Chapter 1

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

The Earth is filled with more than a hundred different elements. The

activities between interacting materials prove an abundance of elements in

the universe. Scientific advances showed that there were more elements

that everyone needs to survive in this World. There are several kinds of

elements that are harmful in human, that was given special attention

throughout the globe due to their toxic and harmful effect even at very low

concentrations.

Heavy metals are known to be a major problem in our environments.

Heavy metals are trace metals which are detrimental to human health and

having a density at least five times that of water and are toxic or poisonous

at low concentrations. One of these is the arsenic; it is known to be

extremely toxic and carcinogenic, like all arsenic compounds (Grund, 2008).

This element has been identified as a risk to human health through the

consumption of vegetable crops (Bedassa et al. 2007). Mineral Yearbook

(2008) suggested that Arsenic can be used as precursor to a variety of

pesticides. It has found occasional use as a wood preservative, a broad-

spectrum biocide, a finishing agent for glass and metal, and a reagent in the

synthesis of some dyestuffs and organic arsenic compounds.

 High quality vegetable is very important for human health. Nutrients

play a significant role in improving productivity and quality of crops. Allium

cepa or onion and also called bulb onion is one of the most consumed

vegetable in our diverse uses. Global production of onion in 2008 was

second only to tomatoes among horticultural crops: more than 73 million

metric tons, other leading producers were India, Australia, the United

States, Pakistan and Turkey (FAO, 1998). According to Brewster J.L. (1994)

onions produce Sulphur-containing compounds (such us cysteine sulfoxide)

probably for defense against fungi and insects that, together with their

breakdown products, produce their distinction odour, flavour, and

lachrymatory (tear stimulating) properties. From these producing of onion,

onion was not only use for cooking but also used for scientific uses.

Biotechnologist Rahul Negi et al. (2011) explained how waste from

processing and canning of onion (Allium cepa A.) and garlic could be used as

an alternative remediation material for removing toxic elements from

contaminated materials including industrial effluent. Metal adsorption is

significantly influenced by the initial concentration of metal ions in aqueous

solutions. The increasing presence of heavy metals in water, soil, and also in

our food is triggered phenomenon all around the World. A metal with a

specific gravity of 5.0 or greater is toxic to organisms, onions waste from

market and food canning processes were used for adsorption for mercury

2
(Hg), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), and etc. from multi components system

at different adsorbent.

The purpose of this study is to observe and test the Allium cepa on its

effectivity as a potential indicator for arsenic. The findings of this study will

redound to the benefit of the society considering that heavy metals are hard

to spot with the absence of affordable and accessible equipment.

Research Paradigm

The researcher will use Input-Process-Output variable diagram for

easiest way to see the process of the research.

Figure 1: Research Paradigm

As seen on Figure 1, the input of the process is the Allium cepa as

potential indicator for arsenic in two selected water samples: Tap water and

deep well water. The process of the study is through observation and

3
laboratory testing for the Allium cepa which is perform by the F.A.S.T.

Laboratory. At last, the output of the study is the test result.

Statement of the Problem

1. What is the observed change of onion as it was exposed to:

1.1 deep well water, and

1.2 tap water?

2. What is the percentage of arsenic absorbed by the Allium cepa

from the selected water samples:

2.1 deep well water, and

2.2 tap water?

3. What water sample has a large percentage of arsenic? Is Allium

cepa can be a potential indicator for arsenic?

Scope and Delimitation

The study is a home-based experiment in nature on which the

researchers observe the changes of the Allium cepa and the researcher

will go to F.A.S.T. laboratory for distinguishing the percentage of the

arsenic in selected water samples and focused on Allium cepa whether

it’s an effective indicator for arsenic or not. The experiment will be using

two water samples which include the tap water and deep-well water.

This will show the different reactions of Allium cepa to different liquids

and pinpoints liquids with the heaviest metal contaminant, from the

4
range of 3 days of observation. The researcher limited this study by

using only 300 grams of onions in each of two water samples, and

without any specific place where the water samples gather, and age and

size of the Allium cepa and the researcher need to present the data from

the F.A.S.T. Laboratory.

Significance of the Study

The significance of the study is to be proven effective, and the

good quality of knowledge can be obtained by everyone. Community and

household will surely give positive response if this study will be success.

The result of this study will benefit the following:

Teacher. This will give an observational experimentation for science

teacher as demonstration to the study.

Students. It may provide various importance through the observation in

Allium cepa the students are expected to have greater learning about the

other use of onion and give them knowledge on how to determine if the

water is contaminated or not by heavy metals. Students can have better

understanding due to the result of this study.

Households. The benefit of this study in every household is it can be

very easy to indicate the heavy metals in their houses.

Schools. It can give safe and clean water sources, since the researcher

focuses on the water samples in a specific school.

5
Definition of terms

Allium cepa (onion). The researcher used it as an alternative

remediation material for detecting the heavy metals.

Arsenic. The independent variable of the study. It is a heavy metal

which is needed to determine the percentage from each Allium cepa.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). It is a

method used by F.A.S.T Laboratories which is capable of detecting

metals and several non-metals.

Heavy Metals. They are the element that has been identified as risk to

human health and the main problem in the research that needed to solve

by the researcher.

Percentage. The mathematical unit used to measure the percentage of

arsenic in different water samples.

Water Samples. It is the subject used by the researcher to know if

there are heavy metals absorb from it. It includes the tap water and

deep well.

6
 Chapter 2

Review Related Literature and Studies

This chapter contains some articles related to the topics. Also, this

chapter will prepare the readers to better assimilate and understand the

concepts of the study and gives him a good eye view of the quality of

readings the researcher has done in support of this study. It is significant

to evaluate some references and for the researcher to have a

comprehensive and relevant body of supporting materials to his research

work.

Composition of Allium Cepa

The onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most consumed vegetables

all around the world. It is a vegetable that is most widely cultivated

species of the genus Allium and its close relatives include the garlic,

leek, and chive (Block E. 2010). The onion plant needs from claiming

hollow, bluish-green abandons what's more its knob toward the build of

the plant starts on swell at a specific day-length may be arrived at. The

bulbs are created from claiming shortened, compressed, underground

stems encompassed. In the harvest time (or on spring, on account of

overwintering onions), the foliage dies down and the external layers of

the knob turned into dry also fragile. The crop will be reaped what's

more dried and the onions would prime to utilization alternately

stockpiling. Those crops will be inclined should strike by an amount

7
about pests and diseases, especially the onion fly, those onion eelworm,

and different growths cause decaying. A portion variety of a Cepa, for

example, shallots furthermore, potato onions, handle different bulbs.

This kind of vegetable is very important to human health. Nutrients

play a significant role in improving productivity and the quality of crops.

According to National Onions Association (2011), onions are small and

their tissues leave little or no trace, there is no conclusive opinion about

the exact location and time of their birth. Many archaeologists and food

historians believe onions originated in central Asia. Other research

suggests onions were first grown in Iran and West Pakistan. It is

presumed that our predecessors discovered and started eating wild

onions very early – long before farming or even writing was invented.

Very likely, this humble vegetable was a staple in the prehistoric diet.

According to Slimestad, R. et al. (2007), the point when

consuming cooked onions, potentially because of the denaturing of the

proteins starting with cooking. The onion has different varieties

depending on its phytochemical content. The red onion has 10%

flavonoid content while yellow onion is 11 times higher over white onion.

Onion polyphenols are under crucial examination on figuring out their

possible living properties over people. Newly curtailed onions frequently

all the result in a stinging sensation in the eyes for individuals nearby,

also frequently all the wild mournful. This will be brought about by the

8
discharge of an unstable gas, syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which fortifies

nerves in the eye. This gas may be processed eventually perusing a

chain from claiming responses which serve concerning illustration a

resistance mechanism: chopping an onion reasons harm on units which

discharges proteins known as alliinases. These breaks down amino

sulfoxides also produce sulfenic acids. A particular sulfenic acid, 1-

propenesulfenic acids, is quickly acted around by a second enzyme, the

lacrimatory figure synthase handling those syn-propanethial-S-oxides.

This gas diffuses through this air. Furthermore, before long achieves the

eyes, the place it activates tangible neurons. Lacrimal organs prepare

sorrowful will weaken. Also flush out the aggravation. Eye aggravation

could be avoided toward cutting onions under running water, alternately

submerged on a bowl of water. Abandoning that root end soundness also

diminishes aggravation as the onion build need a higher fixation of sulfur

microscopic organisms mixes over whatever remains of those knob

(Block, E. 2010).

Once the freshly onions cut it often cause a stinging sensation in

the eyes and often uncontrollable tears in the people nearby on it. This

brought by unstable gas, called syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which is

stimulate nerve in the eyes of a certain person. After the onion is cut, it

will harm the units of protein called allinases. Which is held through the

producing of a specific sulfnic acids that diffuses through the air and the

9
tangible neurons activate the lacrimal organs for sorrowful feeling of a

person. It can be prevented by cutting onions under running water or

alternately submerged it on a bowl of water.

Common onions are normally available in three colour varieties.

Yellow or brown onions (called red in some European countries), are full-

flavoured and are the onions of choice for everyday use, with many

cultivars bred specifically to demonstrate this sweetness. Significant

contrasts exist between onion varieties on phytochemical content,

especially to polyphenols, with shallots Hosting those most noteworthy

level, six times the measure discovered over Vidalia onions. Yellow

onions have the most elevated aggregate flavonoid content, a measure

11 times higher over white onions. Red onions bring respectable

substance from claiming anthocyanin pigments, with in any event 25

separate exacerbates recognized speaking to 10% of downright flavonoid

content.

Onion polyphenols are under essential scrutinize to figure out their

conceivable living properties over people. Indications could incorporate

contact dermatitis, powerful itching, rhino conjunctivitis, smeared vision,

bronchial, asthma, sweating, furthermore hypersensitivity.

Hypersensitive responses might not happen.

10
Benefits of Onion as Cheap Indicator

Onions have also given significant benefits as a cheaper indicator

than the modernized indicator for heavy metals. These natural products

are either synthesized or extracted from aromatic herbs, spices, and

medicinal plants. Of increasing interest is the use of medicinal plant

extracts as corrosion inhibitors for metals in acid solutions. This is

because these plants serve as incredibly rich sources of naturally

synthesized chemical compounds that are environmentally acceptable,

in-expensive, readily available, and renewable sources of materials.

These chemicals include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides,

tannins, saponins, fats and oils, and carbohydrates, and so forth. Several

plants extract and eco-friendly inhibitors attracted the researchers.

Investigation of natural inhibitors is particularly interesting because they

are non-expensive, ecologically friendly/acceptable and possess no

threat to the environment (Amalraj, A.J. et al. 2012). These kinds of

cheap indicators give importance to the safeness and security of the

environment and prolong the life of onions through the uses of it. Given

its ecologically friendly, acceptable to the environment and its being an

in-expensive material.

By its being eco-friendly inhibitors attracted the researches to use

it as bio-indicator for heavy metals. Bioremediation is an essential

process to take up detrimental organic pollutants and contaminants that

11
are present in our environment. Some botanical species have the ability

to remove the contamination of harmful pollutants such as heavy metals,

that a means of cleaning up the environment from toxic materials. Allium

plants are known as a source of many different sulphuric compounds,

which have similar metabolic pathway with phytochelatins and cysteine

as a basic precursor of phytochelatin, thiosulfate and sulphoxide

synthesis (Block et al., 1992; Lancaster and Shaw 1989; Murasugi et al.,

1981).

Also, several Allium species are food and spice crops; hence,

knowledge on their heavy metal uptake as well as evaluation of the

potential risks in the food chains should be of a major concern. Onions

and garlics are staple ingredients in cooking and their health benefits

have been touted from centuries. Onion have been used in folk medicine

for the relief of coughs, colds and catarrh, especially asthma, but more

recently some of their curative properties have been attributed to a

compound called ally propyl disulphide, which is thought to have a

similar effect to insulin in balancing blood sugar levels. Onions prefer

loose, well-drained soils that are high in fertility, slightly acidic,

adequately irrigated and exposed to full sunlight.

Metal-contaminated soils are notoriously hard to remediate.

Current technologies resort to soil excavation and either landfilling or soil

washing followed by physical or chemical separation of the

12
contaminants. The cost of soil remediation is highly variable and depends

on the contaminants of concern, soil properties, and site conditions.

Cost estimates associated with the use of several technologies for

the cleaned up of metal-contaminated soil. Cleaning of metal-

contaminated soils via conventional engineering methods can be

prohibitively expensive. The costs estimated for the remediation of sites

contaminated with heavy metals, and heavy metals mixed with organic

compounds. Because of the light cost, there is a need for less-expensive

clean up technologies. Phytoremediation is emerging as a cost-effective

alternative. Several analyses have demonstrated that the cost of metal

phytoextraction is only a fraction of that associated with conventional

engineering technologies (Lasat, M. nd.).

There is also metal contaminated soil that is hard to remediate, so

technology has a big purpose in determining the heavy metals. In

contrast, the cost and the availability of resources have a big impact on

it.

Healthy and Polluted Onions

The onion knob needed an acceptable also plain manifestation.

However, whether it is defiled perusing growing it on waste water, its

clean presence may be transformed will also muddled manifestation

because of sullying for natural pollutants; thus, risky with human being

also a lot of people demonstrate a dirtied nature's domain.

13
 Solid onion root needs a noticeable root top what's more tissues.

In examination with defiled onion root, root top might have been run and

tissues were dead what's more emptied. Thus, dead root units show the

vicinity about destructive pollutants in the surroundings that wreck its

tissue components, rendering it perilous to human utilization (Llarena Et

al. 2016).

A healthy onion bulb has a clear and plain appearance when

observed in a microscope. However, if it is contaminated by cultivating it

in waste water, its clean appearance is changed to dark and messy

appearance due to contamination of environmental pollutants; thus,

dangerous to human health and may indicate a polluted environment,

while healthy onion has a visible root crop and tissues. In comparison to

the contaminated onion root, root cap was gone and tissues were dead

and hallowed. Thus, dead root crops indicate the presence of harmful

pollutants in the environment.

Arsenic

Arsenic is found just about everywhere. It can leach into groundwater

through rocks and soil, and is used in pesticides, wood preservatives,

and tobacco. It is also released into the environment by volcanoes and

mining processes (Wikipedia, 2017). According to Gosse et al. (2014),

arsenic in groundwater is a widespread problem. Arsenic levels tend to

be higher in drinking water that comes from ground sources, such as

14
wells, than from water from surface sources, such as lakes or reservoirs.

Researchers have learned that both short-term and long-term exposure

to arsenic can cause health problems, but they are just beginning to

understand how arsenic works in the body — what is referred to as its

modes of action. For example, researchers are finding that arsenic, even

at low levels, can interfere with the body’s endocrine system.

The endocrine system is what keeps our bodies in balance,

maintaining homeostasis and guiding growth and development. In

several cell culture and animal models, arsenic has been found to act as

an endocrine disruptor, which may underlie many of its health effects.

Other mechanisms are also likely contributors to arsenic’s health effects.

According to Ratnaike (2003) that if the arsenic poisoning occurs over a

brief period of time, symptoms may include: vomiting, abdominal pain,

encephalopathy, and watery diarrhea that contain blood. Long-term

exposure can result in thickening of the skin, darker skin, abdominal

pain, diarrhea, heart disease, numbness, and cancer.

Occurrence in Drinking Water

The arsenic can be detected by the used of inductively coupled

plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), a type of mass spectrometry that

is highly sensitive. It can see a range of metals and several non-metals

at concentrations below one part in 10 (part per trillion). It is based on

hooking together an inductively coupled plasma as a method of

15
producing ions (ionization) with a mass spectrometer as a method of

separating and detecting the ions. Many chemists use Argon as a carrier

gas to make the plasma. The machine sends the sample ions through a

series of small cones. The cones let the plasma ions slowly enter the

vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer (Klotz et al.,2013).

In trace elemental analysis, the method has advantages of high

speed, precision and sensitivity compared to atomic absorption

techniques. Analysis of lower concentrations at the same time is more

prone to disruption by trace contaminants in lab ware and reagents

used. Some analyses cannot work with ICP-MS. Verification of analysis

results requires additional work. Arsenic forms colorless, odorless,

crystalline oxides As2O3 ("white arsenic") and As2O5 which are

hygroscopic and readily soluble in water to form acidic solutions.

According to Megharg (2005), the maximum level of inorganic arsenic

permitted in U.S. drinking water is 10 parts per billion (ppb).

This recommendation was established based on the limit of

detection for most laboratories' testing equipment at the time of

publication of the WHO water quality guidelines. More recent findings

show that consumption of water with levels as low as 0.00017 mg/L

(0.17 parts per billion) over long periods of time can lead to arsenicosis.

This standard was set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA).

16
 Some states, such as New Jersey, have more stringent drinking

water standards for arsenic than 10 ppb. There are no arsenic water

standards for private wells. Arsenic(V) acid is a weak acid and the salts

are called arsenates, the most common arsenic contamination of

groundwater, and a problem that affects many people. Synthetic

arsenates include Scheele's Green (cupric hydrogen arsenate, acidic

copper arsenate), calcium arsenate, and lead hydrogen arsenate. These

three have been used as agricultural insecticides and poisons

(Greenwood and Earnshaw). Based on the study of Megharg (2005), that

arsenic was the one of the most problem on their country that extensive

arsenic contamination of groundwater has led to widespread of arsenic

poisoning in Bangladesh and neighboring countries.

According to Henke(2009), it is estimated that approximately 57

million people in the Bengal basin are drinking groundwater with arsenic

concentrations elevated above the World Health Organization's standard

of 10 parts per billion (ppb) the United States, arsenic is most commonly

found in the ground waters of the southwest. Parts of New England,

Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas are also known to have

significant concentrations of arsenic in ground water. Increased levels of

skin cancer have been associated with arsenic exposure in Wisconsin,

even at levels below the 10 part per billion drinking water standards.

According to a recent film funded by the US Superfund, millions of

17
private wells have unknown arsenic levels, and in some areas of the US,

more than 20% of the wells may contain levels that exceed established

limits.

Low-level exposure to arsenic at concentrations of 100 parts per

billion (i.e., above the 10 parts per billion drinking water standard)

compromises the initial immune response to H1N1 or swine flu infection

according to NIEHS-supported scientists. According to Knobeloch et al.

(2006), the study, conducted in laboratory mice, suggests that people

exposed to arsenic in their drinking water may be at increased risk for

more serious illness or death from the virus. Some Canadians are

drinking water that contains inorganic arsenic. Private-dug–well waters

are most at risk for containing inorganic arsenic.

Exposure Risks and Remediation

Occupational exposure and arsenic poisoning may occur in persons

working in industries involving the use of inorganic arsenic and its

compounds, such as wood preservation, glass production, nonferrous

metal alloys, and electronic semiconductor manufacturing. Inorganic

arsenic is also found in coke oven emissions associated with the smelter

industry (United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration,

2007). According to Croal et al. (2002), the conversion between As (III)

and As (V) is a large factor in arsenic environmental contamination. The

understanding of what stimulates As (III) oxidation and/or limits As (V)

18
reduction is relevant for bioremediation of contaminated sites. The study

of chemolithoautotrophic as oxidizers and the heterotrophic As (V)

reducers can help the understanding of the oxidation and/or reduction of

arsenic.

Synthesis

According to Slimestad, R. et al. (2007) the red onion has 10%

flavonoid content while yellow onions is 11 times higher over white

onion. In addition, a particular sulfenic acid, 1-propesulfenic acid, is

quickly acted around by a second enzyme the lacrimatory figure

synthase handling those syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This gas diffuses

through the air and which fortifies nerves in the eye that cause teary

feelings (Block, E. 2010).

Onions has also given a significant benefit as a cheap indicator

than the modernized indicator for heavy metals. According to Amalraj et

al. (2012) that the natural inhibitors are particularly interesting because

they are non-expensive, ecologically friendly, acceptable and possess no

threat to the environment. In contrast, metal contaminated soils are

notoriously hard to remediate. Current technologies resort to soil

excavation and either landfilling or soil washing followed by physical or

chemical separation of the contaminants. However, the cost of soil

remediation is highly variable and depends on the contaminant’s oaf

concern, soil properties, and sites conditions (Lasat, M. nd.).

19
 According to Llarena et al. (2016) by the use of microscope it is

easy to identify whether it is healthy or polluted onion. A healthy onion

bulb has a clear and plain appearance when observed in a microscope.

However, of it is contaminated by cultivating it in waste water, its clean

appearance turns to dark and messy appearance due to contamination of

environmental pollutants, thus, dangerous to human health and may

indicate a polluted environment. Through the consumption of arsenic

there is a significance effect to the one who consume it. According to

Ratnaike (2003), if the arsenic poisoning occurs over a brief period of

time, symptoms may include: vomiting, abdominal pain,

encephalopathy, and watery diarrhea that contain blood.

According to (Gosse et al.,2014) Researchers have learned that

both short-term and long-term exposure to arsenic can cause health

problems, but they are just beginning to understand how arsenic works

in the body — what is referred to as its modes of action.

According to Klotz et al. (2013) the inductively coupled plasma

mass spectrometry that it can see a range of metals and several non-

metals at concentrations below one part in 1012 (part per trillion).

According to Greenwood and Earnshaw, Arsenic has can be used as

pesticide base on its chemical composition. In addition, Megharg (2005),

states that arsenic was one of the most detrimental problem on their

country.

20
 There is some study who proposed that the arsenic was been used

as agricultural insecticides and poisons (Greenwood and Earnshaw).

According to Henke (2009) drinking groundwater with

arsenic
20
concentrations elevated above the World Health Organization's standard

of 10 parts per billion (ppb). According to Knobeloch, et al. (2006), the

study conducted in laboratory mice, suggests that people exposed to

arsenic in their drinking water may be at increased risk for more serious

illness or death from the virus. Arsenic is found just about everywhere. It

can leach into groundwater through rocks and soil, and is used in

pesticides, wood preservatives, and tobacco.). According to Croal et al.

(2002) the conversion between As (III) and As (V) is a large factor in

arsenic environmental contamination.

21
 Chapter 3

Methodology

This chapter includes the method of the research, research

instrument, data analysis and the data gathering procedures.

Method of Research

The purpose of this methodology paper is to describe an approach to

qualitative design known as qualitative descriptive that is well suited to the

researchers because it can be used with a variety of theoretical approaches,

sampling techniques, and data collection strategies.

It is often difficult for the researchers to pull together the tools and

resources they need to embark on a high-quality qualitative research study

and to manage the volumes of data they collect during qualitative studies.

This paper seeks to pull together much needed resources and provide an

overview of methods.

According to Lambert V. and Lambert C. (2012), qualitative-descriptive

research design is used for screening samples, make quick interim decisions,

quickly check for a desired change, assess directional move towards a

target, and quickly clarify other research findings, the advantages of using

qualitative-descriptive research design is that it was fast, efficient, versatile,

concise, insightful and reliable in traditional profiling.

According to Porter (1994), qualitative descriptive research design is

particularly relevant where information is required directly from those

22
experiencing the phenomenon under investigation and where time and

resources are limited.

Instrumentation

The researchers used observational sheets to help the researchers

observe the Allium cepa from day 1-3 in exposure to the two water samples,

according to the University of Sheffield (2018), observational method was

focusing in providing contextual information needed to frame the evaluation.

Data Gathering Procedures

The researcher used the Allium Cepa as potential indicator for heavy

metals and will use it as instrument for indicating any potential arsenic in

the selected water samples. The researchers will show the process of

gathering a data: easiest way to see the process of the research.

Table 2: Data Gathering Procedure

23
Pre – Experiment

The following are the procedure in preparing the materials that are

needed in this study. First, gather the water samples: the tap water and

deep water. Next, select a sample onion that is required in the study. The

onion must be matured, has roots and are in the good condition. Then,

prepare two containers, a weighing scale, and a clean plastic bag. Lastly,

place the onion inside the two container, one container with tap water and

one container with deep water.

Experiment

Observe the onion inside the two containers that has the water

samples in 3 days. After observing the researcher collect it and place it in

another container. The research will be held at F.A.S.T. Laboratory for

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) method on which an

ICP-MS combines a high-temperature ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma)

source with a mass spectrometer. The ICP source converts the atoms of the

elements in the sample to ions. These ions are then separated and detected

by the mass spectrometer.

Post – Experiment

The following procedures in preparing for recording the data gathered

and make a conclusion after analyzing the results.

24
Data Analysis

From the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS)

method on which performed by F.A.S.T. Laboratories, the researcher

compared the result to describe the difference of the two water samples in

terms of arsenic content.

25
 Chapter 4

Results and Discussions

This chapter describes the analysis of data followed by a discussion of

the research findings. The findings relate to the research questions that

guided the study. Data were analyzed to identify, describe and explore the

potentiality of Allium cepa as indicator for arsenic and to determine the

percentage of the specific water samples on which water sample is more

dangerous to the people and to discuss and interpret the data that the

researchers gathered. Researchers brought the sample to the F.A.S.T

Laboratory for the water testing specifically Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass

Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The purpose of this study is to observe the way

Allium cepa works and the affectivity of it as potential indicator for arsenic.

Table 1 Observed changes of Onion (Allium cepa)

as exposed in deep well water and tap water

Allium cepa
in two water Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
samples
The clean
Deep Well Water Normal (color, Normal size, color appearance is
size, odor) was darkened and changed to dark
there is little bit and messy
odor appearance and
root cap was gone
and tissues were
dead and hallowed

Normal (color, The root was It has a visible

Tap Water size, ordor) starting to grow root crop and
tissues and has a
clear and plain
appearance

26
 Based on Table 1, there are two water samples on which there is also

300 grams per container of Allium cepa (onion) in each container, based on

the observation of the deep well water in day 1 the onion was still on its

normal size, color and odor, in day 2 the size was still normal but there is a

little bit changes in color and its odor, in day 3 the onion was already dark

even the water and the odor was stronger compare to day 2. While from the

tap water in day 1 everything was normal, in day 2 the onion started to

grow its own roots, and in day 3 all of the onions started to grow its own

roots.

Table 2

Result of ICP – MS of Onion (Allium Cepa)

Test Water Test

Requested Classification Method Results Unit Percentage
no.

Arsenic Tap Water ICP - MS 1.026 µg/L 1.026e^-7

Arsenic Deep Well ICP - MS 8.0034 µg/L 8.0034e^-7

Results obtained from the determination of arsenic content of Allium

cepa from the two water samples were presented in Table 1. This presents

that the deep well has the larger percentage than the tap water, based on

the result from the laboratory testing in the method of Inductively Coupled

Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), there are 1.026µg/L of arsenic from

the Allium cepa in tap water sample and the deep - well there is 8.0034µg/L

27
of arsenic, which is obvious that the deep well is more dangerous to the

people who consume it than the tap water. According to (Gosse et al., 2014)

Arsenic in groundwater is a widespread problem. Arsenic levels tend to be

higher in drinking water that comes from ground sources, such as wells,

than water from surface sources, such as lakes or reservoirs.

Figure 3: Level of Percentage of Arsenic

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Tap Water Deep Well Water

Based on the Figure 4, the water samples that has a less percentage

of arsenic is the tap water which has 1.026 x 10-7 % in which it has a 1 part

per billion (ppb) and the contamination varies from 1 to 8 µg/L from the

specific water samples. Analysis of deep well water supply yielded arsenic

levels of 8.0034 x 10-7 % or 8 parts per billion (ppb). The current

recommended limit of arsenic in drinking-water is 10μg/L, although this

guideline value is designated as provisional because of practical difficulties in

removing arsenic from drinking-water. Every effort should therefore be

made to keep concentrations as low as reasonably possible and below the

28
guideline value when resources are available. According to Chaff-based

filters have recently been shown to reduce the arsenic content of water to3

µg/L. This may find applications in areas where the potable water is

extracted from underground aquifers. Practical advantages in the use of this

species include the sensibility, reproducibility and rapidity of results as well

as the need of small volumes of samples and low cost. The researcher

results on potentiality of Allium cepa represent an important base for future

application of such bioassays to evaluate the content of chemicals.

The simplicity of the Allium test procedure is the reason for its

recommendation by international environmental protection agencies for

estimating environmental pollution and toxicity caused by industrial

effluents, non-treated municipal or domestic waste water. This proven that

Allium cepa has a large potential to be an indicator for arsenic.

29
 Chapter 5

Conclusion and Recommendation

The following chapter concludes this report. A summary of the

research is presented, and conclusions and recommendations based on the

data analyzed in the previous chapter.

Summary of Findings

The objective of this study is to observe and identify the percentage of

the arsenic in any onions in every water samples.

1. What is the observed change of onion as it was exposed to:

1.1 Deep well water, and

1.2 Tap water?

From day 1 the Allium cepa in deep well water was still normal but in

day 2 the size was still normal, and color of Allium cepa was darken and

there is a little bit odor was exposed, and in day 3 the Allium cepa was

already dark and the water started to darken due to the color of Allium cepa.

In addition, from day 1 of tap water the Allium cepa was still normal, the

size, color and its odor, but in day 2 there are others Allium cepa which is

starting to grow its own roots, and in day 3 all of the roots of each Allium

cepa was starting to grow.

30
 2. What is the percentage of arsenic absorbed by the Allium cepa

from the selected water samples

2.1 Deep well water, and

2.2 Tap water?

The presence of Arsenic (As) was examined in Allium cepa through

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) which is performed

by the F.A.S.T. Laboratories. The test result showed the concentration of

Arsenic from the two different water samples. From the same method used,

it has 1.026µg/L of arsenic concentration from the tap water and 8.0034µg/L

from the deep well.

3. What water sample has a large percentage of arsenic? Is Allium

cepa can be a potential indicator for arsenic?

It also showed from the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass

Spectrometry (ICP-MS) that the deep well was the one has a large

percentage than to the tap water, by these it was been proven that the

Allium cepa can be a potential indicator for arsenic.

Conclusion

The use of Allium cepa was not just for households but also it can be used to

indicate the heavy metals from the waters, like for example the tap water on

which it was commonly consumed in everyday life of other people. Plant

species such as Allium cepa (onion) is a good bio indicator for monitoring

31
toxic pollutants in our surroundings it indicates its serious threat not only to

our environment but also to human health. The result of this study indicates

that from the observation the onion from the deep well, the root cap was

gone and tissues were dead and hallowed. Thus, dead root crops indicate the

presence of harmful pollutants in the environment, while the onion from the

tap water has still clear appearance and the roots been visible. On the other

hand, from the result of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

(ICP-MS) which is performed by the F.A.S.T. Laboratories the tap water has

1.0026μg/L and deep well has an 8.0034μg/L arsenic concentrations on

which are almost to the WHO/FAO standards for drinking water. The study

showed that the deep well has the large percentage of arsenic than the tap

water. Due to the fast root growth and quick response to the tested

chemicals, the Allium test could be useful for a practical water quality

assessment.

Recommendations

Arsenic is a heavy metal on which is dangerous to the human health.

It was observed for 3 days that onion can accumulate arsenic, since the

roots and the body were easily affected by the concentrations of the arsenic.

Drinking water should undergo in water testing for arsenic

contamination or other heavy metals before drinking it to reduce

the risk of accumulating arsenic.

32
For the community, monitoring and education are integral to

sustaining the impact of the first intervention and to

safeguarding the populations health. The level of drinking water

for arsenic should not exceed at 10µg/L because the effect on it

in human health.

The researchers recommended also using different kinds of

water samples to test like river water, lakes or ponds, and sea

waters and try to compare the Allium cepa from the other Allium

group to indicate which is more effective.

For the future researcher, the study only focused in one heavy

metal specifically the arsenic, the researcher suggested to study

the other heavy metals with the a specify place on it for the

strong research paper and continue studying and improve the

idea and add information about this study.

33
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39
Appendices

40
 APPENDIX A

DOCUMENTATION

41
 APPENDIX B

Laboratory Result

42
 APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae

MIA KRIS GALES QUIATCHON

Blk. 6 lot 24 Phase 1 Assumption Ville,

Lingunan Valenzuela City

Cellphone Number: 09651831807

E-mail Address: miakrisquiatchon24@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Birthday: August 24, 2000 Birthplace: Malabon

Age: 18

Religion: Christian

Mother’s name: Alma Quiatchon

Father’s name: Christoper Quiatchon

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High: Malinta National High School-Senior High

Junior High: Lingunan National High School

Elementary: Lingunan Elementary School

43
 Curriculum Vitae

FRANCESCA JULIANNE REYES SALVADOR

#686 – C T. Santiago St., Lingunan Valenzuela City

Cellphone Number: 09774640810

E-mail Address: cescajulianne32@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Birthday: October 24, 2000 Birthplace: Marilao,

Bulacan

Age: 18

Religion: Catholic

Mother’s name: Rhodora R. Salvador

Father’s name: Julius C. Salvador

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High: Malinta National High School-Senior High

Junior High: Canumay West National High School

Elementary: Canumay West Elementary School

44
 Curriculum Vitae

CLIVE FRANCIS OWEN ORNILLA MOSURA

1st Street Oquendo Compound, Karuhatan

Valenzuela City

Cellphone Number: 09218977148

E-mail Address: clivefrancisowen@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Birthday: May 9, 2000 Birthplace: Surigao Del Sur

Age: 18

Religion: Christian

Mother’s name: Helen Mosura

Father’s name: Limwel Mosura

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High: Malinta National High School-Senior High

Junior High: Junior High Polylove academy

Elementary: Elementary School polylove academy

45
 Curriculum Vitae

JAMES PATRICK CABALAN

Dama de Noche St., Tagalag Valenzuela City

Cellphone Number: 09219966667

E-mail Address: cabalanj23@gmail.com

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Birthday: November 23, 1999 Birthplace: Valenzuela

City

Age: 19

Religion: Catholic

Mother’s name: Leonora G. Cabalan

Father’s name: Daniel C. Cabalan

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High: Malinta National High School-Senior High

Junior High: Emmaus Christian School

Elementary: Tagalag Elementary Achool

46
 Curriculum Vitae

ERICSON LOSENDO

87 B San Andres St., Karuhatan Valenzuela city

Cellphone Number: 09957841349

E-mail Address:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Birthday: August 03, 2000 Birthplace: Center

Age: 18

Religion: Christian

Mother’s name: Susan Losendo

Father’s name: Nelson Losendo

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High: Malinta National High School-Senior High

Junior High: Pantay Tamurong National High School

Elementary: Pantay Tamurong Elementary School

47