““Environmental Environmental Effects on the Effects on the

Biodegradability of Biodegradability of Plastic Bags, Paper Plastic Bags, Paper

Bags, and Bags, and Newspaper”Newspaper”

By:By:Reinart BacalsoReinart Bacalso

and and Athina OlanAthina Olan

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to acknowledge God, our families, friends, We would like to acknowledge God, our families, friends,

classmates, schoolmates, teachers. Thank you all for your classmates, schoolmates, teachers. Thank you all for your great support. As we express our gratitude, we must never great support. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. Thank you to our Father Almighty. but to live by them. Thank you to our Father Almighty. Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels. If we Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels. If we take the time, no matter how troubled we feel, we can find take the time, no matter how troubled we feel, we can find something to be thankful for. The more we seek gratitude, something to be thankful for. The more we seek gratitude, the more reason the angels will give us for gratitude and joy the more reason the angels will give us for gratitude and joy to exist in our lives. There are no mistakes, no coincidences. to exist in our lives. There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from. So we All events are blessings given to us to learn from. So we thank you Lord, for making everything possible. Our thank you Lord, for making everything possible. Our deepest gratitude to God for creating and surrounding us deepest gratitude to God for creating and surrounding us with His blessings which have helped us in our daily lives. with His blessings which have helped us in our daily lives. Without Him, we, our schoolmates, teachers, and parents Without Him, we, our schoolmates, teachers, and parents wouldn’t be in existence.wouldn’t be in existence.

Thank you to the family, for always being there ever since Thank you to the family, for always being there ever since to help us and give us advice when we need it. Other things to help us and give us advice when we need it. Other things may change us, but we start and end with family. We would may change us, but we start and end with family. We would like to acknowledge our parents for giving us the inspiration like to acknowledge our parents for giving us the inspiration to do this project. They also gave us the financial and to do this project. They also gave us the financial and emotional support to complete the project. They have emotional support to complete the project. They have always been with us. They have always been with us always been with us. They have always been with us through everything. Thank you to friends, for honestly through everything. Thank you to friends, for honestly telling us the truth whenever we may need it. And also telling us the truth whenever we may need it. And also cheering for us and helping us out with our studies. Also to cheering for us and helping us out with our studies. Also to schoolmates, especially our classmates, for helping us schoolmates, especially our classmates, for helping us achieve our project. Thank you to our teachers, for helping achieve our project. Thank you to our teachers, for helping us out a lot and giving us all the support we needed. us out a lot and giving us all the support we needed. Because good teachers are like candles - they consume Because good teachers are like candles - they consume themselves to light the way for others. Even with just a little themselves to light the way for others. Even with just a little help, we can see our future getting brighter and brighter. help, we can see our future getting brighter and brighter. The teachers have helped us with our project. Without them The teachers have helped us with our project. Without them we wouldn’t be able to have the right education to continue we wouldn’t be able to have the right education to continue and finish our project. They taught us the different ways to and finish our project. They taught us the different ways to accomplish our project and to make it successful.accomplish our project and to make it successful.

DEDICATION DEDICATION

We would like to dedicate our study to We would like to dedicate our study to our parents, teachers, classmates, and our parents, teachers, classmates, and especially God. You have all helped our especially God. You have all helped our through the Investigatory Project.through the Investigatory Project.

- - Reinart Bacalso Reinart Bacalso

And And Athina Olan ☻ Athina Olan ☻

CHAPTER ICHAPTER ITHE PROBLEM AND ITS THE PROBLEM AND ITS

SCOPESCOPE RationaleRationale

““You are a product of your You are a product of your environment. So choose the environment. So choose the environment that will best develop you environment that will best develop you toward your objective. Analyze your life toward your objective. Analyze your life in terms of its environment. Are the in terms of its environment. Are the things around you helping you toward things around you helping you toward success -- or are they holding you success -- or are they holding you back?” ~ W. Clement Stoneback?” ~ W. Clement Stone

Before 1869 there was still no Before 1869 there was still no such thing as plastic. But after such thing as plastic. But after the Civil war, the high cost of the Civil war, the high cost of ivory led people who used ivory ivory led people who used ivory to search for a replacement. A to search for a replacement. A New York billiards ball company New York billiards ball company offered a $10,000 prize to who offered a $10,000 prize to who can discover a replacement. can discover a replacement. John Wesley HyattJohn Wesley Hyatt, a printer , a printer and inventor in Albany, New York, and inventor in Albany, New York, heard about the prize and began heard about the prize and began experimenting. He discovered a experimenting. He discovered a way to transform cellulose from way to transform cellulose from cotton or wood pulp into a useful cotton or wood pulp into a useful moldable material. moldable material.

He treated the cellulose with nitric acid to He treated the cellulose with nitric acid to produce a chemical called nitrocellulose. produce a chemical called nitrocellulose. Then he added camphor, a solid from the Then he added camphor, a solid from the bark of a camphor tree, which made the bark of a camphor tree, which made the nitrocellulose easy to mold. He called his nitrocellulose easy to mold. He called his creation Celluloid. It became an important creation Celluloid. It became an important material not just to replace ivory. Combs material not just to replace ivory. Combs and buttons were a few of the other and buttons were a few of the other products made from this plastic. Celluloid products made from this plastic. Celluloid has been replaced by other plastics since has been replaced by other plastics since it burns too easily.it burns too easily.

In 1909, the Belgian-American In 1909, the Belgian-American chemist chemist Leo Hendrik Leo Hendrik BaeklandBaekland developed the first developed the first synthetic, or artificial, plastic. synthetic, or artificial, plastic. Unlike Celluloid, this plastic was Unlike Celluloid, this plastic was not a modified natural polymer. not a modified natural polymer. Instead it was formed Instead it was formed chemically. This new chemically. This new thermosetting plastic he thermosetting plastic he created had many valuable created had many valuable properties. It couldn’t be properties. It couldn’t be dissolved by natural solvents, it dissolved by natural solvents, it could be molded into any could be molded into any shape, it didn’t conduct shape, it didn’t conduct electricity, and it was electricity, and it was inexpensive. Baekland named inexpensive. Baekland named the new material Bakelite, after the new material Bakelite, after himself.himself.

Plastics have been in our daily lives. Plastics have been in our daily lives. It has many different uses. It has many different uses. They are used to replace metals. Nowadays, most They are used to replace metals. Nowadays, most

parts of a car is made of plastic since metal is parts of a car is made of plastic since metal is heavy and it is more expensive. When you need heavy and it is more expensive. When you need to repair the car it is easier to replace plastics to repair the car it is easier to replace plastics than metals. than metals.

Plastics also replace fibers. Plastics are more Plastics also replace fibers. Plastics are more durable than ordinary fibers. durable than ordinary fibers.

Plastics replace paper. In packaging, plastics are Plastics replace paper. In packaging, plastics are used more than paper since its more durable than used more than paper since its more durable than paper. It doesn’t rip unlike paper. paper. It doesn’t rip unlike paper.

It replaces wood. Plastics are used more than It replaces wood. Plastics are used more than wood in furniture like toys. wood in furniture like toys.

It also replaces glass since its less brittle. When It also replaces glass since its less brittle. When you drop a plastic bottle there is a lesser chance you drop a plastic bottle there is a lesser chance it brakes. it brakes.

Plastic is a convenient commodity because it is Plastic is a convenient commodity because it is cheap and easy to manipulate into many cheap and easy to manipulate into many different designs. Once it was developed its different designs. Once it was developed its popularity was immediate and the large amount popularity was immediate and the large amount of plastic waste that it causes when not recycled of plastic waste that it causes when not recycled has grown ever since. When these plastics are has grown ever since. When these plastics are improperly disposed of they can lead to improperly disposed of they can lead to environmental hazards. Some plastics, such as environmental hazards. Some plastics, such as those used in certain parts of computers can be those used in certain parts of computers can be toxic. Others are molded in ways that can injure toxic. Others are molded in ways that can injure wildlife.wildlife.

The plastic rings that are used to keep soda packs The plastic rings that are used to keep soda packs together are often faulted for getting animals stuck together are often faulted for getting animals stuck within them. Plastic recycling is a great way to avoid within them. Plastic recycling is a great way to avoid all of these potential problems with poor disposal of all of these potential problems with poor disposal of plastics. plastics.

There are two types of plastic if classified according There are two types of plastic if classified according to how they respond to heat during manufacturing. to how they respond to heat during manufacturing.

ThermoplasticsThermoplastics Do not undergo any type of chemical reaction when molded. Do not undergo any type of chemical reaction when molded.

They simply soften when heated and harden when cooled. They simply soften when heated and harden when cooled. Thermosetting plasticsThermosetting plastics

Undergo a chemical reaction when they are made. Also Undergo a chemical reaction when they are made. Also called thermosets, these plastics soften when first heated called thermosets, these plastics soften when first heated but turn back to solid when further heated. but turn back to solid when further heated.

Once a thermosetting plastic is formed to desired shape, its Once a thermosetting plastic is formed to desired shape, its polymer chains link together to form a netlike arrangement. polymer chains link together to form a netlike arrangement. This netlike linking, or cross-linking, keeps thermosets from This netlike linking, or cross-linking, keeps thermosets from softening and melting when they are heated again.softening and melting when they are heated again.

Plastic, like any other material, affects our Plastic, like any other material, affects our environment in both positive and negative ways. It environment in both positive and negative ways. It affects our environment in a positive way since it affects our environment in a positive way since it conserves more energy than how much energy is conserves more energy than how much energy is consumed in manufacturing them. Using plastic consumed in manufacturing them. Using plastic parts in an automobile will almost always result in parts in an automobile will almost always result in better fuel efficiency, since plastics are very better fuel efficiency, since plastics are very lightweight materials. In this way, plastics can be lightweight materials. In this way, plastics can be thought of as environmental friendly. thought of as environmental friendly.

Plastics however can impose an environmental Plastics however can impose an environmental problem when ultimately discarded. Once a plastic problem when ultimately discarded. Once a plastic product is no longer usable it has to be disposed of product is no longer usable it has to be disposed of in some manner. They can be buried in a landfill, in some manner. They can be buried in a landfill, burned in an incinerator, or recycled to other burned in an incinerator, or recycled to other products. products.

LandfillsLandfills Plastics just take up space, which make it expensive. But they Plastics just take up space, which make it expensive. But they

are not considered poisonous and can poison land or water. are not considered poisonous and can poison land or water. Once plastics are buried they don’t degrade or break down. Once plastics are buried they don’t degrade or break down. The lack of degradability can be a problem when plastics are The lack of degradability can be a problem when plastics are disposed as litter. These plastics that can be found in different disposed as litter. These plastics that can be found in different places can cause pollution. It is because of this that most of places can cause pollution. It is because of this that most of the plastics nowadays are degradable.the plastics nowadays are degradable.

IncinerationIncineration Most plastics will burn under certain conditions. In an Most plastics will burn under certain conditions. In an

incinerator, waste is burned and made into energy in a form incinerator, waste is burned and made into energy in a form of steam which can be used to generate electricity. The only of steam which can be used to generate electricity. The only negative side is that incineration produces gases and ashes negative side is that incineration produces gases and ashes which can cause pollution. which can cause pollution.

Recycling Recycling The best way to handle waste without disposing it. It is the The best way to handle waste without disposing it. It is the

best method but the hardest to complete. There are many best method but the hardest to complete. There are many types of plastics. These plastics cannot be recycled together. types of plastics. These plastics cannot be recycled together. Different types of plastics must be separated. Thermoplastics Different types of plastics must be separated. Thermoplastics are the only plastics that can be recycled since it can be are the only plastics that can be recycled since it can be grounded back to powder and remolded unlike thermosets grounded back to powder and remolded unlike thermosets where they can be grounded back anymore.where they can be grounded back anymore.

There are two types of degradable plastics. There are two types of degradable plastics. Photodegradable plastics. Photodegradable plastics.

This kind of plastic can be broken down by the This kind of plastic can be broken down by the sun’s UV rays. This is because of the bonds in the sun’s UV rays. This is because of the bonds in the plastic can be weakened by the sun’s rays or there plastic can be weakened by the sun’s rays or there is a chemical additive that absorbs light and is a chemical additive that absorbs light and attacks the polymer and breaks some bonds. At attacks the polymer and breaks some bonds. At present, most plastic waste ends up in a landfill site present, most plastic waste ends up in a landfill site where it is buried in a dark hole in the ground. where it is buried in a dark hole in the ground. Under these conditions, photo degradation cannot Under these conditions, photo degradation cannot take place. take place.

Biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastics can be broken down by Biodegradable plastics can be broken down by

microorganisms or bacteria. The problem of microorganisms or bacteria. The problem of biodegradable plastics in a landfill is that when the biodegradable plastics in a landfill is that when the landfill is covered with soil there is not much air landfill is covered with soil there is not much air and water around and the rate of degradation and water around and the rate of degradation becomes extremely slow.becomes extremely slow.

Paper is also another material which is very useful. Paper is also another material which is very useful. Paper is used in our daily lives. We use it as our Paper is used in our daily lives. We use it as our writing surface. Without paper we wouldn’t have writing surface. Without paper we wouldn’t have books which we use to study with.books which we use to study with.

There are many types of paper. There are many types of paper. Newsprint Newsprint

The paper used for newspapers. It doesn’t have to The paper used for newspapers. It doesn’t have to be very durable so it uses ground wood pulp. Other be very durable so it uses ground wood pulp. Other types of ground wood paper are used for directories types of ground wood paper are used for directories and similar publications.and similar publications.

Book paperBook paper The paper used for books and magazines.The paper used for books and magazines. These kinds of paper are of better quality. These kinds of paper are of better quality.

Coarse papersCoarse papers Heavy-duty papers. Heavy-duty papers. These kinds of papers are used for grocery bags These kinds of papers are used for grocery bags

and wrapping paper. and wrapping paper. Tissue paperTissue paper

Facial tissues, toilet paper, and paper towelsFacial tissues, toilet paper, and paper towels

Paperboard Paperboard One of the most-used types of paper. An One of the most-used types of paper. An

important kind of paperboard is called important kind of paperboard is called containerboard. It is made into boxes and containerboard. It is made into boxes and containers. containers.

Boxboard is another type of paperboard. It is Boxboard is another type of paperboard. It is made into boxes to hold cereals, soap powder, made into boxes to hold cereals, soap powder, and toothpaste. Another special type of and toothpaste. Another special type of paperboard is called the cardboard. It is used as a paperboard is called the cardboard. It is used as a backing for writing tablets and picture frames.backing for writing tablets and picture frames.

Statement of the ProblemStatement of the Problem

The study aims to find the difference The study aims to find the difference in the degradability of different in the degradability of different materials. It is also aims to find the materials. It is also aims to find the speed of degradability in different speed of degradability in different scenarios. The study addresses the scenarios. The study addresses the following specific questions:following specific questions:

Is there a difference in the degradability of Is there a difference in the degradability of biodegradable plastics and non-biodegradable biodegradable plastics and non-biodegradable plastics?plastics?

Are paper bags really better than using plastic Are paper bags really better than using plastic bags?bags?

In which scenario is the degradability the fastest?In which scenario is the degradability the fastest? In which scenario is the degradability the slowest?In which scenario is the degradability the slowest? Which material degraded the fastest?Which material degraded the fastest? In which scenario did this material degrade In which scenario did this material degrade

fastest?fastest? Is there a material that didn’t degrade?Is there a material that didn’t degrade? If there was a material that didn’t degrade, in If there was a material that didn’t degrade, in

which scenario did it occur in?which scenario did it occur in?

Significance of the StudySignificance of the Study The researcher’s study is about the environmental The researcher’s study is about the environmental

effects on plastic and paper. The researchers will try to effects on plastic and paper. The researchers will try to find out which material gets affected most from the find out which material gets affected most from the environment. The study can also show to people the environment. The study can also show to people the different ways to discard plastic or paper. Since there are different ways to discard plastic or paper. Since there are many different ways, the researchers will try to find the many different ways, the researchers will try to find the best.best.

The study is important because it can help people learn The study is important because it can help people learn what is really better plastic or paper. If it is plastic they what is really better plastic or paper. If it is plastic they can tell which is also better, biodegradable or non-can tell which is also better, biodegradable or non-biodegradable. By learning this everyone can know which biodegradable. By learning this everyone can know which is better to buy, so that they can save money. They can is better to buy, so that they can save money. They can also learn which is better for the surroundings and the also learn which is better for the surroundings and the environment.environment.

The study is important to everyone because they The study is important to everyone because they will learn that what they do to the environment will learn that what they do to the environment will affect us all.will affect us all.

This study will benefit everyone in a way that This study will benefit everyone in a way that they will know what to use in their everyday lives. they will know what to use in their everyday lives. If they will learn that they can help the If they will learn that they can help the environment and lessen the pollution happening environment and lessen the pollution happening in the world.in the world.

Scope and Limitations of Scope and Limitations of the Studythe Study

There are different sub-topics that are covered by There are different sub-topics that are covered by our study. The researchers will mention one our study. The researchers will mention one which is pollution. which is pollution. Since the researcher now Since the researcher now knows what the best material to use is, everyone knows what the best material to use is, everyone can use this material rather than the others. can use this material rather than the others. It It will lessen the chance of pollution since this will lessen the chance of pollution since this material degrades faster than other materials. material degrades faster than other materials.

The Investigatory Project lasted for 5 weeks. It The Investigatory Project lasted for 5 weeks. It started January 30 and ended March 6. The started January 30 and ended March 6. The researches chose 5 weeks because they thought researches chose 5 weeks because they thought the time was enough to degrade the materials.the time was enough to degrade the materials.

There are some limitations in the study. All other There are some limitations in the study. All other researchers who will take on this topic should researchers who will take on this topic should make sure they will not put too many plastics and make sure they will not put too many plastics and paper in one pile. The pile will not be able to paper in one pile. The pile will not be able to degrade the materials since all the materials will degrade the materials since all the materials will take space and some materials may not be able take space and some materials may not be able to be degrade since they aren’t in contact with to be degrade since they aren’t in contact with the pile.the pile.

CHAPTER IICHAPTER IIREVIEW OF RELATED REVIEW OF RELATED

LITERATURELITERATURE

Review of LiteratureReview of Literature The review of the study focuses on the effect of The review of the study focuses on the effect of

the environment to plastic and paper. This study the environment to plastic and paper. This study can help us find what is better to use in our can help us find what is better to use in our everyday lives, plastic or paper. Different facts everyday lives, plastic or paper. Different facts were collected from encyclopedias and the were collected from encyclopedias and the Internet as sources to get the information Internet as sources to get the information required for the study.required for the study.

The New Book of Knowledge, 2007, Volume 15, The New Book of Knowledge, 2007, Volume 15, “Plastics”, pp. 322-329 shows different details “Plastics”, pp. 322-329 shows different details about plastic. It shows the history, the molecular about plastic. It shows the history, the molecular structure, and uses of plastic. structure, and uses of plastic.

It shows that plastics have very many uses. It can It shows that plastics have very many uses. It can replace most materials. The molecular structure replace most materials. The molecular structure of a plastic was also there. It showed that plastic of a plastic was also there. It showed that plastic are bonded with very many polymer chains. I was are bonded with very many polymer chains. I was also able to find the history of plastic in the also able to find the history of plastic in the encyclopedia.encyclopedia.

The New Book of Knowledge, 2007, Volume 15, The New Book of Knowledge, 2007, Volume 15, “Paper”, pp. 53-58 gives you an idea about what “Paper”, pp. 53-58 gives you an idea about what is paper and its uses. It explains that paper can is paper and its uses. It explains that paper can be recycled but in a very complex way. It also be recycled but in a very complex way. It also shows the history of paper which dates back shows the history of paper which dates back about 2000 years ago.about 2000 years ago.

The Grolier Science Encyclopedia, 2008, Volume The Grolier Science Encyclopedia, 2008, Volume 10, “Waste and Recycling”, pp.454-455 describes 10, “Waste and Recycling”, pp.454-455 describes the different ways to discard waste and the the different ways to discard waste and the process of recycling. It also shows the process of process of recycling. It also shows the process of land-filling and incineration.land-filling and incineration.

It is stated in It is stated in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrocellulose that http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrocellulose that Nitrocellulose was used to create plastics before. Nitrocellulose was used to create plastics before. It was made by mixing nitric acid with cellulose.It was made by mixing nitric acid with cellulose.

The website The website http://www.rsc.org/education/teachers/learnnet/inhttp://www.rsc.org/education/teachers/learnnet/inspirational/resources/6.1.2.pdf shows the two spirational/resources/6.1.2.pdf shows the two different types of degradable plastic, the different types of degradable plastic, the photodegradable and biodegradable. These two photodegradable and biodegradable. These two kinds of plastic are very important in helping us kinds of plastic are very important in helping us get rid of pollution.get rid of pollution.

Definition of TermsDefinition of Terms

The following definitions are used to The following definitions are used to further understand the study.further understand the study.

BiodegradabilityBiodegradability is the ability of a material to be is the ability of a material to be degraded by microorganisms or bacteria.degraded by microorganisms or bacteria.

Biodegradable plastics Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be are plastics that can be broken down by microorganisms.broken down by microorganisms.

CamphorCamphor is a solid white transparent essential oil is a solid white transparent essential oil with a strong taste and smell used to repel insects. It with a strong taste and smell used to repel insects. It comes from the bark of a camphor tree.comes from the bark of a camphor tree.

Celluloid Celluloid is the first kind of plastic made. It is a type is the first kind of plastic made. It is a type of plastic made from cellulose nitrate and camphor.of plastic made from cellulose nitrate and camphor.

Cellulose Cellulose is a starch-like carbohydrate forming cell is a starch-like carbohydrate forming cell walls of plants. It is used in making paper.walls of plants. It is used in making paper.

Degradable Degradable is a term used to describe a kind of is a term used to describe a kind of material that can be broken down by the sun’s UV rays.material that can be broken down by the sun’s UV rays.

Degrade Degrade is a verb which means to decompose.is a verb which means to decompose.

Fibers Fibers are natural or synthetic threads.are natural or synthetic threads.

IncinerationIncineration is a waste treatment technology that is a waste treatment technology that involves the combustion of organic materials and involves the combustion of organic materials and substances.substances.

IvoryIvory is a substance that comes from teeth of is a substance that comes from teeth of mammals. The middle layer of our teeth is referred to mammals. The middle layer of our teeth is referred to as dentin, or ivory. Most ivory comes from elephant as dentin, or ivory. Most ivory comes from elephant tusks.tusks.

Nitric acidNitric acid is a corrosive, caustic liquid used to make is a corrosive, caustic liquid used to make explosives or fertilizers. explosives or fertilizers.

Nitrocellulose Nitrocellulose is a highly flammable compound is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to nitric acid or another powerful nitrating agent.nitric acid or another powerful nitrating agent.

Non - biodegradable plasticsNon - biodegradable plastics are plastics that are plastics that don’t biodegrade.don’t biodegrade.

Photodegradable plastics Photodegradable plastics are plastics that are plastics that have bonds that can be weakened by the sun’s have bonds that can be weakened by the sun’s rays causing it to degrade.rays causing it to degrade.

PlasticPlastic is a very useful material that can be is a very useful material that can be molded into different shapes.molded into different shapes.

Polymer Polymer is a compound that has large molecules is a compound that has large molecules composed of many simpler ones.composed of many simpler ones.

RecyclingRecycling is the process of using old materials and is the process of using old materials and turn them into new products to prevent waste of turn them into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from land filling) by reducing the need for (from land filling) by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissionsgas emissions

ThermoplasticsThermoplastics are polymers that turns to a liquid are polymers that turns to a liquid when heated and freezes to a very glassy state when when heated and freezes to a very glassy state when cooled sufficiently. It can be remolded and remelted cooled sufficiently. It can be remolded and remelted unlike other plastics.unlike other plastics.

Thermosetting plastics Thermosetting plastics are plastics that undergo a are plastics that undergo a chemical reaction when it is made.chemical reaction when it is made.

Wood pulpWood pulp is the moistened fibers of wood. is the moistened fibers of wood.

CHAPTER IIICHAPTER IIIMETHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY

The purpose of the study is to know if there really is a The purpose of the study is to know if there really is a difference in the degradability of biodegradable difference in the degradability of biodegradable plastics and non-biodegradable plastics. We also plastics and non-biodegradable plastics. We also want to know if paper bags are really better than want to know if paper bags are really better than using plastic bags by testing its biodegradability.using plastic bags by testing its biodegradability.

We will need ,10 biodegradable plastic bags (two We will need ,10 biodegradable plastic bags (two different brands), 10 non biodegradable plastic bags different brands), 10 non biodegradable plastic bags (two different brands), 5 brown paper bags, 5 pages (two different brands), 5 brown paper bags, 5 pages of newspaper, 3 nets, wire or string, 6 wooden posts, of newspaper, 3 nets, wire or string, 6 wooden posts, mulch pile 4 ft. high 6ft. diameter ring, leaf pile 3 ft. mulch pile 4 ft. high 6ft. diameter ring, leaf pile 3 ft. high, 8 plastic containers (1/2 gallon each), and tap high, 8 plastic containers (1/2 gallon each), and tap water.water.

First, we folded and secured a biodegradable and non First, we folded and secured a biodegradable and non biodegradable plastic bag on top of a net and with wire or biodegradable plastic bag on top of a net and with wire or string. We then tied a wooden post at each end of the net string. We then tied a wooden post at each end of the net and placed each post into the ground, leaving the plastic and placed each post into the ground, leaving the plastic bags exposed to the sun. We did the same with 1 page of bags exposed to the sun. We did the same with 1 page of newspaper and one paper bag.newspaper and one paper bag.

Next, we folded and secured a biodegradable and non Next, we folded and secured a biodegradable and non biodegradable plastic bag, 1 page of newspaper, and a brown biodegradable plastic bag, 1 page of newspaper, and a brown paper bag in the middle of a mulch pile. We did placed the paper bag in the middle of a mulch pile. We did placed the same materials in a leaf pile.same materials in a leaf pile.

We placed a biodegradable plastic bag, a non biodegradable We placed a biodegradable plastic bag, a non biodegradable plastic bag, one paper bag, and one page of newspaper into plastic bag, one paper bag, and one page of newspaper into different containers of tap water. different containers of tap water.

We allowed all the materials to stay in their environments for We allowed all the materials to stay in their environments for a month. We recorded the changes that occurred to the a month. We recorded the changes that occurred to the plastic bags, paper bags, and newspapers in the different plastic bags, paper bags, and newspapers in the different environments upon removal.environments upon removal.

CHAPTER IVCHAPTER IVRESULTS AND FINDINGSRESULTS AND FINDINGS

The researchers were able to find that there is a The researchers were able to find that there is a difference in the degradability of plastics and difference in the degradability of plastics and papers. They were also able to find that there was papers. They were also able to find that there was a difference in the degradability of biodegradable a difference in the degradability of biodegradable plastics and non-biodegradable plastics. The table plastics and non-biodegradable plastics. The table below will show what results the researchers got below will show what results the researchers got from the study.from the study.

Sunlight

1ST WEEK 2ND WEEK 3RD WEEK 4TH WEEK 5TH WEEK

BiodegradablePlastic No changes

Non-biodegradable

PlasticNo changes

Newspaper No changes

Paper Bags No changes

The materials left in the sunlight had no changes. The materials left in the sunlight had no changes. The researchers think it will need more time The researchers think it will need more time before it will start to degrade.before it will start to degrade.

Tap Water

1ST WEEK 2ND WEEK 3RD WEEK 4TH WEEK 5TH WEEK

BiodegradablePlastic No changes

Started to become thinner and weaker than normal.

Non-biodegradable

PlasticNo changes

Started to become thinner and weaker than normal.

Newspaper Became softer and started to break apart.

Paper Bags Became softer and started to break apart.

The materials in the tap water had some changes The materials in the tap water had some changes which mostly occurred in the last two weeks. The which mostly occurred in the last two weeks. The plastic became easier to tear and it also became plastic became easier to tear and it also became thinner.thinner.

The materials in the mulch pile became dry and The materials in the mulch pile became dry and rough. The papers changed color and the plastics rough. The papers changed color and the plastics felt rough like paper.felt rough like paper.

Mulch Pile

1ST WEEK 2ND WEEK 3RD WEEK 4TH WEEK 5TH WEEK

BiodegradablePlastic No changes

Became dry and rough.

Non-biodegradable Plastic No changes

Became dry and rough.

Newspaper Changed Color Became dry and wrinkled

Paper Bags Changed Color Became dry.

Leaf Pile

1ST WEEK 2ND WEEK 3RD WEEK 4TH WEEK 5TH WEEK

BiodegradablePlastic No changes

Started to crumple and wrinkle.

Non-biodegradable Plastic

No changes Became dry.

Newspaper Changed Color Became dry and wrinkled

Paper Bags Changed Color Became dry.

The materials in the leaf pile had the same The materials in the leaf pile had the same characteristics as the one in the mulch pile. Except characteristics as the one in the mulch pile. Except that the biodegradable plastic showed more signs of that the biodegradable plastic showed more signs of degradation than the one in the mulch pile. The one in degradation than the one in the mulch pile. The one in the leaf pile crumpled and wrinkled but the one in the the leaf pile crumpled and wrinkled but the one in the mulch pile just became dry. mulch pile just became dry. The researcher found out The researcher found out that the paper degrades first at the first process of the that the paper degrades first at the first process of the study but at the end the plastic finished degrading study but at the end the plastic finished degrading first.first. The paper started showing signs of degradation The paper started showing signs of degradation early, but in the last week the plastic showed the most early, but in the last week the plastic showed the most signs of degradation.signs of degradation.

CHAPTER VCHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF RESULTS, SUMMARY OF RESULTS, CONCLUSIONS, CONCLUSIONS,

AND RECOMMENDATIONSAND RECOMMENDATIONS

ResultsResults The researchers were able to find that there is a The researchers were able to find that there is a

difference in the degradability of plastics and papers. difference in the degradability of plastics and papers. They were also able to find that there was a difference in They were also able to find that there was a difference in the degradability of biodegradable plastics and non-the degradability of biodegradable plastics and non-biodegradable plastics. biodegradable plastics.

The researchers found that biodegradable plastic is the The researchers found that biodegradable plastic is the

best material to use in our everyday lives. It has the best material to use in our everyday lives. It has the ability to wrinkle and become brittle when under some ability to wrinkle and become brittle when under some circumstances such as being under a dry landfill.circumstances such as being under a dry landfill.

The researchers discovered that it will take a long time The researchers discovered that it will take a long time for plastic or paper to degrade under the sun. This for plastic or paper to degrade under the sun. This includes the biodegradable paper. This shows that when includes the biodegradable paper. This shows that when plastics are thrown onto the streets, it will take time plastics are thrown onto the streets, it will take time before it degrades. That is why people should dispose before it degrades. That is why people should dispose garbage properly to avoid pollution.garbage properly to avoid pollution.

ConclusionsConclusions

We conclude that the Investigatory Project was a We conclude that the Investigatory Project was a complete success. Although the items under the complete success. Although the items under the sunlight needed more time, some of the rest in sunlight needed more time, some of the rest in the other scenarios started to take effect. Even the other scenarios started to take effect. Even though the researchers should have thought of though the researchers should have thought of starting the study earlier, there were most likely starting the study earlier, there were most likely enough changes that proved a lot of different enough changes that proved a lot of different things. It proved that the biodegradable plastic is things. It proved that the biodegradable plastic is better to use than newspaper, non-biodegradable better to use than newspaper, non-biodegradable plastics, and paper bags. plastics, and paper bags.

RecommendationsRecommendations The researchers have various recommendations for any The researchers have various recommendations for any

other researcher who will perform the Investigatory other researcher who will perform the Investigatory Project.Project.

In the Investigatory Project the researchers tried to find In the Investigatory Project the researchers tried to find how long will it take for the materials to degrade. The how long will it take for the materials to degrade. The researchers recommend having a longer time in making researchers recommend having a longer time in making the Project. It will take more than a month to degrade the Project. It will take more than a month to degrade the materials.the materials.

The researchers suggest that the factors around the piles The researchers suggest that the factors around the piles are the same. The amount of rain and sunlight should be are the same. The amount of rain and sunlight should be the same. The containers should also be in room the same. The containers should also be in room temperature.temperature.

The researchers also recommend that the materials The researchers also recommend that the materials should be completely surrounded by the mulch or the dry should be completely surrounded by the mulch or the dry leaves. It shouldn’t be staying side to side with another leaves. It shouldn’t be staying side to side with another material since it wouldn’t be completely covered by the material since it wouldn’t be completely covered by the pile’s components.pile’s components.

APPENDIXAPPENDIX

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING

Investigatory Project done by:

Reinart Justin E. Bacalso

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and

Athina Marcine P. Olan------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope you learned something! :))