University of San Agustin

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

General Luna Street, Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000

1
Electric Field Purification System of Groundwater

For Potable Water Production

Chapter 1

Introduction

Background of the study. Potable water is water that is safe to drink, and it is becoming

scarcer in the world (Fluence News Team, 2019). According to World Health Organization

(2017), more than 2 million people do not have access to potable water. Places with greater

population are more at risk of experiencing problems concerning the scarcity of potable water.

Asia, being the largest continent, proves to have 30% of its population experiencing water

scarcity (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, 2018). In the Philippine setting,

out of 101 million Filipinos, almost 19 million lack access to potable water (Water, 2019).

Groundwater, one of the most valuable sources of freshwater, makes up about 2/3 of the

freshwater reserves of the world. However, groundwater is not considered potable when directly

sourced out from the ground. Groundwater, although easily accessible, has different qualities

that affect human health, such as the high content of solid materials and iron, bad odor, muddy

color, and the high presence of bacteria (Ochieng, Ojo, & Otieno, 2012).

To convert groundwater to potable water, purification systems were developed.

However, current purification systems are expensive, bulky, and not all people can easily avail

(Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 2018). The traditional purifying

processes used today are boiling, filtration, distillation and chlorination (Kinetico, 2019).

Ultraviolet (UV) ray treatment is most commonly used in sterilizing water. It is quick

and efficient method of eliminating coliform in water. However, they are ineffective against
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murky water as they cannot reach microorganism hiding behind solid particles. For that reason,

it is recommended to use UV ray treatment along with other purification methods (Advanced

Purification Engineering Corporation US, 2017).

This premise gave rise to the development of innovative and cheaper purification

systems. One of which is the use of electric field treatment as an alternative.

In this study, the electric field treatment will be used in sterilizing groundwater, in place

of the UV ray treatment. It will be determined whether the electric field treatment is able to

produce the same quality of water with that of the current conventional process.

The researchers will conduct this study to develop a prototype with a purification system

to address the scarcity of potable water in the Philippines. This device will include a purification

system using multimedia filters namely sand, activated carbon, and resin to remove impurities,

and an electric field to eliminate coliform to sterilize groundwater, and produce potable water.

Objectives of the Study

General objective. The researchers aim to develop a purification system that will

produce potable water from groundwater.

Specific objectives

● To determine the significant difference between the raw water, product water, and

the standard potable water

● To determine whether the purification system is effective in terms of:

a) microbiological aspects, and

▪ Total Coliform Count

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b) physicochemical aspects.

▪ Colour ▪ Nitrite

▪ Turbidity ▪ Residual Chlorine

▪ Odour ▪ Magnesium

▪ pH level ▪ Calcium

▪ Total hardness ▪ Manganese

▪ Total solids ▪ Sulfate, and

▪ Chloride ▪ Silica

▪ Fluoride

Statement of the Problem

General problem. The researchers aim to develop a purification system that will

produce potable water from groundwater.

Specifically, the researchers seek to answer the following questions:

1. Is there a significant difference between the raw water, product water, and the

standard potable water in terms of:

a) microbiological aspects, and

▪ Total Coliform Count

b) physicochemical aspects.

▪ Colour ▪ Total hardness

▪ Turbidity ▪ Total solids

▪ Odour ▪ Chloride

▪ pH level ▪ Fluoride
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▪ Nitrite ▪ Manganese

▪ Residual Chlorine ▪ Sulfate, and

▪ Magnesium ▪ Silica

▪ Calcium

2. Is the purification system effective in terms of biological, and physicochemical

aspects?

Hypotheses of the Study

1. Ha: There is a significant difference between the raw water, product water, and the

standard potable water in terms of biological, and physicochemical aspects.

Ho: There is no significant difference between the raw water, product water, and

the standard potable water in terms of biological, and physicochemical aspects.

2. Ha: The purification system is effective in terms of biological, and

physicochemical aspects.

Ho: The purification system is effective in terms of biological, and

physicochemical aspects.

Definition of Terms

In order for the readers to fully understand this study, the following conceptual and

operation definition of the terms commonly used were given:

Activated carbon. It refers to a carbonaceous material with a large internal surface area

and highly developed porous structure resulting from the processing of raw materials under high

temperature reactions (Leimkuehler, 2010).

In this study, “activated carbon” refers to the second media to be used in water filtration.
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Coliform. It refers to the bacteria that are always present in the digestive tracts of

animals, including humans, and are found in their wastes (Edberg & Smith, 2006).

In this study, “coliform” refers to the amount of bacteria to be eliminated in groundwater

using the water filtration system.

Electric field. It refers to a field that has an electric charge or current, which exerts a

force on other charges in the field, to attract or repel particles. Electric fields are produced

around objects that have electrical charge, or by a magnetic field that changes with time

(Sheikholeslami, 2017).

In this study, “electrical field” refers to the treatment used to sterilize the water to be

filtered.

Groundwater. It refers to the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil,

sand and rock. It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand and

rocks called aquifers, and is extracted to be utilized for everyday use (Hahn & Schmidt, 2011).

In this study, “groundwater” refers to the water from the well that will undergo

purification process.

Multimedia filtration. It refers to a pressure filter vessel which utilizes three or more

different media as opposed to a “sand filter” that typically uses one grade of sand alone as the

filtration media.

In this study, “multimedia filtration” refers to the three media to be used in filtering water

in order are the sand, activated carbon, and the resin.

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Potable water. It refers to safe drinking-water that does not represent any significant risk

to health over a lifetime of consumption, including different sensitivities that may occur between

life stages (Goverdhanam & Piratla, 2015).

In this study, “potable water” refers to the water being compared to the product of

groundwater from the filtration system.

Resin. It refers to a polymer that acts as a medium for ion exchange. White or yellowish

small microbeads that are porous that trap ions along the other released ions in a process called

ion exchange (Arden & Dardel, 2008).

In this study, “resin” refers to the third media to be used in the water filtration.

Sand. It refers to the mineral quartz with varying amounts of feldspar, rock fragments,

and other mineral materials.

In this study, “sand” refers to the first media used in water filtration.

Significance of the Study

World Health Organization (WHO). This study would be beneficial to the World

Health Organization to make use of the electric field in the filtration system as an alternative use

for eliminating microbial and chemical aspects present in groundwater and making it potable.

Department of Health (DOH). This study would be beneficial to the Department of

Health to possibly alter the conventional ways of filtration and sterilization methods of the

Philippines.

Water refilling stations. This study would be beneficial to the water refilling stations to

improvise their purifying techniques to produce potable water.

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Filipino households. This study would be beneficial to Filipino households to produce

clean and potable water from the water in their wells.

University of San Agustin. This study would be beneficial to the University of San

Agustin to make use of clean filtered water and can be used for drinking.

Students. This study would be beneficial to the students to drink the filtered water from

the filtration system and use it for their school activities.

Researchers. This study would be beneficial to the researchers to gain experience in the

field of research and will be able to use it in their future careers.

Future researchers. This study would be beneficial to the future researchers as this will

serve as a reference for their own research related to this study. This study can also open more to

the development of newly related studies in the future.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study will be conducted to determine whether the electric field purification system

is capable of producing potable water from groundwater. The other aspects that will be looked

into are the microbial and physicochemical aspects present in groundwater and compare it to the

standard drinking water.

The groundwater sample coming from well at one of the researcher’s house is will be

used for the purification system. The main objective is to eliminate microbial aspects such as

total coliform count, and physicochemical aspects such as Color, Turbidity, Odor, pH level,

Total hardness, Total solids, Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrite, Residual Chlorine, Magnesium,

Calcium, Manganese, Sulfate, and Silica. The physicochemical aspects will be removed by the
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three mediums used such as sand, activated carbon, and resin. On the other hand, the

microbiological aspects will be addressed by the electric field treatment that will sterilize the

water. The electric field generator to be used will be modeled after the one used in study entitled

“Electric Field Treatment on Groundwater against Coliform and E. Coli (Escherichia Coli)” by

Panelo, Rico, and Saul (2018).

Overall, the purification system is made up of four levels of purification such as the three

multimedia: sand, activated carbon, and resin; and electric field treatment. The whole filtration

system will undergo 30 cycles as recommended in the study of Panelo et. al (2018). Water

samples will be divided into two: raw and product. The product water will be the water that will

undergo the purification process.

Water samples will be collected in three replicates both treated and untreated. For the

microbiological and physicochemical analysis, the treated and untreated water samples will be

transported to Western Visayas Medical Center, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. For the statistical

analysis, the researchers will use a statistical software, specifically the One-way Analysis of

Variance (ANOVA), to analyze the data. The researchers will conduct the study in the school

year 2019-2020.

Conceptual Framework

This conceptual framework shows that the independent variable is the electric field

purification system while the dependent variable is the effectiveness of the purification system in

terms of biological aspects and physicochemical aspects. The biological aspect refers to the total

coliform count while the physicochemical aspects refer to the following factors such as:
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General Luna Street, Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000

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Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrite, residual Chlorine, Magnesium, Calcium, Manganese, Sulfate and

Silica, color, turbidity, odor, pH level, total hardness and total solids.

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Effectiveness of the Purification

System on Groundwater in terms of
Microbiological Aspects
 Total Coliform Count

Effectiveness of the Purification

Electric Field System on Groundwater in terms of
Purification System Physicochemical Aspects
 Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrite,
Residual Chlorine,
Magnesium, Calcium,
Manganese, Sulfate, Silica,
Color, Turbidity, Odor, pH
level, Total hardness, and
Total solids
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Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Patents

In the study of Bergmann et. al (2013), a device that uses an electrically assisted method

for disinfection and filtration of surface water, groundwater, and waste water. The water will

flow through a filter bed of granular material with electrodes that are arranged with the use of a

DC voltage where the water will flow through stautes filter bed with a forming biofilm. The

microorganisms are gathered on the filter material and the minimum current of the electric field

in the biofilm will have an effect on the disinfection of the filter bed. Adequately, the electric

filtration is associated with a biofilm-based disinfection that is cost-effective and for the

production of potable water.

In the study of Heath (2019) entitled “Methods for providing liquid treatment comprising

at least one of disinfection, filtration or purification,” provided one or more disinfection,

filtration or purification of the liquid using electromagnetic field. Such methods for treatment of

a liquid optionally include the providing methods that are configured for treating water with one

or more electromagnetic fields for two or more specific frequencies and pulses, to provide EMF

treated water.

In the study entitled “High electric field sterilizer,” the goal of the study is to provide a

high electric field sterilizer that is able to sterilize different materials without altering their

qualities safely and cost-effectively. The high electric field sterilizer is composed of the two
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metal plates used in the device. The first metal plate will serve as the negative electrode, while

the second metal plate will serve as a positive electrode. A pulse power unit connected to both

plates will generate a high electric field in the passage between the plates. A container with

bacteria will be passed through in between the plates where the electric fields is generated. This

high voltage will destroy the cell membrane of the bacteria, thereby performing sterilization.

In the study of Bin et. al (2017), the invention belongs to the technical field of water

treatment through water sucking, magnetic field treatment and electric field treatment. The

process is simple and easy to perform, the cost is low, and produced small water molecule that

can be stored for a long time; and the process has functions of purification, oxygen increasing

and disinfecting in addition to the small water molecule cluster production, wherein the effluent

meets the standard for drinking water quality (GB5749-2006), the dissolved oxygen is more than

or equal to 8 mg/L, and the small water molecule cluster structure can be stored in an open

environment for more than 12 hours.

In the study of Roberts and Roberts (2005), the electrochemical water purifier is a

purification system that uses a plurality of electrolytic cells having anodes and cathodes

specifically selected to remove water contaminants from water and is capable of destroying

micro-organisms that are present in the water. A large part of the minerals is removed from the

product water and as a result, it is not necessary to add chemical to the water during or after the

purification process.

In the study entitled “Groundwater purifying system,” the purpose of the invention is to

remove volatile components in wastewater with an air tipper and to efficiently process effluent.
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The groundwater that will undergo the purification system will go through the sedimentation

tank, a water collecting tank, a chemical reaction tank, a settling tank, a pressurized floating

tank, a scum tank, an air tripper, and a dehydration tank with sand filter tower and an activity

filter tower (2009).

Review of Related Literature

Electric field.

The use of a Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) is said to be a new promising technology that Commented [FM1]: How electric field kills bacteria is
explained in RRS
can treat groundwater. It is said to be low cost, environmentally safe, and easily adaptable to

multiple points in the wastewater treatment chain. When compared to chlorination and

ozonation, it does not produce chemical by-products that would cost additional processes and

money to eradicate. PEF uses high-voltage electrical pulses to kill microorganisms and spores by

electrocution instead of using chemicals or heat (Kempkes, 2003).

Groundwater. It generally refers to water found in aquifers under the land surface. They

originated from precipitation from the atmosphere either directly from rainfall seeping through

the ground, or indirectly from nearby waterforms (Ochieng et al., 2012). Groundwater can be

extracted through drilling wells into the aquifer.

Groundwater is a good source of water, for it cannot be easily contaminated like surface

water. However, in times in which contamination occurs, there are two most common reasons

for that: first, it becomes naturally contaminated as the location of the contaminant is close to the

water reserve; and lastly, human activities, such as releasing harmful toxins to the opening of the

well (Earle, 2015). The process in which the groundwater is polluted is referred to as
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groundwater contamination. It happens when a wide spectrum of chemicals, pathogens, and

physical or sensory changes contaminates groundwater (Groundwater Foundation, 2019).

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (2018), there are three

types of wells depending on the method used in drilling, and depth. These are Dug or Bored

wells, Driven wells, and Drilled wells. The most common type of well is Dug or Bored well, in

which shovels or backhoes are used to create holes into the ground. They are relatively shallower

than the other two types of well, having approximately 30 to 50 feet in depth. Due to them being

closer to the surface, they are much more prone to pollution than the other types.

To determine whether the groundwater is safe for human consumption, water quality

tests are used. In Deshpande, Dohare, and Kotiya’s (2014) “Analysis of Ground Water Quality

Parameters: A Review”, the physico-chemical and biological characteristics were evaluated.

Dohare et al. (2014) calculated the water quality status through statistical evaluation and water

quality index. They considered the following parameters: pH, color, total dissolved solids,

electrical conductivity, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, chromium, zinc, manganese, and

nickel. The results obtained were then compared to the standard set by the Indian Standard

Drinking Water specification IS: 10500-2012.

In another study entitled “Assessment of Groundwater Quality around Two Major Active

Dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria”, the following parameters were determined using standard

analytical methods: pH, alkalinity, conductivity or electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids,

total hardness, Cl-, (SO4)2-, (NO)3-, and (PO4)3- and heavy metals namely lead, nickel,

cadmium zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium (Adeyi & Majolagbe,

2014).
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In this study, the parameters that will be determined are the biological and

physicoche7mical characteristics. Under the biological, the total coliform count will be

determined. In the physicochemical, color, turbidity odor, pH, total hardness, total solids,

chloride, fluoride, nitrite, residual chlorine, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sulfate, and silica.

The parameters were based from the water analysis test of Western Visayas Medical Center

Department of Pathology. After which, the results will be compared to Philippine National

Standards for Drinking Water of 2017 (Administrative Order No. 10, s. 2017).

Multimedia purification system. Water multimedia filter by far is the most common

type of water filtration. Multimedia is defined as the use of a variety of mediums in order to

perform an action. According to Holland University (2012), it is used to reduce the level of

suspended solids (turbidity) in process water. Suspended solids can consist of small particles

such as silt, clay, grit, organic matter, larvae, zooplankton, algae and other microorganisms. The

filtration degree of a multimedia filter depends heavily on the filter media and flow (velocity)

through the filter. In this study, the researchers will use a multimedia purification system for the

filtration of groundwater using sand, activated carbon, and resin.

Coliform.

Bacteria that are always present in the digestive tracts of animals, including humans, and

are found in their wastes. They are also found in plant and soil material. The presence of Fecal

Coliform in well water may indicate recent contamination of the groundwater by human sewage

or animal droppings which could contain other bacteria, viruses, or disease causing organisms.

Sewage, which is usually stored in septic tank, may find their way into groundwater sources and

causes contamination (Quaye-Ballard & Takal, 2018).

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Drinking water which is contaminated with fecal coliform or E.coli may contain harmful

or disease causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses, or parasites such as Giardia, the cause

of beaver fever. Water with the presence of these organisms can cause stomach and intestinal

illness including diarrhea and nausea, and even lead to death. (Health Canada, 2007). Water

pollution caused by fecal contamination is a serious problem due to the potential for contracting

diseases from pathogens. Coliforms are relatively easy to identify, are usually present in larger

numbers than more dangerous pathogens, and respond to the environment, wastewater treatment,

and water treatment similarly to many pathogens (New York State Department of Health, 2017).

Resin.

Jay (2016) says that ion exchange resins are polymers have the capability to switch ions

within the polymer with ions that passed through a solution. For cleansing water, synthetic resins

are being used with the addition of other processes with the inclusion of the separation of

elements. The aims for water purification are to soften the water or the removal of minerals. The

process of softening water as it goes through the resin which takes up Ca2+ and Mg2+ and

releases Na+. On the other hand, the removal of minerals in water through the resin containing

H+ to another resin with OH-creates a reaction to produce more water. The drawback is the

occurrence of other substances that produces an unpleasant smell in the resin. However, it is

beneficial because of its longevity and affordability.

Based on American Chemical Society (2019), fabricating antibacterial povidone-iodine-

conjugated cross-linked polystyrene resins as antimicrobial agents for water decontamination.

Comprehensive antibacterial tests showed that the addition of this type of resin resulted in strong

antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the as-synthesized polystyrene

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resins was confirmed to have hydrophobicity and favorable biocompatibility. They examined the

possibility of using polystyrene resins as an antibacterial filter for water treatment and found that

it could efficiently remove bacteria from water. This method of creating an antibacterial resin by

building a conjugation of cross-linked polystyrene with povidone-iodine is safe, cost-effective,

and environmentally friendly, and the resin shows promise for use in water purification filters.

The present invention provides for a device useful or removing dissolved ions from water

comprising or configured to comprise composite resin electrodes.

According to Shoufeng Tang et. al (2016), in order to enhance the adsorption efficiency

and economize the use of macroporous resin, they have treated it with the dielectric barrier

discharge (DBD) plasma to improve its adsorbing capacity for phenol. The effects of operation

conditions, for instance, applied voltage, treated, and air flow rate on resin, were investigated by

adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The resin was characterized by FTIR and nitrogen adsorption

isotherms before and after the DBD processes. It was found that the reason for the enhancement

of resin absorption was attributed to the DBD plasma changing the surface physical and

chemical structure.

Activated carbon. The common use of activated carbon is its capability of water

adsorption as a part of water filtering systems to remove water contaminants from tap water and

groundwater (Atabaki, Idris, & Siong, 2013). Among the best adsorbents available,

carbonaceous activated materials stand out because of their large specific surface area (SSA) and

their remarkable performances (Grappe, 2017). The activated carbon materials filled air-filters

are widely used in air and gas refining industry to remove impurities. Recently, it has been

widely used as an active and inexpensive cathode catalyst in MFCs. In addition to the form of
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the activated carbon, the final product can differ in both particle size and pore structure. The

properties of the activated carbon will determine the type of application for which the carbon

will be used (Chandrasekhar, 2019).

The two main types of activated carbon used in water treatment applications are granular

activated carbon (GAC) and powdered activated carbon (PAC). GAC is made from organic

materials with high carbon content such as wood, lignite and coal. The primary characteristic

that differentiates GAC to PAC is its particle size (United States Environmental Agency, 2015).

Activated carbon (AC) is used in different states of applications after its discovery as a

strong and reliable adsorbent. AC is applied in water, wastewater and leachate treatments in

many countries, especially to polish the color, remove the odor and some heavy metals. It is

cheap and available, and can be produced from agricultural waste materials, e.g. rice husk, palm

oil shell and coconut shell.

The AC’s fine and porous structure and an extremely large particle surface area (>1000

m2/g) results in making it possessed powerful adsorptive properties. Activated carbon (AC)

popularly, known as activated charcoal or activated coal, and is a common term for carbon

materials, which comprises charcoal (Amimul, 2016).

In the study of Siong, Idris, and Atabaki (2013) entitled “Performance of Activated

Carbon in Water Filters”, the performance of two different types of granulated active carbon

were compared. It showed that the finer granulated carbon exhibited higher absorption capacity

than the bigger granulated carbon.

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Review of Related Studies

Electric field.

In the study of Amitagarwal, Gauravgarg, Singh, and Sudha (2013) the results show that

the effect of high intensity pulse electric field on water that contains bacteria of different types

affects the purification level of the water. The purpose of using electric fields is to increase the

acceleration of charged particles. This results in thermal, chemical, mechanical, electromagnetic

wave, or breakdown effects. By using different levels of electric charge on water, it was

observed that the higher the level used, the greater number of bacteria is eliminated. However, it

is much more difficult to eliminate small microorganisms compared to larger ones.

The present study will use electric field treatment to eliminate bacteria such as coliform

in groundwater for the production of potable water.

In the study entitled “Electric field treatment on groundwater against Coliform and E.

Coli,” the high pulse electric field treatment is usually for the purification of liquids. It was

conducted to see if it is capable to eliminate bacteria in groundwater. In the untreated

groundwater, the mean of Coliform is >200.5 and the mean of E. coli is >118.5. While in the

treated groundwater, the mean of Coliform is 13.27 and the mean of E. coli is 3.1. It was able to

eliminate 93% of Coliform and 97% of E. coli. The results of the study show that the electric

field treatment is effective in eliminating bacteria and almost making the groundwater potable

(Panelo, Rico, & Saul, 2018).

Groundwater.

In the study of Adekunle, Adetunji, Banjoko, and Gbadebo (2007), access to clean and

potable water has been difficult in most rural settlements in Nigeria. Because of this, water borne
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diseases were fairly common. In this study, 12 hand-dug wells were assessed to determine the

levels of some physical, chemical, bio-chemical, and microbial quality parameters. Other factors

such as seasonal variation and distance from sources of pollution were also examined. The

standard procedure was used to test the parameters. It was determined that pollution

concentration in well waters increased during the rainy seasons. It was inferred that the rainwater

aided the seeping through of pollution from their source. Comparing the results to the potable

water standard given by World Health Organization, it was determined that Coliform count, PB,

NO3, and CD amount exceeded that acceptable number. In conclusion, the qualities of the well

water were unfit for human consumption without undergoing purification treatments. It was

recommended that groundwater quality should be monitored regularly, unhealthy waste disposal

practices should be abolished, and modern techniques should be introduced.

The present study and their study have few similar variables. Water quality will also be

tested. However, the present study introduced a purification treatment before testing the water

quality. The present study will also follow the data analysis procedure of this study. However,

instead of using Pearson Correlation Test, Duncan Multiple Range Test will be used.

Resin.

Purification.

Activated carbon.

In the study of Atabaki, Idris, and Siong (2013) activated carbon is commonly used in

water treatment to remove water contaminants from tap water and well water. There are two

types of activated carbon, one is granular activated carbon-A (GAC-A) and the other is granular

activated carbon-B to study their performance in filters.

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In relation to the present study, activated carbon will be used in the water filtration to

remove water contaminants from groundwater.

In the study of Hiromu, Hiroko, Tomoyuki, & Toru, 2017), they included a step of

performing biological treatment on waste water and a step of performing membrane separation

on water having been treated in the biological treatment step. The membrane separation step

employs a plurality of filtration modules including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes

arranged adjacent to one another and oriented in one direction and a pair of holding members

fixing both ends of the plurality of the hollow fiber membranes and a plurality of cleaning

modules supplying air bubbles from beneath the filtration modules. An amount of treated water

sucked by the filtration modules and an amount of air bubbles supplied by the cleaning modules

are varied in response to various variations in an inflow rate of the waste water.

In relation to the present study, the uses of sludge membrane in cleaning the water. The

present study will use ion exchange resins which includes the membrane that will able to filter

and soften the groundwater for water filtration.

In the study of Rigby (2013), contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge

water such as sewerage and industrial plants by applying direct current of alternately charged

electrodes to increase processing capacity of the modules that are arranged in parallel arrays.

In relation to the current study, this study shows how the use of electrical components are

useful in filtering raw water and how it can be an asset in removing contaminants from untreated

water.

Moser (1987) provided a simple and effective water filtering system confined to a single

container. The container is divided into upper and lower parts. The upper container is the
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unfilled water receiving compartment while the lower compartment is the water recovery and

reservoir compartment. The flow-regulating ape turned cover allows the unfiltered water to

gravitate into it and through the filtering material encased in the disposable filter cartridge

In the study by Abdul, Ghaffar, and Malik (2001), the development of effective, cheap,

and environmentally-friendly processes for the disinfection and degradation of organic pollutants

from water is seen as a need nowadays. Ozonation process has replaced the conventional

chlorination process because ozone proved to be a stronger oxidizing agent and a more effective

disinfectant without any side effects. Although seen as an alternative, the cost of ozonation

process is higher compared to chlorination which is its main disadvantage. Their study aimed to

make the ozonation cheaper by improving the efficiency of ozone generation by incorporation of

catalytic packing in the ozone generator, better dispersion of ozone in water and faster

conversion of dissolved ozone to free radicals are discussed. The synthesis of ozone and

electrical discharges is discussed. Moreover, the generation and plasma chemical reactions of

several chemical active species such H2O2, O•, OH•, HO2•, O3*, N2*, e-, O2-, O-, O2+, etc,

which are produced in the electrical discharges are described. Most of these species are found to

be stronger oxodizers than ozone. Thus, water treatment by direct electrical discharges may

provide a means to utilize other species in addition to ozone. A lot of development and research

were dedicated for these targets. An overview of these techniques and important developments

that have taken place in this area were also discussed. Particularly, pulsed corona discharge,

dielectric barrier discharge, and contact glow discharge electrolysis are being studied for the

purpose of cleaning water.

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Chapter 3

Methodology

Procedural design

This chapter presents the techniques, methods, and procedures used in the study. This

study will be conducted in Ana Ros Village, Brgy. Calahunan, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Gathering of Materials Pre-testing of the System

Assembling of Mechanical Parts Collecting of Groundwater

Preparing of Multimedia Final Testing of the System

Assembling of Electric Field Microbiological and

Generator Physicochemical Analysis of Water

Assembling of Electrical Parts

Testing for Electric Flow

Figure 2. Procedural Design

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Data Collection Method

Gathering of materials. The following materials needed will be bought from local

stores and will be brought to Ana Ros Village, Brgy. Calahunan, Mandurriao, Iloilo:

Table 1. List of Materials and their Purpose

Quantity Equipment Purpose

2 pieces Water tank (Raw and Product) It serves as containers for the water before and after
purification
3 pieces Empty one gallon water jug It will serve as containers for the three multimedia
1 piece Water pump To pump water and prevent backflow
2 meter Dextrose tubes It serves as the passageway of the groundwater
1 sack Sand 1st media used in water purification system
1 sack Activated carbon 2nd media used in water purification system
1 sack Resin 3rd media used in water purification system
1 meter Cheesecloth To prevent the multimedia from entering the tubes
3 meter No. 12 Automotive wire To conduct the flow of voltage and current
1 piece 12 V DC Battery Electric motor It drives the contact point
1 piece Ignition coil It transforms the 12v into 10,000v Output
1 piece Contact point It functions as an electric switch
1 piece Acrylic glass (1 with 1” diameter hole) To hold the brass bar
2 pieces Copper bars (1/2” x 3” x 4”) To function as the positive
and negative electrodes
3 pieces Cable shoe It provides as a connector between brass bolt and
electric cable
1 piece Stainless stand It elevates the device
2 pieces Plywood Serve as the base of this device
2 meters Electric cable To conduct the flow of voltage and current
1 piece Knife switch with fuse (15A) To serve as a safety electrical circuit breaker
1 piece On and off switch To on and off the flow of current
1 pair Rubber gloves To protect us from the
electric charge
1 piece Container filled with ice To prevent coliform from multiplying
1-2 Litres Groundwater It serves as the subject if the device really
works
6 pieces Containers Serves as a storage of groundwater samples for
testing
8 pieces Brass nut To tighten the crimp connector
2 pieces Brass bolts It serves as a connector

Assembling of mechanical parts. The researchers will assemble the materials for the

prototype. The two meter dextrose tubes will be divided into four parts: 1) from the raw water
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General Luna Street, Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000

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tank container to the water pump; 2) from the water pump to the multimedia; 3) from the

multimedia to the electric field generator, and 4) the electric field generator to the product tank

container.

Preparing of multimedia. Three pieces of one-gallon containers will be used for the

different multimedia. The first container is for the sand filter. The second container is for the

activated carbon. Lastly, the third container for the ion-exchange resin beads.

Assembling of electric field generator. One brass knot each will be attached to the

centre of each copper plates. Next, the plates will then be arranged five centimetres apart, and

parallel to one another. Two pieces of three by four inches acrylic glass will be glued to the sides

of the copper plates using silicone. One three-inch brass bolt each will be attached to the knots

glued to each of the copper plates. Lastly, a three and half by three inches acrylic glass with a

tube in the middle where the water will flow.

Assembling of electric parts. For the electrical parts, the pump will be installed in a

parallel connection with the ignition coil, contact point, and electric field generator using an

electric cable. Before the wire reaches the battery, a knife switch will be placed in order to

regulate the flow of energy.

Testing for electric flow. After setting up the device, the researchers will test for its

electricity flow. The researchers will use a pair of rubber gloves to ensure their safety in

handling the electricity. The researchers will turn the switch on and check the electric field

flowing between two copper bars.

Pre-testing of the system. After checking the device, the researchers will perform a test

run on it. The researchers will put a water sample on the water tank and let it flow on the
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dextrose tubes with the help of a pump, flowing through the device until it reaches the end of the

pipe.

Collecting of groundwater. After the test run, the researchers will bring the device to

Ana Ros Village, Mandurriao for the final test. The researchers will get the groundwater sample

through a faucet from one of the houses. The researchers will divide the collected water into two

parts and label them “raw water” and “produce water”. Then, the raw water sample will be

placed in an ice field cooler to prevent microbial growth.

Final testing of the system. After placing the “raw water” sample into the ice-filled

container, the other water sample will be used as the subject for treatment. The researchers will

fill the water tank with the aid sample, then switch the device on. The groundwater will flow

towards the copper plates where the electric field is located. Subsequently, as the water flows

continuously through the device’ multimedia filtration system and electric field and electric, the

purified water will trickle towards the water product tank. This process will be repeated until the

thirtieth cycle, then the final sample of the product water will also be placed in the ice-filled

container, and ready for transportation to be tested in Western Visayas Medical Center in

Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

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Data Collection Method

Microbiological and physicochemical analysis of water. The water samples will be

tested and analysed in the Western Medical Center for microbiological and physicochemical

analysis. The results will be compared with the Philippine National Standard for Drinking water

to test the product water sample’s potability.

Statistical Analysis

Mean and Standard Deviation. The mean and standard deviation will be calculated in

order to determine the variance of the data. This will help determine whether the data gathered is

consistent or erratic. In this study, this statistical method will be used to determine whether the

three replicates per treatment (raw and product) are consistent.

One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The data in this study will be subjected to

the One - Way Analysis of Variance in order to determine whether or not there is a significant

difference among the samples. A margin of error of 5% will be used in this study.

Duncan Multiple Range Test. After determining whether the study is significant

(p<0.05), Duncan Multiple Range Test will then conducted as Post - Hoc to determine the

samples that are significantly different from each other. In this study, this will determine which

treatments are comparable to one another. Samples in the same column indicates significantly

the same results.

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General Luna Street, Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000

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Def. of Terms

Coliform https://aem.asm.org/content/54/6/1595/article-info
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*Sand http://scienceviews.com/geology/sand.html

Resin http://doi.org/10.1002/14356007.a14_393.pub2

Potable Water https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187770581502161X

Groundwater https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0075951111000351

*Multimedia http://www.waterprofessionals.com/learning-center/multimedia-filtration/by

Electric Field https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167732217346391

Haaken, D., Schmalz, V., Dittmar, T., Worch, E., Ilian, J., Triller, W., & Bergmann, M. (2013).

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