Water Quality in Estero de Balete Using Moringa Oleifera-Enhanced Bokashi Balls: Heavy Metals, Turbidity, and Acidity
Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Name
Adamson University
Track or Strand
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Gurtiza, John Albert, D.
Start Date
25-6-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
25-6-2025 2:30 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
https://zoom.us/j/94865288482?pwd=4Fxc4HYQdvlzeJuLbSaAdDZITtDy6C.1 Meeting ID: 948 6528 8482 Passcode: dlsushsrc
Abstract/Executive Summary
Water pollution threatens public health and the environment, particularly in developing counties. Estero de Balete in Manila, Philippines, a tributary of the Pasig River, is affected by heavy metal contamination, murky water, and highly acidic water. This study examines Moringa oleifera-enhanced Bokashi balls for bioremediation purposes. The Bokashi balls were prepared with effective microorganisms (EM-1), molasses, rice hulls, and garden clay soil, incorporating varying concentrations of Moringa oleifera seed powder and pods (0.10 g, 0.25 g, and 0.40 g) in comparison to a control setup. Water samples were tested for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), turbidity, and pH. The results revealed statistically significant improvements, particularly in pH, with the 0.25 g Moringa concentration yielding the optimum concentration compared to 0.10 g and 0.40 g Moringa concentrations, and turbidity decreased by 8.06 NTU in the 0.10 g Moringa setup, while higher Moringa concentrations (0.25 g and 0.40 g) resulted in lesser reductions in turbidity. However, Pb and Cd levels did not significantly reduce. Using Bokashi balls enhanced with Moringa oleifera seed powder and pods demonstrates the potential for better water quality, particularly in lowering and improving turbidity and acidity. However, further research is necessary to enhance the removal of heavy metals, evaluate long-term impacts, and perform field trials.
Keywords
water pollution; bioremediation; Moringa oleifera; bokashi balls; Estero de Balete
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
Water Quality in Estero de Balete Using Moringa Oleifera-Enhanced Bokashi Balls: Heavy Metals, Turbidity, and Acidity
Water pollution threatens public health and the environment, particularly in developing counties. Estero de Balete in Manila, Philippines, a tributary of the Pasig River, is affected by heavy metal contamination, murky water, and highly acidic water. This study examines Moringa oleifera-enhanced Bokashi balls for bioremediation purposes. The Bokashi balls were prepared with effective microorganisms (EM-1), molasses, rice hulls, and garden clay soil, incorporating varying concentrations of Moringa oleifera seed powder and pods (0.10 g, 0.25 g, and 0.40 g) in comparison to a control setup. Water samples were tested for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), turbidity, and pH. The results revealed statistically significant improvements, particularly in pH, with the 0.25 g Moringa concentration yielding the optimum concentration compared to 0.10 g and 0.40 g Moringa concentrations, and turbidity decreased by 8.06 NTU in the 0.10 g Moringa setup, while higher Moringa concentrations (0.25 g and 0.40 g) resulted in lesser reductions in turbidity. However, Pb and Cd levels did not significantly reduce. Using Bokashi balls enhanced with Moringa oleifera seed powder and pods demonstrates the potential for better water quality, particularly in lowering and improving turbidity and acidity. However, further research is necessary to enhance the removal of heavy metals, evaluate long-term impacts, and perform field trials.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/paper_see/22
