Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Keywords

Carica papaya, groundwater, lead(II) ions, pectin-based hydrogel, water treatment

Abstract

The synthesis of polysaccharide-based hydrogels for water treatment is a progressive topic at present time. Several studies have utilized common natural polymers such as alginate, chitosan, starch, pectin, and hyaluronic acid for the synthesis of said hydrogels. In this study, pectin sourced from Carica papaya peels were used to synthesize hydrogel with the goal of adsorbing lead(II) ions from groundwater obtained from Dasmariñas, Cavite. Pectin monomers in 90% dH2O were gradually crosslinked with polyacrylamide using N,N’methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) via free radical polymerization. The polymerization reaction was initiated using tetramethylenediamine (TEMED) at 60°C with continuous stirring, preventing O2 from interfering with the solution until a soft lump formed to be dried. The resulting hydrogel failed to adsorb any groundwater contaminant; however, it exhibited a favorable swelling and presence of fibrous networks which confirms that functional groups are accessible for interaction with external stimuli and target substances. The researchers recommend purification of pectin and modification of synthesis to optimize the capability of the hydrogel, but especially utilize a known concentration of lead to test its adsorption capability.

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