STEM

Utilizing Fish-Scale Derived Chitosan Extract for Biodegradable Packaging

Karen Mae B. Panti, Francis Angelo R. Gesmundo, Chloe Vargas and Mike C. Vasquez

Senior High School Department, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Catanduanes National High School, Virac, Catanduanes

Plastic pollution remains a major environmental issue, and this has driven the search for eco-friendly packaging materials. In this study, the possibility of utilizing chitosan derived from fish scales as a biodegradable packaging material is explored. Fish scales were collected and processed to yield purified chitosan, which was characterized and used to prepare thin films. The purified chitosan was of high purity and well-deacetylated and hence suitable for film formation. Chitosan films were mechanically stable and were of good biodegradability, breaking down considerably in soil burial tests. The result indicates that fish scale-derived chitosan is a good, eco-friendly option for biodegradable packaging, providing a good solution for reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability. 

Keywords—biodegradable packaging, chitosan extraction, fish scale-derived, mechanical properties, biodegradability, plastic waste reduction.

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Rapid Benthic Insect Diversity Assessment in Selected Streams Affected by Agricultural Anthropogenic Disturbances in Virac, Catanduanes

Rion Faustus O. Benitez*, Jude Vincent G. Lumbao, Benedict M. Quiñones, and Joseph Noel G. Tabor

Senior High School Department, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Catanduanes National High School, Virac, Catanduanes

Benthic insect diversities can indicate how much anthropogenic activities affect a certain area. Catanduanes, known for its agriculture, led to the prominence of agriculture related anthropogenic disturbances in the province. Observing the diversity of these significant benthic insect species through a rapid diversity assessment among affected streams will determine whether there is a stark difference between relatively disturbed downstream areas and their rarely disturbed upstream areas. Benthic insects located in the downstream and upstream areas of the streams of Sto. Niño and Sibanhan were simultaneously sampled one day each through pole kick net capturing, wherein these samples equated to a rough estimate of the total abundance and diversity of the benthic insects within each area. The samples were then identified using a macroinvertebrate identification key and had their Shannon-Weiner Diversity Indices calculated. The diversities revealed that there is a significant difference between areas of anthropogenically disturbed and undisturbed stream stations, as some stations were significantly less diverse due to more dominant species taking up the population. Furthermore, the results also revealed that anthropogenic disturbances also increase the presence of pollution-sensitive taxa in downstream sites due to increased flow rate, inferring that they do not necessarily lessen the individuals within a community.

Keywords—agricultural anthropogenic disturbances, benthic insects, diversity, downstream, rapid assessment, Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index, upstream

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Germination Performance of Hybrid Rice Varieties in Catanduanes Treated with Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Extract

Sef Nazrene P. Padua, Merry Magdaline V. Reodique, Amara Liane B. Santos, and Trisha Nova E. Sorra

Senior High School Department, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Catanduanes National High School, Virac, Catanduanes

Hydropriming is used to help seeds germinate, and one of the enhanced agents for this is Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE), which can improve seedling performance in various crops, including rice. This study investigates the effects on germination and early growth of hybrid rice varieties (TH82 and NK5017) using MLE as a seed priming agent. Two hybrid rice varieties (TH82 and NK5017) were tested; each variety was subjected to five treatments (100% MLE, 75% MLE, 50% MLE, 25% MLE, and 100% water as a controlling variable) using the “Ragdoll Method.” The parameters, including Germination Percentage (GP), Germination Index (GI), Mean Germination Time (MGT), and Seedling Vigor Index (SVI), were calculated. Results showed that TH82 exhibits good germination across all the treatments (85% to 89%), while NK5017 has low germination (2% to 8%). Different concentrations did not affect the MI. Additionally, concentrations with water (T2 – 75% MLE + 25% water and T4 – 25% MLE + 75% water) led to higher MGT, indicating a faster germination rate. Seeds subjected to lower MLE resulted in vigorous development.  Based on these assessments, T4 (25% MLE + 75% water) is the best MLE concentration to enhance the germination speed and seedling vigor of TH82 and NK5017. The findings of this study will contribute to the growing knowledge of using plant-based extracts as seed primers and their potential application in a sustainable agricultural field.

Keywords—malunggay leaf extract (MLE), seed priming, hydropriming, hybrid rice, germination performance, germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, seedling vigor index, treatments, plant-based primer

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