CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction

Water is a fundamental resource, yet its scarcity is an increasingly

pressing issue worldwide. With the rapid growth of populations,

urbanization, and the effects of climate change, many regions, including

the Philippines, are facing significant water shortages. These challenges

have spurred interest in alternative water management strategies that

can be both cost-effective and sustainable. Rainwater harvesting (RWH), a

method of collecting and storing rainwater for various uses, has emerged

as a viable solution to address these water scarcity issues. However, the

cost and complexity of existing systems often limit their accessibility,

particularly in developing countries.

Rainwater harvesting is not a new concept. Historically, civilizations

have relied on harvested rainwater to supplement their water supplies,

particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Today, the practice is gaining

renewed attention due to its potential to alleviate water scarcity and

reduce dependency on conventional water sources. The United Nations

(2019) emphasizes the importance of RWH in achieving sustainable

development goals, particularly in ensuring clean water availability,

highlighting its continued relevance in addressing global water challenges.

 Despite its potential, the implementation of rainwater harvesting

systems often encounters challenges, particularly in terms of cost and

efficiency. Traditional systems, while effective, can be expensive to install

and maintain. This is a significant barrier for low-income communities,

where water scarcity is often most acute. As highlighted by Imteaz et al.

(2017), ensuring the quality of harvested rainwater for various uses

remains a critical challenge, especially in areas prone to pollution.

Furthermore, Campisano et al. (2017) emphasize the need for innovative

and cost-effective solutions to address the limitations of conventional

RWH systems, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

In response to these challenges, this research focuses on the

development and implementation of a low-cost, efficient rainwater

harvesting and filtration system specifically designed for sustainable

water management in resource-constrained settings. The proposed

system aims to provide an affordable alternative that is easy to construct,

operate, and maintain, thereby enhancing its accessibility and

sustainability.

The study builds on existing research in the field of water

management and rainwater harvesting. Recent advancements in

materials science and engineering have opened up new possibilities for

developing innovative, cost-effective filtration solutions for rainwater

harvesting systems (Othman et al., 2020). Additionally, research has

explored the potential of integrating rainwater harvesting with other

sustainable technologies, such as solar-powered pumps and smart

sensors, to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these

systems (Ngo et al., 2017).

In the context of the Philippines, where water scarcity is a growing

concern, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, the implementation of

such systems could have a transformative impact. By harnessing

rainwater and ensuring its quality through efficient filtration, communities

can gain access to a reliable and sustainable water source, reducing their

reliance on traditional, often unreliable water supplies. As demonstrated

by recent studies, rainwater harvesting has the potential to significantly

enhance water security and resilience in the Philippines, particularly in

vulnerable communities (Lasco et al., 2017).

This research will explore the design, construction, and performance

of the proposed rainwater harvesting and filtration system. It will evaluate

the system's effectiveness in collecting and purifying rainwater, its cost-

efficiency, and its potential for widespread adoption in the Philippines and

similar settings. Ultimately, the study aims to contribute to the broader

discourse on sustainable water management by providing practical

solutions that are both economically and environmentally viable.

1.2 Conceptual Framework

Figure 1.

Conceptual Framework of Itchgrass paper-making process

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

a.) Itchgrass a.) Preparation and Level of acceptability

(Rottboellia extraction of pulp from of Itchgrass
cochinchinensis) Itchgrass (Rottboellia (Rottboellia
b.) Test Parameters cochinchinensis) cochinchinensis) as an
(mean) b.) Production/creation alternative paper bag
Paper GSM of alternative paper product
Tearing Resistance from Itchgrass pulp
Wettability c.) Testing of the test
c.) Comparison of test parameters on the 5
formulations and test formulations (5
control group paper sheets)
d.) Testing of the test
parameters on the
control group (5 paper
bag sheets))
e.) Comparison of
means/statistical
analysis

Figure 1 presents the conceptual framework of the study, it follows

the Input, Process, Output (IPO) method. The input box contains the

primary raw material for conducting the study and the experimentation.

What follows are the test parameters that the researchers are to measure,

stating that the goal is to have 5 test formulations to compare. The

process box contains how the researchers will create the product in a

concise manner of explanation. What follows is then the testing,

experimentation, and measuring of the test parameters once the product

has been created. The statistical analysis of data is the last part of the

process. Lastly, for the Output box - after finalizing the data and statistical

analysis, the researchers can then measure the paper product's

acceptability.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

The proponents of this study intended to determine if Itchgrass

(Rottboellia cochinchinensis) is a viable alternative source of fiber for

paper-making.

The research investigated and answered the following specific

questions:

1. What are the means of the following test parameters in the

formulated itchgrass paper sheets?

a. Paper GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

b. Tearing Resistance

c. Wettability

2. Is there a significant difference between the test formulations and

the control group?

3. Do the grass paper sheets meet the threshold of acceptability based

on the comparison with the control group as a basis?

1.4 Research Hypotheses

H01: There is no significant difference between the parameters of the test

formulations and the control group.

H02: The produced itchgrass paper is not acceptable as an alternative

paper bag product.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation

The primary goal of this study was to assess the acceptability of

Itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) as an alternative paper. This plant

was chosen due to its abundance in urban areas and it being a weed that

harms crops and other plants. Thus, the researchers wanted to find a way

to utilize the invasive weed species rather than discard it. The plant was

also deemed appropriate for paper-making because of its high fiber

content within the plant. Five sheets of paper made from the grass were

made resulting in 5 test formulations to be compared in terms of the test

parameters namely, Paper GSM, Tearing Resistance, and Wettability. Five

sheets of commercial paper bag sheets were also tested and served as a

basis and control group for the comparison of data with the test

formulations. The creation and experimentation period began from the

second week of November until the first week of January; and took place

in select areas of Comawas and Mangagoy, Bislig City. The researchers

obtained results from each individual test parameter of the three

treatment groups and compared them to determine the significant

difference between the results of the treatment groups and their

acceptability as an alternative paper.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study was conducted in order to provide crucial and valuable

information regarding the acceptability of Itchgrass (Rottboellia

cochinchinensis) as an alternative paper based on the potential findings of

the experimentation.

Furthermore, the research is significant for the following:

Community. This will benefit the community by providing an

alternative raw material for paper-making. Because of this, a

localized business for paper-making with weed grass could be

initiated. Not only locally, but the plant also grows in many parts of

the country, and thus the paper can be mass-produced. Additionally,

it can help the environment by lessening the need for wood fiber for

paper production, reducing deforestation rates and improving

environmental development.

Agricultural Sector. Utilizing the invasive weed species as an

alternative paper will encourage the gathering and harvesting of it

as raw material. This can help the agricultural sector by providing

another material to sell. And in turn, by eliminating the itchgrass in

certain areas, especially farms; the crops will be able to grow and

survive under better conditions because of the reduction in weeds.

 Business Sector. The study has the potential to introduce a new

alternative paper product into the market for business sectors to

make use of and sell. It will help promote local products and

encourage consumers to support and purchase them.

Future Researchers. The study may serve as a reference for

future researchers to use when conducting similar studies. It may

also encourage using non-wood fiber materials as paper in the near

future.

1.7 Definition of Terms

The following are the operational definition of the terms that are

commonly found and used within the study.

Itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis): Locally referred to as

Aguingay, is a common non-native weed species that grows

abundantly in the Philippines. It is an invasive plant that can be seen

along roads and farms, often harming crops.

Paper GSM (Grams per Square Meter): It is the weight of a

paper from a sample sheet one square meter in size. It tells a lot

about the basic properties of a paper material that decides its

quality.
Tearing Resistance: The measurement of the level of resistance

that a paper has before ripping or tearing. It is the paper’s durability

to an applied force.

Wettability: The level of how much a liquid is able to spread on a

paper’s surface.

Non-Wood Fiber: The fiber content of plants that are not obtained

from wood or trees. For papermaking, these are extracted and

turned into paper.

Pulp: A soft, wet mass produced by crushing plant materials to

obtain its primary fiber content. These are formed into flat thin

sheets suitable for writing when papermaking.

Mesh: Interconnected strands of metal, nylon, or other flexible

materials with spaced openings between them used for craft

papermaking. It is soaked into a water and fiber mixture to separate

the fiber and have it spread across into a thin sheet.