Water Quality in Estero de Balete Using Moringa oleifera-Enhanced Bokashi Balls: Heavy Metals, Turbidity, and Acidity

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Alliyah Kirstyn B. Rafols, Adamson UniversityFollow
Gian Rafael T. Bergania, Adamson UniversityFollow
William Bradley S. Catli, Adamson UniversityFollow
Sheila Mae E. De Leon, Adamson UniversityFollow
Marie Antoinette V. Robles, Adamson UniversityFollow
Shalee Mae C. Gregorio, Adamson UniversityFollow
Ma. Cassandra G. Carbon, Adamson UniversityFollow
Juris Faith E. Calibjo, Adamson UniversityFollow
Eushabelle Hope C. Uy, Adamson UniversityFollow
Rian Kyle A. Aragon, Adamson UniversityFollow
Czhenn Kellie A. De Guzman, Adamson UniversityFollow
Mickaella Rosewyn E. Urzabia, Adamson UniversityFollow
John Albert D. Gurtiza, Adamson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Paper Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Gurtiza, John Albert D.

Abstract/Executive Summary

Water pollution threatens public health and the environment, particularly in developing countries. 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 examined 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

bioremediation; bokashi balls; Estero de Balete; Moringa oleifera; water pollution