Student researchers use banana peels as biofuel
BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — A team of student researchers from the Saint Louis University-Basic Education School (SLU-BEds) showcased their groundbreaking research on banana peelings as a sustainable energy source in the inaugural Philippine Science High School-Cordillera Administrative Region (PSHS-CAR) Research Festival.
Entitled “Bioelectricity Generation: Utilizing Lakatan Peelings (Musa acuminata) in Microbial Fuel Cells Containing Bacillus subtilis,” this research bagged the 1st Grand Award in the recent 4th National Science and Engineering Fair in Quezon City.
Team leader Gian Christopher Cordova shared that he turned his family’s love for bananas into a groundbreaking study aimed at providing a sustainable energy source.
Noticing the frequent disposal of banana peelings led him to thinking of ways to make it into a valuable resource.
Cordova said,
I’ve noticed that the banana peelings are left discarded. So, with that, I planned to utilize the peelings and turn it into something valuable,
The research focused on the microbial fuel cells or innovative use of devices that use tiny living organisms like bacteria to convert organic waste materials into electrical energy and then combining banana peelings with Bacillus subtilis, a type of bacteria known for its efficiency in bioenergy applications.
The recent Research Festival allowed the students to advance their research knowledge and connect with their fellow researchers from various institutions. It fostered valuable insights and the exchange of ideas among participants.
He said,
This achievement marks a significant milestone for us young Filipino scientists or researchers.
It gave us an opportunity to share our research and get to know researchers from other schools,Cordova also encouraged his fellow researchers to continue pursuing their dreams, emphasizing the importance of innovation in a rapidly changing world.
He said,
We are in a world that is constantly changing, and innovation such as renewable technologies can further develop our country in a greener and sustainable future.
“With that, I can say that “Sa balat ng Lakatan may ilaw ang pangkalahatan,”
The team plans to apply for a patent for their innovation. [JDP/DEG/Arnmari Christine Dela Cruz-PIA CAR-SLU Intern]
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Student researchers use banana peels as biofuel, source
