ABSTRACT

The research aimed to determine the significant application of superabsorbent polymer

through absorbing the amount of different liquid waste. The initiation of the research was done by

producing a crosslinked superabsorbent polymer through inverse suspension polymerization. And

the next step is, the researchers gathered different liquid wastes: leachate from Smokey Mountain

Manila, industrial liquid waste from a tannery, sewage from Estero de San Miguel in Mendiola,

Manila, and medical liquid waste (specifically amniotic fluids, lab cultures, and specimen) from

Manila Doctor’s Hospital. After the superabsorbent polymer was prepared through inverse

suspension polymerization, the SAP was applied to the different liquid waste. Liquid wastes

samples were prepared in a beaker with equal amounts of volume. Moreover, determination of the

amount of liquid waste of the superabsorbent polymer was conducted. When the SAP was

completely swollen, the beaker with the mixture of the SAP and liquid waste was weighed. Then,

absorbed liquid waste (in grams) per SAP used (in grams) was identified by using the formula:
𝑔 𝑚2 −𝑚1
Swelling (𝑔)= . The experiment had three trials along with time limitations to ensure the
𝑚1

accuracy of the result. The gathered data was then compared in the reference absorbent capacity

of SAP in pure water which is 400-2000(g/g). Lastly, the applied superabsorbent polymer was

evaluated based on its effectivity and efficiency in absorbing the different liquid waste.

Keywords: Super absorbent polymer, leachate, industrial liquid waste, sewage, medical liquid

waste, inverse suspension polymerization, absorbent capacity, swelling, efficiency

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our appreciation to Engr. Lina Dela Cruz for her support, guidance and

insight throughout this research project.

We would also like to thank Dr. Ariel V. Melendres. Without his valuable assistance this

research would not have been completed.

And lastly, we would like to thank all our friends and family.

iii
 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

ENGR. LINA DELA CRUZ

Research Operation 1 Adviser

Technological Institute of the Philippines

363. P. Casal St., Quiapo, Manila

Dear Ma’am,

In compliance with the requirements leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in

Chemical Engineering, we, the undersigned students take pleasure in transmitting to you our

study entitled “Study on the Application of Superabsorbent Polymers in Different Liquid

Wastes.”

After devoting entirely all our efforts, intellect, and time, we hope that this project will

meet your standards.

Respectfully yours,

___________________________ ___________________________
Balines, Aron Joel G. Ballad, Louvien Eloise F.

___________________________ ___________________________
Domingo, Trisha Mae D. Daque, Mary Jane L.

___________________________ ___________________________
Magno, Lavenia Alou C. Salandanan, Edrick Jasper M.

iv
 APPROVAL SHEET

This is to certify that we have supervised the preparation of and read the research paper

prepared by Aron Joel G. Balines, Louvien Eloise F. Ballad, Trisha Mae D. Domingo, Mary

Jane L. Daque, Lavenia Alou C. Magno, and Edrick Jasper M. Salandanan entitled Study on

the Application of Superabsorbent Polymers in Different Liquid Waste and the said paper has been

submitted for final approval and examination.

As a member of the Approval Committee, we certify that we have examined this paper and

hereby recommend that it be accepted as fulfillment of the research for the Degree of Bachelor

Science in Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Ariel V. Melendres Engr. Lina Dela Cruz

Academe Adviser Adviser, ChE Research 1

This research is hereby approved and accepted by the Chemical Engineering Department

as fulfillment of the ChE Research 1 requirement for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in

Chemical Engineering.

Engr. Lorraine A. Carillo

Chemical Engineering Department Chair

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page………………………………………………………………………………i.
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………..ii.
Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………….iii.
Letter of Transmittal………………………………………………………………......iv.
Approval Sheet………………………………………………………………………....v.
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………vi.
List of Figures and Tables…………………………………………………………….vii.
Dedication……………………………………………………………………………viii.
Chapter I — The Problem and its Background………………………………………....1
Background of the Study……………...………………………………………..1
Objectives………………………………………………………………………3
Significance of the Study………………………………………………………4
Scope and Limitation…………………………………………………………..5
Chapter II — Conceptual Framework …………………………………………………..7
Review of Related Literature and Studies……………………………………..7
Definition of Terms…………………………………………………………...17
Chapter III—Methodology……………………………………………………………..20
Materials and Methods………………………………………………………...21
References………………………………………………………………………………28

vi
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1. Research Paradigm

Figure 3.1. Inverse Suspension polymerization process

Figure 3.2. Flow diagram of Project Design

Figure 3.3. Process Diagram

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1. Efficiency of the Super Absorbent Polymer in Absorbing the Different Liquid

Table 3.2. Evaluation Form

vii
 DEDICATION

We dedicate this research work to our parents and friends. Without their continuous support and

encouragement, the completion of this work will not be possible. Also, we dedicate this research

to our professors who have been constant sources of knowledge and inspiration.

viii