CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO HIGH SCHOOL

Bonny Serrano Road, Murphy, Quezon City

The Feasibility of Asian Green Mussel Shells (Perna viridis) as a Material

for Cloth Stain Remover

Research Proposal

Presented to:

Mrs. Ria V. Herjas

Mrs. Cheryl H. Gaa

By:

Christine Joy M. Siscar

Adrian Patrick Labtic

Nio Mhar Malana

Angelica S. Sabado

Carl Michael O. Cabansag

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Title Page
2 Table of Contents
3 Introduction
4 Background of the Study
5 Statement of the Problem
Hypothesis
Scope and Limitations
6 Significance of the Study
7 Abstract
8 Review of Related Literature
9 Methodology
10 Results and Discussions
11 Results and Discussions (observations in distilled water)
12 Results and Discussions (Legend and observations in different treatments)
13 Results and Discussions (first five minutes observation)
14 Results and Discussions (after 24 hours observation)
15 Results and Discussions (after 24 hours observation)
16 Results and Discussions (Effect of powdered Asian green mussel shells, powdered chalk,
detergent, and chlorine to colored fabrics after 24 hours)
17 Analysis of Data (Graphical Representation)
18 Analysis of Data
19 Conclusions
Recommendations
Selected References

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INTRODUCTION

Many people are not aware of some activities they do, of some foods they take into their bodies, of the

things they use and of their attitude toward their deeds after getting their satisfaction which reflects to the nature.

Naturally, people especially children lose their poise when they eat so they tend to get stains from the

dropped foods they eat. Moreover, they can get stains from dirt when they perform a certain activity. Stains such

as catsup, ink, and mud are the most common stains that are hard to remove. This is one of the problems of

common housewives. In order to solve this, many of them prefer to use a commercial stain remover like chlorine,

chalk and detergent.

Chlorine, chalk and detergent are good cloth stain removers. But these are not as environment-friendly

as we expect to be. Chlorine reacts with organic material to trihalomethanes like chloroform which is well-known

carcinogen. It is also a respiratory irritant because of its pungent odor. Detergent and chalk are proven to be

hazardous too because of its side effects in our skin.

This study will show that there can be a good alternative for chlorine, chalk, and detergent that can be

used in the production of stain remover, likely in form of powder from the Asian green mussel shells.

Furthermore, instead of discarding these mussel shells during red tides these can be powderized to form a stain

remover. For this reason, the researchers come up with an idea of making a powered stain remover from Asian

green mussel shells.

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BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:

Based on the studies, the major component comprising the Asian green mussel shells (Perna viridis) is

no different than any other bivalve mollusk. The outer layer or periostracum is mostly protein, basically

an organic skin over the top of the shell which gives the shell color, and lays down the calcium

carbonate to keep the shell growing.

More than 95% of the Asian green mussel shell is calcium carbonate that helps to produce chalk which is

known to be one of the contents of detergents. Hence, if the Asian green mussel shells are pounded, they produce

a whitish powder in which based on the report conducted at ITPI, each fifty grams of it has 0.44% of extractable

chloride which can remove stains .With this observable phenomenon, researchers have come-up with this study,

Asian Green Mussel Shells (Perna viridis) as a material for cloth stain remover. After which, testing,

treatments, and comparison and contrasting should be done. Through research probably now the Asian green

mussel shells have discovered its potential as stain remover and a good product of a community.

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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:

The research study is focusing in the production of powder out of Asian green mussel shells. And its great

feature as a stain remover.

Specifically this study aims to answer the following questions:

Can this powder be a good source for stain remover ?

Can this powder be comparable to chlorine, chalk and detergent?

HYPOTHESIS:

1.) It will be an effective alternative for stain remover.

2.) It will not be an effective alternative for stain remover.

3.) There is a significant difference between the powder from the Asian green mussel shells, chlorine, chalk and

detergent.

4.) There is no significant difference between the powder from the Asian green mussel shells and chlorine, chalk

and detergent.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS:

The research study is focusing in the production of powder out of Asian Green Mussel Shells (Perna

viridis). And its great feature as a stain remover. The shells to be used are the one, which are found in the watery

regions of the Philippines.

If other researchers contest this discovery, they may try to experiment but they can never claim the

discovery as their own and they must be sure that what they are going to do is accurate.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

Relating to our drama in modern world. We have observed that financial crisis was on the top rank on the

numbers of listed problems here in our country. In some cases of families nearly above and below or within the

poverty line, just leave their clothes with stain and choose not to buy commercial stain remover to save money.

This study will show that there can be a more environmental-friendly and cost-effective alternative for chlorine,

chalk, and detergent that can be used in the production of stain remover, likely in form of powder from the Asian

green mussel shells.

Through this study there could be an eco-friendly stain remover since all commercially available stain

removers react with removers react with organic material to trinalomethanes like chloroform which is a well-

known carcinogen and is also respiratory irritant because of its pungent odor.

Also, Instead of throwing away the Asian green mussel shells that are otherwise being discarded during

red tide and can contribute to the pollution of the environment, these can be powderized to produced an

alternative and feasible stain remover which can evidently contribute to the governments program of waste

management and recycling.

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ABSTRACT

The researchers of this study aimed to discover and promote a substitute for stain remover in removing

common cloth stains particularly catsup, ink and mud; only from the production of powderized Asian green

mussel shells (Perna viridis) without using or mixing any other chemicals in the samples.

The research project was made possible through the following procedures: After gathering the materials

needed, left-over Asian green mussel shells were washed and placed in the oven for about five three to five

minutes until it becomes brittle. Using mortar and pestle it were crushed until pure whitish powder is produced

and, it was put in a container and set aside for later usage. Then, fabric was cut into equal sizes and stained in

equal amounts using catsup, ink and mud.

Different treatments were made by mixing three tablespoons of pounded Asian green mussel shells, chalk,

chlorine, and detergent into sixty milliliters distilled water. Stained fabrics were soaked into these treatments and

set aside. The changes that took placed in every length of time were recorded.

When the experimentation was taking place, different observations and changes were observed by the

researchers. Asian green mussel shells and chalk are not soluble substances; this is the reason why they settled at

the surface and bottom of the solution. Water from the black ink has change into black. It will be seen that

chlorine is the most effective stain remover used but it has side effects. Frequent use of this substance may cause

the fabric to be thin and may be an irritant to our skin. Aside from that, chlorine, and even detergent, is proven

hazardous to the environment. As for the Asian green mussel shells, it is proven feasible for substituting

commercially available products such as chlorine, chalk, and detergent.

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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Asian green mussel shells (Perna viridis) are sea creatures or bivalve related to oysters and scallops.

They also belong to the family of mollusks, so they posses similar properties. They are called filibranchiates

because their gills have cilia. They are found on rocks, rivers and streams, and collected as food and as fish bait.

It is only one of the numerous highly cultivated marine creatures of the Philippines. It has been favored

by food lovers throughout the century. It has been an important food since Neolithic period, and was cultivated

long before Christian era. Asian green mussel shells are not only delicious but they are also a well-balanced food,

containing protein, carbohydrates and lipids. The National Heart and Lung Institute suggest it as an ideal food

inclusion in low-cholesterol alerts. They are also excellent source of Vitamin A, Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2),

Niacin, Ascorbic Acid, and Calciferol.

Asian green mussel shells contain more than 95% of calcium carbonate that helps produce chalk

which is one of the components of detergent. When pounded, they produce whitish product in which based on the

report conducted at ITPI, each fifty grams of powderized Asian green mussel shells has 0.44% extractable

chlorine which can remove stains. This made us an idea for having it as constituent organic stain remover for

chlorine, chalk and detergent.

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METHODOLOGY

Preparation of the Mussel Shells

A. Gathering
Half a kilo of left-over mussel shells were gathered for the experiment.
B. Sanitation
The mussel shells were washed in clear tap water
C. Drying
The mussel shells were placed in the oven for about three to five minutes to dry and make them brittle.
D. Pounding
The mussel shells were pounded with mortar and pestle until a pure whitish powder was produced, then
the powder was stored in a clean dry container for later usage.

Data Gathering Tools

Measuring devices like ruler, cups, test tube, and weighing scale were used. The ruler was used to

measure the cloth needed for the experiment. The cups were used to measure the amount of powdered mussel

shells needed for the different treatments. Test tube was used to measure the amount of chlorine needed.

Weighing scale was used to measure the mass of the mussel shells.

Instruments used in storing the powdered mussel shells and testing different treatments were the

containers that were sealed until use and labeled according to the letter of its treatment. Oven was also used in

drying the mussel shells to make it brittle. Mortar and pestle were used in pounding the mussel shells until they

are in powderized form. Pieces of cloth were used in the experiment and a pair of scissors was used in cutting it.

Data Gathering Procedure

Fabric was cut into equal sizes (3x3 inches was used for this experiment) and stained in equal amounts

using catsup, ink and mud. Different solutions were made by mixing three tablespoons of pounded Asian green

mussel shells, chalk, chlorine, and detergent into sixty milliliters distilled water. Stained fabrics were soaked into

these treatments and set aside. The changes that took placed in every length of time were recorded.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

To test the effectiveness of the powdered Asian mussel shells various observations and tests were

conducted. Different treatments were made including the mixtures of pounded Asian green mussel shells, chalk,

chlorine, and detergent into sixty milliliters distilled water. Stained plain white and colored fabrics were soaked

into different treatments and set aside. The changes that took placed in every length of time (five minutes and

twenty four hours) were recorded then after.

Product Observations

Asian green mussel shells (Perna viridis) Brittle

Inside part of it is wax-like

Outside texture is rough unlike the inside

No strong odor

Color: Outside-dirty white, Inside-white

*when pounded Color: Dirty white with specks of brown

Odor is similar to that of a chalk only stronger

Even though it is brittle, it took a long time for

it to be pounded into powder like substance

Chalk Color: white

Smooth

Color: Dirty white

*when pounded Irritating smell

Chlorine Color: Yellow

Strong pungent odor which is lung irritant

Causes a stingy feeling on skin

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Detergent Strong odor that can make you sneeze

White specks of red and blue

When mixed with Distilled water:

Mixture Observation

Asian green mussel shells (Perna viridis) Bubbles appeared on its surface

After several minutes, the solid particles settled

on the bottom

After few more minutes, the water became

clear because all the solid particles settled at

the bottom

Detergent Water became blue and lot of bubbles appeared

Powder did not dissolve in one stirring

Some of the particles which are not dissolved

settled at the bottom

Chlorine Lost its color

Mixed well with water

No other visible changes happened

Chalk Water became whitish

Chalk particles became stiff or thick

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Legend:

Treatment A1-cloth with catsup stain soaked in 60 ml water with powdered Asian green mussel shells

Treatment A2- cloth with catsup stain soaked in 60 ml water with powdered chalk

Treatment A3- cloth with catsup stain soaked in 60 ml water with detergent

Treatment A4- cloth with catsup stain soaked in 60 ml water with chlorine

Treatment B1- cloth with ink stain soaked in 60 ml water with powdered Asian green mussel shells

Treatment B2- cloth with ink stain soaked in 60 ml water with powdered chalk

Treatment B3- cloth with ink stain soaked in 60 ml water with detergent

Treatment B4- cloth with ink stain soaked in 60 ml water with chlorine

Treatment C1- cloth with mud stain soaked in 60 ml water with powdered Asian green mussel shells

Treatment C2- cloth with mud stain soaked in 60 ml water with powdered chalk

Treatment C3- cloth with mud stain soaked in 60 ml water with detergent

Treatment C4- cloth with mud stain soaked in 60 ml water with chlorine

First five minutes:

Observations
Treatment
Water Plain white fabric

Treatment A1 Water became gray in Color of the ink did not

color. lessen.
White particles on the
surface appeared.
Treatment A2 Water also became gray in Color of the ink did not
color. lessen as well.
Some solid particles settled
at the bottom.
Treatment A3 Water became gray in The ink stain spreads.
color.

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Treatment A4 Water became gray in Ink stain lessens a bit.
color.
Treatment B1 No changes happened. No changes happened.

Whitish substance appeared

on the surface.
Treatment B2 No changes happened. No changes happened.

Semi-solid particles settled

at the bottom.
Treatment B3 No changes happened. Blue spots appeared.

Treatment B4 No changes happened. Color has lightened already.

Treatment C1 Color did not change. Dark brown color became

light.
White particles on its
surface also appeared.
Treatment C2 Water becomes clearer Dark brown color became
because white particles are light.
settling at the bottom.
Treatment C3 Water is still blue in color. Dark brown color became
light.
The bubbles disappeared.

Treatment C4 No changes happened. Dark brown color became

light.

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After 24 hours:

Observations
Treatment
Water Plain white fabric

Treatment A1 Solid particles settled at the Color of the fabric

bottom and some on the
top.
The water in between is
clear.
Treatment A2 1/8 of the water is taken by
the solid chalk particles
which settled at the bottom.
Treatment A3 Blue water became gray.
Treatment A4 Water is gray. It is lighter
than the color of the water
in other treatments.
Treatment B1 Water became very light
orange.
Treatment B2 Water is still the same.
Treatment B3 Water is blue in color.
gradually becomes gray.
Color of the fabric
gradually becomes gray.
At first, the fabric is gray in
color but when washed, it
became blue.
Stain on the fabric totally
faded.
Fabric had become thin, it
ripped off.
Stain on the fabric faded
but the yellow borders did
not.
The borders did not
disappear.
At the first look, it seems
like the stain has
completely faded but when
you take a closer look, you
may notice a very light
brown spot at the middle.
Fabric is blue as well. The
yellow borders have been
covered with its blue color.

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Treatment B4 Water is very clear unlike The yellow borders also
the others. faded.
Fabric became very thin.

Treatment C1 Solid particles settled at the Stain has faded but the
bottom and some on the yellow borders did not.
top.
Water became very light
brown.
Treatment C2 Water became very light Stain has faded but the
brown. yellow borders did not.
Treatment C3 Water is blue in color. Fabric has been covered by
blue color.
Treatment C4 Water is clear. The yellow borders also
faded.
Fabric became very thin.

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 Effect of powdered Asian green mussel shells, powdered chalk, detergent, and chlorine to colored

fabrics (after 24 hours)

Powdered Asian green mussel shells

No changes happened.

Powdered chalk

Becomes whitish in color but when washed with clean water it turned back to its original color.

Detergent

Blue spots appeared. When dried, these turned into white.

Chlorine

Color faded. The fabric was ruined.

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 ANALYSIS OF DATA

Graphical Representation

6
5
4
3
2 Effectiveness in
removing mud stain
1
0
Powdered Powdered Detergent Chlorine
Asian green chalk
mussel shells

It is shown in the data above that the Chlorine which is 5% has the greatest effectiveness in terms of

removing mud stain. The second one is the powered Asian green mussel shell which is 3%; third one is the

detergent which is 2.5% and lastly the least effective stain remover which is the powdered chalk with 2%.

6
5
4
3
2 Effectiveness in
removing ink stain
1
0
Powdered Powedered Detergent Chlorine
Asian green chalk
mussel shells

As it is shown in the data above that Chlorine again, which is 5% has also the greatest effectiveness in

terms of removing ink stain same to as of the first graph. The second one is the detergent which is 2.5%; third one

is the powdered Asian green mussel shell which is 2.5% and lastly least effective stain remover which is the

powdered chalk with 1%.

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 6
5
4
3
Effectiveness in
2
removing catsup stain
1
0
Powdered Powdered Detergent Chlorine
Asian green chalk
mussel shells

It is shown in the data above that Chlorine again, which is 5% has also the greatest effectiveness in terms

of removing different kinds of stains same to as of the first and second graph. The second one is the powered

Asian mussel shell which is 4%; third one is the powdered chalk which is 3% and lastly the detergent which is the

least effective stain remover with 2.5%.

After the series of experimentations, it is then observed that each of the satin removers is effective in

different aspects. It could be noticed that chlorine has the most successful outcome, but it has a side effect. First is

that often usage of this product may damage clothes and skin. Second, it is not suitable for colored fabrics. Color-

safe stain removers have already come out of the public but its effectiveness is not as much as the chlorine and it

has a costly price thus, not recommended to housewives who wanted to save money. Lastly, it is dangerous to the

environment. As to the detergent, the amount of detergent is not proportioned to the amount of water. The ink was

the most difficult stain to offset.

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CONCLUSIONS

The following conclusions were formulated based on the acquired data:

1.) Researchers conclude that the powderized mussel shells have a promising potential as a material for

stain remover especially when they used greater amount to remove stains to some extent.

2.) There was a significant difference between the stain remover made from powderized the mussel

shells and the commercially made stain remover which is chlorine.

3.) For the effectiveness of the powderized mussel shells, it was rated as acceptable and satisfactory in

terms of removing different kinds of stains.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and conclusions, the following are recommended:

1.) Further studies on the possibility that powdered mussel shells can be combined with detergent soap to

be its stain remover.

2.) The effect of the powdered mussel shell on other cloth stains, as well as stains on sinks and tiles, and

the use of organic substances that will remove its pungent odor.

SELECTED REFERENCES
"Mussel." Microsoft Encarta 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080102001159AAlGOR1
http://www.bookrags.com/research/calcium-carbonate
woc/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perna_viridis
The New Book of POPULAR SCIENCE. (2004). Calcium Carbonate
Grolier of Knowledge. (2003). Mussels. USA: Grolier Incorporated.

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