CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Title: Can Turmeric Hasten Decomposition?
A. Background of the Study
Curcuma longa L. or turmeric belonging to the family of ginger is widely
distributed throughout tropical and subtropical countries. The oil of Indian saffron
extracted through steam distillation consists of 60% sesquiterpene lactone tumerone, it
is also rich in carbohydrates with 44-55%, curcumin the active component of turmeric
was about 1.5-5.5% of composition. Study of Hanne Hjorth Tc–nnesen and John V.
Greenhill(1992) states that the presence of the diketone moiety in the curcumin
molecule seems to be essential both in redox reactions and in the scavenging of oxygen
radicals.
Decomposition is the process of breaking down organic materials into simpler
form of matter. Decomposition of plant matter occurs in many stages. It begins with
leaching by water; the most easily lost and soluble carbon compounds are liberated in
this process. Another early process is physical breakup or fragmentation of the plant
material into smaller bits which have greater surface area for microbial colonization and
attack.
With a lot of literature studies there is no particular study cited for the use of
turmeric as a decomposer. This will be a preliminary study on how effective turmeric will
be as a decomposer with the presence of its essential oils.
B. Statement of the Problem
Main Problem
Can turmeric help in hastening the decomposition of banana peelings?
Sub Problems
1.
How fast can turmeric decompose banana peelings?
2.
Is their a significant difference between decomposition rate of turmeric without
alcohol and turmeric with ethyl alcohol in terms of decomposing banana peel?
C. Hypothesis
Turmeric cannot help in decomposing the banana peelings faster.
D. Objectives
to determine if turmeric can help in making the decomposition process faster
to compare the decomposition rate of the banana peelings when placed on
alcohol and alcohol with turmeric
to prove that turmeric has a potential in making the decomposition process faster
E. Significance of the Study
This study might help on the problems of pollution in our environment. Making
biodegradables decay faster can lessen the garbage present in our society and this
might help on making the soil more efficient for planting. Also, hastening decomposition
process means hastening the production of biogas. However, the chance of producing
biogas cannot be determined for now because it might be possible that biogas will not
be produced in the experiment.
F. Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study covers the following scopes: the effect of turmeric on degrading
banana peelings set-ups for this study (a) ethyl alcohol (b) ethyl alcohol with less
turmeric and (c) ethyl alcohol with more turmeric. We will be using Ripe, Raw Lacatan
Banana peels for this experiment. Banana peels will be place on each set-up and will be
examined for 6-7 weeks.
G. Definition of Terms
Turmeric - A bright yellow aromatic powder obtained from the rhizome of a plant of the
ginger family, used for flavoring and coloring in Asian cooking and formerly as a fabric
dye.
Redox - A chemical reaction involving the transfer of one or more electrons from one
reactant to another; also called oxidation-reduction reaction.
Banana Peelings – this will be the one to be decomposed and observed.
Curcumin – it is a yellow pigment present in herbs especially turmeric; used as an
ingredient in making spices which is said to hasten the decomposition process.
Essential Oils - A natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the
characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted.