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Chapter I

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

The population of the world is continuously growing, so does the garbage

that people produce. For those people who have on-the-go lifestyle, easily

disposable products is required, such as soda cans, bottled water and foods in a

sachet of plastic. Which leads to increasing amounts of plastic pollution according

to Rinkesh (2019).

There is an increasing demand for plastics, it makes life easy in carrying

thigs in just one hand, from the highly technological fields of electronics, fiber

optics and pharmaceuticals to the basic necessities such as packaging of the foods,

garbage bags and wrappers. The continuous high demand of the plastics has been a

major contributor of the countries pollution and garbage waste problems.

According to Subido (2019), Filipinos throw out over 163 million sachets

and 93 million plastic bags each day. Philippines ranked as the third biggest ocean

polluter of plastic. As stated by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives

(GAIA) (2019), Filipinos use more than 163 million plastic sachets, 48 million

shopping bags, and 45 million thin film bags daily.

Plastics are useful to humans, it makes life easy in carrying things in one

hand. But not only that, it is also carrying a very huge problem, and that is

pollution. It has a great impact in the environment in terms of land, air, and water,

also a threat to all human beings and living things. When plastics are burned in the

open air, it releases a poisonous chemical, where in then inhaled by humans and
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animals which causes health problems. Not only that, as it can also damage the

ozone layer. When plastics are thrown on land, it makes the soil less fertile, which

affects the farmers’ way of living. It has no difference when thrown in any bodies of

water. It just harms the sea life, because plastics gets stuck in the stomach of the

animals and make them sick, because it cannot be digested.

Plastic banning was enforced in the Philippines as few notable cases of

regulation in Siquijor, City of San Carlos, Negros Occidental, and City of San

Fernando, Pampanga as they passed provincial ordinance which regulates the use of

plastic bags for secondary packaging and prohibits the free distribution of plastic

bags as primary packaging. The ordinance prohibits the use and sale of Styrofoam

and other disposable plastic containers. Plastic is an incredibly useful material but it

is also made from toxic materials known to cause illness and since it is durable, it is

not biodegradable. As people all know that non-biodegradable materials are hard to

decompose it takes years to get rid of it.

As what is observed in times like this, houses that have a lot of trashes

usually burn their garbage. Those plastics then will be mixed up with papers

together and both will be put into ashes and smoke, which is very dangerous for all

human beings as well as the environment.

Another scenario is that, as we all know, one of the main problem in the

capital of the Philippines which is Manila is the plastic pollution. Plastics are

floating in rivers, canals as well as ocean which is one of the main cause of flooding

and extinction of marine life. The effect of plastic to sea creatures is very alarming,
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as sea life is being injured and killed which is then believed that 700 species could

go extinct because of plastic pollution which is stated by Smith (2018).

The diversity and obliquity of plastic products substantially testify to the

versatility of the special class of engineering materials known as polymers.

However, the non-biodegradability of these petro chemical-based materials has

been a source of environmental concerns and hence, the driving force in the search

for green alternatives for which starch remains the front liner. Starch is a natural

biopolymer consisting predominantly of two polymers types of glucose namely

amylose and amylopectin. The alpha linkage of amylose starch allows it to be

flexible and digestible. Starch is a natural organic polymer manufactured by green

plants through photosynthesis to serve as metabolic reserve. It occurs in the form of

grains in many parts of the plant. Principally in embryonic tissues such as seeds,

fruits, roots and tubers. As the researchers used starch from the peels of the banana.

The advantage of starch for plastic production include its renewability, good oxygen

barrier and in the dry state, abundance, low cost and biodegradability. The long-

standing quest of developing starch-based biodegradable plastic has witnessed the

use of different starches in many forms such as native granular starch, modified

starch plasticized starch and in blends with many synthetic polymers, both

biodegradable and non-biodegradable, for the purpose of achieving cost

effectiveness and biodegradation respectively. The type of starch and synthetic

polymer as well as their relative proportions in the blends influence the properties

of the resulting plastic blends. (Singh, 2009)

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That is the reason why the researchers aimed in producing biodegradable

plastic bags as one of the steps to lessen the problem that the country is facing, if

not totally eliminate the global warming that people are experiencing. The finished

product was expected to be comparable to commercial plastics in terms of clarity,

reaction to acids and bases, water absorption, tensile stress and tensile strain,

electrical conductivity and flammability.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to produce a biodegradable plastic bags out of banana

peels and also its effectiveness and differences from other commercial plastic bags.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of efficiency of the banana peel biodegradable plastic bags

in terms of:

a) biodegradability, and

b) tensile strength?

2. Is there a significant difference between the banana peel biodegradable

plastic bags and the commercial plastic bags in terms of:

a) biodegradability, and

b) tensile strength?

Significance of the Study

Plastic offers a variety of benefits, in a variety of shapes, such as sheets,

panels, film, which can all be flexible as the application requires. Plastic is a price
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competitive with other materials that offer similar advantage in industrial

applications, which is why it is used in a number of applications. It is light weight,

strong, visually aesthetic, flexible size and shape, and cheaper price. However, used

of too many plastics resulted in massive harmful effects. It takes longer time to

degrade which is estimated about 500 years and will become toxic after

decomposed. Plastic pollution can unfavorably affect lands, waterways and oceans.

Humans are also affected by plastic pollution, such as through the disruption of the

thyroid hormone axis of hormone levels. Thus, the biodegradable plastic becomes a

promising solution to solve the problems.

Since the country is already polluted and one of the main contributor why it

cannot be easily get rid is plastics. That is why the researchers come up with a

possible solution which is a bioplastic that is made up of banana peels, in this case

if it cannot totally get rid the problem at least it can slowly help solve the problem.

This biodegradable plastic bag is a great help to the environment and also the

animals to avoid much bigger problem to happen.

Scope and Limitations

This study determined the effectiveness of the biodegradable plastic bag out

of banana (Musa balbisiana) peelings and its difference to the commercial plastic

bag that can be brought in the market.

This study was conducted at one of the researcher’s house at Paratong,

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on November to February 2020. The biodegradable plastic

bag was evaluated according to its appearance, texture and durability.

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The researchers employed the experimental method of research wherein t-

test for independent samples was also used in the analysis and evaluation of the data

to be gathered.

Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined operationally for the clarity of the study

conducted.

Sun drying. A traditional drying method for reducing the moisture content

of the biodegradable plastic bag.

Blending. It is the process of mixing substances and making it into smaller

or thinner pieces.

Molding. This refers to a process in which it creates a design or pattern

used in a certain thing.

Biodegradable. This refers to the decomposing of materials that anything

which is organic or can be broken down into carbon dioxide.

Durable. This refers to the long-time existence without significant

detonation in quality or value.

Plastic bag. This refers to the bags that are used for containing goods such

as the foods and it is a common form of packaging.

Banana peels. It is the outer wrapper of the banana fruit which is inedible.

Sodium Hydroxide. This works as a conservative in order to make the

plastic last longer.

Hydrogen Chloride. A color-less pungent poisonous gas HCl that fumes in

moist air and yields hydrochloric acid when dissolved in water.

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Assumptions

These following assumptions provided for the basis of this research:

1. Banana peelings can be made as a biodegradable plastic bag.

2. Banana peelings is effective in the production of biodegradable plastic bag.

Hypothesis

Based on the statement of the problem the following hypothesis, which

states that there no significant difference between the developed biodegradable

plastic bag out of banana peelings and the commercial plastic bag.
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Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

To further understand the study, the review of related literature and studies

relevant to the current research study with variables covering the plastic and

biodegradable plastic bag.

Consumption of plastic bag has a big contribution to the Global Warming

that the country is currently experiencing. Unpredictable climate that affects the

lifestyle of many people in a very bad way, pollution in terms of air, water and land

as it takes time to degrade. That is the reason why biodegradable plastic bag plays

an important role in the global cleanliness.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the biodegradable plastic

bag out of banana (Musa) peelings and its difference to the commercial plastic bag

that can be brought in the market.

On Plastic Waste

Plastic waste is found in virtually everything these days. In food and

hygiene products are packaged in it. In car, phone and computer are made from it.

And people might even chew on it daily in the form of gum. While most plastics are

touted as recyclable, the reality is that plastics are "down cycled." A plastic milk

carton can never be recycled into another carton — it can be made into a lower-

quality item like plastic lumber, which cannot be recycled (Moss, 2015).

How big is the plastic problem? Of the 33 million tons of plastic waste

generated in the U.S. each year, only 7 percent is recycled. This plastic waste ends

up in landfills, beaches, rivers and oceans and contributes to such devastating

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problems as the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch, a swirling vortex of garbage

the size of a continent where plastic outnumbers plankton. Plus, most plastic is

made from oil.

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues,

as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the

world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in developing

Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or

nonexistent. But the developed world, especially in countries with low recycling

rates, also has trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has

become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by

the United Nations.

According to Parker (2019), the conveniences plastics offer, however, led to

a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s dark side: today, single-use plastics

account for 40% of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as

plastic bags and food wrappers, have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet plastic

may 8% of the world’s oil production goes on making plastic. Of this, 4% is needed

for the energy to drive the plants to produce the plastic. Huge quantities of fossil

fuels (oil, gas and coal) are needed to produce plastic. Producing and recycling

plastic needs transport and energy and generate waste and emissions. Potentially

hazardous chemicals such as stabilizers, plasticizers and dyes are added during the

production process to give the plastic its desired qualities. The risks that these

substances pose to the environment is either barely tested or not tested at all. People

know next to nothing about the long-term effects of exposure to a cumulative

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minimum dose. The question also remains what these substances do to human’s

health. persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

As stated by Plastic Soup Foundation (2018), one quarter of a ton of plastic

enters the oceans every second. That is one full lorry every minute, 1,440 lorries

every day and eight million tons every year. About 94% of all these plastic sinks to

the seabed. According to the Ellen McArthur Foundation, if people continue in this

way the oceans will have more plastic than fish by 2050. People produce more

plastic every year instead of less. People have gone from 311 million tons in 2014

to an estimated 622 million tons in 20 years. This is equivalent to 622 billion kilos.

The greatest contributor of plastic is litter from land. People are all

responsible for this, from consumers to industry and governments. Plastic litter is

mostly made up of single-use packaging materials. About 3% of this ultimately

ends up in the water. Reducing single-use plastics will have the biggest effect on the

Plastic Soup.

According to Nadaraja et al, 2016, use of too many plastic results in massive

harmful effects. It takes longer time to degrade which is estimated about 500 years

to degrade and will become toxic after it decompose. Plastic pollution can

unfavorably affect lands, waterways and oceans. Humans are also affected by

plastic pollution such as through the disruption of the thyroid hormone axis or

hormone levels.

On Biodegradable Plastic Bag

Plastics have surely offered variety of benefits, in terms of its shapes and

flexibility. Plastic is a price competitive with other materials that offer similar
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advantages in industrial applications, which is why it is used in number of

applications. However, use of too many plastics results to massive harmful effect. It

takes longer to degrade which is estimated about 500 years and will eventually

become toxic after decomposed, which causes pollution. Due to this issue,

biodegradable plastic bags are brought to the topic to possibly solve the problem

that a lot of countries are experiencing, and Philippines is not exempted to that.

Biodegradable plastics are a new polymers emerging on the world market.

Biodegradable plastics have an expanding range of potential applications and driven

by the growing use of plastics in packaging and the perception that biodegradable

plastics are more ‘environmental friendly’, that is the reason why the use of these is

predicted to increase (Manimaran et al., 2016).

Ahmed et, al. (2017) bio-plastic banana peels instead of the traditional

petroleum-based plastic is believed to be a successful solution to increase the

efficiency of plastic industry. The solution produces the same amount of plastic

with higher efficiency and durability and with a little cost in less time than normal

plastic, so it meets the design requirements of any successful solution which are

production, efficiency, and cost. Biodegradable plastic bags have been touted as a

better way to get the groceries and other purchases home from the store.

Bioplastics can be defined as plastics made of biomass such as corn, banana

peels and sugarcane. Biodegradability of bioplastics has been widely publicized in

society and the demand for packaging is rapidly increasing among retailers and the

food industry at large scale. Population growth has led to the accumulation of

massive volume of non-degradable waste materials across our planet. The

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accumulation of plastic waste has become a major concern in terms of the

environment. Conventional plastics not only take many decades during

decomposition, but also produce toxins while degradation. Hence, there is need to

produce plastics from materials that can be readily eliminated from our biosphere in

an “ecofriendly” fashion. Bioplastics are natural biopolymers synthesized and

catabolized by various organisms as stated by (Palaskar, 2017).

Conventional petroleum based plastics creates many environmental

problems, so the researchers have to focus more on bioplastic which completely

degrade after specific time interval in environment by microbial action. The main

advantage of bioplastics over conventional plastic is that they degrade into

environment without creating any pollution. Bioplastics is one the best replacement

over conventional plastic. By using banana peels as a raw material we can produce

good quality bioplastics which has good life.

Therefore, production of biodegradable plastic bags has come to the view in

able to solve the arising problem in the case of commercial plastic bags that is not

new to which it takes hundreds of years to decompose. Where in, it harms all form

of living organisms in the world as well as the earth itself. If not that fast, at least by

the help of the said biodegradable plastic bag, it can slowly change and fix the

problem that plastic bags created. After all it all starts in small steps to reach the

success people are all yearning for.

Conceptual Framework
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To illustrate the study, a paradigm was employed to determine the

effectiveness of the biodegradable plastic bag out of banana (Musa balbisiana)

peelings and its difference to the commercial plastic bag that can be brought in the

market. Illustrated by the input-process-output model is exhibited in Figure 1.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Banana peels,
sodium Development of
hydroxide and Biodegradable
a Biodegradable
hydrogen Plastic bag.
Plastic Bag
chloride.

Figure 1. Conceptual Paradigm

It is exhibited in Figure 1 that the banana peels, sodium hydroxide and

hydrogen chloride was considered to be the input variables.

The mentioned input variables were processed through the development of a

biodegradable plastic bag. Further, it has been theorized that the developed

biodegradable plastic bag was effective.

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Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter provides a detailed description that elaborates the plan of

action, process or design that informs the methods employed in the study.

In particular, this chapter discusses the context of the study, the

methodology employed, specific methods and data collection techniques, step-by-

step procedures followed and data analysis.

A. Experimental Design

This portion displays the experimental design of the present study.

Particularly, it further explains the flow of the experiment.

Preparation of materials/equipment

Extraction of starch from banana peels

Production of the biodegradable plastic bag

Biodegradability test of the biodegradable plastic bag

Tensile Strength of the biodegradable plastic bag

Figure 2: The Schematic Diagram

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B. Materials and Equipment

The following materials were used by the researchers in the conduct of the

study: banana peels which is the main ingredient, water, hydrogen chloride which

was added to the banana peels in the extraction of starch and sodium hydroxide

which can make the biodegradable plastic bag last longer.

In addition, the following equipment were used by the researchers in

conducting the study namely: stainless steel knife, beaker, stirring rod, blender,

casserole and electric heater in boiling the banana peels with hydrogen chloride and

molder.

C. Treatment/General Procedure

C.1. Preparation of materials/equipment

Identification of the materials and equipment was the first step done

by the researchers. The researchers go around in the city for the collection of

banana peels. Some of the equipment used in the conduct of the study were

borrowed in the school's laboratory. The researchers buy majority of the

materials in multiple stores, in order to look for the best quality of materials

needed, for a low price of purchase.

C.2. Extraction of Starch from Banana Peels

The peels of banana were cut into small sizes. Then make a 0.1

molar solution of hydrogen chloride. Combine the banana peels and the

hydrogen chloride in a casserole and boil it for 30 minutes. After the boiling

process, the casserole was removed from the gas stove and the peels were
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decantated off and take it off for drying. Once it is dried put in the blender

and make a paste. The fluid paste was filtered to produce banana peel starch.

C.3. Production of the Biodegradable Plastic Bag

The banana peel starch was measured and placed in a beaker. After

that, add a mixture to a 0.5 molar solution of sodium hydroxide in able to

make the biodegradable plastic bag last longer. Finally, if it is filtered put

the paste into a molder and sundry it for 24 hours.

C.4. Biodegradability Test of Biodegradable Plastic Bag

The biodegradable plastic bag initial weight was taken and buried in

a 15 cm depth. At regular time interval, water was sprinkled. About six

days, the biodegradable plastic bag from the soil was taken and washed with

clean water. After that, the biodegradable plastic bag was dried and the final

weight was taken. The same test was done with the commercial plastic bag.

C.5. Tensile Strength of the Biodegradable Plastic Bag

The researchers used the hanging experiment in getting its tensile

strength wherein a certain weight it hanged in both bags and waited until the

bags gave up.

D. Statistical Treatment of Data

The following statistical tools were used in the analysis of the gathered data:

mean and paired sample t-test.

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Chapter IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the discussions on the research questions with the

corroboration of the presented related literature and studies.

Problem 1. What is the level of efficiency of the banana peel

biodegradable plastic bag in terms of the following:

a. biodegradability, and

b. tensile strength?

Table 1 presents the level of efficiency of the banana peel biodegradable

plastic bag in terms of the biodegradability test.

Table 1. Efficiency of the banana peel biodegradable plastic bag in terms of

biodegradability test

Initial Weight Final Weight

X́
Type of Plastic Bag (g) X́ (g)
1 2 3 1 2 3
Banana Peel 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5
Commercial 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7

As transcribed in Table 1, the biodegradable plastic bag that was produced is

efficient as a biodegradable plastic bag in terms of the biodegradability test with a

decreasing weight of 0.6 gram from the initial weight of 1.1 gram to 0.5 gram. For

the commercial plastic bag, there was no change in weight with a 0.7 gram initial

and final weights.

This means that the banana peel biodegradable plastic bag developed can be

a good biodegradable plastic bag in terms of the biodegradability test as it is evident

in the result that the weight decreased.

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BIODEGRADABILITY TEST
1.1
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
WEIGHT (g)

0.6 Banana Peel

0.5 Column1
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
DAYS

Figure 2. Biodegradability Test

The advantage of the biodegradable plastic bag compared to the commercial

plastic bag is its biodegradability in the natural environment. Wherein, in this study,

it was successfully shown the biodegradation of the biodegradable plastic bag in

plantation soil. On the other hand, the commercial plastic bag could not be

biodegraded by the microorganisms (Isroi et al., 2018)

As stated by Abdullah et al. (2019), the higher the concentration of the

starch, the easier for the biodegradable plastic bag to degrade. As what the

developed biodegradable plastic bag have under gone as it only took a while for it

to degrade.

Table 2 presents the level of efficiency of the banana peel biodegradable

plastic bag in terms of tensile strength test.

Table 2. Efficiency of the banana peel biodegradable plastic bag in terms of

tensile strength test

Type of Plastic Time (s)

Size Mean
Bag 1 2 3
Banana peel 14.5”13.5 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.07
Commercial 14.5”13.5 16.33 16.35 16.32 16.33
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As gleaned on the table, the sizes of the two (2) plastic bags are the same

with 14.5 cm for the length and 13.5 cm for the width. The banana peel

biodegradable plastic bag took 11.06 seconds to break. While it took 16.33 seconds

for the commercial plastic bag to carry the weight before it collapsed.

This means that the commercial plastic bag is stronger than the developed

biodegradable plastic bag as it took longer time to break. However, based on the

initial findings the output still comparable with the commercial biodegradable

plastics.

According to the study of Buckley, Halliday, Druminski and Lewis (2011),

various degrading agents can have a significant effect on the tensile property of the

commercial plastic bag and biodegradable plastic bag. Thus, causing the

biodegradable plastic bag to break easily is because it is easier for it to degrade

which only takes a few amount of time to consume.

Problem 2. Is there a significant difference between the banana peel

biodegradable plastic bag and commercial plastic bag in terms of the

following:

a. biodegradability, and

b. tensile strength?

Table 3 presents the significant difference between banana peel

biodegradable plastic bag and commercial plastic bag in terms of biodegradability.

Table 3. Significant difference between banana peel biodegradable and

commercial plastic bag in terms of biodegradability

Mean rating Mean Mean Df Significance Decision

(Experimental) rating Difference (t-value)
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(Control)
0.5 0.7 -0.2 2 .038 Reject Ho

The table revealed that there is a significant difference between the

developed biodegradable plastic bag and the commercial plastic bag in terms of

biodegradability. The table shows that the mean difference of the experimental and

control in terms of biodegradability is -0.2 and have a significant difference of

0.038.

This result implies that the developed biodegradable plastic bag is easier to

degrade and does not consume a lot of time to disintegrate. In addition, it is

environmental friendly as it will not do any harm and it is a great help in aiding

problems in the environment. The main advantage of the biodegradable plastic bag

over commercial plastic is that, they degrade into the environment without creating

any pollution. Therefore, the developed biodegradable plastic bag is better than the

commercial plastic bag in terms of biodegradability.

As stated by Tokiwa, Calabia & Aiba (2009), with the advances in

technology and the increase in the global population, plastic materials have found

wide applications in every aspect of life and industries. However, most

conventional plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, poly(vinyl

chloride) and poly(ethylene terephthalate), are non-biodegradable, and their

increasing accumulation in the environment has been a threat to the planet.

According to Vaverkova, Kotovicova, Toman & Adamcova (2014),

biodegradation of plastic bags advertised as 100%-degradable or certified as

compostable was tested in composting conditions. Samples were placed into frames
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and inserted into one clamp within the compost pile to investigate the

biodegradation.

Table 4 presents the significant difference between banana peel

biodegradable plastic bag and commercial plastic bag in terms of tensile strength.

Table 4. Significant difference between banana peel biodegradable and

commercial plastic bag in terms of tensile strength

Mean
Mean rating Mean Significance
rating Df Decision
(Experimental) Difference (t-value)
(Control)
11.07 16.11 -5.04 2 .000 Reject Ho

This table shows that the developed biodegradable plastic bag has a

significant difference between the commercial plastic bag in terms of tensile

strength with a significance of 0.000. The result transcribes that the mean difference

of the experimental and control in terms of tensile strength is -5.04.

This implies that the commercial plastic bag is stronger than the developed

biodegradable plastic bag. Thanks to the properties given by the petroleum and

other elements that this type of plastic bag contains, this was the one that resisted

the most. However, the properties that make it resist are the same ones that makes it

so hard to degrade. Therefore, it is concluded that the developed biodegradable

plastic bag is way better than the commercial plastic bag despite of its strength

because it does not contain harmful chemicals that can destroy the Mother Earth.

The PE compost bag has high deformation characteristics (that is, a high

elongation) with a high tensile strength. The PLC bio-bag has a high elongation in

tension. However, the tensile strength of the bio-bag is substantially lower than the
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PE bag. The values of tensile strength of the PE bags are greater than those of the

biodegradable bags in MD and TD, (Dr. Kim & Kim, 2008).

Chapter V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter provides a summary of the investigation undertaken, the

conclusions arrived at and the given recommendations based on the findings.

Summary

This study aimed to produce a biodegradable plastic bag out of banana

peelings along the following: (1) the level of efficiency of the developed

biodegradable plastic bag in terms of biodegradability and tensile strength; and (2)

the significant difference between the banana peel biodegradable plastic bag and

commercial plastic bags.

The study was delimited to the assessment of the development of the banana

peel biodegradable plastic bag. The actual experimentation was held at Paratong,

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and the development of the banana biodegradable plastic bag

was constructed also at the said place.

As a result, the developed banana peel biodegradable plastic bag is a great

solution for minimizing the plastic bag consumption and waste disposal problems

can be solved. It also helps the environment as it is eco-friendly and will not

threaten the mother land.

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Findings

Based on the data generated and analyzed, the following are the salient

findings of the study.

1. On Level of Efficiency

On biodegradability test. Between the two plastic bag samples, the banana

peel biodegradable plastic bag has the greatest decrease in weight (1.1 g to 0.5 g).

On the other hand, the commercial plastic has no decrease in weight (0.7 g to 0.7 g).

On tensile strength test. With the two types of plastic bag, the commercial

plastic took longer time to break (16.33 s). Moreover, the biodegradable plastic bag

took lesser time (11.07) to carry a weight.

2. On Significant Difference between the banana peel biodegradable

plastic bag and commercial plastic bag.

On biodegradability test. Banana peel biodegradable plastic bag is

significantly different from commercial plastic bag (sig=.038).

On tensile strength test. Banana peel biodegradable plastic bag is

significantly different from commercial plastic bag (sig=.000).

Conclusions

Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. On level of efficiency in terms of the biodegradability test, the banana peel

biodegradable plastic bag can be a good biodegradable plastic bag as it is evident in

the result that the weight decreased after it had been buried for six days. In terms of
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tensile strength, the developed biodegradable plastic bag took lesser time to carry a

certain weight compared to the commercial plastic bag due to the various degrading

agents that have a significant effect on the its tensile property.

2. The banana peel biodegradable plastic bag is significantly different from

the commercial plastic bag. The developed biodegradable plastic bag has beneficial

effects in minimizing number of garbage that causes pollution because of their

ability to degrade at a faster rate.

Recommendations

Based on these conclusions, the following recommendations were therefore

forwarded for consideration:

1. The researchers of this study recommend that alternative materials or

additive that can be added to increase tensile strength should be used.

2. The researchers recommend that, more types of biodegradable and

commercial plastic bags should be tested for mechanical properties.

3. It is further recommended that other experiments be ran on the

biodegradable plastic bags should be done to find the chemical properties of the

molecules that make up the plastic bag. With more experiments, the bags can be

thoroughly analyzed and the reason for its mechanical properties understood easier.

4. Plastic bag manufacturers should not be allowed to profit off of making

bags that only serve to cause pollution.

 25
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abdullah, A. H. D., Pudjiraharti Karina, S., M., Putri, O. D & Fauziyyah, R. H.

(2011). “Fabrication and Characterization fo Sweet Potato Starch-
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YiasBEIjA&cshid=1582181707654

Ahmed, A.I.M. (2017)- “Banana Peels Based Bio Plastics.” Retrieved from
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Dr. Kim, S. S. & Dr. Kim B. H. (2008). “Laboratory Sesssion Development: Study
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Deeneshwaran S Manimaran, Kavin raj Nadaraja, John peter Vellu, Vinoth

Francisco,
Deeneshwaran S Manimaran, Kavin raj Nadaraja, John peter Vellu, Vinoth
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Gaia (2019). “Plastics Exposed: How Waste Assessments and Brand Audits are
Helping Philippine Cities Fight Plastic Pollution.” Retrieved from
https://www.no-burn.org/plastics-exposed/

Gaonkar, M. R. Palaskar, P. Navandar, R. (2017)- “Production of Bioplastics from

banana peels” retrieved from
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igKHdMUDlIQFjAKegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw3oeYcf6CsXn2qjJ-
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F_BIODEGRADABLE_PLASTIC

Moss, L. (2019). “16 simple ways to reduce plastic waste.” Retrieved from
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Nadaraja, K.R. et, al. (2016). “Production of Biodegrable Plastic from Banana
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Rinkesh (2019). “What is Plastic Pollution?.” Retrieved from

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plastic-pollution.php
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Singh, A. (2009). “Developing Biodegradable Plastic from Starch.” Retrieved

from http://www.slideshare.net/mobile/a57/developing-biodegradable-
plastics-from-starch

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DEGRADABILITY_OF_PLASTICS_BAGS_IN_COMPOSTING_CONDITIO
N
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ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

APPENDICES
 29
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Appendix A

Paired Sample T-test

Significant difference between the Developed Biodegradable Plastic Bag and

the Commercial Plastic bag in terms of biodegradability test

Variable 1 Variable 2
Mean 0.50 0.70
Pearson Correlation - -
Mean Difference -0.20 -0.2
Df 2 2
Critical two-tail - -
 30
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Appendix B

Paired Sample T-test

Significant difference between the Developed Biodegradable Plastic Bag and

the Commercial Plastic Bag in terms of Tensile Strength Test

Variable 1 Variable 2
Mean 11.07 16.11
Pearson Correlation -327 -327
Mean Difference -5.04 -5.04
Df 2 2
Critical two-tail .788 .788
 31
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Appendix C

Extraction of Starch from Banana Peels

Gathered banana peels

 32
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Cutting the banana peels

Wash the banana peels with a clean

water

Boiling the banana peels

Make a 0.1 molar solution of hydrogen chloride

 33
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Combine the banana peels with the hydrogen chloride solution

Boiling the mixture of hydrogen chloride and banana

peels

Drying the boiled banana peels

 34
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Making the paste through the use of the blender

Appendix D

Production of the Biodegradable Plastic Bag

Make a 0.5 molar solution of sodium hydroxide

 35
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Combine the sodium hydroxide solution with the paste

Filtering the
mixture
 36
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Place the filtered paste on the parchment paper

Appendix E

Biodegradability Test

Getting the initial weight

of the samples
 37
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Burying the samples

After 6 days of burying

 38
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Appearance of the samples after being washed

Getting the final weight of the samples

Appendix F

Tensile Strength Test

Weighing the factor

 39
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Set-up for testing tensile strength

CURRICULUM VITAE
 40
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

CURRICULUM VITAE

Personal Profile

Name : JAMAICA TAPANGCO AMAY

Date of Birth : October 7, 2002

Permanent Address : Rizal St. Brgy. 8, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Citizenship : Filipino

Religion : Roman Catholic

Civil Status : Single

Father : Jaime Abenojar Amay

Mother : Florencia Riagon Tapangco

Educational Background

Elementary : Vigan Central School

Crisologo St. Vigan City
 41
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

School Year: 2014

Secondary

Junior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School

Gomez St. Brgy. VII, Vigan City
School Year: 2018

Senior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School

Gomez St. Brgy. VII, Vigan City
Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics
School Year: 2019
CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Profile

Name : SAMANTHA PICO DELA ROSA

Date of Birth : June 25, 2002

Permanent Address : Paing, Bantay, Ilocos Sur

Citizenship : Filipino

Religion : Roman Catholic

Civil Status : Single

Father : Edwin Cusit dela Rosa

Mother : Roselyn Padre Pico

Educational Background

Elementary : Paing Elementary School

Paing, Bantay, Ilocos Sur
School Year: 2014
 42
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Secondary

Junior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School

Gomez St. Brgy. VII, Vigan City
School Year: 2018

Senior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School

Gomez St. Brgy. VII, Vigan City
Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics
School Year: 2019

CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Profile

Name : ZHEDRIEX ESPIRITU

Date of Birth : February 4, 2002

Permanent Address : Capangpangan, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Citizenship : Filipino

Religion : Roman Catholic

Civil Status : Single

Father : Amado Ramirez Anipot

Mother : Cheryl Bautista Espiritu

Educational Background

Elementary : Vigan Adventist Multigrade School

Capangpangan, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
School Year: 2014
 43
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Secondary

Junior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School

Gomez St. Brgy. VII, Vigan City
Special Science Class
School Year: 2018

Senior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School

Gomez St. Brgy. VII, Vigan City
Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics
School Year: 2019
CURRICULUM VITAE

Personal Profile

Name : KRISTEN RAGASA RETUTA

Date of Birth : October 11, 2002

Permanent Address : Bantaoay, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur

Citizenship : Filipino

Religion : Roman Catholic

Civil Status : Single

Father : Fredelito Ricotoso Retuta

Mother : Maricor Ragasa Retuta +

Educational Background

Elementary : Pudoc Elementary School

Pudoc Centro, San Vicente Ilocos Sur
School Year: 2014
 44
ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Secondary

Junior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School

Gomez St. Brgy. VII, Vigan City
Special Science Class
School Year: 2018

Senior High School : Ilocos Sur National High School

Gomez St. Brgy. VII, Vigan City
Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics
School Year: 2019