ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVITY OF BOKASHI BALLS IN

WASTEWATER OF “ESTERO DE SAMPALOC” BASED ON

SELECTED PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN
ACCORDANCE TO DAO 34

by

Belotindos, Camille Mae B.

Calma, Mary Ann R.
Castro, Calvin Klein V.
David, Ramiro Jr. C.

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

at

FEU Institute of Technology

June 2018

Engr. Mark Paolo Mission, MS

Thesis Adviser
 ©2018 C. Belotindos, M. Calma, C. Castro, R. David
All Rights Reserved

The authors grant FEU Institute of Technology permission to reproduce and distribute the
contents of this document in whole or in part.

ii
 APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE SHEET

The thesis entitled “Analysis of the effectivity of Bokashi Balls in wastewater of

“Estero de Sampaloc” based on selected physical and chemical parameters in
accordance to DAO 34” prepared and submitted by:

Belotindos, Camille Mae B.

Calma, Mary Ann R.
Castro, Calvin Klein V.
David, Ramiro Jr. C.

In partial fulfillment of the course requirement for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in
Civil Engineering has been examined and is hereby recommended for approval.

___________________________ _____________________________
(Name) (Name)
Panelist 1 Panelist 2

________________________
(Name)
Head Panelist

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of

Science in Civil Engineering.

____________________________ _____________________________________
Engr. Mark Paolo Mission, MSCE Engr. Mary Grace Calilung, BSCE, MEng-SE
Thesis Adviser Course Adviser

________________________
Engr. Orlando P. Lopez
Department Head

________________________

iii
Date

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

(OPTIONAL)

The student may choose to include an acknowledgment page to thank those whom they
wish to show gratitude to such as their parents, advisers etc. The content must be in
English.

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

THESIS TITLE.....................................................................................................................i
APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE SHEET.....................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT....................................................................................................iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS....................................................................................................v
LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................vii
LIST OF FIGURES..........................................................................................................viii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................................ix
ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................2
1.1. Background of the Study.......................................................................................2
1.2. Significance of the Study......................................................................................2
1.3. Objectives..............................................................................................................2
1.4. Scope and Delimitations.......................................................................................3
1.5. Conceptual Framework.........................................................................................3
1.6. Definition of Terms...............................................................................................3
Chapter 2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.........................................................4
2.1. Heading.................................................................................................................4
2.2. Heading.................................................................................................................4
2.3. Heading.................................................................................................................5
Chapter 3. METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................6
3.1. Heading.................................................................................................................6
3.2. Heading.................................................................................................................6
Chapter 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION........................................................................8
4.1. Heading.................................................................................................................8
4.2. Heading.................................................................................................................9
Chapter 5. CONCLUSION................................................................................................10

vi
Chapter 6. RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................11
BIBLIOGRAPHY..............................................................................................................12
APPENDICES...................................................................................................................13

vii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 ………………………………………………………………… Page Number

Table 2 ………………………………………………………………… Page Number

Table 3 ………………………………………………………………… Page Number

Table 4 ………………………………………………………………… Page Number

viii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1...………………………………………………………………… Page Number

Figure 2...………………………………………………………………… Page Number

Figure 3...………………………………………………………………… Page Number

Figure 4.......……………………………………………………………… Page Number

ix
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviation - Term

Abbreviation - Term

Abbreviation - Term

x
 ABSTRACT

The paragraph shall be fully justified with multiple spacing 1.15. Use Times New
Roman 12. The abstract should not exceed 300 words. The authors should choose five
(5) keywords. These should be listed at the bottom of the abstract. These keywords shall
be used as search keywords once the thesis has been archived.

Keywords: 5, Italicized, Times New Roman 12, Aligned Left

 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter contains background of the study which will discuss the past projects done

related in the study, significance of the study that will specify its benefits in the

environment, objectives of the study which will give the readers the main purpose and

specific purposes of the study, scope and delimitations that will specify the focus of the

study and its limitation, and conceptual framework which will specify the processes to

finish the study successfully.

1.1. Background of the Study

With the rapid increase in population growth, industrialization, urbanization and socio-

economic development, the water quality and its quantity continue to deplete. The

domestic and industrial wastewater discharges contribute to the pollution and

contamination on different receiving water bodies. According to Asian Development

Bank (ADB), the Philippines is one of the fastest urbanizing countries in Asia, the rapid

urbanization is putting a significant impact on the country’s water quality. In the

Philippines, some urban areas are endowed with good quality of water and high potential

source; however, other rural areas have limited supplies of quality water. Pollution of

lakes, rivers, and streams contaminate ground and surface waters, which cause population

exposure to environmentally-related diseases. Pollution from main sources itself such as

untreated wastewater discharges can affect human health through the spread of viruses

2
and bacteria that can cause diseases [1]. The Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) issued an Administrative Order 34 (DAO 34) in 1990 which

categorizes different types or classification of water that can be very helpful in treating

water pollution and make it beneficial to use.

“Bokashi Ball” or mud ball in some terms is a technology used in water treatment.

Various methods are used in maintaining good water quality and removing harmful

contaminants but mostly, they are not economical and non-eco-friendly. This technology

is commonly used in composting food waste that can serve as soil fertilizer. It is currently

practiced in different parts of the world, even in the Philippines [2]. Also, one of the main

uses of this technology is its contribution to the water treatment process. In 2012,

volunteers made Bokashi balls to treat Maningning Creek in Taytay, Rizal. After the

application, it was observed that the water was visibly clean and its foul odor was also

eliminated. Dr. Teruo Higa, a professor in University Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan,

developed the method of using Bokashi balls. Bokashi Balls can also be used for

reducing sludge in sewerage systems, controlling excess algae, cleaning septic tanks and

eliminating its foul odor.

1.2. Significance of the Study

The study will benefit the people living around the vicinity of “Estero de Sampaloc”

creek. Bokashi Balls will improve the water quality in this creek as it improves the

concentration of selected physical and chemical contaminants that are harmful

environmentally if not controlled well such as Dissolved and Settleable Solids, Chemical

3
Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Nitrate, and pH to stop the growth of

algae, break down sludge, suppress pathogens, and remove foul odor. This may be used

by the community residences in their places and can help them to develop ideas to

improve or create possible solutions for water treatment. The result of this study is also

beneficial for future researchers as a reference and guide for their future studies.

1.3. Objectives

The main objective of this study is to analyze the effectivity of the Bokashi Balls on the

waste water in creeks.

Specific objectives aim to:

a.) Determine the effectivity of the Bokashi Balls in improving the levels of selected

physical parameters in water on creeks limited to Dissolved Solids and Settleable

Solids,

b.) Determine the effectivity of the Bokashi Balls in improving the levels of selected

chemicals in water on creeks limited to COD, DO, Nitrate, and pH, and

c.) Determine the change in the classification of untreated water sample into

treated water sample according to DENR Administrative Order No. 34.

1.4. Scope and Delimitations

This research encloses to the “Estero de Sampaloc” creek. The study will only focus on

the improvement of the quality of water in this creek that will only be limited to selected

physical attributes in water such as Dissolved Solids and Settleable Solids, chemicals

4
such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Nitrate, and pH.

Microbiological contents in waste water will not be analyzed because the application of

Bokashi Balls will not produce water that is safe for drinking. There will be a limited

time to do this research so the contaminated water is not fully treated.

1.5. Conceptual Framework

Process

Output
Input

1. Identify the 1. Water Treatment 1. Change in Water

contents of Bokashi 2. Water Testing in Quality
Balls DOST
2. Selection of a 3. Data Gathering
creek
3. Placing Bokashi
Balls in Wastewater
Sample

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

1.6. Definition of Terms

Text should be written in Times New Roman, 12, justified and double spaced. Terms

should be listed alphabetically.

EM – Effective Microorganism

Bokashi Ball – Definition

BOD

COD

Wastewater

5
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter contains related literatures about this study. Each journal will show the

relation of our study to other project works which will merely interpret the functions,

relationships, and features that may be the basis for the study.

2.1. Quality of Water

2.1.1 Water Quality in the Philippines

Philippines is an archipelago which consists of 7,641 islands. It has an area

approximately equal to 300,000 square kilometers wherein coastal towns are 65%

in total. Politically, it is divided into seventeen regions and are rich in water

resources. It has a total of 18 major river basins, 421 principal rivers, 79 natural

lakes, and extensive coastline that is 17640 kilometers. It was revealed by the

Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) that domestic wastes are the main

source of water pollution which is about 33 percent, second is livestock that

contributes 29 percent of pollution and industrial sources for about 27 percent.

The remaining are the non-point sources of water pollution that are responsible

for the remaining percentage of the organic load contribution to bodies of water

[3].

6
Pollution of streams, rivers, and lakes can contaminate surface and ground waters,

which can expose the environment to harmful diseases. Mostly, surface waters in

urban areas is a public health risk while rural surface waters also the cause of

diseases. The World Bank reported that exposure to water pollution and poor

sanitation account for about six percent of the cases of diseases, and

approximately 6000 premature deaths per year. Pollution comes from untreated

wastewater discharges affect human health by spreading disease-causing bacteria

and viruses. Some of these are diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis, and also, Severe Acute

Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) [4].

As a solution to this increasing challenge to quality of water, the Philippine Clean

Water Act of 2004 and its IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulation) were

enacted by the government. The Act and its IRR require preferment of co-

ownership of the water bodies and strong collaboration among stakeholders. The

purpose of this act is to protect the bodies of water from land-based pollution

sources. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is the

leading agency in implementing this law. Also, it has been tasked to improve and

develop policies and strategies to support the implementation of CWA [3].

The DENR-EMB conducts the monitoring of the water quality of major rivers in

Metro Manila and selected rivers in rural areas. Parameters such as temperature,

dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, pH level, total suspended solids

are commonly observed. The bacterial count is also studied at some beach resorts

in their Beach Watch Program [3].

7
2.1.2 Effects of Poor Water Quality

Safe water is a prerequisite for health and development and a basic human right.

Inadequate safe water supplies paired with poor sanitation and hygiene causes

water related diseases with 3.4 million deaths a year and mostly among children

[27]. A quantity of diseases can be spread or forwarded by water, such as typhoid

and cholera. However, it is important that water should not be contaminated by

pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Diseases affiliated with water are the

foremost cause of human illness and death around the world [25]. Pathogens are

micro-organisms that can cause disease in humans. They fall into three major

classes which are bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Roughly 1.1 billion people

deficient in access to an improved water source. Two million of the mortality

every year are because of diarrheal diseases, which are caused by the ingestion of

water contaminated by fecal matter, as well as by inadequate sanitation and

hygiene. Diseases are usually classified and determined by pathogen class in

medical terms and text. However, it is easier to use Bradley classification for

public health purposes [27].

Category Example Intervention

Diarrheal disease, cholera, Improve drinking-water
Water-borne dysentery, typhoid, quality, prevent casual use of
infectious hepatitis unprotected sources
Diarrheal disease, cholera,
dysentery, trachoma,
Increase water quantity used
Water-washed scabies, skin and eye
Improve hygiene
infections, ARI (acute
respiratory infections)
Reduce need for contact with
Schistosomiasis, guinea
Water-based contaminated water, reduce
worm
surface water contamination
8
 Malaria, onchocerciasis, Improve surface water
Water-related dengue fever, Gambian management, destroy insect
(insect vector) sleeping sickness breeding sites, use mosquito
netting
* including microbiological-related diseases only
Table 1.1 Bradley Classification System for Water-Related Diseases

2.2. Types of Water Treatment

2.2.1 Aerobic and Anaerobic Process

Some technologies in wastewater treatment are physical, chemical, and biological

treatment processes. Biological method is one of the auspicious method of

treating wastewater because a lot of mechanical and chemical wastewater

treatment processes are expensive. Procedures of wastewater treatment are usually

classified as aerobic, anaerobic, and hybrid technologies [5]. Wastewater (WW)

treatment is frequently thought-out as very costly because of elevated energy cost

[26].

Progressively, households and small commercial establishments are built in rural

areas without central sewer and on sites with marginal soils. Because of these

circumstances, wastewater must obtain a high level of pretreatment prior to its

discharge into the soil environment. Aerobic treatment units can be a preference

when the available soil is insufficient for the proper installation of a traditional

septic tank and soil absorption area [6].

Aerobic process is a biological method in treating wastewater. Aerobic

wastewater treatment stimulates the augmentation of naturally-occurring aerobic

microorganisms as a way of improving wastewater. Microorganisms (aerobes)

used dissolved oxygen to degrade organic wastes. These are accountable for the
9
complex organic compounds oxidation and are called decomposers [6,30].

Mostly, wastewater treatment from modest resources used Aerobic technologies

[28]. Aerobic process necessitates a great amount of energy and causes large

quantity of sludge, which is making bottleneck for its use in countries with crisis

in energy and limited economic resources [5].

Aerobic treatment systems like conventional activated sludge (CAS) is energy

intensive because of the great aeration demand and on top of that it produces great

amount of sludge that needs to be treated and disposed. Anaerobic wastewater

treatments are substitute, these are possibly more economical, particularly in

tropical countries [7].

One of anaerobic wastewater treatment attributes is that biogas is generated as a

by-product due to anaerobic microorganisms which can aggregate and form

biological granules [5]. Anaerobic digestion is made up of some interdependent,

complex sequential and parallel biological reactions, where the results from one

set of microorganisms serve as the substrate for the next, causing in change of

organic matter into a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide [7]. The key Stages

of Anaerobic Digestion are Hydrolysis, Acidogenesis, and Methanogenesis. First

stage of Anaerobic process is Hydrolysis where bacteria convert the particulate

organic substrate into liquified monomers and polymer proteins. During

Acidogenesis, the second stage, results from the first stage are being transform

into short chain volatile acids, ketones, alcohols, hydrogen and carbon dioxide by

acidogenic bacteria. In the third stage, which is Acetogenesis, acetogenic bacteria

transformed the rest of the product of previous stage into hydrogen, carbon

10
dioxide and acetic acid. The last stage of Anaerobic process is known as

Methanogenesis, microorganisms convert the hydrogen and acetic acid formed in

the third stage into methane gas and carbon dioxide [5].

A study of Anaerobic-aerobic sequential system for the treatment of food waste

and wastewater by Notre Dame University-Louaize resulted to a total elimination

rate 93% of volatile solids (88% by Anaerobic digestion and 5% by Aerobic

degradation) and 94% of COD (90% by Anaerobic digestion and 4% Aerobic

degradation). Although the general low contribution of aerobic stage in the study,

the observed eliminated rates are equal to 35% Volatile Solids and COD of the

anaerobic effluent, causing aerobic step a viable key in achieving stringent

requirements [26].

2.2.2 Softening

Mostly in surface waters as well as groundwaters, removal of hardness is

necessary to use them as potable water source. Multivalent cation or minerals are

the cause of hardness in water, such as calcium, magnesium and iron. In terms of

health problems hardness of water is not a problem, however hardness reduces the

effectiveness of soaps and can result to scale formation [25].

Ion exchange softening process can be used to soften hard water. This process can

almost remove all calcium and magnesium from the water, however all water

treatment processes have limitations and requires combination of treatment

process to removed certain particles/bacteria. Softening of water does not remove

11
 the bacteria, hydrogen sulfide, silt or sand and other organic and inorganic

compounds [31].

2.2.3 Coagulation

Coagulation is the chemical modification of the colloidal particles to put them

together and form larger particles called flocs. Coagulants are added to the water

to balance the charge of particles and to help in making small particles sticky so

these particles can coalesce and construct large, quick-settling particles [25].

Some commonly used coagulants are Aluminum sulfate (alum), ferrous sulfate,

ferric chloride and ferric chloro-sulfate [29].

2.2.4 Settling

After coagulation particles formed called flocs must be removed from the water.

This is always done in gravity settling tanks that simply permit the heavier-than-

water particles to settle to the bottom [25]. Settling tanks are used to remove

solids from the wastewater by gravity sedimentation in steady conditions. At the

bottom of the settling tank, the sludge collected is eliminated for further treatment

at the wastewater treatment plant’s solids handling facilities [32]. Settling tanks

are planned so as to approximate a plug-flow reactor to minimize all turbulence.

These tanks work due to the density of the solids exceeds that of the liquid [25].

2.3 Waste Water Treatment Process

12
Wastewater from other rural areas are collected by the municipal administration. All

pipes in the area is connected into a central point, wherein it is directed to a treatment

plant by underground drainage systems [5].

2.3.1 Odor Control

At the treatment plant, odor treatment processes are initiated to neutralize the

smell of wastewater. This is the first step and is very important to prevent causing

foul smell in the area.

2.3.2 Primary Treatment

Primary treatment is the process which involves the separation of sludge from the

wastewater. Wastewater is poured into big tanks to allow the sludge to settle at

the bottom. The sludge is then scraped and is pushed to the center of the tank and

is pumped out of the tank. The water retained inside the tank goes for the

secondary treatment.

2.3.3 Secondary Treatment

This process is also called activated sludge process. Seed sludge, a small amount

of sludge, is mixed to the wastewater to allow the growth of bacteria that consume

the remaining organic matter. The wastewater is passed through large tanks

13
 repeatedly for 3-6 hours, and the large particles produced will settle down at the

bottom of the tank.

2.3.4 Bio-solids Handling

The solid wastes from the primary and secondary treatment are moved to

digesters and undergoes anaerobic digestion. During the process, it methane gases

and nutrient rich bio-solids are formed. The methane gas formed will be used as a

source of energy at the treatment plants. Bio-solids are recycled and dewatered

into local firms.

2.3.5 Tertiary Treatment

Tertiary treatment is capable to remove 99% of water impurities from the

wastewater. This produces effluent water that is close to drinking water quality.

However, this process is expensive as it requires a special equipment.

2.3.6 Disinfection

The water after the secondary treatment is disinfected for at least 20-25 minutes.

This is to eliminate the remaining bacteria that can cause diseases. After the water

is treated, it is then released into the environment through the waterways.

2.4 DENR Administrative Order No. 34 (DAO)

14
Water classification is the primary component in water quality management for

which goals of each of the water bodies are met. In the Philippines, waters shall

be maintained in a safe condition according to their best functions.

Classification is a very important component of water quality management since

the application of effluent standards are dependent on this classification.

According to DAO 34 or DENR Administrative Order No. 34, the classification

is based according to the following beneficial usages [9]:

2.4.1 Fresh Surface Water (river, lakes, reservoir, etc.)

Classification Beneficial Use

Class AA Public Water Supply Class 1. This class is intended primarily
for waters having watersheds which are uninhabited and
otherwise protected and which require only approved
disinfection in order to meet the National standards for
Drinking Water (NSDW) of the Philippines.
Class A Public Water Supply Class 2. For sources of water supply that
will require complete treatment (coagulation, sedimentation,
filtration, and disinfection) in order to meet the NSDW.
Class B Recreational Water Class 1. For primarily contact recreation
such as bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc. (particularly those
designated for tourism purpose.)
Class C a. Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish
and other aquatic resources.
b. Recreational water class 2 (boating, etc)
c. Industrial Water supply class 1 (from manufacturing
processes after treatment)

Class D 1. For agriculture, irrigation, live stocks watering, etc.)

2. Industrial Water supply class 2 (e.g. cooling, etc.)Other
3. Inland waters by their quality belong to this
classification.

Table 2.1. Classification of Fresh Surface Water

15
2.4.2 Coastal and Marine Waters

Classification Beneficial Use

Class SA 1. Waters suitable for the propagation survival and
harvesting of selfish, for commercial purposes.
2. Tourist Zones and national marine parks and reserves
established under Presidential Proclamation No. 1801;
existing laws and/or declared as such by appropriate
government agency.
3. Coral reef parks and reserves designated by law and
concerned authorities.
4. Waters suitable for the propagation survival and
harvesting of selfish, for commercial purposes.
5. Tourist Zones and national marine parks and reserves
established under Presidential Proclamation No. 1801;
existing laws and/or declared as such by appropriate
government agency.
6. Coral reef parks and reserves designated by law and
concerned authorities.

Class SB 1. Recreational Water Class 1 (areas regularly used by the

public for bathing swimming, skin diving, etc.)
2. Fishery Water class 3 (spawning areas for Chanos
chanos or “Bangus” and similar species.

Class CS 1. Recreational Water class 3 (e.g. boating, etc.)

2. Fishery Water class 2 (commercial and sustenance
fishing).
3. Marchy and/or mangrove areas declared as fish and
wildlife sanctuaries.

Class SD 1. Industrial Water supply class 2 (e.g. cooling, etc.)

2. Other coastal and marine waters, by their quality, belong
to this classification

Table 2.2. Classification of Coastal and Marine Waters

16
 2.4.3 Water Quality Criteria

2.4.3.1 Water Quality Criteria for Fresh Waters

1. Conventional and Other Pollutants Affecting Aesthetics and Oxygen Demand

Please refer to Table 3 for the parameters and limits or specifications according to

classification and use of the receiving body of water (RBW).

PARAMETER UNIT CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS

AA A B C D (b)
Color PCU 15 50 (c) (c) (c)
Temperature (d) °C rise   3 3 3 3
(max. rise in deg.
Celcius)
pH (range)   6.5 - 8.5 6.5 - 8.5 6.5 - 8.5 6.5 - 8.5 6.0 - 9.0
Dissolved Oxygen % 705.0 705.0 705.0 605.0 403.0
(e) (Minimum) satnmg/L
5-Day 20°C BOD mg/L 1 5 5 7(10) 10(15)
Total Suspended mg/L 25 50 (f) (g) (h)
Solids
Total Dissolved mg/L 500 (i) 1,000 (i) - - 1,000
Solids (i)
Surfactants mg/L nil 0.2(0.5) 0.3(0.5) 0.5 -
(MBAS)
Oil/Grease
(Petroleum Ether mg/L nil 1 1 2 5
Extracts)
Nitrate as Nitrogen mg/L 1.0 10 nr 10(j) -
Phosphate as mg/L nil 0.1(k) 0.2(k) 0.4(k) -
Phosphorus
Phenolic mg/L nil 0.002 0.005(l) 0.02(l) -
Substances as
Phenols
Total Coliforms MPN/100 50(m) 1,000(m) 1,000(m) 5,000(m) -
mL
Or Fecal Coliforms MPN/100 20(m) 100(m) 200(m) - -
mL
Chloride as Cl mg/L 250 250 - 350 -
Copper mg/L 1.0 1.0 - 0.05(o) -

17
 Table 2.3. Water Quality Criteria for Conventional and Other Pollutants
Contributing to Aesthetics and Oxygen Demand for Fresh Waters
2. Toxic and other Deleterious Substances. - The maximum limits for these types

of pollutants according to classifications or use of the receiving body of water are

found in Table 4.

PARAMETER UNIT CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS

AA A B C D
Arsenic (i) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.01
Cadmium (i) mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05
Chromium (i) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 -----
(hexavalent)
Cyanide mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 -----
Lead (i) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 -----
Total Mercury (i) mg/L 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002
Organophosphate mg/L nil nil nil nil nil
Aldrin mg/L 0.001 0.001 - - -
DDT mg/L 0.05 0.05 - - -
Dieldrin mg/L 0.001 0.001 - - -
Heptachlor mg/L nil nil - - -
Lindane mg/L 0.004 0.004 - - -
Toxaphane mg/L 0.005 0.005 - - -
Methoxychlor mg/L 0.10 0.10 - - -
Chlordane mg/L 0.003 0.003 - - -
Endrin mg/L nil nil - - -
PCB mg/L 0.001 0.001 - - -
Table 2.4. Water Quality Criteria for Toxic and Other Deleterious
Substances for Fresh Waters (For the Protection of Public Health)

2.4.3.2 Coastal and Marine Waters Criteria.

1. Conventional and Other Pollutants Affecting Aesthetics and Oxygen

Demand. The criteria for Class SA, SB, SC and SD are found in Table 5.

PARAMETER UNIT CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS

SA SB SC SD

18
 Color PCU (c) (c) (c) (c)
Temperature (d) (max. °C rise 3 3 3 3
rise in deg. Celsius)
pH (range)   6.5 - 8.5 6.0 - 8.5 6.0 - 8.5 6.0 - 9.0
Dissolved Oxygen (e)  % 705.0 705.0 705.0 502.0
(Minimum) satnmg/L
5-Day 20°C BOD mg/L 3 5 7(10) -
Total Suspended Solids mg/L (f) (g) (g) (h)
Surfactants (MBAS) mg/L 0.2 0.3 0.5 -
Oil/Grease (Petroleum mg/L 1 2 3 5
Ether Extract)
Phenolic Substances as mg/L nil 0.01 (1) -
Phenols
Total Coliforms MPN/100 70(m) 1,000(m) 5,000(m) -
mL
Fecal Coliforms MPN/100 nil 200(m) - -
mL
Copper Mg/L - 0.02(n) 0.05 (o) -
(o)
Table 2.5. Water Quality Criteria for Conventional and Other Pollutants

Affecting Aesthetics and Exerting Oxygen Demand for Coastal and Marine

Waters.

19
2. Toxic and Other Deleterious Substances. The maximum limits for toxic and

other deleterious substances for waters classified as Class SA, SB, SC and SD waters

are found in Table 6.

PARAMETER UNIT CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS

SA SB SC SD
Arsenic (i) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 -
Cadmium (i) mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 -
Chromium (i) mg/L 0.05 0.1 0.1 -
(hexavalent)
Cyanide mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 -
Lead (i) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 -
Total Mercury (i) mg/L 0.002 0.002 0.002 -
Organophosphate mg/L nil nil nil -
Aldrin mg/L 0.001 - - -
DDT mg/L 0.05 - - -
Dieldrin mg/L 0.001 - - -
Heptachlor mg/L nil - - -
Lindane mg/L 0.004 - - -
Toxaphane mg/L 0.005 - - -
Methoxychlor mg/L 0.10 - - -
Chlordane mg/L 0.003 - - -
Endrin mg/L nil - - -
PCB mg/L 0.001 - - -
Table 2.6. Water Quality Criteria for Toxic and Other Deleterious Substances for
Coastal and Marine Waters (for the Protection of Public Health)

2.5 Bokashi Balls

2.5.1 History of Bokashi Balls

Conventional agriculture with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers have negative

effects on soil health, that caused problems with root diseases. Soil-borne diseases

20
can decrease yield on a wide range of crops. However, some chemical control

methods have been restricted in recent decades as it caused a lot of damage on the

environment [10].

Reducing the inputs of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and demand in energy are

the purposes of different management strategies in sustainable agricultural and

industrial systems. Many different microbial biofertilizers are already available on

the market. Those products are claimed to enhance plant growth and yields to

improve fertility of soil but there is no specific detail about the microbial

composition of such products, making it difficult for the scientists to test its

effectiveness and for the users to make their choice. [11]. Because of this, one

biofertilizer received a lot of attention, the Effective Microorganism (EM).

The concept about the Effective Microorganisms (EM), one of the main

component of Bokashi Balls, was first conceptualized and developed by Dr.

Teruo Higa, University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan professor in the year 1980.

“Bokashi” in Japanese term means “fermented organic matter”. It is used as a

microbe and nutrient-rich carrier from various purposes. The purpose of this

technology is to restore the healthy ecosystem in water and soil by using mixed

cultures of naturally occurring organisms as well as beneficial bacteria [12].

Bokashi was made by the farmers by collecting different kinds of organic matter

which were the main source of microbes, mainly mountain soil and forests.

Materials that were collected will mix by the farmers with their post-harvest

residue and other plant-waste materials and keep them under cover to undergo

21
fermentation process. After the process, they will then use it as a soil amendment

to add nutrients and organic content matter to their farm.

Currently, EM technology has been practiced in more than 90 different countries

and regions, including United States, France, Austria, North Korea, and Japan. It

has been shown that EM-activated liquid and EM fertilizer can promote root

growth and increase the potential of germination and its rate [13].

2.5.2 Composition of Bokashi Balls

The Effective Microorganism (EM) is one of the main component of Bokashi

Balls. It has a combination of about 80 ‘co-existing beneficial microorganisms’,

which were chosen from more than 2000 species from various environments

(Higa, 1993; Higa and Parr, 1995). EM preparations are described to have

populations of lactid acid bacteria, yeasts, and little amount of phototrophic

bacteria, and filamentous fungi. Lactic acid bacteria can convert sugar into lactic

acid. The production of lactic acid will then reduce the pH level and produces an

environment that can limit pathogens and methane-producing bacteria. This group

of bacteria is essential for fermentation. Yeasts are single-cell fungi. It can

decompose sugars and create many beneficial by-products such as hormones,

vitamins, and amino acids. Phototrophic bacteria can use the radioactivity energy

and its function in order to collect radioactive substances. When these three

bacteria are mixed with organic matter, beneficial compound such as organic acid,

enzyme, hormones, vitamin, mineral, and various anti-oxidants will be produce

[11].

22
EM is a yellow-brown liquid that has a pH of 3 to 3.5, smell of fermenting fruit

juice and has a sweet-sour taste. Effective Microorganisms are put into different

kinds of water bodies known as “Bokashi Balls”. These are made from clay,

water, and rice bran with the addition of EM Preparations, and then thrown to a

water body. The liquid product of EM known as “EMAS” or EM Activated

Solution and its solid form known as Bokashi Balls contain a mixture of EM,

sugar, and molasses, have been used for water treatment [14]. After the mixture,

these mudballs are allowed to ferment anaerobically for two weeks.

Figure 2.1. Bokashi Balls

2.4.3 Effects and Applications of Bokashi Balls

Rapid modernization and industrialization are some of the causes of low river

quality. Bokashi Ball is one of the solutions in cleaning the water in nature. The

main purposes of this mudballs are to prevent algae growth, breaking down of

sludge, eliminate pathogens, and to remove the foul-smelling odor caused by too

23
much levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and methane. This technology can

also control the levels of total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand

(COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), and biological oxygen demand (BOD). By

informing the society and letting the private sectors involved on using this

technology, the government hopes to create the awareness amongst everyone to

be involved in different activities for the enhancement of the river quality. The

idea is to get all individuals to be informed about the benefits of Bokashi Balls,

starting from home until the desired treatment is acquired [12].

Tons of newspaper report about the applications of EM to the polluted river in

Malaysia. Based on Hunza Properties berhad news, Penang Government Initiative

for Environmental Management (PGI-EM) using EM Biotechnology, is a project

established by the Penang State Government with the help of EM Biotechnology

Experts. On March 25, 2009, applying of EMAS into Sungai Kelian began. Ten

thousand EM Mudballs were tossed in the Sungai Kelian sludge every ten days

and 1000 EM mudballs were put into Sungai Kelian every week. After 3 months,

the river is now cleared of sludge and the beach sands filled the river base. The

foul smell from river was also eliminated and groups of fishes were swimming

along the river bank. Measurements taken of six parameters (DO, SS, BOD,

COD, pH, and ammonial nitrogen) showed that there is an improvement in the

water quality from Class IV to Class III that is suitable for water supply, with

extensive treatment. [15]

Even though the write up about the Bokashi Balls can be effective in treating

water pollution, if wastes continue to flow into the rivers and different waterways,

24
and these mudballs are not regularly being applied, pollution will always occur.

As for the example in December 2006, the Drainage and irrigation Department

spent RM100,000 to throw EM Mudballs into Tman Aman Lake in Ptaling Jaya,

Selangor. There are no follow-ups of putting mudballs to treat pollution and

prevent growth of bad bacteria. And so, the lake remained dirty. Community was

also encouraged to use EM at home. Instead of dumping kitchen waste, it must be

composted using EM, then the liquid from the fermented matter may be used as a

substance to clean the drains, rivers, and pouring it to plants. EM-enriched

solution will keep drains, sewers and streams clean. But again, they have to be

thrown regularly and continuously [16].

Using the beneficial and effective microorganisms (EM) as microbial inoculants

in agriculture is a new technology developed. Different studies showed that it is

effective in improving soil health and quality, thus, raising the yield and quality of

crops. In China, there are 360,000 square kilometers of soils that were

experiencing secondary soil salinization, including 62400 square kilometers of

cultivated soils, making up about 7% of the country’s cultivated lands. EM

Technology was introduced in China in 1992. It has been proven by the research

and different studies to be effective in environmental protection. EM Bokashi

treatments have positive contribution on soil fertility as it increases cation

exchange capacity (CEC) and other nutrients, by improving soil porosity and

permeability due to a significant soil bulk density decrease, and by increasing the

microbial biomass of soil. The traditional practices to control secondary

salinization in soil are agricultural, biological, chemical measures, and water

25
 conservation (Bhatti et al. 2005). The combination of water conservation

measures and biological measures can raise the salt-affected soil fertility

physically, biologically, and chemically with EM Bokashi and subdrainage

treatment. In controlling the secondary soil salinization of soil, subdrainage

treatments were most effective and it can also raise the yield of grain and its

quality. Meanwhile, EM Bokashi is also effective as microbial carrier for use in

promoting settlement of the microorganisms and creating a useful soil

environment [13].

2.6 Several physical and chemical contaminants that the Bokashi Balls have

significant effects

2.6.1 Total Dissolved Solids

Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measurement of organic matter, inorganic salts,

and other dissolved materials in water. It can be measured by filtration of the

sample water through a 2.0 micrometer pore size filter and evaporating the

filtrates remained and the dried at a temperature of 180 degree Celsius. TDS

levels in natural water bodies result from effluents from industry, changes to the

water balance (inflow limiting, using water excessively or increased precipitation,

and intrusion of salt water. It can also cause toxicity through salinity level

increase, changes in ionic composition of water, and toxicity of individual ions

[20].

Aquatic animals like fishes are adapted in living in water bodies that are saline

and few kinds of species in forms of freshwater have been seen in natural waters
26
containing high dissolved salt concentrations of 15,000-20,000 mg/L. Fishes have

the ability to adapt slowly and survive on those high-salinity level waters but fish

living in low salinity ecosystem cannot survive when there is a sudden exposure

to high concentration of salt such as those came from oil well brines discharges.

Total dissolved solids can affect the toxicity of heavy metals and organic

compounds to those aquatic life. This happens because of the hostile effect of

hardness on metals. Zinc, coppers, detergents, cyanides, and other contaminants

are more poisonous in distilled water compared to hard water of high dissolved

solids [21].

2.6.2 Settleable Solids

Settleable solids are portion of the suspended solids that have sufficient weight

and size to settle in a given period of time, usually an hour. These are

approximately 75% organic and 25% inorganic. According to National

Recommended Water Quality Criteria to protect fresh water fish and other aquatic

life (EPA 1976), “settleable solids together with suspended solids should not

decrease the depth of the satisfactory point for photosynthetic activity by more

than ten percent from the seasonally established norm for aquatic life” [22].

2.6.3 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is a measurement of the oxygen essential in

oxidizing particulate and soluble organic material in a water body. It is a

significant parameter of water quality because it can be an indicator in assessing

27
the effect of discharged wastewater on the receiving ecosystems. A high

concentration of COD means greater amount of oxidizable organic material in the

sample that can reduce dissolved oxygen levels. Lower DO levels can lead to

anaerobic conditions, which is harmful to higher aquatic life forms. The COD test

is commonly used as an alternative to BOD due to shorter length of the time of

testing [17].

2.6.4 Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) refers to the level of free, non-compound oxygen in a

liquid or other water bodies. It is one of the most important parameters in the

assessment of the quality of water because of its effects on the organisms that are

present in a water body. Based on limnology (study of lakes), DO is a significant

factor second only to water itself. Too much high or low concentration of

dissolved oxygen can lead to negative impacts in aquatic life and the water

quality. DO is essential to many forms of life including plants, bacteria, fishes,

and invertebrates. The amount of DO needed varies from creature to creature.

Bottom feeders, oysters, crabs, and worms need a little amount of oxygen while

shallow water fishes need higher levels. Microbes like fungi and bacteria also

required dissolved oxygen. These organisms decompose organic material with the

use of DO at the bottom of a water body [18].

DO is essential for aerobic communities living in aquatic communities. DO

concentration shows the equilibrium between photosynthesis (oxygen-producing)

and nitrification, aerobic respiration, and chemical oxidation (oxygen-consuming)

28
processes in an aquatic environment. Temperature, oxygen depletion, salinity, and

oxygen sources are some of the factors of this. The level of DO is the criterion of

health according to Rankovic in 2010, which is commonly used for water quality

control at different aquatic environment such as wetlands and reservoirs. If there

is a drop of the concentration of DO, the rate of fish mortality increases. In the

ocean, coastal fishes avoid areas that contains low dissolved oxygen level with

specific species completely leave an area when level fall below 3.5 mg/L. [19]

2.6.5 Nitrate

The amount of nitrogen is significant for all living things: plants and animals.

Animals consume nitrogen by eating plants and other animals. Plants also require

certain amount of nitrogen to grow but they can’t get this by consuming proteins

like animals do. They get nitrogen from soil and water by absorbing it in the form

of ammonium and nitrates. Nitrates are the main source of nitrogen for aquatic

plants. Fishes and aquatic insects do not utilized nitrates but the aquatic plants do.

Aquatic insects and fishes can be affected indirectly by increased amount of

nitrate in water.

This excess is a source of fertilizer for algae and aquatic plants and it can create

many problems in water bodies as it creates unstable amount of dissolved oxygen.

There will be commonly high concentrations of dissolved oxygen during the day

and a decrease of oxygen during the night. Excessive amounts of plants and algae

can also create accumulation of organic matter conditions. Sunlight cannot reach

very far into the water since high concentrations of algae can cause blockage

29
which can kill plants and algae that are not receiving sufficient amount of energy.

These dead plant materials will settle at the bottom of a water body that may

cause the increase of bacteria feeding on the decaying organic material. Dissolved

oxygen will fall due to the excessive consumptions of those bacteria which are not

enough for many aquatic insects and fish to survive [23].

2.6.6 pH

The scale in measuring the pH level ranges from 0-14, 7 or below represents

acidic environment, and a reading above 7 classifies environment as alkaline.

Acidic mine drainage (AWD), agricultural runoff, fossil fuel emissions are only

some of the external factors that can cause fluctuations in the pH level of a water

body. Having an extremely high or low amount of pH can cause deaths of aquatic

organisms living within it. It can also affect the toxicity and solubility of

chemicals and heavy metals present in water. A range of about 6.5-9.0 is

preferable for the majority of aquatic creatures, though some can still live in water

with pH concentrations outside of this range.

As pH levels increases or decreases dramatically, it can stress the animal systems

and decrease survival rates. The more change in pH outside the optimum pH

range value level, the more occurrence of mortality in an aquatic environment.

Extreme pH levels usually increase the solubility of elements and compounds,

that makes “mobile” toxic chemicals and increases the hazard of absorption by

aquatic life in different bodies of water [24].

30
 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter will discuss the intended processes that are to be done in this study.

Comprise also are the analysis of the methods that will help readers to understand the

entire process that covers the study. This will contain the collection of data about the

study, wastewater testing and analysis of the result.

3.1 Data Gathering

The researchers will study and analyze journals related to Bokashi Balls and wastewater.

The researchers will search about the contents of the Bokashi Balls and the use of each

content and will look for physical contaminants and chemicals found in wastewaters. The

researchers will look for a creek for water sample collection which will be Estero de

Sampaloc, one of the minor tributaries of the Pasig River located in the Northern part of

the City of Manila.

31
Figure 3.1. Location of Estero de Sampaloc

32
 Figure 3.2. Estero de Sampaloc

3.2 Wastewater Testing

The researchers will get four liters of wastewater from Estero de Sampaloc, two liters

each for two containers. One container will have Bokashi Balls while the other one will

not have. The researchers will wait up to one (1) month for the effectivity of the Bokashi

Balls in the wastewater. The researchers will bring their samples in DOST to conduct a

wastewater sample test.

3.2.1 Chemical Testing

Wastewater has many physical and chemical contaminants. The contaminants that

will be tested are those common to other wastewaters such as Dissolved Solids,

Settleable Solids, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO),

Nitrate and pH. Microbiological contents in the samples will also be tested. The

Department of Science and Technology, an executive department of the

Philippine Government, will be the one who will conduct the testing of

wastewaters.

TEST METHOD FEE

(PHP)
WATER AND WASTEWATER
PHYSICAL
TURBIDITY PHOTOMETRIC 150
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS GRAVIMETRIC, SMEWW 2540 330
C.
TOTAL SOLIDS GRAVIMETRIC, SMEWW 2540 320
B.
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS GRAVIMETRIC, SMEWW 2540 350

33
 D.
SETTLEABLE SOLIDS VOLUMETRIC, SMEWW 2540 150
F.
COLOR PHOTOMETRIC 150
CONDUCTIVITY PROBE 150
CHEMICAL
ACIDITY TITRIMETRIC, SMEWW 2310 210
B.
ALKALINITY TITRIMETRIC, SMEWW 2320 210
B.
AMMONIA PHOTOMETRIC 450
BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN AZIDE MODIFICATION, 860
DEMAND (BOD) SMEWW 5210 B.
CADMIUM PHOTOMETRIC 1230
AAS 800
CHEMICAL OXYGEN CLOSED REFLUX, 980
DEMAND (COD) PHOTOMETRIC SMEWW 5220
D.
CHLORIDE ARGENTOMETRIC, SMEWW 660
4500-CI-B
CHLORINE (RESIDUAL) IODOMETRIC II, SMEWW 330
4500-CI-C.
CHROMIUM (HEXAVALENT) PHOTOMETRIC 500
COPPER PHOTOMETRIC 400
CYANIDE PHOTOMETRIC 470
DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO) AZIDE MODIFICATION, 300
SMEWW 4500-O C.
HARDNESS EDTA TITRIMETRIC, SMEWW 390
2340 C.
IRON PHOTOMETRIC 435
LEAD PHOTOMETRIC 1230
AAS 800
NITRATE PHOTOMETRIC 1000
NITROGEN – TOTAL PHOTOMETRIC 1580
OIL & GREASE PARTITION – GRAVIMETRIC 550
SMEWW 5520 B.
pH ELECTROMETRIC 150
PHENOLS PHOTOMETRIC 1710
PHOSPOROUS (DISSOLVED) PHOTOMETRIC 350
SILICA PHOTOMETRIC 445
SULFATE TURBIDIMETRIC, SMEWW 360
4500-SO42- E.
SURFACTANT PHOTOMETRIC 1570
MICROBIOLOGICAL (FOR DRINKING WATER)
FUNGI COUNT POUR PLATE, SMEWW 9610 B. 420

34
 HETEROTROPHIC PLATE POUR PLATE, SMEWW 9215 B. 420
COUNT
FECAL STRETOCOCCI MULTIPLE-TUBE 600
FERMENTATION, SMEWW
9230 B.
TOTAL COLIFORM MULTIPLE-TUBE 400
FERMENTATION SMEWW
9221 B.
FECAL COLIFORM MULTIPLE-TUBE 400
FERMENTATION SMEWW
9221 E.
E. COLI INDOLE PRODUCTION (MPN) 600
SMEWW 9221 F.
E. COLI INDOLE PRODUCTION 500
(PRESENCE-ABSENCE)
SMEWW 9221 F.
POTABILITY (COLIFORM+ 500
FECAL COLIFORM)
BACTERIOLOGICAL 920
(POTABILITY+HPC)
BACTERIOLOGICAL 1200
(POTABILITY+HPC+E.COLI)
MICROBIOLOGICAL (FOR WASTEWATER)
TOTAL COLIFORM COUNT MULTIPLE-TUBE 520
FERMENTATION SMEWW
9221 B.
FECAL COLIFORM COUNT MULTIPLE-TUBE 520
FERMENTATION SMEWW
9221 E.
TABLE 3.1 SCHEDULE OF FEES OF WATER TESTING IN DOST

3.3 Analysis of the Results

For the targeted results, the researchers will compare the results of two containers. The

group will do bar graphs on each chemical content of the two containers of wastewater

tested by the DOST. The group will observe and analyze the efficiency of Bokashi Balls.

They will also observe the changes in the wastewater cleaned by Bokashi Balls and

classified according to DAO 34. The group expect that the bokashi balls will be effective

35
in the waste water. It will improve the physical appearance and chemical contents of the

wastewater.

36
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