Developing a Universal Prototype of Motor Exhaust Pipe Particulate Air Filtration Using Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber (Musa spp.) and Coconut Shell (Cocos nucifera) as Activated Carbon
Document Types
Paper Presentation
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)
School Name
University of the Cordilleras
Track or Strand
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Bantasan, Marino A.
Start Date
23-6-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
23-6-2026 3:00 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
DLSU Manila Campus (In-person) - Brother Andrew Gonzalez Multipurpose Hall, 20th floor
Abstract/Executive Summary
This study aimed to develop and evaluate a universal motorcycle exhaust filtration prototype utilizing banana pseudo-stem fiber (Musa spp.) and coconut shell (Cocos nucifera)–derived activated carbon as sustainable and biodegradable materials. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design was employed to compare carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions before and after the installation of the prototype. Emission testing was conducted at an authorized facility using a certified gas analyzer to ensure accuracy and reliability of results. Findings revealed a substantial reduction in CO emissions, from 6.595% to 2.21%, indicating a statistically significant decrease based on the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). Hydrocarbon emissions also decreased from 767.5 ppm to 342.5 ppm, indicating a considerable reduction; however, the change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), suggesting that while the decrease is meaningful in magnitude, it is not yet sufficient to confirm a consistent effect under the conditions of the study. Overall, the study demonstrates that agricultural waste materials can be utilized to develop an eco-friendly and functional exhaust filtration system that contributes to improved air quality and promotes sustainable environmental practices.
Keywords
carbon monoxide; hydrocarbons; banana pseudo-stem fiber; coconut shell, activated carbon
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
Developing a Universal Prototype of Motor Exhaust Pipe Particulate Air Filtration Using Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber (Musa spp.) and Coconut Shell (Cocos nucifera) as Activated Carbon
This study aimed to develop and evaluate a universal motorcycle exhaust filtration prototype utilizing banana pseudo-stem fiber (Musa spp.) and coconut shell (Cocos nucifera)–derived activated carbon as sustainable and biodegradable materials. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design was employed to compare carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions before and after the installation of the prototype. Emission testing was conducted at an authorized facility using a certified gas analyzer to ensure accuracy and reliability of results. Findings revealed a substantial reduction in CO emissions, from 6.595% to 2.21%, indicating a statistically significant decrease based on the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). Hydrocarbon emissions also decreased from 767.5 ppm to 342.5 ppm, indicating a considerable reduction; however, the change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), suggesting that while the decrease is meaningful in magnitude, it is not yet sufficient to confirm a consistent effect under the conditions of the study. Overall, the study demonstrates that agricultural waste materials can be utilized to develop an eco-friendly and functional exhaust filtration system that contributes to improved air quality and promotes sustainable environmental practices.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_SEE/23