ADSORBENTS: Comparative Analysis of Water Adsorption between Aratiles' (Muntingia calabura) Roots and Silica Gel

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Moisture is a common enemy that gives rise to microscopic diseases and destroys electronics. Moreover, this damage costs money. Silica Gel (SiO2) is a granular and porous form of silicon dioxide. It absorbs water molecules due to its high specific area. Likewise, dead roots have the capability to adsorb water molecules/adsorbate that was caused by a metabolic process or decomposition. The purpose of this study is to determine the comparison of Silica Gel and Aratiles' roots in terms of their water adsorption rate.

METHODS

The study used experimental design to determine the water adsorption rate comparison of Muntingia calabura's roots and Silica Gel. The adsorbents Silica Gel, Aratiles' roots, a mixture of Silica Gel -Aratiles' roots and water were contained in Borosilicate vials. They were partitioned equally in each vial. A digital scale was used for accurate and equal measurements of substances. Three set-ups were made. Each set-up was composed of three trials to observe the adsorption rate comparison. The change in the total volume of water added in every set-up was divided by the amount of adsorbent referring to the amount of Silica Gel and Muntingia calabura's roots. Since data is moderately skewed using Shapiro-Wilk test, Kruskal Wallis Test was used. It shows that if the significant value is greater than the chi-square, the null hypothesis is not rejected. Thus, the water adsorption rate is statistically equal across different types of adsorbents.

RESULTS

Table 1. Adsorption Rate of Adsorbent in Each Trial of Every Set-Up. Adsorption Rate (%)Table 2. Values Calculated Using Kruskal Wallis. Chi-Square value Kruskal Wallis value0.6290.730The statistical result shows that the mean rate of adsorption of water is statistically equal across different types of adsorbent. Aratiles' roots can be a top alternative to Silica Gel in terms of removing moisture.

DISCUSSIONS

Adding another adsorbent like charcoal is needed to eliminate the odor released by the decomposing roots when interacted with moisture. Meanwhile, the vast application of Aratiles' roots can contribute to the community project of eliminating floods in flood-prone areas.