CONTEXT PROBLEM ALTERNATIVES

When does the problem occur? What is the root cause of the problem? What do customers do now to fix the problem?

The problem occurs when the water pollution which Water pollution in the Philippines stems from various Activated Zingiber Officinale Extract
composed of toxins, pathogens, and chemicals sources including industrial discharge, agricultural
affects the public health. It also touches on the runoff, improper waste disposal, urbanization, and Ginger root extract, derived from the root of the
environmental impacts of conventional disinfection inadequate sanitation practices. These factors Zingiber Officinale plant native to Southeast
methods. introduce pollutants such as chemicals, heavy Asia, holds a significant historical background in
metals, pathogens, and organic matter into water both conventional and complementary
bodies, posing risks to human health and the therapies, as noted by Surh et al. (2013). This
environment. Chlorine is commonly used for water extract is rich in gingerols, bioactive compounds
disinfection in the Philippines to combat microbial known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
contamination, but its interaction with organic matter and antibacterial properties.
can lead to the formation of disinfection byproducts
(DBPs) like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic In response to the challenges and complexities
acids (HAAs), which are associated with adverse associated with water treatment, researchers
health effects including cancer and reproductive initiated a study aimed at reducing chlorine
issues. Challenges arise due to limited water usage in domestic wastewater treatment by
treatment facilities, high levels of organic matter in utilizing activated Zingiber Officinale Extract.
water sources, insufficient monitoring and regulation, With the Philippines experiencing rapid
and the vulnerability to climate change impacts. population growth, water concessionaires face a
dilemma regarding the use of chemicals and
To address these challenges, alternative disinfection conventional methods that may pose
method like using ginger could be considered, along environmental risks in exchange for combating
with improvements in water treatment infrastructure, chemical contamination. Hence, this study
promotion of proper sanitation practices, and endeavors to explore the potential of Zingiber
implementation of source water protection measures Officinale Extract as a chlorine alternative in
to enhance drinking water safety in the country. wastewater disinfection, aiming to aid society
and governmental efforts in addressing
wastewater treatment challenges and enhancing
public health and well-being.

Ginger's widespread availability across various

geographic regions makes it a potentially
accessible and cost-effective option for water
disinfection, particularly in areas where
 conventional techniques may be impractical or
financially burdensome.
CUSTOMERS EMOTIONAL IMPACT ALTERNATIVE SHORTCOMINGS
Who has the problem most often? How does the customer feel? What are the disadvantages of the alternatives?

The Zingiber Officinale Extract plays a role in a The use of water disinfectants in the Philippines is While ginger possesses some antimicrobial
number of crucial areas, including societal well- paramount for protecting public health by eliminating properties, it's not typically used as a
being and environmental and sanitary
harmful pathogens from water sources. However, if disinfectant due to several disadvantages:
engineering. But it is most likely beneficial to the
ginger were to be discontinued as a water
following: disinfectant, it could provoke various emotional Limited effectiveness: Ginger's antimicrobial
reactions among the population. Fear may arise due properties are not as potent or broad-spectrum
Municipal Water Treatment Plants: to concerns about the safety and purity of drinking as those of traditional disinfectants like alcohol
Municipalities use chlorine to disinfect drinking water, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such or bleach.
water supplies, ensuring that water is safe for as children, the elderly, and those with weakened
consumption by killing harmful bacteria, viruses, immune systems. Residue: Ginger extracts may leave a sticky or
and other pathogens. oily residue when applied, which can attract dirt
Frustration might develop among individuals reliant and dust, potentially counteracting its
Swimming Pools and Spa Facilities: Chlorine is on consistent access to clean water for daily needs. disinfecting effects.
commonly used to sanitize swimming pool and The discontinuation of ginger without a viable
spa water, preventing the growth of algae and alternative could be seen as a setback, leading to Stability: Ginger's active compounds may
controlling the spread of waterborne illnesses frustration over perceived delays in addressing water degrade quickly when exposed to light, air, or
among swimmers. quality issues. heat, reducing its efficacy over time.
Food and Beverage Processing: The food and Residents may also feel anger toward authorities or Sensitivity: Some individuals may have allergic
beverage industry utilizes chlorine for sanitizing water management entities if they view the decision reactions or skin sensitivities to ginger, limiting
equipment, cleaning food processing surfaces, to discontinue ginger as irresponsible or neglectful. its use as a disinfectant in certain settings.
and disinfecting water used in food and beverage This frustration could stem from concerns about
production to maintain hygiene and safety public health and the perceived consequences of However, while ginger has some potential as a
standards. inadequate water treatment measures. natural antimicrobial agent, it's not commonly
used as a disinfectant due to these limitations.
Wastewater Treatment Plants: Chlorine is In summary, ceasing the use of ginger as a water
employed in wastewater treatment plants to disinfectant in the Philippines could evoke significant
disinfect effluent water before it is discharged into emotional responses, underscoring the importance of
the environment, reducing the spread of thoughtful planning, clear communication, and
waterborne diseases and minimizing community involvement in water management
environmental contamination. decisions.
 QUANTIFIABLE IMPACT
Laundry and Cleaning Services: Chlorine- What is the measurable impact (include units)?
based bleach is commonly used in laundry
facilities and cleaning services for whitening The measurable impact of discontinuing the use of
clothes, removing stains, and disinfecting ginger as an alternative to chlorine as a water
surfaces. disinfectant in the Philippines could have several
implications, particularly concerning cost-
Manufacturing Industries: Various effectiveness and sustainability in wastewater
manufacturing industries use chlorine as a treatment operations. If testing reveals ginger
chemical intermediate in the production of extract as a viable disinfectant, ceasing its use could
plastics, solvents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, result in missed opportunities for cost savings and
and other industrial chemicals. increased sustainability in water treatment. The
continued reliance on chlorine may maintain higher
Medical and Healthcare Facilities: Chlorine- chemical disinfection costs, potentially straining
based disinfectants are used in medical and limited resources and increasing financial burdens on
healthcare settings for sterilizing medical water treatment facilities and consumers.
equipment, sanitizing surfaces, and preventing
the spread of infections in healthcare facilities. Moreover, the failure to explore alternative,
potentially more sustainable disinfection methods
Pulp and Paper Industry: Chlorine is used in could hinder progress towards achieving
the bleaching process of pulp and paper environmental and sustainability goals in wastewater
production to whiten paper products and remove treatment operations. Therefore, the decision to
impurities. cease the use of ginger as a disinfectant could result
in tangible economic and environmental
consequences, highlighting the importance of
carefully evaluating and considering all available
options to ensure the most efficient and sustainable
water treatment practices in the Philippines. Overall,
the decision could have far-reaching consequences
across health, environmental, economic, and social
dimensions, emphasizing the need for careful
consideration and evaluation of alternatives.