Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Division of City Schools
5th District, Quezon City

Synergistic Effect of Banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn.) Peel and Apple (Malus
domestica) Peel to Purple Onion (Allium cepa L.) Grown Hydroponically

Life Science – Individual Category

LS-PJP-2
Junior High School

A Science Investigatory Project

Presented to School Scientific Review Committee (SRC) 2022

Costales, IC Green S.
PROPONENT

Diccion, Ma. Ailah Jolie M.

Ramos, Aaron Gerard Ds.
Complido, Maria Cassandra Arabelle R.
Martinez, Jenell T.
Sarmiento, Shanta Unah Daniella B.
Jacinto, Athena Jayvonne A.
Boarao, Mary Stephanie B.
STUDENT RESEARCHERS

San Bartolome High School

District V, Novaliches, Quezon City

Ms. Juvy T. Rendaje

RESEARCH ADVISER

APRIL 2022
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................3
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE...................................................................................7
MATERIALS AND METHODS ................................................................................................11
Location and Duration of the Study ...............................................................................11
Research Design ...............................................................................................................11
Materials ...........................................................................................................................12
Flowchart of the Procedures ...........................................................................................15
i. Procurement of Materials .......................................................................16
ii. Preparation of Materials .........................................................................17
iii. Preparation of the Solution .....................................................................18
iv. Preparation of Hydroponic Setups .........................................................19
v. Application of the Solution ......................................................................20
vi. pH Testing.................................................................................................21
vii. Preparation of Replicates ........................................................................22
viii. Observation of Plant and Root Growth .................................................22
Data Gathering .................................................................................................................23
Statistical Analysis ...........................................................................................................23
Risk and Safety .................................................................................................................23
Proper Waste Disposal ....................................................................................................23
RESULTS .....................................................................................................................................24
DISCUSSION ...............................................................................................................................27
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................32
RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................32
ACKNOWLEDGMENT .............................................................................................................34
BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................35
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................42
Receipts .............................................................................................................................42
Cost Estimate ....................................................................................................................43
Other Pictures ..................................................................................................................44

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ABSTRACT

Banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn.) and Apple (Malus domestica) both have antioxidant

properties and are also rich in phosphorus and potassium, wherein banana has 0.4% phosphorus

and 11.5% potassium while apples have 11.74% potassium and 3.08% phosphorus, that are all

needed and necessary for growing a plant. The purpose of this study was to produce a low-cost

and easily available nutrient solution for Growing Purple Onion (Allium cepa L.) roots and reduce

the fruit waste inside our homes by turning them into homemade powderized peels. Three

treatments that were used are: (Treatment 1) Fruit Peel Nutrient Solution, (Treatment 2) Store-

bought Nutrient Solution, and (Treatment 3) Filtered Water Only, with each treatment consisting

of eight replicates. The fruit peels were sun dried and powderized using a mini compact blender

before putting it on the hydroponic setup. After 18 days of observation, it was recorded that the

mean of each treatment is 3.3 while their standard deviation is 2.786. One-way analysis of variance

(ANOVA) was used in comparing the results taken from the hydroponically grown purple onion

roots, to calculate its difference. By using GoodCalculators, it was found that the study's p-value

is 0.00594 with a confidence level of 95%, and it is statistically significant at p < 0.05. This

indicates that the null hypothesis has been rejected. The results proved that Banana (Musa

paradisiaca Linn.) Peel and Apple (Malus domestica) Peel used as nutrient solution can promote

the plant growth of hydroponically grown Purple Onions (Allium cepa L.) synergistically.

______________________________________________________________________________

Keywords: Banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn.), Apple (Malus domestica), Purple Onion

(Allium cepa L.), sun drying, nutrient solution, hydroponics.

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INTRODUCTION

According to the Department of Agriculture (2021), onions' demand is always present as it

is known for its various uses in different cuisines. Purple onions (Allium cepa L.) are being

cultivated in 22 different provinces in the Philippines and its production has been increasing since

then. The top five major producing regions of the onions in the country are as follows: Region III,

Region I, Region IV, Region II, and Region VI. Locally produced onions are bought and consumed

mostly by Filipino households. As stated by the Value Chain Analysis prepared by DA-PRDP,

75% of locally produced onions are sold in wet markets while the remaining 15% and 10% directly

goes to supermarkets and fast-food outlets. The top buyers and consumers of onions in the country

are the following corporations: HML Food Corporation, Cormel Foods, Farmtec Foods

Incorporated, Hi-Las Marketing Corporation and Kitchen Witchery Food Ventures Incorporated.

Moreover, Purple onions (Allium cepa L.) require high potassium and phosphorus needs

for its propagation, and it is advisable to use fertilizers or nutrient solutions with 10% Nitrogen

(N), 10% Phosphorus (P), and 10% Potassium (K), or otherwise known as the 10-10-10 fertilizer

(SF Gate Contributor, 2021). NPK is a fundamental value in fertilizers and nutrient solutions as

they affect the overall propagation of a plant. Nitrogen, for example, is needed to produce leaves

and stems, Phosphorus is needed to develop roots, and Potassium is needed for the regulation of

chlorophyll, a pigment necessary for photosynthesis (Sandy, 2021).

On the other hand, Banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn.) peels contain good amounts of

Potassium (K) which is one of the three major components of a fertilizer or nutrient solution

denoted as NPK (Barbano, 2020). Dried banana peels have a significantly high value of NPK,

0.6% Nitrogen, 0.4% Phosphorus, and 11.5% Potassium (Pavlis, 2021). With that being said,

banana peels can be a potentially good fertilizer for onion propagation considering that purple

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onions require a lot of potassium. As banana peels decompose, they release potassium as well as

modest amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium into the soil, much like a slow-release

fertilizer (Munroe, 2018). Secondary metabolites are also found in banana peels such as

flavonoids, tannins, phlobatannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids (Imam and Akter, 2011).

Lastly, organic wastes, particularly manures and fruit peels like of bananas and apples, can be used

to supplement onion crop development with macro- and micronutrients (Golabi et al., 2004;

Kowalska et al., 2017).

According to The Nutrient Company (2019), Apple (Malus domestica) peels consist of a

decent NPK value, with 0.2% Nitrogen, 0.02% Phosphorus, and 0.15% Potassium. Again, these

disposable apple peels can be used for onion propagation since it contains a significant amount of

NPK. In addition, apple peels include secondary metabolites such as sorbitol, glucose, galactose,

galactinol, raffinose, sucrose and fructose (Cheng, 2012). Polyphenol is also a component of apple

peels which contributes to the fruit's myriad health advantages and is also said to be abundant in

it. On the other hand, apple peels are rich in quercetin-3-glucoside and chlorogenic acid

(Kalinowska et al., 2020). Quercetin has a vital role in a variety of plant processes including seed

germination, plant propagation, photosynthesis, and most importantly promoting appropriate plant

growth and development (Singh et al., 2021).

When people started taking up the practice of raising plants, more people switched to

hydroponics because it is easier to maintain since you only need a container, seeds, and nutrient

solution. Nutrient solutions are a well-balanced liquid fertilizer that is essential to a plant’s growth

in a hydroponic setup since it is a liquid filled with all the necessary nutrients that plants need.

Also, the nutrient solution is the principal source of sustenance that plants require to survive.

However, other people cannot afford to buy a nutrient solution. (Harper, 2020).

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Also, despite the numerous uses and reusing options, the majority of banana peels end up

in landfills, owing to the fact that the peel accounts for 12% of the banana's weight. Countless

amounts of discarded peels wind up in landfills, contributing to methane gas, which is a greenhouse

gas 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide and a big contributor to global warming (Conserve

Energy Future, 2021). Apple peels are not the only fruit peels that end up in the garbage or the

compost pile. But also, bananas that have been peeled should not be disposed of in the garbage

disposal. These peels are too thin, slippery, or fibrous for the garbage disposal blades to handle for

this reason. They frequently pass through the garbage disposal unnoticed and become lodged

someplace in the drainage system (Shiny Modern, 2021). Fruit wastes such as peels and seeds are

one of the main problems that the Philippines faces today. Although DOLE plans on repurposing

around one million tons of fruit waste, it is still not enough to lessen the tons of wastes from it

(Ochave, 2021). There are a lot of unused banana peels and apple peels inside our homes that are

commonly being thrown away, and these peels consist of a suitable number of bioactive

compounds that can help in growing another plant (Sagar, et.al, 2018).

The major goal of this research is to create a synergistic Powderized Banana (Musa

paradisiaca Linn.) Peel and Apple (Malus domestica) Peel as an alternative nutrient solution for

Hydroponically Grown Purple Onions (Allium cepa L.). In addition, the following specific goals

are aimed at producing a low-cost and easily available nutrient solution that can make Purple

Onion (Allium cepa L.) roots sprout faster, as well as reducing the fruit wastes inside our homes,

saving space in landfills, and reducing carbon emissions by turning and reusing these fruit peels

into homemade nutrient solution.

Reusing fruit peels can enhance both the environment and the economy. It can reduce the

quantity of wastes created each year and saves space for various landfills. By producing a low-

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cost nutrient solution, farmers and entrepreneurs that run onion crops or any plant-related

businesses will also be able to take an idea regarding this study and make a profit by reusing fruit

peels that could help maintain or develop other crops, especially onions.

This study focuses on the use of Banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn.) Peels and Apple (Malus

domestica) Peels to make a synergistic solution that can help Purple Onions (Allium cepa L.) grow.

The specific banana variant that is used is Lakatan, and the apple variant is Fuji. The method that

is used to grow the purple onion is hydroponics which is known for growing plants without the

help of soil. The duration of the observation process after the application of solution and

preparation of replicates is 18 days. The measuring tool used to determine the length of the roots

is a tape measure. After gathering the results, the null hypothesis rejection or acceptance is

calculated using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) knowing that the significance level is

0.05.

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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Information about Banana Peels

Banana peels are a potassium powerhouse, containing around 42 percent potassium. One

of the "Big Three" minerals required for optimal plant growth is potassium. It boosts plant

defenses, feeds root, avoids wilting, and guards against cold and dry conditions. Potassium is

necessary for appropriate development and growth. Banana peels also have the advantage of being

nitrogen-free. They are ideal for producing low-nitrogen plants like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers,

and radishes because of this. Nitrogen is found in most store-bought fertilizers, and too much

nitrogen in these plants results in a lot of foliage growth but no fruit or blossoms. (Little Passports,

2021). Potassium is a necessary component for healthy root, flower, and fruit growth in your

vegetable garden plants. Potassium, sometimes known as the "quality nutrient," is the second most

important nutrient for plants after nitrogen. Plants are heavy users of potassium, and a shortage of

it can result in stunted growth and developmental delays. Due to a lack of potassium, your plant's

leaves may take on a purplish color. (Preparedness Mama, 2021).

Information about Apple Peels

As re-stated by Kalinowska et al. (2020), apples contain greater amounts of free phenolic

in comparison to other popular fruits. Apple is also a source of fiber, sugar, macro and

micronutrients compounds. In addition, the apple is the most commercially and culturally

significant, nutrient-rich fruit growing in all temperate zones (Front. Plant Sci., 2019). It has been

discovered that the phytochemical profile of apples is altered by cultivar, growth and maturity

conditions, nutritional state of the plant, and processing. Changes in light exposure during the

ripening process may be crucial in fostering the formation of specific phytochemicals, in relation

to variances in phenolic and flavonoid content between apple cultivars (J Agric Food Chem, 2001).

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Apple peels also contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Calcium, Folate, and Iron that can

benefit our health in many ways (Das, 2018). The disposable skin of the apple helps in plant growth

if used as an organic fertilizer as it contains potassium. It can be done by simply panting the whole

peel near the roots or just throwing it on top of the soil to decompose (WhoMadeWhat, 2022).

Information about Hydroponically Grown Plants

The production of Hydroponically grown plants is more recommended and progressive

since it includes more vitamins and minerals than soil-grown plants. As a result, hydroponically

produced plants are healthier than soil-grown plants, and they are less susceptible to pests and

illnesses. In addition, hydroponically grown plants are 30-50% percent faster than a plant grown

in soil (Harper, 2020). With hydroponics, nutrients are more easily available for the plant to absorb.

A good example for this is that leafy greens like lettuce and thirsty fruits like tomatoes often grow

faster in hydroponic systems (McManus, 2021). Moreover, soil-borne infections do not exist in

the hydroponics system since there is no soil for them to weep through and spread in. Plants also

do not have to expand their roots in search of nutrients, allowing them to use more energy in order

to grow. (Altiné, 2021)

Hydroponics in the Philippines

Hydroponics has become progressively popular in the Philippines, even making its way

into local backyards, and providing food to the tables of Filipino households. Last October, the

Department of Agriculture (DA) unveiled the Urban Agri Hydro Hub Learning Center at The Pop

Up Katipunan in Quezon City as part of the government's thrust to promote urban farming in the

Philippines (Gomez, 2021). Current urban farming applications in the Philippines may still be

perceived to take up a big land area due to the use of horizontally oriented hydroponic system

designs, a fact that limits the integration of hydroponic systems into urban areas due to the

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limitation of authorized space. Moreover, these manually operated hydroponic systems that are

now in place necessitate daily monitoring and may thus become easily ignored due to lack of

attention (S. Tagle, et al., 2018). Even though hydroponics has been around for a long time, it is

only now finding its way into Philippine farms. Previously, hydroponic fields were discovered in

Cavite and Clark Field, Pampanga. These hydroponics systems, on the other hand, were developed

abroad, making them excessively expensive and unavailable to average vegetable growers, also

due to the high initial investment (Seymour, 1993).

Nutrient Solution SNAP A and SNAP B

One of the required nourishment plants need to survive is Macronutrients and

Micronutrients. These macronutrients contain NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium). These

nutrients have different roles in the growth of every plant. Nitrogen to produce leaves and stem,

Phosphorus to strengthen the roots, and Potassium controls chlorophyll which is important for the

photosynthesis process. SNAP A and B contain these said nutrients whereas SNAP A is full of

macronutrients, while SNAP B is full of micronutrients which plays a significant role in several

branches including growth, metabolism, and photosynthesis (McManus, 2021). Most soil-based

fertilizers solely focus on macronutrients. It is proven that many micronutrients react much better

with macronutrients when diluted in water to become a concentrated liquid (Jill, 2020).

Information about Hydroponically Grown Purple Onions

Purple onions are one of the easiest plants to grow in a hydroponic system. Depending on

the cultivar, onion seeds usually germinate in 6 to 10 days (Davis, 2021). Onions are flexible when

it comes to their nutrient requirements since they do not require a lot of fertilizer. Plants grow more

quickly with hydroponics because they receive the exact nutrition they require for growth. Also,

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plants grown hydroponically are healthier compared to plants grown in soil, they are also less

prone to pests and diseases (Harper, 2020).

Disadvantages of Hydroponics

According to Larry Johnson (2018), there is no need to apply significant amounts of

pesticides in hydroponics because it eliminates soil and soil-borne pests and disease, however

because hydroponically grown plants are cultivated in water rather than soil, the risk of waterborne

disease is much higher. A waterborne disease can destroy all the plants in a hydroponics system in

a matter of hours during extreme circumstances (Trees.com Staff, 2021). These waterborne

diseases also create a serious threat particularly those species Fusarium, Pythium, and

Phytophthora (Suarez-Caceres et al., 2021). Another limitation is that extreme problems can affect

hydroponic crops quicker, since there is no soil to act as a barrier which can adapt from changes

in temperature and even protect plants from invaders (O’Keeffe, 2016).

Growing Conditions for Hydroponics

Hydroponically grown plants usually need water, nutrients, light, carbon dioxide, oxygen,

the right temperature, and the right pH value. Water is a vital component of plant growth because

it gives moisture to the plant and is required for metabolic processes (HUGB, 2019). Nutrient

solutions or hydroponic fertilizers are also needed to supply NPK, macro- and micronutrients that

are essential for a plant’s growth (Meselmani, 2022). Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is required

for the plant’s photosynthesis, which in turn releases Oxygen that improves the plant’s absorption

to nutrients (UCSB ScienceLine, 2012). In addition, hydroponics requires water temperature that

is between 18 to 26 C (Spengler, 2021).

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MATERIALS AND METHODS

Location and Duration of the Study

1 kg of Lakatan Bananas, 18 Fuji Apples, and 1kg Purple Onions were bought from a local

market in Novaliches, Bayan. The pH Testing method was performed at Cresta Verde, Novaliches,

Quezon City. This study was conducted from January 2022 and ended two months after in March

2022.

Figure 1. Procurement of Figure 2. Procurement of Fuji Figure 3. Procurement of

Lakatan Bananas Apples Purple Onions
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion, 2022) 2022) Diccion, 2022)

Research Design

This study used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) wherein three different treatments

were applied to 24 replicates (8 replicates per treatment) randomly considering the controlled

variables such as the size of hydroponic setups, amount of water per treatment, water temperature,

duration of observation, size of apples, size of bananas, and the size of purple onions. There is one

positive control and one negative control. Meanwhile there will be three different treatments to be

used in the experiment; T1 with 8 Lakatan Banana Peels: 16 Fuji Apple Peels: 15 L of Filtered

Water which will be the experimental group, T2 with Store-bought Nutrient Solution SNAP A&B,

2 Tbsp. of SNAP A: 2 Tbsp. of SNAP B: 15 L of Filtered Water which will be the positive control,

and T3 with 15 L of Filtered Water only, which will be the negative control.

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TREATMENTS REPLICATES
T1 R5 R14 R7 R23 R11 R3 R17 R8

8 Lakatan
Banana Peels: 16
Fuji Apple
Peels: 15 L of
Filtered Water
T2 R15 R20 R9 R1 R18 R13 R24 R4
2 Tbsp. SNAP
A: 2 Tbsp.
SNAP B: 15 L of
Filtered Water
T3 R22 R2 R16 R12 R6 R21 R19 R10
15 L of Filtered
Water only

Materials

The materials and equipment needed for this study were the following: twenty-four purple

onions (Allium cepa L.), nine Lakatan bananas (Musa acuminata), eighteen Fuji apples (Malus

domestica), Styrofoam boxes with eight holes for Hydroponics (including the cups), 500 ml

Nutrient Solution, pH Meter, gloves, a mini compact blender, filtration system, aluminum trays,

tablespoons, 1.5 L measuring cup, containers, peeler, and a plastic wrap.\

Figure 4. Purple Onions Figure 5. Lakatan bananas (Musa Figure 6. Fuji apples (Malus
(Allium cepa L.) acuminata) domestica)
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion, 2022) 2022) Diccion, 2022)

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Figure 7. Hydroponic boxes Figure 8. Nutrient solution (Snap Figure 9. pH meter

A & B)
(Photos taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion & I. Costales, 2022) (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, Diccion, 2022)
2022)

Figure 10. Plastic gloves Figure 11. Mini compact blender Figure 12. Filtration system
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao, (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion, 2022) 2022) Diccion, 2022)

Figure 13. Aluminum trays Figure 14. Tablespoons Figure 15. 15 L Measuring cup

(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion, 2022) 2022) Diccion, 2022)

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Figure 16. Containers Figure 17. Peelers Figure 18. Plastic wrap
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion, 2022) 2022) Diccion, 2022)

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GENERAL PROCEDURE

A. Flowchart of the Procedures

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B. Procurement of Materials

Twenty-four purple onions (Allium cepa L.), nine Lakatan bananas (Musa acuminata) and

eighteen Fuji apples (Malus domestica) were bought from a local store in Novaliches, Bayan,

Quezon City. Necessary materials such as the three Styrofoam boxes with eight holes for

Hydroponics, 500 mL store-bought nutrient solution (Snap A & B), and pH meter, were bought

from an online shop.

Figure 19. Bought Purple Figure 20. Bought Lakatan Figure 21. Bought Fuji
onions (Allium cepa L.) bananas (Musa acuminata) apples (Malus domestica)
(Photos taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion & I. Costales, 2022) 2022) Diccion, 2022)

Figure 22. Delivered Figure 23. Delivered Nutrient Figure 24. Delivered pH
Styrofoam hydroponic boxes solution (Snap A & B) meter
(Photos taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion & I. Costales, 2022) 2022) Diccion, 2022)

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C. Preparation of Materials

Nine Lakatan bananas were peeled by hand while wearing gloves, and the eighteen Fuji

apples were peeled using a peeler. These fruit peels were placed inside the trays, making sure that

the peels were not sticking together so that the sunlight will be equally distributed. The trays were

covered with plastic wrap, set aside, and kept at room temperature. After that, 15 L of water

(negative control) was gathered and purified through a filtration process, by utilizing a countertop

filtration system that was already installed and connected to a faucet on the researcher’s place.

Figure 25. Peeling process of Figure 26. Peeled Lakatan Figure 27. Peeled Fuji
a Fuji apple bananas (Musa acuminata) apples (Malus domestica)
(Photo taken by: A.G. Ramos, (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
2022) 2022) Diccion, 2022)

Figure 28. Fruit peels placed Figure 29. Filtration and

in aluminum trays gathering process of water
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photos taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion, 2022) Diccion, 2022)

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D. Preparation of the Solution

After ensuring that the peels were equally distributed in the trays, the peels were sun dried

for 4 days. The banana peels were exposed to sunlight for 6 hours every day, and the apple peels

for 7 hours every day. This minimized the moisture content and reduced the possibility of the peels

being contaminated. The sun drying process was also conducted until the second week of February.

Subsequently, the sun-dried fruit peels were blended and powderized for 2-3 minutes using a mini

compact blender.

Figure 30. Day 1 of sun drying Figure 31. Day 2 of sun drying
process process
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion,
2022) 2022)

Figure 32. Day 3 of sun Figure 33. Day 4 of sun drying Figure 34. Blending process
drying process process of dried Fuji apple peels
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, (Photos taken by: M.S.
Diccion, 2022) 2022) Boarao, 2022)

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Figure 35. Blending process Figure 36. Powderized Fuji apple Figure 37. Powderized
of dried Lakatan banana peels (Malus domestica) peels Lakatan banana (Musa
acuminata) peels
(Photos taken by: M.S. (Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao,
Boarao, 2022) 2022) (Photo taken by: M.S.
Boarao, 2022)

E. Preparation of Hydroponic Setups

Three Styrofoam boxes along with its cups were prepared for the hydroponic setup. Setup

A (Treatment 1) being for the Fuji apple and Lakatan banana peels solution, Setup B (Treatment

2) for the store-bought nutrient solution, and Setup C (Treatment 3) for the controlled group which

is only 15 L of filtered water. 15 liters of gathered filtered water, the controlled variable, were

filled on each setup. This was done by filling up a 1.5 L measuring cup with filtered water then it

was poured on each setup for ten times, eventually being 15 L of water.

Setup A

Setup B Setup C
Figure 38. Preparation of Figure 39. Preparation of Setup B Figure 40. Preparation of
Setup A (Experimental (Positive Control Group) Setup C (Negative Control
Group) Group)
(Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao,
(Photo taken by: M.S. 2022) (Photo taken by: I. Costales,
Boarao, 2022) 2022)

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Figure 41. 1.5 L of filtered Figure 42. 15 L Filtered water Figure 43. 15 L Filtered
water pouring process (Setup A) water pouring process
(Setup B)
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao,
Diccion, 2022) 2022) (Photo taken by: M.S.
Boarao, 2022)

Figure 44. 15 L Filtered water

pouring process (Setup C)
(Photo taken by: I. Costales,
2022)

F. Application of the Solution

Lakatan banana and Fuji apple powderized peels were mixed with the water on Setup A

until they are homogenized. Two (2) tablespoons of each store-bought nutrient solution (Snap A

& B) were mixed with the water on Setup B, and the plain filtered water remains as is on Setup C.

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SNAP A SNAP B

Figure 45. Mixing powderized Figure 46. Mixing two tablespoons of

fruit peels with water (Setup A) Snap A & B store bought nutrient
solution with water (Setup B)
(Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao,
2022) (Photos taken by: M.S. Boarao, 2022)

G. pH Testing

Right pH levels must be reached on each treatment because there are certain pH levels

where nutrient water falls out, thus making the plants unable to absorb the micronutrients essential

for plant growth (NoSoilSolutions, 2020). Onions are also more eligible on slightly acidic solutions

that has pH levels between 6.0 to 6.8 (Corrigan, 2016). With this, the solutions’ pH level on each

treatment were measured using a pH meter. The pH meter was first calibrated on plain filtered

water which showed 7.1. Next, the fruit peels nutrient solution was tested and showed a pH level

of 6.8, while the store-bought nutrient solution showed a pH level of 6.2-6.3.

6.80 6.22

Figure 47. pH testing on fruit Figure 48. pH testing on store

peels nutrient solution bought nutrient solution
(Setup A) (Setup B)
(Photo taken by: M.S. (Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao,
Boarao, 2022) 2022)

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H. Preparation of Replicates

Given that the hydroponic boxes came along with their cover having eight (8) holes for

each replicate, the hydroponic cups were placed on each of those holes, then, the researchers placed

one (1) purple onion inside of each cup in such a way that the roots or the bottom of the onions

were submerged on the solution.

Figure 49. Placing onions Figure 50. Placing onions inside Figure 51. Placing onions
inside each cup (Setup A) each cup (Setup A) inside each cup (Setup C)
(Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao, (Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao, (Photo taken by: I. Costales,
2022) 2022) 2022)

I. Observation of Plant and Root Growth

The setups were observed for 18 days, starting from February 22, 2022 to March 11, 2022.

The roots' length in Treatment 1 sprouted from day one and continued to grow longer during the

observation period. Some of the onion roots in Treatment 2 sprouted on day two onwards. While

Treatment 3 showed the least progress in the observation period, where the onion roots sprouted

from day ten onwards. As the observation progress continues to move forward, the roots grew

longer and some of those roots reached 20+ centimeters in terms of length.

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J. Data Gathering

For the measurement of hydroponically grown purple onion roots, the researchers used

several measuring devices such as tape measure and clock. When the onions have sprouted their

roots, the time respectively, considering the solution that made the onions sprout its roots the

fastest. The length of the roots on each treatment was also measured with a measuring tape (cm)

after 2 weeks and 4 days.

K. Statistical Analysis

In assessing the results taken from roots, the researchers used one-way analysis of variance

(ANOVA) to calculate its difference.

L. Risk and Safety

Before the experiment, the hydroponic boxes and cups were checked to ensure that there

are no other holes where the liquid might leak. Other materials such as the spoons, pH meter, trays,

peeler, etc. were sanitized before they were utilized. During the experiment, the setups were

regularly observed to keep them away from any insects or pests. After the experiment, all the

wastes were disposed of properly.

M. Proper Waste Disposal

The researchers purified the wastewater by a filtration process. Wastewater was disinfected

and sterilized before draining in the sink. The sink was disinfected and sterilized by filling the

basin with warm water while the drain is plugged. After that, a little amount of bleach was poured,

and the sink was drained after five minutes. The tablespoons used were sterilized though boiling

for five minutes. The hydroponic setups were also cleaned and were hidden for future uses.

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RESULTS

In the experiment, there are three groups prepared with each having their own set of

replicates. Eight replicates are prepared for each type of nutrient solution: store-bought, fruit peels

and filtered water. The measurements of the onion roots and time of root growth were calculated

at the end of the experiment.

A. Measurement of the Onion Roots

Table 1.

Length of Onion Roots

R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8
Treatment 1 4.6 cm 6 cm 3.5 cm 6 cm 6 cm 0 cm 0.1 cm 0.2 cm
(Experimental
Group) Fruit
Peels Nutrient
Solution
Treatment 2 27 cm 23 cm 13 cm 29 cm 26 cm 0 cm 0.3 cm 0 cm
(Positive
Control Group)
Store-bought
Nutrient
Solution SNAP
A&B
Treatment 3 0 cm 4.5 cm 1 cm 4 cm 3.5 cm 0 cm 0 cm 2 cm
(Negative
Control Group)
100% Filtered
Water
Table 1. A table that shows the result of the experiment on onion root length (in cm) within 18 days.

The table indicated that Treatment 2 (Positive Control Group) Store-bought Nutrient

Solution SNAP A & B was the most effective solution in terms of onion root length. Treatment 3,

on the other hand, was the least effective solution for onion root length.

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Length of Onion Roots (cm)

35

30 29
27
26
25 23

20

15 13

10
6 6 6
4.6 4.5 4 3.5
5 3.5
2
1
0 0.1 0.2 0 0.3 0 0 0 0
0
Treatment 1 (Fruit Peels Nutrient Treatment 2 (Store-bought Nutrient Treatment 3 (Filtered Water only)
Solution) Solution

Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 4 Replicate 5 Replicate 6 Replicate 7 Replicate 8

Graph 1. Visual representation of onion root length on each treatment.

The data collected shows the great differences between the three groups. The data gathered

shows that some replicates were either not able to produce roots and are not long enough to be

measured by a measuring tape. Although the initial results do not match the expected outcomes

for the experiment, it still shows a great accomplishment on providing nutrients for the plant.

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B. Record of Root Growth Period

Table 2.

Time of Root Growth

Nutrient Solution Time
Treatment 1 (Experimental Group) Fruit Peels 1 day 12 hours and 26 minutes
Nutrient Solution

Treatment 2 (Positive Control Group) Store- 2 days 12 hours and 10 minutes

bought Nutrient Solution SNAP A & B

Treatment 3 (Negative Control Group) 100% 10 days 7 hours and 40 mins

Filtered Water
Table 2. A table showing the time where the onion roots finally started sprouting.

This table shows the initial time of root growth as per every treatment. In the experimental

group, the fruit peels nutrient solution was able to make the purple onion roots sprout the fastest,

within 1 day 12 hours and 26 minutes. On the other hand, the positive control group was able to

make the roots sprout within 2 days 12 hours and 10 minutes. The negative control group, which

only used 15 L of filtered water, took the longest in making the onion roots sprout, within 10 days

7 hours and 40 minutes.

The fruit peels nutrient solution was able to grow 3 centimeters of root in just one day.

While the store-bought nutrient solution has shown its success by making the roots grow for 6

centimeters in two days.

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DISCUSSION

Descriptive Statistics

Table 3.

Measures of Central Tendency: Root Length in cm

Mean Median Mode Range Standard
Deviation
(Sample)
Treatment 1 3.3 6 6 6 2.786
(Experimental Group)
Fruit Peels Nutrient
Solution
Treatment 2 14.7875 27.5 0 29 13.064
(Positive Control
Group) Store-bought
Nutrient Solution
SNAP A & B
Treatment 3 1.875 1.5 0 4.5 1.904
(Negative Control
Group) 100% Filtered
Water
In general, 6.654 3.5 0 29 6.204
Table 3. A table that shows the mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation of each treatment.

The table shows that all the replicates of each treatment had a mean of 6.654 cm in terms

of root length. 3.3 cm for Treatment 1, 14.7875 cm for Treatment 2, and 1.875 cm for Treatment

3. Treatment 2 showed the greatest mean for root length, Treatment 1 wasn’t as promising as

treatment 2, but it surpassed treatment 3 which had the least mean for root length. The median was

3.5 cm, which was the middle value for each root length. Lastly, the mode is 0 cm, which is the

measurement that was recorded the most.

The standard deviations were also computed. The results of the computations were: 2.786

cm for fruit peels nutrient solution, 13.064 cm for store-bought nutrient solution, and 1.904 cm for

filtered water.

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One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

Table 4.

ANOVA Summary
Source Degree of Sum of Mean F-statistic P-value Decision
Freedom Squares Square value
(DF) (SS) (MS)
Between 2 801.9358 400.9679 6.60705 0.00594 Reject
Groups the Ho
Within 21 1274.4458 60.6879
Groups
Total: 23 2076.3816
Table 4. ANOVA summary of the study including the degree of freedom, sum of squares, mean squares, f-statistic
value, and the p-value

The output of One-way ANOVA on the Synergistic Effect of Powderized Banana Peel and

Apple Peel to Purple Onions Grown Hydroponically is shown in the table. While the significance

level is set at 0.05 or 5%, the computed p-value is 0.00594, indicating that the chances of the null

event occurring are low. The researchers are certain that 0.00594 < 0.05, and as a result, the null

hypothesis was rejected. There is enough evidence to suggest that the synergy of Banana Peel and

Apple Peel have a significant effect on Purple Onions Grown Hydroponically. It was discovered

that the treatments with water, mixed with nutrient solutions, notably Treatments 1 and 2, differ

significantly from Treatment 3 (filtered water only) in terms of root growth.

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R5 R14 R7 R23

R11 R3 R17 R8

Treatment 1. Powderized Lakatan Banana Peel and Fuji Apple Peel Nutrient Solution
Onion Root Length
(Photos taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, 2022)

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R15 R20 R1
R9

R18 R13
R24 R4

Treatment 2. Store-bought Nutrient Solution (SNAP A & B)

Onion Root Length
(Photos taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, 2022)

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R2 R16 R12
R22

R6 R21 R19 R10

Treatment 3. 15 L of Filtered Water Only

Onion Root Length
(Photos taken by: I. Costales, 2022)

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CONCLUSION

Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that the synergy of Banana (Musa

paradisiaca Linn.) Peel and Apple (Malus domestica) Peel used as nutrient solution showed

significant effect on Purple Onions (Allium cepa L.) Grown Hydroponically. The fruit peels

nutrient solution was able to supply enough nutrients to the purple onions, given that its root length

had an average measurement of 3.3 cm. While using this fruit peels nutrient solution, it clearly

showed a fast progress since it made the purple onion roots sprout within its first day of

observation. Not only can it help in maintaining the waste load in the environment by promoting

an organic solution, but it can also sustain the agricultural field as it is a cheaper alternative to a

store-bought solution. It is also more accessible in some areas especially where farmers cannot

afford a nutrient solution for their farming journey. Waste management wherein our society

struggles to take action can also be minimized, given that it deals with reusing the peels rather than

just throwing them away considering that it takes months to decompose.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The researchers strongly suggest that the other parts of apples, such as the seeds, meat, and

core, as well as the bare body of a banana, should be studied further. Different sorts of bananas,

such as lakatan, saba, and lagkitan, are also recommended, other types of water, such as filtered,

mineral, and alkaline, and other types of apples, such as gala, golden, and red apples. Because the

researchers only used one container for the fruit peels and only studied for 18 days, it is

recommended that the nutritional solution be changed every day or every six days. Aside from

that, the researchers suggest that the experiment be observed for a longer amount of time, as the

researchers only spent 18 days, or the equivalent of 2 weeks and 4 days, on the experiment.

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Moreover, the researchers found that the experimental group, namely the fruit peel nutritional

solution group, had an unpleasant odor during the observation. They also advise extending the sun

drying process or experimenting with alternative methods of drying fruit peels, such as solar

cabinet drying and hot-air drying. Lastly, the researchers recommend variation on the treatments

by providing different concentration levels.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First and foremost, the researchers would like to convey our sincere gratitude to the

following people who helped in completing the study:

Ms. Juvy T. Rendaje, the adult sponsor and the class adviser, for the continuous support

all throughout the experimentation, and for giving advice to make the study better.

Mrs. Sylvia Mamuyac and Mr. Joseph Palisoc, the scientist department head and school

principal, for letting the researchers excuse themselves to finish the study on time.

Lilibeth V. Malto and Cesar T. Costales, the parents of the two members from this

research group, for procuring the materials needed, giving assistance to the experiment, and the

researchers during the study.

And to the families of the other researchers, for their unwavering support from the start to

the finish of the research.

Especially to the members of the study for all contributing and taking part in the research:

IC Green S. Costales

Aaron Gerard Ds. Ramos

Ma. Ailah Jolie M. Diccion

Maria Cassandra Arabelle R. Complido

Jenell T. Martinez

Shanta Unah Daniella B. Sarmiento

Athena Jayvonne A. Jacinto

Mary Stephanie B. Boarao

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APPENDIX

Receipts

Figure 52. Store-bought Nutrient Solution Snap Figure 53. pH Meter Receipt
A & B Receipt
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, 2022)
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, 2022)

Figure 54. Hydroponic Setup Receipt Figure 55. Hydroponic Setup Receipt
(experimental and positive control group) (negative control group)
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, 2022) (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion, 2022)

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Figure 56. Lakatan banana, Fuji apples, and purple onions receipt
(Photo taken by: J. Martinez, 2022)

Cost Estimate

Figure 57. Cost Estimate

(Made by: A.G. Ramos & M.S. Boarao, 2022)

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Other Pictures

Figure 58. Bought pH Meter Figure 59. Hydroponic cup Figure 60. Hydroponic cup
with an onion
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion,
Diccion, 2022) 2022) (Photo taken by: I. Costales,
2022)

Figure 61. Fuji Apple peels Figure 62. Lakatan Banana peels Figure 63. Sun drying
process
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion,
Diccion, 2022) 2022) (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion, 2022)

Figure 64. Sun drying process Figure 65. Sun drying process Figure 66. Sun drying
process
(Photo taken by: M.A.J. (Photo taken by: M.A.J. Diccion,
Diccion, 2022) 2022) (Photo taken by: M.A.J.
Diccion, 2022)

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R4PJP01 – LS-I APRIL 2022

Figure 67. Transferring dried Figure 68. Blending process of Figure 69. Blending process
apple peels into blender dried apple peels of dried banana peels
(Photo taken by: M.S. (Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao, (Photo taken by: M.S.
Boarao, 2022) 2022) Boarao, 2022)

Figure 70. Pouring process of Figure 71. Setup A Figure 72. Mixing process
water into Setup A of powderized peels into
(Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao,
water on Setup A
(Photo taken by: M.S. 2022)
Boarao, 2022) (Photo taken by: M.S.
Boarao, 2022)

Figure 73. Putting 2 Tbsp. of Figure 74. Putting 2 Tbsp. of Figure 75. Placing an onion
Snap A on water Snap B on water inside a hydroponic cup
(Photo taken by: M.S. (Photo taken by: M.S. Boarao, (Photo taken by: M.S.
Boarao, 2022) 2022) Boarao, 2022)

POPE JOHN PAUL II 45