18/30
(WITH MODIFICATION/VERIFY MODIFICATION IF OKAY)
A.
Background of the Study
Oil as a natural resource is very abundant here on earth. Many oil deposits are
scattered around the globe. Export of oil is done largely through oil tankers from continent to
continent. An unfortunate accident of one of these tankers may cause oil spill which can create
serious environmental problems. A large oil spill can cause heavy damage and will be toxic to
marine life, resources which man use as food, thus having also an effect on human life. Because
of the damage and the resulting toxicity of these oil spills, there is a need to clean the spills.
Various ways are used to clean spills like using dispersants, vacuums and skimmers.
Cleaning and absorption of commercial oil spills costs a lot of money. Sometimes,
unpredictable weather hampers the cleaning of oil spills. This study will test the absorption
potential of various organic waste materials like corn husks, sawdust, wood chips, hair and
coconut fiber. These organic materials are inexpensive and readily available in our country thus
help reduce the cost of cleaning oil spills.
ADD REASON WHY THE RESEARCHERS DECIDED TO PURSUE THIS STUDY
B.
Statement of the Problem
The main problem of this study is to determine and compare the absorption ability of
woodchips, hair, coconut fiber, corn husks and sawdust as oil spill absorbents.
Sub- problems
1) The amount of crude oil in the study ?
2) Insolubility of the organic materials in crude oil and water ?
3) Bouyancy of these materials ?
4) The absorption ability of these organic materials in : a) sea water ? b) crude oil ?
5) c) mixture of sea water and crude oil ?
C.
Hypotheses (MODIFY! NULL & ALTERNATE FORMS!)
1) Woodchips, hair, corn husks, coconut fiber and sawdust can all effectively absorb oil.
2) Hair has the most ability to absorb crude oil in sea water than the rest of the materials.
3) Wood chips have less ability to absorb crude oil than the rest of the materials.
4) Saw dust and corn husks have almost no difference in their absorption ability in
5) a) sea water b) crude oil
D.
c) mixture of sea water and crude oil
Objective of the Study
This study aims to determine whether woodchips, hair, coconut fiber, corn husks, and
sawdust can be used as an alternative and cheap oil spill absorber. Specifically it aims to :
1) Determine the absorption ability of the different materials.
2) Compare the difference in the absorption ability of the materials.
3) Verify if the difference is significant or not using tools in statistics.
E.
Significance of the Study
Commercial oil spill absorbents cost a lot of money and are barely available in our
country. This study is a way to determine whether woodchips, hair, coconut fiber, corn husks
and sawdust can be used as alternative oil spills absorbents. It would also be beneficial to our
society since these organic products are wastes from parlors and barber shops, wood industry
and corn and rice farms. Instead of throwing these waste products which will add to pollution,
these materials can be made environment friendly and used as cheap oil spill absorbents.
ADD MORE: specific group of people (STUDENTS, HOUSEWIVES, BUSINESSMEN,
ETC) who can benefit from the result of your study & how they will benefit
F.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study covers the capability of woodchips, corn husk, hair, coconut fiber, and
sawdust to absorb oil. Two set ups for each material will be prepared, each of the materials will
be submerged in Set-up A: Crude oil only and Set-up B: a mixture of crude oil and sea water for
60 minutes in each set up. Other materials that are both in the crude oil and in the mixture
that may affect the procedure of the experiment will not be covered.
REFER TO RELATED STUDY FOR OTHER ENTRIES ON THIS PORTION like where
will you get your absorbents?
G.
Definition of Terms
Absorption Ability
the capacity of a material to absorb another substance.
Oil
the generic name for a liquid immiscible in water. In this study
Oil will be the substance to be absorbed by the organic
materials.
Oil spill
is the accidental release or spillage of oil in the oceans or any
water bodies. It is a form of pollution.
Coconut fiber
a product which is extracted from the outer shell of the coconut
product. In this study coconut fiber is one of the products to be
tested for its potential as an oil spill absorber.
Sawdust
is a by-product of cutting lumber, these are fine wood particles
that are created by cutting with saw. In this study sawdust is
one of the products to be tested for its potential as an oil spill
absorber.
Wood chips
are medium sized blocks of wood which are made by cutting or
chipping large blocks of wood to smaller ones. In this study
wood chips are one of the products to be tested for its potential
as an oil spill absorber.
Corn husk
the outer fibrous shell of a corn. Corn husks in this study will be
one of the materials to be used as oil spill absorber.
Hair
thin fibers that grow on most mammals. Hair will also be used in
this study for its potential as an oil spill absorbent.
Seawater
ADD OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF
ABSORBENTS
water coming from the oceans, usually salinated.