of extraction used by the researchers is the aqueous dye-bath extraction method,
wherein the flowers were boiled in water at a high temperature. Three thousand (3000) mL. of
water together with one hundred (100) pieces of the Clitoria ternatea were heated in a pot using a
stove and allowed to boil for thirty (30) minutes. The boiled mixture was then strained to remove
the flowers, and the remaining liquid was stored in one (1) L. plastic bottles and cooled to room
temperature.
4. Dyeing of Fabrics
Six (6) plastic containers were labelled with their corresponding setup name and fabric type (ex:
Setup A: Cotton). Five hundred (500) mL of the extracted dye was added to each container. The
soaked fabrics were then rinsed and were placed in plastic containers according to which Setup they
belonged. The fabrics were evenly soaked in the dye bath.
5. Meta-mordanting
After the fabrics were soaked, two (2) tbsp. of the mordant was added to the dye-bath. In Setup A,
the alum powder was added to each container, and in setup B, the Aloe vera extract was added to
each container. The mixture was stirred thoroughly using a steel ladle. A timer was then set for one
(1) hour for the duration of the dyeing process.
6. Results
The fabrics were removed from their respective containers and were rinsed to remove the excess
dye. They were then air-dried, and right after, results were being observed.
Figure 2. Trial 2 (Revised)
1. Gathering of Materials
Before experimenting, the researchers collected one hundred (100) pieces of the Clitoria ternatea
from a field in Barangay Luinab, Iligan City. The researchers then bought a small supply of the alum
powder, Aloe vera extract, and one (1) meter of the polyester and silk fabrics. The rest of the
materials and equipment needed were readily available in the homes of the researchers.
2. Pre-treatment of Fabrics
Before using the fabrics for dyeing, they needed to be soaked in hot water to remove dirt and other
impurities. Therefore, the cotton, polyester, and silk fabrics were placed in a basin filled with boiling
45
water.
3. Pre-mordanting
Two (2) boiling pots were used, each filled with two (2) L. of water. The pots were heated for five
(5) minutes before the mordants were added. Four (4) tablespoons of the alum powder were added
to one of the pots, and in the other pot, four (4) tablespoons of the Aloe vera extract were added.
The mixture was then stirred using a steel ladle. The soaked fabrics from the basin were rinsed, and
one (1) of each was added to the pots. The fabrics were evenly soaked, heated for thirty (30)
minutes, and cooled to room temperature right after.
4. Extraction of Clitoria ternatea
The method of extraction used by the researchers was the aqueous dye-bath extraction method,
wherein the flowers were boiled in water at a high temperature. Three thousand (3000) mL of water
together with one hundred (100) pieces of the Clitoria ternatea were heated in a pot using a stove
and allowed to boil for thirty (30) minutes. The boiled mixture was then strained to remove the
flowers.
5. Dyeing of Fabrics
Six (6) plastic containers were labelled with their corresponding setup name and fabric type (ex:
Setup A: Cotton). Five hundred (500) mL of the extracted dye was added to each container. The premordanted fabrics were rinsed and were placed in plastic containers according to which Setup they
belonged. The fabrics were evenly soaked in the dye bath, and a timer was set for twenty-four (24)
hours for the duration of the dyeing process.
6. Results
The fabrics were removed from their respective containers and were rinsed to remove the excess
dye. Then, they were air-dried, and right after, results were observed.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
TRIAL 1 FABRICS BEFORE DRYING
(Cotton, Polyester, Silk)
(Cotton, Polyester, Silk)
TRIAL 1 FABRICS AFTER DRYING
46
Setup A: Cotton
Setup A: Polyester
Setup A: Silk
Setup B: Cotton
Fabric
Cotton
Polyester
Silk
Setup B: Polyester
Setup B: Silk
ADHERENCE: TRIAL 1
Setup A
Setup B
The dye adhered to the fabric, but The dye did not adhere to the fabric
the color faded after it dried
The dye did not adhere to the fabric The dye did not adhere to the fabric
The dye did not adhere to the fabric The dye did not adhere to the fabric
Table 2.1
Fabric
Cotton
Polyester
Silk
COLOR APPEARANCE: TRIAL 1
Setup A
White
White
White
Setup B
White
White
White
Table 2.2
In terms of the adherence (Table 2.1), all but Setup A: Cotton failed to adhere with the dye after the
fabrics were air-dried, but eventually, the color from Setup A: Cotton faded. Through the
researchers' observations from the first trial, they can say that the dye adheres most with the cotton
fabric. In the aspect of color appearance (Table 2.2), Setup A: Cotton had a blue color before air-
drying but proceeded to fade, now having its initial color, white. The rest of the fabrics retained the
color white before and after air-drying.
TRIAL 2 FABRICS BEFORE DRYING
47
(Cotton, Silk, Polyester)
(Cotton, Silk, Polyester)
TRIAL 2 FABRICS AFTER DRYING
Setup A: Cotton
Setup A: Polyester
Setup A: Silk
Setup B: Cotton
Setup B: Polyester
Setup B: Silk
Cotton
Polyester
Silk
Fabric
Cotton
Polyester
Silk
ADHERENCE: TRIAL 2
Setup A
Setup B
The dye adhered to the fabric
The dye adhered to the fabric
The dye adhered to the fabric
The dye adhered to the fabric
The dye adhered to the fabric
The dye adhered to the fabric, but
the color faded after it dried
Table 2.3
48
Fabric
Cotton
Polyester
Silk
COLOR APPEARANCE: TRIAL 2
Setup A
Green
Green
Green
Setup B
Blue
Blue
White
Table 2.4
Basing on the data, the researchers gathered in the first trial, they decided to revise the general
procedure and increase the quantity of some materials to be used. The mordant method was
changed from meta-mordanting to pre-mordanting so that the mordant would bind better with the
fabrics. The time it took for the dyeing process was changed from one hour to twenty-four hours so
that the fabric would soak in the dye bath longer. As for the quantities of the materials, only the
mordant was changed to four tablespoons, instead of two. After dyeing the fabrics, they obtained
much more desirable results compared to the first trial. In the adherence aspect (Table 2.3), all of
the fabrics managed to adhere to the dye before air-drying, but the color of Setup B: Silk faded. As
for the color appearance (Table 2.4), they obtained unexpected results from the Setup A fabrics,
where all of them ended up having a green color rather than blue. They suspected that it was due to
the pre-mordanting process with the alum since they observed that the Setup A fabrics had a bright
yellow tint instead of their initial color, white when they were done mordanting. All the Setup A
fabrics resulted in a light green color. The Setup B fabrics managed to have a blue color before airdrying. The cotton and polyester fabrics retained their light blue color after they were air-dried,
while the light blue color from the silk faded, now having a white color.
CONCLUSION
The researchers' first problem was determining if different kinds of fabric will adhere to the natural
blue dye and result in a blue-colored fabric. Through their results, they can say that two out of the
three fabrics they tested did so: cotton and polyester fabrics. Both adhered with dye before and after
air-drying and managed to have a light-blue appearance. However, in the two trials they conducted,
the silk fabric failed to show desirable results in both the adherence and color appearance. The color
faded after air-drying and now has a white color. In their second problem, "How will the fabrics,
treated with the natural mordant, compare to the fabrics treated with the chemical mordant?", they
found out that the two mordants used showed off similar results in the adherence aspect, where all
but Setup B: Silk adhered with the dye after air-drying, but differed in color appearance as the Setup
A fabrics gave off a green color. In contrast, the Setup B fabrics gave off a blue color. In analyzing
those results, it is also important to consider the method of mordanting done in the experiment,
pre-mordanting.
The Setup A and Setup B fabrics from the researchers' first trial failed to adhere to the dye and did not
present a blue color after the dyeing process. It is due to the chosen mordanting method meta-
mordanting. A study titled "Mordanting Methods for Dyeing Cotton Fabrics with Dye from Albizia
Coriaria Plant Species" tested the wash fastness, rub fastness, and lightfastness of dyed mordanted
fabrics and found that the method of simultaneous mordanting or meta-mordanting was the weakest in
terms of wash fastness and light fastness in comparison to the other two methods (Hillary, Janani, &
Phillips, 2014).
49
The Setup A fabrics from our second trial resulted in a green color after the dyeing process, mainly
because of the yellow tint combination. In addition, the mordant used, alum, affects the resulting color of
the dyed fabric that is different from the color of the dye itself (Wipplinger, 2004).
As stated previously in summary, only the cotton and polyester fabrics that were mordanted with the
Aloe vera managed to adhere with the dye and give off a blue color. The silk fabric used in the experiment
did not attain the same results as the other fabrics. However, a study titled "Environmental Friendly
Dyeing of Silk Fabric with Natural Dye Extracted from Cassia singueana Plant" tested Aloe vera as a
mordant with the source of the dye coming from the Cassia singueana plant. The researchers concluded
that Aloe vera could be used as a natural mordant for that specific natural dye (Gopalakrishnan &
Teklemedhin, 2018). Therefore, a possible reason for the failure of the mordanted silk fabric to adhere
with the dye from the Clitoria ternatea could be the content of the specific silk fabric the researchers
used, where it is classified as a synthetic type of silk that may or may not adhere with natural dyes. Still,
it is beyond the capabilities and time of the researchers to do an investigation.
In conclusion, the researchers cannot firmly say that both the Clitoria ternatea and Aloe vera would be
able to be implemented in the manufacturing process of commercial products and replace the traditional
chemical materials used. Instead, both can be great natural yet sustainable alternatives and might present
better results through further research.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. In extracting the pigment from the Clitoria ternatea, use the microwave irradiation method of
extraction to yield a large amount of the dye in a smaller amount of time.
2. Test the dye with various fabrics such as wool, linen, and hemp, to obtain exceptional results.
3. Test the colorfastness of the dye with the fabric by observing the wash fastness, rub fastness, and
lightfastness.
4. Find more alternative sources to natural mordants and test all three methods of mordanting to
determine which is the most ideal in terms of the natural dyeing process.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We, the researchers and authors, would like to give our biggest thanks to the following people:
First, to Ma'am Andoy, Sir Lasta, and Ma'am Roullo for agreeing to be panelists for our final defense,
and especially to Ma'am Roullo for consulting and giving us feedback regarding our study
To our research adviser, Sir Sabac, for his guidance and valuable teachings
Lastly, to our family and friends, who didn't directly help us in conducting our study but instead
showered us with great support and encouragement that motivated us during these challenging
times
REFERENCES
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224238845_Multiple_color_and_pH_stability_of_floral_anthocyan
in_extract_Clitoria_ternatea
50
Anand, S. P., Doss, A., & Nandagopalan, V. (2011, January). Antibacterial studies of Clitoria ternatea Linn. A
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gh_potential_medicinal_plant
Bharati, K. A., & Singh, H. B. (2014, January). Handbook of Natural Dyes and Pigments. Retrieved from
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290079339_Handbook_of_Natural_Dyes_and_Pigments
Bhat, B., Budkule, S., Dessai, S., Fernandes, A., Kanchana, R., & Mohan, R. (2013, September). Dyeing Of
Textiles With Natural Dyes - An Eco-Friendly Approach. Retrieved from Sphinx Knowledge House:
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https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1179/1432891715Z.0000000001453?sr
Daberao, A., Kolte, P. P., & Turukmane, R. (2016, August). Cotton Dyeing with Natural Dye. Retrieved from
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284047485_INatural_Blue_Dye_from_Clitoria_Ternatea_Extractio
n_and_Analysis_Methods
Datta, S., Saha, P. D., Sinha, K., & Ramya, V. (2012). Improved Extraction of Natural Blue dye from Butterfly
Pea using Microwave-Assisted Methodology to Reduce the Effect of Synthetic Blue Dye. Retrieved from
Science Alert: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijct.2012.57.65
Gopalakrishnan, L. H., & Teklemedhin, T. B. (2018). Environmental Friendly Dyeing of Silk Fabric with Natural
Dye Extracted. Retrieved from Hilaris Publisher: https://www.hilarispublisher.com/openaccess/environmental-friendly-dyeing-of-silk-fabric-with-natural-dye-extracted-from-cassia-singueanaplant-2165-8064-S3-001.pdf
Haque, A. N. (2017, May 16). Aloe Vera: Natural mordant for natural dye. Retrieved from Textile Focus:
https://textilefocus.com/aloe-vera-natural-mordant-natural-dye/
Heinrich, M., Kumar, N. S., Mukherjee, P. K., & Venkatesan, K. (2008, October). The Ayurvedic medicine
Clitoria ternatea-From traditional use to scientific assessment. Retrieved from ResearchGate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23389145_The_Ayurvedic_medicine_Clitoria_ternateaFrom_traditional_use_to_scientific_assessment
Hillary, L., Janani, L., & Phillips, K. (2014, October). Mordanting Methods for Dyeing Cotton Fabrics with Dye
from Albizia Coriaria Plant Species. Retrieved from International Journal of Scientific and Research
Publications: http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-1014/ijsrp-p3484.pdf
Holmes, R. (2015, April 17). Why is blue the costliest color? Retrieved from The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/apr/17/colour-blue-rich-divine-ancient-egyptians-virginmary
Johnson, P. G. (n.d.). Using Plants as Natural Dyes. Retrieved from NDSU:
https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/articles04/petra%20GuenthnerJohnson/dyes.html
Mansour, R., & Yusuf, M. (2018, September). Natural Dyes and Pigments: Extraction and Applications.
Retrieved from ResearchGate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327805712_Natural_Dyes_and_Pigments_Extraction_and_Applica
tions
Mongkholrattanasit, R., & Rungruangkitkrai, N. (2012, July 4). Eco-Friendly of Textiles Dyeing and Printing
with Natural Dyes. Retrieved from Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Eco-Friendlyof-Textiles-Dyeing-and-Printing-with-RungruangkitkraiMongkholrattanasit/958997d6576042f0d01f2ffabef1770d5dc9a445
Som, S. H., Taif, B., & Yusof, U. Z. (2017, January 1). EXTRACTION OF NATURAL DYES FROM CLITORIA
TERNATEA FLOWER. Retrieved from GRDS Publishing:
https://grdspublishing.org/index.php/matter/article/view/228
51
PLANTECKNON: Moisture Content Based Portable
Automatic Watering System Device Using Arduino
UNO on Bayabang (Nephrolepis cordifolia)
Niel Anthony V. Cruz | Gift Alexander S. Puyos | Myra Thea M. Reponte | Erika C.
Timonera | Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac | Prof. Arianne L. Roxas | Kristen Lovely
Andoy, R.ChT | Hazel Dwight P. Bendong, LPT
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School
*erika.timonera@g.msuiit.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
With the current situation arising amidst the pandemic, most household members resorted to using
their time with plants as leisure activities. With this, it would be beneficial to develop a device that
has a moisture-content-based automatic watering system to monitor and maintain these plants.
This study used Bayabang (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) to investigate the effectiveness of the device,
PlanTecknon. PlanTecknon used Arduino Uno and utilized an FC-28 Moisture Sensor and a Mini
Submersible Water Pump as its core components, along with a BC547 transistor and a 1.5k Ohm
resistor. Two plant managements were implemented; the traditional method by hand watering the
plants and utilizing PlanTecknon. The bayabang used for the conventional method setup was
labeled as Plant A, and the PlanTecknon setup was labeled as Plant B. Plant A was provided a full
dipper of water in the morning and was done daily from March 3 to March 24, 2021. Plant B water
by PlanTecknon when the plant’s moisture content was below what was needed and had the same
period as Plant A. After 21 days of the experiment, there was a clear statistical difference between
the two plants. Plant A showed signs of optimal growth: increased height, good condition of roots,
and fern green-colored leaves. On the other hand, Plant B had shown a halt in optimal growth: a stop
in height, minimal change of root’s color, and development of yellow-colored leaves. These results
indicate that PlanTecknon did not benefit the bayabang; however, the traditional method did benefit
the plant.
Keywords: (Bayabang, Nephrolepis Cordifolia, PlanTecknon, Leaf Color, Root Color,
Automatic Watering System, Moisture Content)
INTRODUCTION
Plants are needed to be handled with care and attention. For plants to grow, one must consider
these primary factors: light, water, temperature, and nutrients (Ecogardener, 2018). The amount of
these factors may vary from different plants. Light is essential to plants for photosynthesis to take
place. It will lead to the production of plant sugars, using them as its food. Thus, allowing it to live,
grow and reproduce (Long, 2017). Light is the source of energy for plant photosynthesis and growth
(Shterenbach, 2020). The sunlight contains light spectra that would help the plant grow its stems,
expand its leaves from the top portion up to the lower part of the plant, and help the plant develop.
Plants that require full sunlight, long-day plants, reach their optimum growth when the day length
is longer than the night, receiving lots of direct sunlight.
52
On the other hand, short-day plants reach optimum growth when the day is shorter, receiving less
sunlight. But there are plants that, regardless of the day length, can still reach their optimum growth.
Thus, the amount of sunlight would vary for different plants for their optimum growth (Lopez,
2021). Water provides the plant with nourishment. As the water breaks through the soil, creating
moisture, it will be absorbed by the roots and distributed to the plant’s cells (Ecogardener, 2018).
Some plants should have moist soil at all times, but some are drought-tolerant. But even with this
difference, all plants should have proper drainage for the water because there would be no
sustainable agriculture without adequate drainage (Scheumann & Freisem, 2002). With sufficient
water drainage, the plant would have good airflow (Turner, 2019). Drainage holes also help
maintain the amount of salt in the plant’s soil to benefit the plant’s health. With the increase in salt
concentration in the soil, the plant’s water extraction from the soil would be more difficult (Sharma,
Rana, Singh, & Katoch, 2016). That is why the pots need to have drainage holes (Combiths, 2018).
Selecting plants to tend depends on which place the plants are to be planted. The plants should
match the site conditions because a poor match leads to poor development and possible death. In
the Philippines, one must consider plants that would fit the tropical weather and climatic conditions
(Wilson, 2014). For the nutrients of the plants, its soil is its primary source. Thus, it is essential to
have fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Major nutrients for optimum plant growth include
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium (White, 2016). All of these
aforementioned primary factors are the basis for successful plant management.
To secure the plant’s survival, take the following steps: ensure that you are a competent plant
owner, understand the plant, restrict the use of fertilizer because it can burn up the soil if used
excessively, and avoid giving the plant less or more water than it requires (Buganan, 2016). In this
study, the plant used is the bayabang plant (Nephrolepis cordifolia). It is a terrestrial plant and
epiphytic at minor elevations. Its ferns are hardy and are into numerous malformations and rising
to a great height. The bayabang plant is a common ornamental plant throughout the Philippines
(Amaro, Tandug, Baltazar, Asis, & Cambay, 2011). Since bayabang is a fern plant, it grows in shady
and moist places, needing a small amount of sunlight. Although, some of its species do well in sunny
areas (Herber, 2019). Fern plants need 40%-50% moisture levels. The bayabang plant, specifically,
needs 41%-60% moisture (Rostaing, 2019). It can be an indoor plant that would help filter harmful
toxins and pollutants in the air (Geronimo, 2018). The researchers chose the bayabang plant, a
common plant in the Philippines, as mentioned. Since it greatly needs water, comparing two
different plant management methods would be much easier since the researchers are focused on
different plant management, focusing mainly on different watering methods.
One of the traditional ways to manage plants is by watering them by hand and container, which can
take a long time and requires a lot of labor (Albert, 2017). It is typically done during the daytime for
the water to have time to evaporate. In this way, the roots of plants won’t rot. This traditional way
is a way of leisure time for plant owners, away from this modern-day technology. Also, when the
plant owners personally water their plants, they would spot plant-specific issues in a timely way
(Seaman, 2015). For the most part, the feeling of fulfillment seeing their plants grow beautifully
would positively affect them.
53
But along with these are the disadvantages of hand watering the plants. This method is time-
consuming. Thus, allocation of time is necessary. Second, when not given the right amount of
attention, the plant would lack the amount of water required to survive. Some instances show that
plant owners would provide more water than they need (Riyo, 2019). Both of these situations are
bad for the plants, thus, not attaining their optimum growth.
Through technology development, people around the globe utilize their knowledge of technology to
create devices that would certainly be benefited from different kinds of plants (Siskandar, Fadhil,
Kusumah, & Irmansyah, 2020). One of these is the sprinkler method of irrigation. It stimulates
natural rainfall by spreading water in the form of rain uniformly (Zakari et al., 2012). Using sprinkler
irrigation would help save irrigation water while expanding the area under irrigation
(Sankaralingam, 2019). It is a standard method of providing water for outdoor plants, primarily
fields and grasslands outside houses. This is a convenient method since one can just turn the device
on and do what is needed to do aside from watering plants. But this device is expensive to install,
and only the plants that are placed outdoors can benefit from this. The wind can also affect the
device’s efficiency since the water produced is just sprinkled. Thus, they’re not heavy, making them
easy to be carried away by the wind (Goel, 2019). Other than that is the drip irrigation system. It is
an irrigation technique in which the water is delivered to landscapes in low pressure and low
volume; the plant’s roots will be kept moist but not soaked (M., 2020). A drip irrigation system also
helps conserve water because it allows one to channel the water where it is directly needed the
most, the soil. Invasive weeds would also reduce since water is now given to the plant (Mark, 2020).
There is also a center pivot method of irrigation. A movable pipe structure rotates around a central
pivot connected to a water supply (Weller & Yitayew, 2016). The benefits of using this method are
that it is adjustable, low maintenance, efficient and affordable. It is adjustable because a person can
choose a height set at which point and rate the water would be delivered from the device to the
plants. This device lasts for about 20 years with a small amount of money spent on its maintenance.
In addition, it is efficient to deliver water as close to the plant’s soil as possible, and the amount of
water lost through wind is minimized. But along with these advantages are its disadvantages. It is
not suitable for irrigating a large area, and fertilizers and water may be unequally distributed (Riyo,
2019).
Among electronic programming platforms around the world, one of these is the Arduino. It is an
electronic platform established on hardware and software that are easy to utilize. It is known for its
accessible and uncomplicated use for people with less experience in electronics. Arduino has a large
community: engineers, professionals, and hobbyists on the internet, and Arduino users can easily
get help using the Arduino (Sarwar, 2016). Arduino has been used widely in different ways, such as
Voice-Activated Home Automation. This was invented to help reduce human errors leading to an
increase in inefficiency. The home automation system can control various appliances, but it can also
provide emergency systems, security, and alarms to ensure the safety of the people (Anusha, 2017).
Focusing on plant-based devices because this study mainly focuses on plants, Arduino has produced
beneficial plant devices. One of these is the Automatic Indoor Vegetable Garden. This device
provides the plants light, water, and warmth even in indoor settings. In addition, a Plant Monitoring
54
System device was also invented. It mainly monitors the plants’ surrounding temperature, light, and
soil moisture (Gill, 2016).
This study is primarily designed to benefit all plant owners since plant management issues include
providing the plant with the wrong amount of water. Therefore, to avoid the under watering and
over watering of plants, the researchers gathered facts about how this issue be resolved. The
produced plant-based devices using Arduino became the researchers’ basis on what aspect of the
made devices can still be developed for the plants’ benefit. Thus, the Moisture Content Based
Automatic Watering System Device: PlanTecknon will be built and utilized for this study, testing it
on the bayabang plant. This automatic watering system device focuses on having the bayabang’s
desired soil moisture as the basis on when the plant would be provided with water. Using this, plant
owners would utilize their time more since using the device won’t be time-consuming. The amount
of water would also be suitable for the plant since it will provide the plant with water when its
moisture content is below the necessary moisture content. With this, no water would come to waste.
The soil’s nutrients would also be preserved since the plant won’t be overwatered, avoiding weeds
to grow around the plant.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Main Problem
The problem of the study is to investigate whether the plant would benefit from using the automatic
watering system device, PlanTecknon, considering the plant’s necessary moisture level for its
survival.
Sub - problem
1. Is using the Automatic Watering System: PlanTecknon effective on growing plants compared to
traditional plant management?
2. Which conditions of the plant were observed weekly for further observations?
a. Color of the bayabang’s (Nephrolepis cordifolia) leaves
b. Bayabang’s root color
c. Bayabang’s root when touched
d. Height of the bayabang plant
OBJECTIVES
1. To test the quality and effectiveness of using the moisture content-based watering system,
PlanTecknon.
2. To have a comparative analysis of the standard method of watering the bayabang plant from
Moisture Content Based Automatic Watering System: PlanTecknon for watering the bayabang plant,
monitoring every day.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
There is a rise in the number of plant enthusiasts, termed “plantitos” and “plantitas.” Some of them
can’t fully set their attention to their plants. Using an automated system designed to tend their
plants would be of help not just for them but also for the plants and the environment as the plants
55
release oxygen to the surroundings. The study will provide general knowledge on the efficiency of
using an automated system instead of manual labor. For the researchers, this research is crucial to
offer a direct understanding of the core functions of an automated machine. In addition, this study
may act as a reference for researchers studying automatic Arduino-based machines.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This study focused on determining a plant’s survivability using Arduino Moisture Content Based
Automatic Watering System: PlanTecknon. As a basis for the plants’ survivability, the physical
features of the bayabang plants were observed. Due to the limited bayabang plants of the
researchers, the study is limited to two setups only: one for the traditional way of plant management
and the other for the modern way. The available Arduino equipment is also limited; thus, only one
device was made. Since the study is only focused on providing the bayabang plant with water based
on its desired moisture content, other factors affecting plant growth will not be discussed in this
study. The study is also focused on providing water for shaded and indoor plants in small to
medium-sized pots since the automatic watering system can’t survive rainfalls, making it unsuitable
outdoors. It is also because it can only provide water for a single plant and not more than two plants
at a time. With the current situation, the researchers had limited communication and interactions
due to social distancing.
METHODOLOGY
56
Figure A. Plant Setup
1. Preparation of Materials
In the current situation, the researchers were limited from going to public places. Thus, the
materials were found in individual households and online shops. The Bayabang plant was utilized
in this study and was collected at one of the researcher’s settlements. In making the automatic
watering system device, components were ordered online. One of the researchers received the
requested parts and assembled them with the members’ help through online communication.
2. Preparation of Moisture Content Based Automatic Portable Watering
System Device Using Arduino Uno: PlanTecknon
The automatic watering system device, PlanTecknon was controlled by Arduino Uno. The
instrument utilized an FC-28 Moisture Sensor and a Mini Submersible Water Pump as its core
components, along with a BC547 transistor and a 1.5k Ohm resistor.
The moisture sensor was the first to be wired. The component had four pins available to be
connected to the Arduino board, but in this case, the researchers only utilized 3. The first two pins
labeled “GND” and “VCC” were connected to the GND and 5V ports on the Arduino Uno board,
respectively. The last pin labeled “DO” was connected to one of the available Digital Input ports.
To pump water, the researchers used a Mini Submersible 3-6V Water Pump. First, the pump was
connected to a BC547 transistor attached to a mini breadboard. Next, the negative wire from the
pump was connected to the transistor’s negative terminals, while the positive wire was connected
to the “Vin” port on the Arduino board. Next, the positive terminal of the transistor was connected
to one of the available Digital Input ports on the Arduino board with the use of a 1.5k Ohm resistor
and a jumper wire. Finally, the remaining negative terminal of the transistor was connected to a
“GND” port on the Arduino board.
Lastly, all of these components and connections were then operated with a sketch, Arduino code
files. Thus, preparing the illustration as the device’s input resulted in the Moisture Content Based
Automatic Portable Watering System Device Using Arduino Uno.
57
3. Preparation of Setups
Two bayabang plants were placed separately in same-sized pots. The soil used for the plants was
the same, which was loam. These were placed at the same place to obtain having them in the same
conditions. The plants were labeled as Plant A and Plant B. For the first setup, Plant A was used. The
plant received water the traditional way. It was provided with a small dipper of water,
approximately 1,427mL. This was done in the morning, every day for 21 days. The plant’s conditions
were then observed and recorded daily.
For the second setup, Plant B was utilized. Using the made automatic watering system, it monitored
Plant B’s soil moisture level. When the moisture level of the bayabang plant was not obtained and
was below the desired moisture level, it pumped out enough water until the desired moisture level
was achieved. The automatic watering system was utilized for 21 days. Plant B’s conditions were
also observed and recorded every day.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The implementation lasted for 21 days. Plant A and Plant B showed growth in height on the first
seven days of execution while the other factors observed; the color of leaves, the color of roots, and
roots when touched stayed stagnant.
Plant A continued to show growth in its height in the next seven days while Plant B retained its
height. Other dependent variables of Plant A maintained to show results of proper plant
management; its leaves were in a better state, from having the color pear to fern green, and with its
roots’ color and roots when touched stayed as it was. After that, however, Plant B started to show
off some yellow leaves, and a cease on its growth.
In the last seven days of implementation, Plant A continued increasing its height, carrying on its
roots’ color and condition of its roots when touched, and development on its leaves’ color to fern
green was visible. On the other hand, Plant B stopped growing, had a minimal change in the shade
of its roots but did not turn brittle, and the yellow leaves progressed.
Table 1. Summary of Findings on Plant A Using Traditional Method of Plant Management
Plant A
Date
1
03/03/21
2
03/04/21
3
03/05/21
4
03/06/21
5
03/07/21
6
03/08/21
7
color of leaves
lime, pear
color of roots
brunette
roots when touched
not brittle
height of plant
14in
lime, pear
brunette
not brittle
14.2in
lime, pear
lime, pear
lime, pear
lime, pear
lime, pear
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
14.2in
14.2in
14.2in
14.2in
14.8in
58
03/09/21
8
03/10/21
9
03/11/21
10
03/12/21
11
03/13/21
12
03/14/21
13
03/15/21
14
03/16/21
15
03/18/21
16
03/19/21
17
03/20/21
18
03/21/21
19
03/22/21
20
03/23/21
21
03/24/21
lime, pear
brunette
not brittle
14.8in
lime, pear
brunette
not brittle
14.8in
lime, pear
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
fern green
fern green
fern green
fern green
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
brunette
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
14.8in
14.8in
14.8in
14.8in
15.2in
15.2in
15.2in
15.2in
15.4in
15.4in
15.4in
15.4in
Table 2. Summary of Findings on Plant B Using PlanTecknon
Plant B
Date
1
03/03/21
2
03/04/21
3
03/05/21
4
03/06/21
5
03/07/21
6
03/08/21
7
03/09/21
8
03/10/21
9
03/11/21
10
03/12/21
11
03/13/21
12
03/14/21
13
03/15/21
color of leaves
lime, fern green
color of roots
cinnamon
roots when touched
not brittle
height of plant
19in
lime, fern green
cinnamon
not brittle
19.7in
not brittle
19.7in
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
lime, fern green
cinnamon
cinnamon
cinnamon
cinnamon
cinnamon
lime, fern green
brunette, cinnamon
lime, fern green
brunette, cinnamon
lime, fern green
lime, pear, some turn yellow
lime, pear, some turn yellow
lime, pear, some turn yellow
brunette, cinnamon
brunette, cinnamon
brunette, cinnamon
brunette, cinnamon
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
19in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
59
14
03/16/21
15
03/18/21
16
03/19/21
17
03/20/21
18
03/21/21
19
03/22/21
20
03/23/21
21
03/24/21
lime, pear, some turn yellow
brunette, cinnamon
not brittle
19.7in
lime, pear, some turn yellow
brunette, cinnamon
not brittle
19.7in
lime, pear, some turn yellow
lime, pear, some turn yellow
lime, pear, some turn yellow
pear, some turn yellow
pear, some turn yellow
pear, some turn yellow
brunette, cinnamon
brunette, cinnamon
brunette, cinnamon
brunette, cinnamon
brunette, cinnamon
brunette, cinnamon
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
not brittle
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
19.7in
Figure 1. Plant A’s Growth in 21 Days
Figure 2. Plant B’s Growth in 21 Days
Table 3. Plant A’s Initial and Final Color of Leaves Comparison
60
Plant A
Color
Fern Green
Lime
Pear
Yellow
Total Number of Leaves
Initial
0
18
57
0
75
Final
69
2
4
0
Figure 3. Plant A’s Initial and Final Color of Leaves (Pie Graph)
Table 4. Plant B’s Initial and Final Color of Leaves Comparison
Plant B
Color
Fern Green
Lime
Pear
Yellow
Total Number of Leaves
Initial
48
27
3
0
78
Final
0
0
74
4
Figure 4. Plant B’s Initial and Final Color of Leaves (Pie Graph)
Based on the data gathered, the automatic watering system device, PlanTecknon, didn’t work well
on the bayabang plant, while the traditional method certainly did. It confused the researchers since,
61
at the end of the implementation, Plant A had healthier conditions than Plant B in terms of the color
of the leaves and the height of the bayabang plant. Still, the root color of Plant A was darker than of
Plant B, when in fact, a healthy root’s naturally light-colored. Considering the plants’ initial
conditions, Plant A initially had darker roots and was generally a less healthy plant than Plant B. As
the implementation progressed, the roots of Plant A had not developed fully into light-colored roots.
However, Plant B’s root condition changes were minimal and were still healthy after 21 days. A
possible reason for the device not sustaining the bayabang’s optimal water consumption was partly
only to check the moisture content 1-2 inches below the soil’s surface, which led to the device
halting its watering process. This also meant the researchers did not determine fully if the water
supplied by the machine had fully penetrated to the deepest roots of the plant. Aside from its
moisture content, it must also be considered that for a plant to reach its optimal growth, it would
also require sufficient sunlight, temperature, humidity, and soil nutrients, which were all beyond
the scope of the study. With this being said, the soil nutrients inside both bayabang plants were not
checked. Thus, both plants’ growth may vary due to the different nutrient contents in their soil.
CONCLUSION
The moisture content-based automatic watering system, PlanTecknon, had not shown a beneficial
effect when tested on the bayabang plant. It was proven that using the PlanTecknon was less
effective on growing plants than the traditional way of plant management with the results of the
implementation of the study. The plant in the setup utilizing PlanTecknon had most of its leaves
turned into the color pear from being fern green initially. The plant roots didn’t get negatively
affected, with its roots maintaining a healthy-colored root considering its age and with it being not
brittle when touched. Lastly, the plant’s increase in height stopped on the third day, maintaining its
height until the last day of implementation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
●
An automatic watering system device that monitors sunlight, temperature, humidity, soil
moisture, and soil nutrients
● Add a moisture content indicator device for more accessible observations of the plant
● A portable device to make it functional even when electricity is out
● Use solar panels to supply power to the automatic watering system device
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Foremost, the authors of this research would like to express their sincere gratitude to their advisor
Engr. Algin Michael Sabac and the consultants: Prof. Lovely S. Andoy, Prof. Hazel Dwight P. Bendong,
for the continuous guidance and support of this research. Their advice helped the researchers in
this research immensely.
Besides the advisor and consultants, the researchers would like to thank the panelists: Prof. Kristen
Lovely S. Andoy, Prof. Hazel Dwight P. Bendong, Prof. Arianne L. Roxas for accepting the request of
being panelists and giving their insightful opinion of this research.
Last but not least, the researchers would like to thank their family for supporting and providing for
62
this research on what they could and giving the researchers the necessary funds to complete this
research.
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Wilson, M. (2014, January 10). Drought-tolerant plants save water, money, and time. Retrieved from Michigan
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White, A. (2016, August 14). PLANT NUTRIENTS: WHAT THEY NEED AND WHEN THEY NEED IT. Retrieved
from Gardener’s Path: https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/composting/plant-nutrients/
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FERNS. Retrieved from Gardener’s Path: https://gardenerspath.com/plants/perennial/how-to-grow-ferns/
Sharma, A., Rana, C., Singh, S., & Katoch, V. (2016, February). Soil Salinity Causes, Effects, and Management in
Cucurbits. Retrieved from Research Gate:
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curbits
Buganan, G. (2016, February 6). Dos and Don’ts of Indoor Plant Maintenance. Retrieved from real living:
https://www.realliving.com.ph/home-improvement/gardening/dos-and-don-ts-of-indoor-plant-
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Rostaing, J. (2019, October 24). Caring for Ferns as Houseplants. Retrieved from Brooklyn Botanic Gardening:
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Geronimo, O. (2018, July 18). Staying Indoors is Slowly Killing You, But these Houseplants Prevent That.
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EngineeringUniversity of ArizonaTucsonUSA: Springer, Cham. Retrieved from Springer Link:
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Plants: https://www.1001artificialplants.com/2019/06/11/16-pros-and-cons-of-center-pivot-irrigation-
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337271892_Mechanized_Sowing_and_Sprinkler_Method_of_Irrig
ation_for_Summer_Irrigated_Blackgram
64
The Effectiveness of Different Soil Additives to
the Growth of Baby White Pechay (Brassica
Rapa)
Ma. Anna Mikaela A. Agreda | Rea R. Lahoylahoy | Gabrielle Ardin J. Sepe | Engr. Algin
Michael G. Sabac | Prof. Everlita E. Canalita| Prof. Grace P. Liwanag
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School
*maannamikaela.agreda@g.msuiit.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
In this pandemic, people usually spend most of their time taking care of plants indoors and
outdoors. With the government's protocols and the limitations designated to go outside, plant
hobbyists opt only to use surrounding soils instead of buying fertilized soil in the market.
Household additives were used to substitute the lack of soil and make the soil more fertile.
This study aims to help people find the best household additive to their surrounding soil.
Experiments were conducted and found that one kind of household soil, loam soil with Gravel,
additive made the plant grow healthier. This study also determined the significant difference
of soil additives in growing plants regarding the height, number, and color of the plant's leaves.
The researchers collected the data each day, and after one week, they calculated the average
to determine which soil additive is the most effective in helping the plant's growth. Results
showed that Dried leaves are the best soil additive among the Gravel, Clay, and Cardboard. As
seen in the graph of the growth of the four additives per day, Dried leaves got the highest
average at precisely 7.13 cm, followed by Cardboard at 6.875 cm, then clay at 6.49 cm, and the
least is Gravel at 5.05 cm.
Keywords: Soil additives, Fertile, effective
INTRODUCTION
The world experienced the global pandemic of the year 2020, which is COVID-19. As medicine
works to find a solution, society goes through a swift and urgent adaptation phase daily, with
social distance being prioritized as an effective method for combating COVID-19 transmission.
To lessen the number of people going out of their homes to buy vegetables, most people plant
inside their own homes instead. Soil is needed to produce a healthy growing plant.
Soils are layers that ascend from bedrock and supply water and nutrients to the fields and
forests that make up the terrestrial biosphere. Thus, they are critical ecosystem service
providers for the sustenance of humanity. The researchers find a possible solution for the
problem that is soil additives. The improved conservation and management of soils are among
the significant challenges and opportunities we face in the 21st century.
The formation of a particular type of soil depends upon the physicochemical properties of the
parent rock, intensity, and duration of weathering, climatic and other parameters. Weathering
65
causes the different compositions of soil made from different environments, leading to the
different types of soil.
There are six different types of soils the researchers can find today, these are:
1. Sandy soil
Sandy soil is light, warm, dry, and
appears to be low in nutrients and acidic.
Due to its higher proportion of sand and
little clay, sandy soils are often classified
as light soils (Clay weighs more than
sand).
2. Clay soil
Clay soil is a type of heavy soil that
benefits from high nutrients. These soils
are composed of more than 25 percent
clay, and clay soils hold a high volume of
water because of the gaps located
between clay particles.
3. Silt soil
Silt Soil is a retentive soil type of light and
moisture with a high fertility rating. As
silt soils compromise medium-sized
particles, they are well-drained and
retain moisture well. They can be easily
compacted and are prone to washing
away with rain since the particles are
fine.
66
4. Peat soil
This type of soil is very rarely present in
a greenhouse and is often imported into
a garden to provide an ideal soil
foundation for planting. Peat soil is rich
in organic matter and holds a significant
amount of moisture.
5. Chalk soil
Due to the calcium carbonate or lime
within its structure, chalk soil may be
either light or hard but often strongly
alkaline.
6. Loam soil
Loam soil is a mixture that combines
sand, silt, and clay to avoid the adverse
effects of each type. They are fertile, easy
to deal with and have proper drainage for
these soils.
The character and make-up of the soil play an essential part in the behavior of soils and what
they can be used for. Two of the essential properties of soils are their texture and structure. By
texture, the researchers mean what soils are composed of and how this affects their cultivation.
The main components of soil texture are sand, silt and clay particles, and organic matter. For
example, soils that are dominantly composed of sand-sized particles feel gritty. This is because
they contain lots of pores because of the way the grains stack together.
67
Different soil characteristics influence their ability to provide nutrients and water to sustain
food production, and these variations arise from multiple causes that vary from place to place.
Soil research has shown five factors that influence soil formation, parent material, climate,
topography, organisms, and time. A soil's parent material determines the original supply of
some nutrient elements released by weathering and affects the equilibrium between loss and
retention of nutrients.
Climate also plays a significant role on soils because rainwater and warm temperatures
encourage weathering, which is the breakdown of rock particles and the release of nutrients
that continue into soils with the aid of plant roots and microbes. Initially, weathering requires
moisture, a beneficial mechanism that replenishes these solubilized nutrients year after year in
soils that let plants obtain nutrients.
With all of the mentioned factors, soil quality is a determiner of how plants grow, such as the
ability and the capacity of soil to perform functions such as sustaining the productivity of plants
and animals, maintaining the quality of water and air, and supporting humanity. The reason soil
must be healthy is that it can store and process more water which is important in a living and
dynamic ecosystem. That ecosystem hosts spaces between soil particles that allow water and
nutrients to pass and retain. Fine soil particles, which are found in clays, hold water much more
quickly than the larger particles in sand. The amount of water in the soil has profound
consequences. Not only will that amount affect the health of the plants, but it will also help
balance soil temperatures and regulate the soil's heat content, which in turn affects seed
germination and flowering activity. Understanding the growth of plants on different soil
additives can find the possibility of having soil additives in case of a shortage of healthy soil.
Managing soil quality involves the ability of the soil to maintain appropriate productivity while
reducing its effect on the environment.
The researchers' main topic was to find out the various soil additives; there was a shortage of
the availability of loam soil. The researchers' soil additives are loam with dried leaves, loam
with Cardboard, loam with clay, and loam with Gravel. In addition, the researchers used Baby
White Pechay or Brassica Rapa since it can grow in any weather conditions.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The primary concern of this study was to find the best additives for plant growth in
households. Specifically, the study seeks to find the answer to the following:
1. In what circumstances was the helpful study in indoor planting?
2. How can the study help the unavailability of soil in highly urbanized places?
3. How can the different soil additives affect the height, number, and color of leaves?
68
OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
To determine the significant difference of soil additives in growing plants.
To find the best additives for plants among the following: Loam Soil with Dried Leaves,
Loam Soil with Cardboard, Loam Soil with Gravel, and Loam Soil with Clay Soil.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study results benefit the people in highly urbanized places who wanted to grow plants
when they have the unavailability, or lack of soil in their surroundings observed that the
pandemic still went further. The study helped people what additive was chosen that supported
the growth of the plants that made it healthy. Several commercial areas have been in lately
since there would be masses of people living in a modern society in the present. The study
identifies what and what not to add in the pot with your limited loam soil as an additional
medium for the plant's growth. The study helped in a way where a lack of soil availability in
the surroundings and the soil additives would be an aid.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This study was about finding the best soil additives by using the materials available. Therefore,
the researchers only used the four soil additives. They don't intend to study how the soil
additives affect the growth of many plants except the Baby White Pechay. The study's main
goal was to determine the best additives soil for plant growth in case of a shortage of supply
of the loam-type soil. Therefore, this study was restricted only to soil additives, with a base of
loam soil. They won't discuss or explore the other variables of the study (such as sunlight,
water + additives, air, etc.)
The limitations of this study are:
1.
2.
3.
Location - The researchers' study was only limited to their own homes. Since one of the
researchers is outside Iligan City, they planned to do the experiment within their homes
and observe COVID-19 precautionary measures.
Plant - The researchers won't be tackling other sample plants except for the Baby White
Pechay. Since the Baby White Pechay seeds can be bought locally, cheap, and grows fast,
it was also the best plant for the experiment.
Time - The growth of Baby White Pechay takes up to 1 month, yet the researchers are only
limited to gather the data in just one week. Therefore, the information they obtained from
the plant was just based on one week.
METHODOLOGY
1. RESEARCH AND DESIGN FLOW CHART
This was a quantitative study in determining how soil additives affect the growth of Brassica
Rapa, using Loam soil with Cardboard, Loam soil with Dried Leaves, Loam soil with clay, and
Loam soil with Gravel, which are the main variables of the study. A good compost, which is
better than chemical fertilizer, dead leaves can also become an element. Compost nourishes
69
seeds, retains soil moisture, helps disperse manure, encourages weeding, draws worms, and
helps deter disease. Clay soil contains a high proportion of fine particles and colloidal matter
and, when wet, becomes sticky. Unconsolidated rock particles are made up of Gravel.
Sandstone, limestone, and basalt are the most common types of rock used in the Gravel.
Cardboard is a common word for paper-based heavy-duty goods of higher thickness and
superior resilience or other paper basic mechanical properties, such as foldability, rigidity, and
resistance to effect.
Researcher Rea Lahoylahoy shredded 15 pieces of dried leaves, and she divided it among the
ten pots filled with 200 g of Loam Soil and mixed it. She placed three seeds per pot—researcher
Ma. Anna Mikaela Agreda weighed 2,000 g of Gravel, distributed it among the ten pots with a
quotient of 200 g, mixed it with the Loam soil (200 g) inside, and placed three seeds each.
Researcher Gabrielle Ardin Sepe cut the Cardboard into pieces, disseminated it among the ten
pots, and mixed them with the Loam soil. He also conducted the Loam soil with Clay experiment.
He used the Clay soil found in his backyard. Each researcher used 40 barbeque sticks and placed
them parallel to each other, and they covered the pot in cellophane with the sticks as support.
The researchers scheduled to water the seeds at 8 AM, 1 PM, and 6 PM for one week, with the
water measuring 50 mL. The researchers checked the height, color, and leaves every 6 PM and
recorded the data gathered in Microsoft Excel. They calculated the average of each seedling
inside the pot, and in getting the average of height, and a number of leaves in each pot in 1 week,
divided the by 10.
2. Materials and Equipment
Materials
Equipment
Baby White Pechay seeds
Pot
Water
Measuring cup
Cardboard
Barbeque sticks
Gravel
Cellophane
Loam
Clay
Shovel
Ruler
70
3. Experimental Setup
A
B
Loam Soil
200 g
Dried Leaves
15 pcs (crushed)
Cardboard
One carton (crushed)
Clay
200 g
Gravel
200 g
Water
200 mL
Pot
10 per member
Baby White Pechay seeds
Three seeds per pot
Shovel
1 per researcher
Measuring cup
Barbeque sticks
1 per researcher
40 sticks per researcher
Ruler
1 per researcher
4. General Procedure
Evenly put loam soil in all ten pots
Mix the chosen soil additives (clay,
cardboard, dried leaves, and
gravel)
Plant three seeds per pot
Water the baby white pechay
seeds (50 mL)
Measure daily the height of each
baby white pechay plant
After one week, get the average of
the baby white pechay plant
Figure 1. Research Design
71
5. Gathering of Materials
The gathering of materials was held at respective homes only. Each of which was assigned
different soil additives that were conducted simultaneously. While the pandemic is still on track,
precautionary measures were observed when the materials were bought.
Observation of the Growth of Baby White Pechay Plant in a Week. The researchers planted the
seed on their assigned soil additives to obtain data on the growth of Baby White Pechay plants
in different soil additives. In recording the data, the researchers checked on the plants every
day in a week so the slightly different changes of the plants in various sources of soil nutrients
can be seen. Unfortunately, the Baby White Pechay seed growth was observed to grow more
prominent after two months, so the data gathering was shortened to a week; hence, the results
were limited to just a week.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The observation of the growth of the Baby White Pechay in different soil additives in one week
shown data. Gathered and summarized in terms of tables, pictures, and graphs. The data
shown below were the data collected from 1 week of observation. In addition, the analysis of
results is included.
To analyze the data from the conducted experiment, the researchers gathered all the
information from the observations of the plant growth in a week. They recorded below in table
one (1) the observance of the height of each Baby White Pechay plant in the experiment.
Additive
Day 1
(ave.)
Day 2
(ave.)
Day 3
(ave.)
Day 4
(ave.)
Day 5
(ave.)
Day 6
(ave.)
Day 7
(ave.)
Loam Soil
with
Dried
Leaves
No
visible
growth
No
visible
growth
0.83 cm
1.50 cm
2.77 cm
4.26
7.13 cm
Loam Soil
with
Cardboard
No
visible
growth
No
visible
growth
1.54 cm
3.08 cm
4.63 cm
5.695 cm 6.875 cm
Loam Soil
with
Gravel
No
visible
growth
No
visible
growth
0.84 cm
1.04 cm
2.17 cm
4.13 cm
5.05 cm
Loam Soil
with Clay
No
visible
growth
No
visible
growth
1.9 cm
3.13 cm
4.38 cm
5.55 cm
6.49 cm
72
Figure 2. Summary data of the height of Baby White Pechay
Figure 3. Summary data of the number of leaves of Baby White Pechay
73
Figure 4. Summary of the majority color of leaves of the Baby White Pechay
This study determined the effectiveness of different soil alternatives with the use of
observation and analysis. It defined the following: soil alternatives affecting the height of the
plant, the number of leaves, and the quality of the surrounding soil. To assess and respond to
the research issues, the researchers used the descriptive research method. Data gathering was
done through the use of observation and experimentations.
The researchers concluded that Dried leaves are the best soil additive among the Gravel, Clay,
and Cardboard. As seen in the graph of the growth of the four additives per day, Dried leaves
got the highest average at precisely 7.13 cm, followed by Cardboard at 6.875 cm, then clay at
6.49 cm, and the least is Gravel at 5.05 cm.
CONCLUSION
The researcher's topic is all about how these soil additives can aid in the growth of soil using
baby white pechay seeds as the basis. This study benefits the people living in highly urbanized
places when they have the unavailability or lack of soil in their surroundings. That's why in
determining what additive is the best, the researchers measured and recorded the plant's height,
number, and color of leaves. The effectiveness of the soil additives implemented by the
researchers achieved the goal of obtaining what additive works best on plants in this pandemic.
The researchers have observed that the dried leaves have the fastest and highest growth among
the other additives from the data acquired. However, different plant variables changed the rate
of growth of the plant and its healthiness. Therefore, other soil additives could help fasten the
growth and make the plant healthier other than the said additives.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings of this study, to acquire such desirable results, the following
recommendations are proposed:
•
It is recommended to add rice hulls in soil because they are non-toxic, biodegradable,
and feed the soil as they break down. It is also a popular substrate since they absorb
liquid and are an environmentally sustainable drainage option.
74
•
•
It is recommended to add charcoal to the soil of the plants to improve the water storage
of the soil, and it has also benefited the growth of the plants because of its nutrients
Tomato seeds are also recommended since baby white pechay seeds are only focused
on their leaves and are advised to try fruit-bearing plants.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This study wouldn't be successful without the efforts of the researchers and the people who
supported and guided them at any time. Specifically, the researchers wanted to thank the
following people who were with them in the midst of their struggles:
First of all, to the utmost heavenly Father, who gave wisdom and knowledge to the researches
and gave them strength and perseverance to keep them going in their study;
To the family of each member of the research team, who supported them and gave them
financial support, offers encouragements and patience to their son/daughter to make the
research accomplish without any problems;
To the research mentors, Sir Algin Michael Sabac, Ma'am Grace Liwanag, Ma'am Nelieta Bedoya,
who guided and helped the researchers the appropriate way to do, gave lessons and advice for
the study;
To their friends and batchmates, who also supported and encourages them from the beginning
and make this research enjoyable and bearable. The researchers would like to extend the
gratitude to all the people who have been part of their journey, for this study would be
impossible without them.
REFERENCES
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T.
(2012)
Sustainable
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Adventure,
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Accessed Feb 10, 2021
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Prof.
A.
(February
2017)
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Forming
Processes,
2013,
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314500073_Soil_Forming_Processes Accessed Feb 20,
2021
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Feb 22, 2021
Karlen, D.L., M.J. Mausbach, J.W. Doran, R.G. Cline, R.F. Harris, and G.E. Schuman. 1997. Soil Quality: A
Concept, Definition, and Framework for Evaluation. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 61(1):4-10 from,
http://www.css.cornell.edu/courses/260/World Soil 2.pdf Accessed Feb 25, 2021
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Accessed Mar 11, 2021
75
Validation of the Aromatic Effects of Mint
(Menthapiperata L.) And Basil (Ocimum
africanum L.)To Common Fruit Flies
Czarlou Francis John A. Bedoya | Hayaminah M. Lacsaman | KeziahTrishka E. Salise |
James Mark C. Valencia | Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac | Prof. Everlita B. Canalita| Prof.
Neal Alfie Y. Lasta| Hazel Dwight Bendong, LPT
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School
* jamesmark.valencia@g.msuiit.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to validate if the aroma of Basil (Ocimum x africanum L.) and Mint
(Menthapiperata L.) leaves affects common fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Three
treatments used in the study included the leaves of Basil (Ocimum x africanum L.) as T1, Mint
(Menthapiperata L.) as T2, and Basil-Mint Mix as T3. The attraction percentage was then
calculated per treatment-replicate and subjected. The overall result of the study showed a high
repellency percentage (81.99%), and low attraction (18.03%) of fruit flies to Basil, Mint, and
Basil-Mint Mix experimental treatments. The attraction percentage of fruit flies to the
treatments was highest (22.24+13.28%) in Basil leaves (T1), followed by those in Mint (T2)
leaves (16.05+4.03%) and in Basil-Mint Mix (T3) with a percentage of 15.75 (+6.51). On the
contrary, the highest repellency percentage of fruit flies was observed with a combination of
Basil-Mint (T3) leaves (84.25 +6.51) which was in close-in rank (83.95 +4.03) with Mint
(T2). Basil (T1) was found lowest (77.76 +13.28). Despite the disparity of these values, which
is noticeable between Basil (T1) and Basil-Mint mix (T3) in both the attraction and repellency
percentages, analysis of variance (ANOVA) had shown no significant differences
between/among the treatment means.
Keywords: Attraction percentage, Repellency percentage, Mint, Basil, Basil-Mint Mix.
INTRODUCTION
Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are known to abound in the Philippines. Their abundance
can be attributed to having a tropical climate supporting the production of abundant fruits and
vegetables. Fruit flies are associated with ripening/rotten or fermenting fruits/vegetables and
other perishable items. However, the common fruit fly is not just attracted to ripened fruits and
vegetables, but they also breed in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash
containers, mops, and cleaning rags (Potter, 2012). They lay eggs in abundance near the surface
of fermenting fruits/vegetables or other moist organic materials in the kitchen and other places.
According to Lutz (1948), their rapid reproduction can produce a hundred offspring within a
couple of weeks just from a single pair. They are considered nuisance pests, being highly mobile
also, as they can contaminate food with bacteria and other disease-producing species. Thus,
reduction or elimination of the presence of these fruit flies becomes a target in all households.
76
Suppression of their presence is done through mechanical, chemical, or biological means.
The model insect Drosophila melanogaster is helpful for functionally approving the function of
metabolic compounds in conferring metabolism-based insecticide opposition. It is a useful in
vivo model for exploring metabolism-based pesticide resistance. Drosophila is also used for
insecticide researches. Emameh et al. (2015) reported that scientists had found homologies
between the genomes of D. melanogaster and humans.
This enhanced the role of D.
melanogaster as a paradigm for studying human biology and disease processes.
Mint (Menthapiperata L.)and Basil(Ocimum x africanum L.)are primarily used in cooking, but
there are also different uses of these herbs, especially their leaves. Mint is one of the most
seasoned culinary herbs known to humanity. Moreover, its exceptional therapeutic properties
have made it one of the foremost commonly known and utilized herbs ever. Agreeing to
Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Wellbeing Specialist Arora, nd., “mint has exceptionally effective
antioxidant property. Zaidi & Dahiya (2015) discussed a fragrant home-grown plant used
widely in treatment, confectionary, chewing gum, food, toothpaste, pharmaceutical businesses,
and essential oil preparations. In addition, it is a vital herb used, as fresh and dried, for people’s
medication such as stimulant and carminative.
Some experiments found that both herbs can repel fruit flies, while others proved that both
could also attract fruit flies. Some tests have shown that the two herbs do not have the same
reaction from fruit flies. Other studies observed that basil could attract fruit flies but not the
mint or vice versa. Abdullah et al. (2020) proved that the basil plant has an essential source for
Methyl Eugenol (ME), the fruit flies’ attractant. They experimented with five basil formulations
(paste and leaf powder, paste and flower powder, isolated ME from basil oil) used for trapping
Bactrocera spp. in mango orchards compared to synthetic ME. Basil traps were found to be
lower than control traps. In addition, when extracted ME from the basil plant was compared
with the synthetic norm, a lower number of fruit flies was noted with the former. They
concluded that the raw basil derivatives are reported not to be attractive for flies. Still, the oil
distillable from the leaves may have an engaging ME content and an insecticidal potency.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Various researches studied the influences of the aromatic smell of the mint and basil on whether
they are an attractant or a repellant against fruit flies. However, the readings of many
researchers vary from one another; hence the researchers can surmise that there are no certain
conclusions whether it has an attractancy or repellency on the scent of mint and basil. Thus, this
study was conducted to determine the behavior of fruit flies on the aromatic smell of the mint
and the basil leaves and to answer the following questions:
Main Problem
A. Does the fragrance of the leaves of mint and basil attract or repels flies?
Sub-Problems
A. Supposing that basil/mint leaves can repel fruit flies, what percentage of fruit flies will it be
repelled/attracted?
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B. What plant leaves can repel or attract more fruit flies?
C. Would a combination of basil and mint leaves perform better in attracting or repelling fruit
flies?
OBJECTIVES
1. To know if common fruit flies can be repelled or attracted to the aromatic odor of mint and
basil leaves.
2. To determine the percentage of fruit flies attracted or repelled by the aromatic smell of the
two herbs’ leaves.
3. To identify which of the two test herbs would repel or attract more fruit flies.
4. To ascertain if combining the two test herbs would better in repelling or attract fruit flies.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study may help establish the ability of the mint and basil leaves to repel or attract fruit
flies. Knowing what herb mint or basil will attract or repel more fruit flies will help us eradicate
fruit flies in our homes. Since fruit flies can contaminate our foods, especially fruits, reducing
the chances of getting gastrointestinal diseases, intestinal parasitism, and its likes. The
probability of an individual acquiring expensive repellent products and the usual “spray off”
insect repellent that has a mint and basil-based ingredient will be lessened with the use of these
herbs, which can be acquired locally from our gardens. Because of this, it may alleviate the
upkeep for people, especially those who have gardens in their houses especially tended during
quarantine with lots of people creating their spaces on their lots to acquire vegetables and fruit
gardens. Therefore, this study will raise awareness to the public on the value of the mint and
basil leaves, not only as food enhancers but also as repellants or attractants to fruit flies.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
Theoretically, the scale of benefit this information from our research, when tested in public
areas like the markets, will reach undoubtedly comprehensive if successful. However, due to
the ongoing crisis we have, this study was limited in various aspects. One of these was the
limited space used in testing the aromatic smell of the herbs’ leaves against fruit flies. The
experiment was established house of one of the researchers. Each unit set-up was done using
an empty box of long bond paper with 13.5” length, 9.25” Width, and 8.75” height to breed and
contain the fruit flies with the treatment (herb). Another is the source of the herbs, which was
not taken from the garden of the researchers but the market. The herbs’ leaves were also
contained in a linen 3.5” x 3” sized- tea bag purchased online. The fruit flies are produced
overnight out of the over-ripe banana purchased from the market. The timespan of this
experiment depended on how long the leaves lasted to yield an aromatic smell still.
Unfortunately, due to classes, the researchers were only able to conduct observations every 5
hours. Therefore, the experiment was conducted with replicates and three series of
observations.
78
METHODOLOGY
1. RESEARCH EXPERIMENTAL
This is a quantitative study using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). The experimental set-
up included three (3) treatments (T) with three replicates (R) each. Treatment 1 (T1) contained
basil (Ocimum x africanum L.) leaves, Treatment 2 (T2) with mint (Menthapiperata L.) leaves,
and Treatment 3 (T3) with the combination of the leaves of both plants. The sampling layout
was randomly done by drawing the lot. Nine small pieces of papers were written with T1R1,
T1R2, T1R3, T2R1, T2R2, T2R3, T3R1, T3R2, and T3R3 and rolled. These were placed in a box
and shaken to allow uniformity of chances to be drawn. The first illustrated rolled paper was
read, and the first box, which was placed at the porch portion of the residence of one of the
researchers in a row, was labelled. The second drawn rolled paper followed and following until
the 9th box in the row was labelled. The experimental layout is shown in Fig. 2
Figure 2. Experimental layout of the study.
2. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
The materials (Fig. 3) utilized in the study included the following:
a.
Leaves of basil and mint plants
c.
Linen - cotton drawstring bag with a size of 3.5” x 3”
b.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Over-ripe banana with Fruit flies
Framed box with transparent side-plastic cover measuring a length of 13.5”, a width of
9.25” and a height of 8.75.”
Mortar and pestle
Marking and ball pens, Scotch and masking tapes and papers
Pesola weighing scale with 6” x 2” cellophane
Pair of scissors and Glue gun
Ruler and cutter
79
Figure 3. Materials used in this study.
3. GENERAL PROCEDURES
In the following sections, the steps and activities developed based on the DS method will be
presented.
3.1 Collection and Identification of plant samples
The plants/herbs were bought with the limited time of the study to ensure enough leaves. The
cut and bundled stems of basil were procured from the market while pots of planted mint from
a Luinab garden (Fig. 4). The seller and gardener, respectively, identified both plants. The
identification was also verified from the internet (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_basil
and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentha).
Figure 4. The sources of basil and mint plants.
3.2 Preparation of the Container for the Leaves
The drawstring bags contained the leaves that were purchased online. The drawstring bag was
made of linen-cotton blend fabric with a size of 3.5” x 3”. Cotton-linen fiber was sewn using pure
cotton; according to the Yorkshire Fabric (2021), a store where they served international
customers, making their shop a reliable source of information, said that this does not make
deforming easy. These fabrics were both environmentally friendly because they were natural-
based. It used no chemicals or pesticides at all. Other components, such as formaldehyde, azo,
and other heavy metal ions, are also not present. The combination of cotton-linen was air-
80
permeable. These bags were labelled per treatment and replicate (Fig. 5).
Figure 5. Labelled linen-cotton drawstring bags used contain the treatments.
3.3 Making Box Cages
The cages or framed boxes were utilized from empty long-bond paper containers—these
were13.5” long, 9.25” wide, and 8.75” high. However, the experiment that had taken place
inside it has not been visible. To remedy that, the four sides of the box were cut out using a
cutter and replaced with a plastic cover by fixing it with a glue gun (Fig. 6). A total of nine (9)
box cages were made for three treatments and three replicates each. These were labelled with
the corresponding treatments and replicates.
Figure 6. The improvised long-bond paper-sized boxes for the experimental unit.
3.4 Attracting Fruit Flies
Tomatoes, melons, squash, grapes, and other perishable things brought from the garden were
always the sources of an infestation that grows indoors (Potter, 2012). The rotting bananas,
tomatoes, onions, and other unrefrigerated items bought at the grocery store often attract fruit
flies. According to Miller (2000, the rapid reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster can produce
a hundred offspring within a couple of weeks just from a single pair. Then, the offspring will
become sexually mature within one week. Attracting fruit flies was done days before the
researchers observed each treatment. In this study, over-ripe bananas were used to attract and
breed fruit flies (Fig. 7).
81
Figure 7. The manner fruit flies are attracted inside the box.
3.5 Preparation of the Plants’ Leaves
The leaves were prepared by cutting them from the stem. These were then weighted by 3 grams
and 1.5 grams using a Pesola scale and cellophane to contain the leaves. The 3-gram leaves of
basil and mint were placed inside the labelled drawstring bags as Treatment 1 and 2,
respectively, with 3 replicates each. In addition, a combination of 1.5-gram mint and 1.5-gram
basil was also placed inside the bags labelled with Treatment 3, also with three replicates. The
leaves inside each of the bags were then crushed using mortar and pestle. Crushing the leaves
help disseminate more of the aroma from the leaves. The preparation processes are shown in
Fig. 8.
Figure 8. Preparation of the treatments for the experiment.
3.6 Testing and Data Collection
The implementation of the research was done within two weeks with a series of three
observations (Fig. 9). This was conducted with three treatments: Treatment 1 had typical basil
leaves of 3 grams. Treatment 2 had 3-gram mint leaves, and Treatment 3 had the combination
of the two with 1.5 grams each plant. Each treatment was prepared with three replicates to
minimize error with various scenarios allowing averaging in data gathering. Each observation
lasted for two days until the treatments were observed to be dried up and no longer attracting
fruit flies. The total number of fruit flies within each box cage was counted, and the number of
fruit flies attracted and attached themselves to the treatment bags. The percentage of the fruit
flies attracted to the treatment bags was determined. The number of fruit flies not associated
82
with the treatment bags was also known as the percentage. The observation started after the
over-ripe bananas produced a substantial number of fruit flies. The banana inside each box
cage was then carefully removed without allowing the fruit flies to come out, and the bag with
the treatment was switched to it.
Figure 9. Testing and recording during the experiment.
3.7 Map
Identification and
Collection of plant
samples and gathering
of materials
Testing and Data
Collection of the
Experiment
Data Analysis
Preparation of the
container for the
leaves by purchasing it
from online means
Preparation of the
plants’ leaves by
crushing and putting it
to the container
Conclusion
Making a cage for the
fruit flies
Attracting Fruit Flies
Figure 10. The flow of the procedures during the experiment.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The aromatic effects of the basil and mint leaves were determined through percentages of the
number of fruit flies sticking to (attracted) and retreating from (repelled) the bags with the
treatments.
1. Attraction Percentage of Fruit Flies to the Aroma of the Herbs
Appendix A and Table 1 show the percentage of the fruit flies that were attracted to the aromatic
effects of the three treatments: Basil (T1), Mint (T2), and Basil+Mint Mix (T3). In addition,
appendix A showcases the data averaged from the original data recorded down during the
implementation from each replicate per treatment in different observations. In the recording,
83
the total number of fruit flies per experimental box was counted. In addition, the number of fruit
flies attached to the bag where the treatment was contained was also tallied. The percentages
of those attached fruit flies were then computed.
In the three observations made (Appendix A), the highest recorded mean percentage of
attraction of fruit flies in T1, T3, and T2is shown in Observation C (32.06+17.92), B
(20.86+5.89), and A (18.82+11.64), respectively. Correspondingly, the least attraction tallied
was in Observation A (14.52+6.31), C (13.77+5.24), and A (10.93+13.39). Thus, the figures
revealed a low attraction percentage rate of only about less than one fifth (18.03%) in totality,
considering the overall means of Basil (T1) = 22.24 (+13.28), Mint (T2) = 16.05 (+4.03), and
Basil-Mint Mix (T3) = 15.75 (+6.51).
In Table 1and Fig. 11 below, the mean observations of the attraction of fruit flies are shown. In
general, the researchers can see that basil leaves (T1) had22.24 (+13.28) mean percentage in
all observations. With that data, the researchers discerned that basil leaves attracted most fruit
flies compared to the other two treatments, but its extent was only slightly greater than onefifth of the total fruit flies accounted for in the box. Mint (T2) ranked second with a mean
percentage attraction of 16.05 (+4.03). Finally, a combination of basil and mint leaves (T3) had
the least mean attraction of 15.75 (+6.51). Thus, both later treatments were found below onefifth of the total fruit flies observed in the experimental units.
Observation
A
B
C
N
Min
Max
Mean
Std. dev.
T1 (Basil)
14.52
20.15
32.06
3
14.52
32.06
22.24
T2 (Mint)
15.82
18.57
13.77
3
13.77
18.57
16.05
T3 (Basil+Mint Mix)
10.93
20.86
15.46
3
10.93
20.86
15.75
13.28
4.03
6.51
Table 1. Mean percentage attraction of fruit flies to various treatments.
In figure 11, where the y-axis shows the percentage of the fruit flies attracted to various
treatments in the study, the researchers can clearly distinguish the difference between the three
treatments. The greatest percent difference (6.49%) was shown between Basil (T1) and
Basil+Mint Mix (T3). This difference was slightly higher between Basil (T1) and Mint (T2),
6.09%. Mint (T2) and Basil+Mint Mix (T3) exhibited the least difference of 0.3%, which was
quite negligible.
84
27
% ATTRACTION OF FRUIT FLIES
24
21
18
15
12
9
6
T3 (BM co
T2 (Mint)
0
T1 (Basil
3
Figure 11. The percent attraction of fruit flies to various treatments.
However, when these differences of the mean percentages of the attraction of fruit flies
considering the three treatments were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was
found to demonstrate no statistical significance (Fig. 12). The mean treatment differences of
attraction of fruit fly to Basil (T1), Mint (T2), and Basil-Mint Mix (T3) with 22.24 (+13.28), 16.05
(+4.03) and 15.75 (+6.51) percent, respectively computed p=0.6223 (F=0.5139, df=2). This p-
value was greater than p<0.05 level of significance. This no significant difference was also
supported by the Levene’s test for homogeneity of variance based on means (p(same)=0.3455)
and based on median (p(same=0.4416), and by the Welch F test in the case of unequal variances
(F=0.265, df=3.48, p=0.7812).
Hence, Basil, Mint, or a Basil-Mint Mix had no advantage over attracting fruit flies. Each of the
treatment’s capacities to attract fruit flies was comparable.
Figure 12. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the present attraction of fruit flies.
2. Repellency Percentage of Fruit Flies to the Aroma of the Herbs
The data on the repellency percentage of the fruit flies to the three treatments are shown in
Appendix B and Table 2. These data were derived from the differences of the total (100) percent
of fruit flies and the computed percentage of fruit flies attracted to each of the treatments
considering the averaged replicates of each observation. Observation B (Appendix B) recorded
85
the highest repellency percentage with Basil (T1) of 91+5.01 and Basil-Mint Mix (T3) of
88.24+5.89. Observation C for Mint (T2) had given the highest extent (88.09+5.24). In totality,
considering overall repellency percentage means of 84.25+6.51for, a combination of Basil+Mint
(T3), 83.95+4.03 for Mint (T2), and 77.76+13.28 for Basil (T1), a high repellency rate of 81.99%.
Overall (Table 2 and Fig. 13), the highest mean percentage (84.25+6.51)of fruit flies repelled by
the aromatic smell of the herbs is exhibited by a combination of Basil+Mint (T3). Of Mint (T2)
followed this with 83.95+4.03%. In contrast to the attraction extent, Basil (T1) repelled the
least (77.76+13.28).
Observation
A
B
C
T1 (Basil)
64.44
91.00
77.84
3
64.44
91
77.76
13.28
N
Min
Max
Mean
Std. dev.
T2 (Mint)
80.04
83.72
88.09
3
80.04
88.09
83.95
4.03
T3 (Basil+Mint Mix)
76.74
88.24
87.76
3
76.74
88.24
84.25
6.51
Table 2. Mean percentage repellency of fruit flies to various treatments
In Figure 13, it can be seen that the highest bar was Basil+Mint Mix (T3). The difference in the
repellency of Basil-Mint Mix (T3) and Basil (T1) was the highest at 6.49%. It is followed by the
difference between Basil (T1) and Mint (T2), which was6.19%. The least difference (0.3%) was
observed between Basil-Mint Mix (T3) and Mint (T2). Looking at figure (13), the repellency
percentage of fruit flies to Basil-Mint Mix (T3) and Mint (T2 was comparable, bearing almost no
differences at all.
90
% REPELLENCY OF FRUIT FLIES
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
T3 (BM Mi
T2 (Mint)
0
T1 (Basil
10
Figure 13. The percent repellency of the fruit flies to various treatments.
Similarly, there was also no significant difference between/among the treatment means (Fig.
12) when repellency percentage was subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA). This no
significant difference was also shown with p=0.6223 (F=0.5139, df=2). Therefore, the
homogeneity of variance was conducted by Levene’s test based on means (p(same)=0.3455)
and based on median (p(same=0.4416), and by the Welch F test in the case of unequal variances
86
(F=0.265, df=3.48, p=0.7812).
The effects of the three treatments, Basil (T1), Mint (T2), or Basil-Mint Mix (T3), were alike.
However, each treatment had no superiority over the other with p=0.6223 (F=0.5139, df=2).
The overall result of the study was a high repellency percentage of 81.99% and a low attraction
of 18.03% of fruit flies to Basil, Mint, and Basil-Mint Mix experimental treatments. This trend
was, more or less, parallel to the findings of some experiments made on the behavior of fruit
flies with the tendency to be both attracted to and repelled from basil and mint leaves (Abdullah
et al. 2020), Maggiacamo (2014), Dawadi (2019), McCallum (2018) and Trulove, (2019).
Abdullah et al. (2020) attributed the attraction of fruit flies to the methyl eugenol (ME) content
of basil leaves, though with a lower extent as the control. Maggiacamo (2014) reported a lower
repellency rate of 24.3% and 13.1% of the basil and mint herbs, respectively, compared to the
high repellency percentage result of this study.
In particular, this was in contrast to the result of this study, where basil (77.76+13.28%) had a
lower repellency rate than mint (83.95+4.03%). The highest percentage (84.25+6.51)of fruit
flies repelled by the McCallum (2018) also found out that mint is one of the plants to have fruit
flies repellent properties, though with the lower rate. Trulove (2019) suggested that the
condition of the plants should be known, such as moisture content, rotting extent, and time of
blooming, to discern the attraction to mint plants as fruit flies may not be mainly attracted to
the mint itself, but also moist condition.
CONCLUSION
The following conclusion can be drawn from the results of this study to wit:
a.
The aroma of the leaves of Basil (Ocimum x africanum L.), Mint (Menthapiperata L.), and a
b.
In general, the aroma of the leaves of these plants can repel more (high percentage) than
c.
The basil leaves (T1) exhibited the highest attraction percentage but with the lowest
d.
combination of these plants can either attract or repel fruit flies ((Drosophila melanogaster);
attract fruit flies;
repellency percentage;
A combination of Basil-Mint (T3) leaves demonstrated the lowest attraction percentage but
with the highest repellency percentage; and
e. The effects of the three treatments were just comparable: Basil, Mint, or a combination of
Basil and Mint leaves does not impose an advantage over the other as there were no
significant differences between/among treatment means (p>0.05) for both fruit fly
attraction and repellency,
RECOMMENDATIONS
With the conclusion of the study, the following recommendations are made:
a.
The use of the leaves of Basil, Mint, or a combination of the two plants is possible as fruit fly
attractant and repellant;
87
b.
The use of either of the two plants or a combination of both as fruit fly attractant and
c.
The backyard growing and production of Basil and Mint plants for the purpose of making it
d.
1.
2.
repellant;
handy as possible fruit fly attractant/repellant; and
Further studies shall be conducted to verify further the validity of the result of the study,
such as:
Conduct similar research utilizing a bigger experimental unit that is comparable to the realworld setting;
Conduct parallel study considering varied sizes/spaces of experimental units such as
innovate a bigger box to record the behavior of the fruit flies by video;
3.
Conduct comparable study utilizing dried plant leaves to rule out the effects of moisture on
4.
Conduct identical research considering the use of net instead of plastic and box; and
5.
attraction and repellency;
Conduct of the same study with prevailing market attractant and repellant products as
control, and in comparison, with other potential herbal plants
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost, praises and thanks to God, the Almighty, for His showers of blessings
through the people and resources to make this research work possible. We wouldn’t have
gotten here without His help.
We would like to express our deepest and sincere gratitude to the people who have helped us
throughout this work, first, to our adviser and subject teacher Sir Algin Michael Sabac, for
imparting to us your invaluable guidance throughout the entire process of this research. Next
to our consultant, Dr. Nelieta A. Bedoya, her extensive knowledge and helpful advice has greatly
helped us and eased our journey in completing this study.
Third, we are extremely grateful to our family and friends for their love and continuing support.
You have inspired and motivated us never to give up, and we have grown because of that. We
wouldn’t have been able to complete this without your encouragement and inspiration.
Lastly, a pat on the back to the very researchers who worked tirelessly on this study. For the
patience, time, and effort we have given to this research work. Working together on this
arduous task was full of ups and downs, but we’ve pulled through the hardship
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Voice Controlled Swiss Army Rulers using Arduino
Nano
Gian Vanz C. Alicando | Miles A. Bughaw | Kristine Anne C. Mercado | Alessandra Charmaine
A. Verano | Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac | Prof. Neal Alfie Y. Lasta | Prof. Bernardo Ocon
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School
* miles.bughaw@g.msuiit.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
Inventions like digital measure tapes, which come in lasers, make measuring so easy. However, this
isn't the kind one could use to trace a pencil with or make illustrations that require detail and
accuracy. Instead, one might utilize several ruler devices to worth with. In this study, the
researchers sought to develop a mechanism for the convenient use of different ruler materials that
require less space when one kind is not in use. The objective is to utilize Arduino Nano with a
lightweight and effortlessly controlled multi-ruler mechanism produced by 3D printing. In one
hand-held unit, several rulers are positioned where voice recognition is integrated to activate a
specific kind of ruler of the user's convenience upon testing. The researchers have found that the
device responds significantly to the user's voice commands. The average response time of all
successful attempts of the servo motors is 0.64 seconds, whereas the average response rate ranges
from 83% to 100%, with the lowest being 66%. Furthermore, results showed how the device could
operate at a maximum of 6 inches away from where the command was given, albeit servo motors
did not respond. In conclusion, the device functions properly and is effective enough at operating
and responding at a relatively short time and comparatively at a distance not too close to the device.
Keywords: Arduino Nano, voice recognition, one hand-held unit
INTRODUCTION
Many professions such as engineers, architects, and hobby machinists use various measuring
devices such as rulers, squares, and curves regularly. Just as a Swiss Army Knife is a device
containing numerous types of knives, by having a similar device that operates on voice command
and containing a load of ruler types, it is intended to organize these measuring materials in one
place to save space and time, and also produce a hands-free mechanism.
In a book entitled "Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology" by (Koester and Arthanat, 2017),
they found that speech recognition is reported as the quickest during a recent systematic
comparison of studies of assistive technology access interfaces.
To further support the researchers' preference for a voice-assisted mechanism, in consent with an
article by Vladimir Zwass (2016), speech recognition makes controlling various devices and
equipment hands-free, which can benefit many disabled persons. This way, it adds more
personalization to their device, enabling the users to easily and quickly present their needed ruler
type.
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And even with the advent of computer-aided design software, rulers are still relevant because,
according to an article by Goldschmidt (2017) entitled "Manual Sketching: Why is it still relevant,"
that during a crit at Yale University, many professors still prefer to sketch, suggesting that it is the
most direct, fast and effective way to share their thoughts with the students.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Examine the compactness and performance of the multi-ruler mechanism as it consists of several
types of rules simultaneously in terms of precision and distance.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to:
•
•
•
Design a multi-ruler mechanism using Arduino Nano and a voice recognition module
program.
Establish a mechanism for the convenient use of different ruler materials.
Examine the effectiveness of the device in terms of accuracy, distance, and
durability.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The results of this study greatly contribute to the convenient use of multiple rulers that require less
space when a kind is not used. Effective implementation also provides an easy-to-carry rule
mechanism that can be used immediately.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
Several factors have influenced this experiment. These include the cost of materials, the knowledge
of Arduino, and the real experience of it. In addition, the potential weaknesses of the study are the
availability of power sources, as voltage and current flow are of vital importance, which is why
researchers can opt for a power bank as a power source and reduce spending. Finally, the
experiment has used only four types of rulers since there is also a shortage of micro servo motors
that control the retraction and protraction motion of the rulers.
The techniques that involve performing the correct processes for its structure are crucial for this
mechanism to work according to its use. The programming language that is used in the development
of this mechanism in C++. As this incorporates voice recognition, the language content is in English
since it is universal. The further development of this study could involve updating with multiple
languages that are suitable for all types.
METHODOLOGY
1. PLANNING
One of the researchers is an aspiring hobby machinist who dispersed the idea of the occupation as
needing to utilize various tools, one of which includes several ruler types. Another member
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brought out the idea of treating Swiss Army Knives as a foundation of the device and utilizing voice
commands to easily navigate through the ruler types.
Bringing the planned device to fruition required it to be compact while utilizing various
electronic equipment. One of which included a voice recognition module, an Arduino
microcontroller, and servo motors that would make the rulers retract or protract upon voice
command. However, the main constraint for this idea was designing a case that would store all
the components mentioned above in one place, with the wires (since it involves electronics)
organized. In addition, the need for a ruler case was also acknowledged as it would be used to
store the rulers in and attached to the servo motors.
The need for a storage case helped the researchers establish 3D modelling the case for the device
to look neat.
Establishing the circuitry of the electronic components was done through basic
knowledge of Electronics and Arduino application.
Acquiring the components above was
accomplished through online stores and through Electroplaza, where one of the researchers
purposely went to acquire the said materials.
The method is primarily structured in 7 stages (excluding obtaining materials) that were stated
chronologically: designing the case. Then, 3D printing the designed parts, recording phase, training
the voice recognition module with the voice commands, caching the Arduino with the necessary
code to recognize the voice commands, and assembling all the components and electronics after
the 3D printing phase is done. Finally, the three unmentioned stages include data collection,
analysis, and conclusion.
For the researchers to plan, divide, and execute the tasks remotely, all meetings were either held
through Google Meet or Discord. The design for the 3D models was done through Blender software.
Prototyping includes virtual models and a physical design.
2.
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2. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
2.1 3D Modelling Case and Ruler Case
The focal point for the first stage was building a foundation through flow charts that enabled the
researchers to partition the tasks remotely. The first step in the actual implementation included
designing the multi-ruler case where all components are stored and ruler-casings that served as
the tether for the rulers to be attached to the servo motor shafts. The design for the ruler casings
and the ruler holders is shown below:
The microphone slot was designed as the voice recognition module acquired by the researchers
comes with a microphone where the user trains a voice command that is then stored in the
module's recognizer. The recognizer is a container where acting voice commands.
The ruler case was designed to hold rulers by providing a slot where a ruler can be inserted to as
shown below:
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
(
2.2 3D Printing
Ruler Case
Ruler slot in the case (highlight
In this phase, a .stl file of the 3D models was sent to a local 3D Printing shop where the designed
models are 3D printed. The outcome of the prints are shown below:
Ruler Holder
2.3 Coding Arduino Nano and Recording Phase
Case
Voice Recognition Module Wiring
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Arduino Nano
Pin 2

5V

Pin 3

GROUND

Voice Recognition Module
TXD
RXD
VCC
GND
After connecting the Arduino to a computer, the commands are recorded after uploading the
vr_sample_train code (succeeding VR library importation), then later navigating to the serial
monitor, where the following settings are configured:
Each voice command has a maximum length of 1500ms. Each voice command had a specific name
or signature. To start recording a voice command with signature, "sigtrain 0 xx" command will be
sent as shown below:
Once the "Enter" button is pressed, the program will start recording the voice command. This is
indicated by the simultaneous blinking of red and yellow LEDs in the voice recognition module,
which lasts at about 400ms. The program will stop recording the user's voice command once it is
fully trained, as shown below:
Blinking Red and Yellow LEDs of VR module
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2.4 Voice Command Validity Test
After recording the commands, every command is loaded and tested in the Serial Monitor to check
their validity. There are two voice commands for each servo motor: one for the retraction and one
for the protraction for the ruler it controls. To test the commands, the user was supposed to speak
the command to the microphone. If the command is correct, the UI (User Interface) will return the
code corresponding to the command as shown below:
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2.5 Parts Assembly
After the case was 3D-printed, all the other components such as the four servo motors, the jumper
wires, the Arduino Nano, and the voice module were stored inside the case as the case acted as
housing the components. A virtual design of the assembly is also shown below to see the interior of
the case. Before storing them, the Arduino Nano was already cached with the necessary code to
make the necessary mechanism operate.
Parts Assembly Virtual Design
2.6 Data Collection
Time(s)
at Trial
Trial 1
Servo 1
1.1s
Trial 2
Servo 4
Servo 1
Servo 2
Servo 3
No
response
No
response
0.91s
0.17s
0.05s
0.76s
Servo 4
0.90s
Servo 2
Servo 3
Table 1. Testing Response Time
Trial 5 Trial 6
Trial 3
Trial 4
0.91s
0.58s
No
response
0.79s
0.57s
0.04s
0.67s
0.66s
0.73s
0.92s
0.88s
0.79s
0.69s
0.41s
0.71s
0.73s
0.14s
0.36s
0.58s
0.54s
0.45s
0.79s
0.93s
No
response
0.63s
0.66s
0.85s
0.77s
No
response
0.41s
0.76s
0.91s
0.90s
0.52s
0.82s
0.76s
0.97s
0.65s
0.83s
0.34s
Voice
Command
First Voice
Command
Second Voice
Command
Table 2. Testing Distance where the mechanism still recognizes the voice
Distance
(in) at
Trial
Servo 1
Trial
1
1in
Trial
2
2in
Trial
3
3in
Trial
4
4in
Trial
5
5in
Trial
6
6in
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Voice Command
First Voice
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Servo 2
Servo 3
Servo 4
Servo 1
Servo 2
Servo 3
Servo 4
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Command
Second Voice
Command
Yes = module recognizes command at a given distance
No = module does not recognize command at a given distance
2.7 Data Analysis
The researchers gathered information on the response rate, distance, and time of the product and
organized them on a table by six trials to analyze the data. The response rate is calculated by
dividing the number of successful command validations by the total number of attempts to validate
the commands. Therefore, the only variable they have looked at is the efficiency by looking at the
response rate, distance, and time as previously mentioned.
Servo
First Voice
Command
Second Voice
Command
Servo 1
Servo 2
Servo 3
Servo 4
Servo 1
Servo 2
Servo 3
Servo 4
Recognition Rate
(Number of successful
command
identification/total
number of attempted
command
identification)
83%
83%
100%
83%
83%
100%
100%
66%
Response Time
(Total time on
successful
attempts/total
number of successful
attempts)
0.79s
0.60s
0.69s
0.62s
0.50s
0.62s
0.62s
0.68s
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
To identify the device's practicality, the researchers sent a survey through Google forms in a
shareable link. Among the total respondents, 35, 88.6% or 31 of the respondents are students, while
11.4% or 4 are engineers. However, 1 of the four engineers is a software engineer but has
specifically indicated about being a hobby machinist, which is an occupation that utilizes multiple
rulers. And according to the data, 31 of the respondents find the product useful, while four don't
find the product useful. Overall, the survey results indicate that the majority of the population find
the product feasible and practical. However, for those who do not, the common reason they say
otherwise is that the product is made commercially available due to the expensive price tag of the
product.
The researchers have found that the device responds greatly to the user's voice commands. For
example, the average response time of all successful attempts of the servo motors is 0.64 seconds,
whereas the average response rate ranges from 83% to 100%, with the lowest being 66%. This
100
translates that most of the time, all rulers have responded to the user's voice command.
Furthermore, almost all the time, the mechanism responds shortly after a command has been given
albeit, there are times when the device did not act upon the user's commands which the researchers
have assumed is due to the variability of the speaker's pitch and the voice recognition modules tone
variability during the testing phase.
CONCLUSION
One of the fundamental objectives of the researchers was to develop a multi-ruler device based on
Swiss Army Knives, but by extension, which rulers to be retracted and protracted were controlled
via speech recognition and voice command. The researchers believe that they have addressed the
problem of identifying the device's effectiveness in terms of distance and accuracy. This is because
of the data the researchers have collected, which shows that the average response time of all the
servo motors is 0.64s, which isn't too long. Additionally, the data collected from the survey indicate
that most of the respondents find the product feasible and practical. Due to this, the researchers
believe they have acknowledged the objective of identifying the product's viability. The results also
show how the device can operate at a maximum of 6 inches away from where the command was
given, albeit servo motors did not respond. The researchers assume that this is due to the variability
of the speaker's pitch and the voice recognition module's tone. In conclusion, the device functions
properly and is effective enough at operating and responding at a relatively short time and
comparatively at a distance not too close to the device.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Integration of Google's artificial-intelligence-powered virtual assistant to access features such as
controlling the device from a smartphone's keyboard and microphone, other than the Elechouse
Voice Recognition Module. This would also incorporate the usage of the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module to
access Google Assistant and add even better personalization to the device. Furthermore, utilizing
the GeeTech Voice Recognition Module instead of Elechouse might make it easier to train the user's
voice commands. This is because this module utilizes hexadecimal commands, which come in handy
when importing the voice commands through the AccessPort or HTerm Software and when finally
importing the commands in the Arduino.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The researchers would like to express their gratitude to everyone who has supported the
researchers from start to end. In addition, they deeply appreciate the constructive criticisms, advice,
and guidance during the making of their research.
First and foremost, the researchers thank God Almighty for providing them the courage, wisdom,
and knowledge to conduct this research.
They would like to thank Engr. Algin Michael Sabac, their research adviser, for guiding this research.
101
They would also like to thank their research consultants, Professor Richard Arellaga, for the
hardware suggestions and Sir Jun Quedeng for the software recommendations.
Lastly, they would like to express their gratitude to their friends and family who have directly or
indirectly supported us. Without them, this research would not be possible.
REFERENCES
Hadwan, H.H.H., & Reddy, Y.P. (2016). Smart Home Control by using Raspberry Pi & Arduino UNO.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hamid_Hadwan/publication/330076104_IJARCCE/links/5c2be
a2d458515a4c7065d12/IJARCCE.pdf
Evans, B. (2011).B.Beginning Arduino Programming. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/bfm%253A9781-4302-3778-5%252F1.pdf
Zhang, L. (2019). Intelligent Voice Control Lighting Device Based on Arduino UNO Microcontroller.
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/252/3/032188/pdf
Bhargava, A., & Kumar, A. (2017). Arduino controlled robotic arm.
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8212837 Gehlot, A., Singh, R., Gupta, L. R.,
Singh, B. (2019). Raspberry Pi and Arduino.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337620060_Raspberry_Pi_and_Arduino
Rukhiyah, A., Samad, N. H. B. A., & Miserom, S. F. (2015). Raspberry Pi & Arduino What Makes Them
Awesome!!!
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287207118_Raspberry_Pi_Arduino_What_Makes_Them_Aw
esome
Goldschmidt, G. (2017). Manual Sketching: Why Is It Still Relevant?
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-56466-1_4
Zwass, V. (2016). Speech recognition.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/speech-recognition
Hou, T. K. (2020). Arduino-based voice-controlled wheelchair.
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1432/1/012064/pdf
Bhargava, A., & Kumar, A. (2017). Arduino controlled robotic arm
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321990760_Arduino_controlled_robotic_arm
Banzi, M., & Shiloh, M. (2015). Getting Started with Arduino
https://www.esc19.net/cms/lib011/TX01933775/Centricity/Domain/110/make_gettingstartedwithar
duino_3rdedition.pdf
Cowan, D., & Najafi, L. (2019). Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128124871/handbook-of-electronic-assistive-technology
Badamasi, Y. A. (2014). The working principle of an Arduino
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Rubin, A. (2018). History of Thermometers https://jamaicahospital.org/newsletter/history-ofthermometers/
The Importance of Measurement. Retrieved from
file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/The%20Importance%20of%20Measurement%20(3).pdf
102
WalleTech: Wallet Innovation Using GPS and
Fingerprint Scanner Technology
Aiah Jane Michelle Arañas Gragera|Nathanael Lampago Masula|Abigail Jean Mallare
Nillama| Mikyla Aure Villanueva | Engr. Algin Michael Guiñares Sabac | Prof. Alan L.
Vergara | Prof. Jofel A. Batutay
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School
*mikyla.villanueva@g.msuiit.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
Most Filipinos do not have a stable stream of income and must improvise to make ends meet. The
ongoing pandemic and changed our lifestyle and how crimes occur. The crisis created opportunities for
criminals to take advantage of the heightened uncertainty. Many problems would arise if our valuables
were stolen, especially that they would have access to our personal information that is a risk to our
security and safety. The researchers then designed a wallet that can prevent these crimes and that offers
high protection. Fingerprint Scanner and GPS tracker are the components that were used to build the
highly secured wallet. This study focuses on assuring the consumer that their hard-earned money and
important cards or belongings are kept safe wherever they go. The accuracy of a fingerprint scanner was
a critical component of successful authentication. It was able to identify and monitor the amount of time
it took to detect a person's fingerprint. Despite a minor issue with signal availability in a particular area,
the GPS tracker could transmit the exact live location of the device. The study's overall findings showed
definitively that the researchers could create a high-security prototype that would vastly improve the
security of one's belongings, especially money.
Keywords: Fingerprint Scanner, GPS tracker, assurance, High-security prototype,
fingerprint
INTRODUCTION
In today’s life, being under lockdown is changing how people live and how crime occurs.
Unfortunately, during this crisis, not all people are privileged enough to provide for their own needs,
and jobs are hard to find these days. So it will hit the poor and the marginalized the hardest.
Danger from “old-fashioned” wrongdoing such as pickpocketing is as yet plentiful today. One of the
most accessible and vulnerable items containing personal data is their handbag or wallet, and a thief
can do a lot with its contents. In addition, users’ credit cards, debit cards, keys, and home
information can give valuable criminal material to work with, especially the value that contains it.
When stolen, each of those items can produce long-term problems for the victim. First, it is time-
consuming and costs a lot of money when you consider replacing a significant amount of documents.
Second, the victim is needed to duplicate the personal cards such as School ID and Government ID.
Third, they need to go to the bank to cancel their credit card too. Overall, the security of their house
must be strengthened, such as changing the keys and locks. Lastly, old memories such as
photographs may be lost forever.
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Shielding from these crimes; needs personal preventive measures. Everyone has the chance of being
a victim of a crime. But they can prevent it by being mindful and protective of personal items and
information. In this study, the researchers aim to innovate to strengthen the security of personal
items by making a wallet with a fingerprint sensor and GPS.
It is using GPS Tracking Devices for Security. (n.d.). Security experts rushed to perceive the potential
for GPS to use in security applications, especially tracking of stolen objects. It contains circuitry that
allows them to transmit a signal when needed, further conserving battery power. It is also
advantageous with the accessible GPS available in the small market in size, easier to conceal, and
consumes much less energy than their predecessors.
Related Studies
E. Benli et al. (2017) BioWallet’s proposed model improved both usability and security of payment
transactions carried out with digital currencies stored in wallets by using fingerprints of users. They
also developed a solution to minimize online payment transactions through this research. However,
its security is a critical problem for digital transactions. A customer is apprehensive about the
anonymity of the digital transaction. This limits the accessibility of digital currencies and also
prevents online payments from growing. BioWallet protects the digital assets and transaction
process with a two-phase authentication system that employs fingerprint and password
authentication. Additionally, BioWallet does not store any fingerprint data online to preserve a
consumer’s privacy. For digital currencies such as Bitcoins, the Biometric Electronic Wallet is
proposed for digital currency research. Bitcoins are digital currencies that were already
decentralized and allowed anybody to pay instantly anywhere in the world. To operate with no
central authority, Bitcoin uses online file swapping. Once a Bitcoin wallet is installed on any device,
it will generate an initial, and then the user can create an address for each transaction. This research
establishes a biometric electronic wallet to store and transfer digital currencies with heavy security
using a Biometric External USB sensor.
P. Kremm et al. (2011). This study concluded that GPS could collect high-quality data of activities’
location and track the physical activity and the environment. It improves our understanding and
makes us aware of the present time, place, and where the user wants to go. GPS can identify
individuals’ locations at any point in time and aim to examine the environment and location. GPS
can monitor human movement in sports while walking or running and in free-living. However, older
GPS devices often cannot record position under atmospheric disturbances or satellite signal
blockage because of buildings and weather changes. Newer devices include high-sensitivity
receivers that also interpret weak signals for continuous recording. In addition, the devices often
ran out of battery power because the device consumed more energy than expected. They can
overcome these problems by selecting a GPS device with an appropriate power supply for the
planned measurement period and by shutting down the device while indoors if required.
Cappeli, R., Ferrara, M., Maltoni (2006). The biometric systems of today are rapidly replacing the
traditional password systems and token-based authentication systems. The essential aspects to
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consider in designing an ideal biometric system are Security and Recognition accuracy. It is common
in any biometric system that the quality of the input data has a substantial impact on the accuracy
that the system may provide. The quality of the input depends on many factors, such as the quality
of the acquisition device, the essential quality and the current condition of the biometric trait, the
environment, the precision of user interaction with the device, etc. The researchers most likely will
face challenges such as tackling attacks on the user interface and template databases. How to design
proper countermeasures to thwart these attacks, hence provide strong security and yet at the same
time maintaining high recognition accuracy, is an important topic to research about.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Not only does life under lockdown affect how people live, but also how people can’t avoid crimes
occurring more. The need for high-security wallets helps customers ensure that their hard-earned
money is protected. Moreover, this study intends to answer the following questions:
1. What designs are considered to make the wallet more secure?
2. What steps must be taken to develop a custom-designed wallet with security features?
3. What is the basis for evaluating whether or not an innovation is helpful to users and
communities?
OBJECTIVES
1. To create a quality custom-designed wallet that provides greater protection to users.
2. To regulate the recognition time of the fingerprint sensor regardless of who’s fingerprint it is
scanning.
3. To determine the distance covered with the use of GPS.
4. To inform the user about the live location and receive a link to track the wallet.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study intends to produce a product that can improve the security of a citizen’s wallet.
Therefore, it can be beneficial, especially to people working hard to make money to sustain their
living. The researchers considered the Fingerprint Sensor and GPS as their components to enhance
a wallet’s security to yield an outstanding result.
USERS This study would be very beneficial to users. This study provides many advantages to them,
such as increasing the wallet’s security and a much better alternative than a standard wallet.
RESEARCHERS This study would be very beneficial to researchers. This study will help, as it will
serve as additional information and add factual concepts for their related research.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
The main focus of this study is to design innovative, well-built security on wallets. The researchers
are to create the wallet, a GPS tracker, and a fingerprint scanner. The wallet will have a GPS chip
embedded inside and a fingerprint lock on the outside as a security feature to prevent strangers
105
from opening the wallet. However, the budget will limit the proposed design since making the wallet
can be costly. The researchers will conduct the study for one semester and be completed by the
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Integrated Developmental School
students.
METHODOLOGY
2.1 Research Design
This study used a quantitative research design, an experimental type wherein the researchers will
have a trial and error in coding and wiring. The researchers then assessed the quality of the
product. The product is designed to be durable and highly protected.
2.2 General Procedure
I. Planning
Figure 1. Planning Stages
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II. Prototype
Figure 2. Prototype
Firmware Flowchart
Figure 3. Firmware Flowchart
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2.3 Materials and Equipment
Model
Description
Cost
Nano
ATmega328P
CH340G
A single-board microcontroller
is meant to make the application
more accessible, interactive
objects and their surroundings.
₱ 225.00
Breadboard
Half sized- 400
tie points
A rectangular board with many
mounting holes. They were used
for creating electrical
connections between electronic
components and single-board
computers or microcontrollers.
The connections aren’t
permanent, and they can be
removed and placed again.
₱ 65.00
Fingerprint
Scanner
GT-521F32
Obtains an image of a person’s
fingerprint and finds a match for
it in its database.
₱
1,700.00
GPS
GY-NEO6MV2
NEO-6M Ublox
Flight Controller
GPS Module
A satellite navigation system is
used to determine the ground
position of an object.
₱ 475.00
Jumper
Wires
10cm Dupont
(Male-Male,
Male-Female,
Female-Female)
Used for making connections
between items on your
breadboard and your Arduino’s
header pins.
₱ 195.00
FS90R Micro
Continuous
Rotation Servo
A rotary actuator or linear
actuator allows for precise
control of angular or linear
position, velocity, and
acceleration.
₱300.00
Battery
Lithium Ion
Polymer Battery3.7v 500mAh
A device that stores chemical
energy and converts it to
electrical energy.
₱400.00
Level
Converter
Logic Level
Converter-Bi
Directional
A small device that safely steps
down 5V signals to 3.3V and
steps up 3.3V to 5V.
₱74.00
Arduino
Board
Servo motor
Wallet
A small flat folded case for
carrying miscellaneous articles
while traveling.
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2.4 Survey
The researchers used a descriptive survey method to assess age, gender, wallet usability, interest,
and willingness to buy and use the product.
A. Population and Sample of the Study
The primary target respondents were random adults from Iligan City. The researchers gathered 60
respondents to answer the survey.
B. Research Instrument
The researcher used Google forms for efficiency, organization, and a safe option for surveying
amidst the pandemic. The researchers made the questions to gather the needed data. The
researchers conducted a survey questionnaire with two (2) parts. Part 1 asked for the basic
information of the respondents, such as their name, age, and gender. Part 2 asked for the
respondents’ wallet usability, willingness, and interest to use the product consisting of 10
questions.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In this chapter, the study results are presented and discussed concerning the study, which was to
create a quality custom-designed wallet that provides greater protection to users. The three sub-
aims of this study were to regulate the recognition time of fingerprint sensor regardless of whose
fingerprint it is scanning, and the second to determine the extent of the GPS’ distance it can
accumulate, lastly, to inform the user about the live location and to receive a link to track the wallet.
These aspects were described in the previous chapter that presented the methodology applied in
the study.
It is shown in Table 1 the time of speed on how fast the fingerprint scanner reacts to the owner’s
fingerprints. It took two seconds longer in the first trial than the rest of the attempts.
Fingerprint Trial 1
(Owner)
Trial 2
Time (s)
1s
3s
Trial 3
1s
Trial 4
1s
Trial 5
Trial 6
1s
1s
Table 1. Testing Speed
Figure 3 exhibited the outcome on the condition that the owner’s fingerprint had been scanned and
recognized. It took 3 seconds for the fingerprint scanner to be able to detect the first entry. Series of
scanning of the owner’s fingerprint took only a second for every scan that was conducted.
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Figure 3. Testing Registered Owner’s Fingerprint
It is shown in Table 2 the time of precision on how fast the fingerprint scanner detects the owner’s
fingerprints. It took a second for all the attempts. There was a limit of six attempts when scanning,
and if the fingerprint does not match with the stored data, the system automatically sent a link to
the owner and presented the live location on Google Maps
Fingerprint Trial 1
(Random)
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 4
Trial 5
Trial 6
Time (s)
1s
1s
1s
1s
1s
1s
Table 2. Testing Accuracy
Figure 4 exhibited the outcome on the condition that a random fingerprint had been detected. It
took 3 seconds for the fingerprint sensor to be able to recognize the very first fingerprint. It took
only a second for the random fingerprint to be identified because it was not the first fingerprint
detected. A series of scanning was conducted. There was an assigned limitation for the fingerprint
sensor to analyze in order for the system to send a link to the owner that presented the wallet’s
location.
Figure 4. Testing Random Fingerprint
It is shown in Table 3 the overall functionality of the prototype. It was conducted by putting an
unregistered fingerprint on the fingerprint scanner six times. The system sent an alert and specific
location of the prototype after six consecutive attempts. Six attempts were considered as the first
trial as stated that the system had an assigned limit for it to be regarded as a random fingerprint.
However, it was deemed to be functional because the prototype transmitted the location to the
assigned phone number.
110
GPS
Functional
Yes
Yes
Yes
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Table 3. System Functionality
Figure 5 exhibited the message that the researchers received after six attempts of a random
fingerprint. In opening the link, the researchers acquired cellular data with an allocated sim card for
the system. The data is required on the condition that the device was stolen or lost. Results then
showed that the system automatically sent the link less than a minute after being acquired.
Figure 5. System Link
Figure 6 exhibited the live location of the system. Six random fingerprint attempts were conducted,
and the system sent the location. There was a need for cellular data to access the link that would
show the researchers the exact location on google maps. The red arrow icon represented the
location of the system. It showed the latitude and longitude of the location, which is 8 °14’39.2 °N
124 °14’30.4 °E.
Figure 6. Live Location on Google Maps
111
It is shown in Table 4.1 the age of the respondents. There were a total of 60 respondents who filled
out the questionnaire. The researchers selected ages ranging from 18 to 72 years old since the
target users of their product were adults. Since almost every one of the respondents owns a wallet,
they find this study extremely useful.
Age
18-28
29-39
40-50
51-61
62-72
Total
ƒ
20
13
20
5
5
60
Percentage
33.3%
21.67%
33.3%
8.3%
3.3%
100%
Table 4.1 Age of the Respondents
It is shown in Table 4.2 the gender of the respondents. There were 40 females and 20 males who
willingly participated in filling out the survey. Thus, female respondents outnumber male
respondents by a factor of two. It clearly showed that females are more interested in innovating the
wallet because they always bring their wallets.
Gender
Female
Male
Prefer not to say
Total
ƒ
40
20
0
60
Percentage
66.75%
33.3%
0%
100%
Table 4.2 Gender of the Respondents
Figure 7.1 exhibited the results of the users that carry their wallets. Results then showed that 47
respondents carry their wallets daily, and 11 respondents rarely bring their wallets with them.
Merely two of the respondents did not have their wallets with them. The majority of respondents
took their wallets with them, raising the likelihood of their wallets being stolen.
Figure 7.1 Percentage Results of the Users that Carry their Wallet
Figure 7.2 exhibited the respondent’s usability of the wallet. Merely 3 out of 60 respondents do not
have a wallet, and they chose to pay using their mobile banking services. Furthermore, 57
respondents stored essential things in their wallets, implying that they need a wallet with such a
high level of security. Thirty-nine people had lost their wallets, and 21 of them haven’t got them
112
back. These findings indicated that wallets for sale on the market were unreliable. A respondent
gave feedback that this study can significantly help to control the thieves in their place.
Figure 7.2 Respondent’s Usability of Wallet
Figure 7.3 exhibited the number of respondents interested in having a custom-designed wallet with
a fingerprint scanner and GPS as its security system. Of the 60 people who responded, 50 were
interested in using those components as part of their security system. The majority of respondents
had seen this study as an effort to improve their way of life, especially in light of recent technological
advances. Therefore, innovating the wallet’s security was a step toward improving the technology
of our country.
Figure 7.3 Number of Interested Respondents
Figure 7.4 exhibited the number of respondents who were willing to buy the wallet that the
researchers produced. The findings indicated that, as a result of recent incidents, users were very
interested in enhancing the security of their wallets. Therefore, the respondents were willing to
invest money only to guarantee that the capital and other valuables in their wallets are secured.
113
Figure 7.4
Number of
Respondents Who are Willing to Buy
Figure 8 exhibited the final product. The researchers were able to create a wallet with a fingerprint
scanner and a GPS tracker that functional. The wallet was made up of a prototype installed in a
durable case to protect it from damage.
Figure 8. Final Product
CONCLUSION
The study’s first aim also confirmed that the researchers could create a custom-designed wallet that
provides more excellent protection to users. Next, the researchers applied thorough analysis to
accomplish a prototype that contains the components that had been chosen for this study.
By the second aim of the study, results indicated that the system could regulate the period of the
scanner for it to be able to recognize and detect someone’s fingerprint. The system did not consume
a lot of time for it to identify a specific fingerprint. The accuracy of the fingerprint scanner was
remarkable because it accurately detected if it was the owner’s fingerprint or not.
Concerning the third aim, the results of the GPS tracker conveyed the accurate and correct location
of the system. Unfortunately, the GPS module used in this study was quite unstable because it
requires a good signal for it to showcase the location on Google Maps. Although it had a minor
problem, the system attained to send the researchers the exact location.
The study’s overall results provided conclusive evidence that the researchers made it possible to
produce a high security prototype that would incredibly increase the security of one’s belonging,
especially money. The fingerprint scanner’s accuracy was an essential tool for effective protection.
114
It managed to recognize and regulate the time for it to detect one’s fingerprint. Although the GPS
tracker may have a minor problem due to the availability of signal in a particular area, it coped with
sending the exact live location of the system.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The researchers uncovered a variety of topics where the available evidence was inadequate to draw
firm conclusions. The recommendations that follow will help you enable rational decisions about
the wallet technology you’ve chosen.
The researchers’ desire to make some recommendations, if taken into consideration, might bring
light and positive changes to the approach.
•
•
Use a specific Arduino Board.
Use the different models of GPS. The researchers suggest using a GPS that receives signals better
than the purchased GPS model by the previous researchers since it was slow in receiving signals.
Choose a GPS that has higher DBM; high DBM indicates it can better pick up satellite signals. GPS
may depend on the desired size of the wallet. If they want a pocket-sized wallet, they must use a
small GPS. The size of the GPS can affect the lock time and accuracy. Also, consider the power
requirements in choosing the desired GPS, the average being 30mA at 3.3V.
•
Have the GPS activate even the signal in the location is weak. Despite the bad weather, the
•
Use a sturdy wallet case or cover, so the wallet’s contents cannot be searched open. This
•
Use different locks for it to be able to achieve a wallet. For example, a magnetic type of lock.
researchers should do their best to have the GPS pick up the signal.
increases the wallet’s security, as the thief cannot disrupt the GPS and cut off the fingerprint sensor.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The researchers would like to express our gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout
the end. In addition, they are thankful for the guidance, constructive criticism, and advice during the
making of our research.
First and foremost, praises and thanks to the Almighty for his countless blessings, protection, and
guidance to complete this research successfully.
The researchers would like to thank their research adviser, Mr. Algin Michael Sabac, for providing
guidance and help throughout this research.
The researchers would also like to thank their research consultant, Mr. Jofel Batutay. His willingness
to help them has contributed tremendously to our development and attainment of new learnings.
Lastly, the researchers would like to express their gratitude to their family and friends who have
directly or indirectly supported them. Without them, this research would not be possible.
115
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Nathan, M. (2016). The Innovative Ways GPS Is Being Used in Today’s Society. Retrieved October 25, 2020,
from https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/melanie-nathan2/gps-innovations-society_b_8258396.html
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Easy Clocking. (2021). What is Biometrics? How does it work? What are the Benefits? Retrieved February 15,
2021, from http://www.bioelectronix.com/what_is_biometrics.html
Karan, B., Hitesh, R.. (2017). Your phone’s fingerprint scanner can do much more than unlock your phone.
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HowStuffWorks, Science, Science, & Science. (2008). How Fingerprinting Works. Retrieved October 26, 2020,
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Benli, E., Engin, I., Giousouf, M.A., Ulak. (2017). BioWallet: A Biometric Digital Wallet. Faculty of Computer and
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Cappeli, R., Ferrara, M., Maltoni (2006). The Quality of Fingerprint Scanners and Its Impact on the Accuracy of
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Yang, W., Wang, S., Hu, J., Zheng, G., Valli, C. (2019). Security and Accuracy of Fingerprint-Based Biometrics: A
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Kremm, P., Titze, S., Oja, P., Jones, A., Ogilvie, D. (2011). Use of Global Positioning Systems to Study Physical
Activity and the Environment: A Systematic Review. PubMed Centra, doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2011.06.046
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APPENDIX
APPROVAL SHEETS
117
APPROVAL SHEET
This research paper entitled “ARDUINO CLOCK THERMUDITY (Arduino –
Based Clock with Temperature and Humidity Sensor)” prepared and submitted by
JUSTENE KAYE Macabenta ALOTA, MOHAMMAD BUCHARY Salisip
DIMAPORO, PRINCESS GALE Llamos JAYLO and MARK POLO Jesena
MACARAYA.
Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac
Adviser
________________
Date
Prof. Neal Alfie Lasta
Panel Member
Prof. Kristen Andoy
Panel Member
Date
Date
Technical Consultant (optional)
___________________
Date
Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the Course in Science
Research I/II.
Chairperson, Science & Research
____________
Date
Principal, IDS
____________
Date.
APPROVAL SHEET
This research paper entitled “CULTIV8: A SOLAR-POWERED
PLANT GROWTH MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING DEVICE”
prepared and submitted by BABOLATS
Algin Michael G. Sabac
Adviser
May 2021
Date
Kristen Sulapas Andoy
Panel Member
May 2021
Date
Angel Jane Roullo
Panel Member
May 2021
Date
______Alan Vergara_____
Panel Member
____May 2021____
George S. Mejos
Technical Consultant
May 2021
Date
Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the Course in Science
Research I/II.
Joy Bagaloyos
Chairperson, Science and Research
May 2021
Date
Minda Sexon
Principal, IDS
May 2021
Date
i
APPROVAL SHEET
This research paper entitled “NATURAL BLUE DYE: THE
EXTRACTION OF THE BLUE BUTTERFLY PEA’S (Clitoria ternatea)
PIGMENT ALONG WITH THE USE OF A NATURAL MORDANT, Aloe vera”
prepared and submitted by Team ORCA
_Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac_
Adviser
________________
Date
_Engr. Angel Jane A. Roullo_
Panel Member
______05/02/21______
Date
_Prof. Neal Alfie Y. Lasta_
Panel Member
______05/03/21______
Date
__ _______N/A_________
Technical Consultant (optional)
______N/A______
Date
Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the Course in Science
Research I/II.
_Prof. Joy B. Bagaloyos, PhD._
Chairperson, Science & Research
____________
Date
_Prof. Minda Oblenda C. Sexon_
Principal, IDS
____________
Date.
i
APPROVAL SHEET
This research paper entitled “MOISTURE CONTENT BASED PORTABLE
AUTOMATIC WATERING SYSTEM DEVICE USING ARDUINO UNO ON
BAYABANG (Nephrolepis cordifolia) PLANTECKNON” prepared and submitted
by NIEL ANTHONY Villanueva CRUZ, Gift Alexander Saceda PUYOS, ERIKA
Centeno TIMONERA, and MYRA THEA Mirafuentes REPONTE.
Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac
Adviser
April 7, 2021
Date
Hazel Dwight P. Bendong
Panel Member
April 7, 2021
Date
Prof. Kristen Lovely Andoy
Panel Member
April 7, 2021
Date
Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the Course in Science
Research I/II.
Prof. Joy B. Bagaloyos, PhD.
Chairperson, Science & Research
April 9, 2021
Date
Prof. Minda Oblenda C. Sexon
Principal, IDS
April 9, 2021
Date
2
April 2021
APPROVAL SHEET
This research paper entitled “VOICE CONTROLLED ARDUINO MULTI-RULER
MECHANISM” prepared and submitted by TEAM F4
Engr. Algin Michael G. Sabac
Adviser
________________
Date
Prof. Neal Alfie Y. Lasta
Mr. Bernardo B. Ocon
Panel Member
Panel Member
May 3, 2021
May 1, 2021
Date
Date
Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the Course in Science Research
I/II.
Chairperson, Science & Research
____________
Date
Principal, IDS
____________
Date
APPROVAL SHEET
(1 double space)
This research paper entitled “WalleTech (Wallet Innovation Using GPS and
Fingerprint Scanner Technology)” prepared and submitted by AIAH MICHELLE
Arañas GRAGERA, NATHANEL Lampago MASULA, ABIGAIL JEAN Mallare
NILLAMA and MIKYLA Aure VILLANUEVA
Engr. Algin Michael Sabac
Adviser
_____April 9, 2021____
Date
Sir Jofel A. Batutay
Panel Member
___April 9, 2021
Date
Prof. Alan L. Vergara ____
Panel Member
_April 9, 2021
Date
Sir Jofel A. Batutay
Technical Consultant
____ April 9, 2021____
Date
Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the Course in Science
Research I/II.
Prof. Joy B. Bagaloyos, Ph.D.
Chairperson, Science & Research
___April 9, 2021___
Date.
Prof. Minda Oblenda C. Sexon
Principal, IDS
___April 9, 2021___
Date.
i