Save The Oceanic Water: An Experimental Study of (Corn Silk) Zea Mays Stigma Maydis As

An Alternative Petroleum Spill Absorbent

A Capstone Project
Presented to the Senior High School Department Eastern
Porac National High School

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the 3rd Quarter in the course Capstone Project
for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand

Submitted to:

Mr. Troy John Rei M. Bautista

Submitted by: Group 2

Cayanan Mhyls Jhoy M.

Placides Eulla Mae P.
Allen Daniell Mark M.
Mendoza Red Lawrence C.
Venzon Rodel R.
Yabut Aldrin James B.

Date Submission
1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 2

Abstract

● Summary of the project (150–250 words)

o Purpose
o Methods
o Key findings
o Implications or recommendations
 Table of Contents

Abstract·································································································1

Introduction····························································································2

Problem Statement···················································································4

Objectives······························································································4

Significance of the Project··········································································7

Scope and Delimitation··············································································9

Review of Related Literature·····································································10

Methodology··························································································13

Participants or Subjects············································································13

Materials and Tools·················································································14

Procedures····························································································16

Data Analysis·························································································17

Results and Discussion·············································································18

Analysis································································································18

Discussion·····························································································18

Conclusion and Recommendations······························································19

Recommendations···················································································19

References····························································································20
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Introduction

Background Information

These past few years there was an issue that some of countries around the world facing it, this

is the Oil Spill that happening under the ocean. It is cause by humans that severely affecting the

animals and causing toxins on our coral reefs. The Norilsk spill, caused by a tank failure at a power

plant, contaminated local waters and soil, demonstrating how oil spills can result from human error

or climate change effects as stated by Tysiąc et al. (2022). A lot of researchers already conducted a

study on how to decrease the cases of the said issue. Some of it works, but the problem here is they

usually use the hair of humans and the fur of animals as an adsorbent.

Since human hair is a hydrophobic, meaning it can attracts oil and it repels the water.

Through the use of the process called adsorption it can help for people to be an option when it comes

to reducing the oil spill under the ocean. Recent studies have explored the potential of human hair as

an adsorbent for various contaminants. Hair has shown promising results in adsorbing palladium(II)

from aqueous solutions, with nearly 100% adsorption efficiency this idea supported by Mendonça et

al. (2018). Human hair and fur of animals was used for adsorption since the two has similarities on

their structures and capabilities. But the problem there is human hair cannot be easily for the

government to provide, it is a thing that needed a lot of process so that they can use the hair of some

person nor the fur of animals.

However, in this study, the researchers come up with an idea of using the corn silk (Zea Mays

Stigma Maydis) to be use as an replacement for human hair and animals fur adsorbent. The

structures and characteristics that corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) has can also do what human

hair can do, so it can be used for anything like what human hair can. Recent studies have explored
 3

the structure and bioactivities of corn silk components. Corn silk polysaccharides (CSP) have been

found to possess antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and

immunomodulating properties (Zhang et al., 2024). Since oil spill caused severe issues, corn silk can

avoid or reduce the cases of this issue.

Oil spill has occurred throughout the history of transportation and extraction of petroleum,

where the economy has been experiencing far-reaching consequences. As stated by Wu et al., (2023).

Oil spills have long been a serious threat to the marine environment. As the finding of the researchers

corn silk was a safe and most effective alternative for human hair as a absorbent for oil spill, that can

help for the recovery of marine environment through using the advantages of structural

characteristics of corn silk like higher absorption capacity.

Corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) was playing a significant role as a substitute absorbent,

since human hair is not an easy option for the marine environment, cause human hair will need a

long age of time to gathered a great amount. As said by Kaur et al., (2023). Corn silk is a material

that can be obtained after corn processing, is collected in large quantities and dumped as an

agricultural waste. Where corn silk can help us prevent oil spill from damaging the habitats of

marine environment from leaked and blown out during the drill operation of oil spill that can cause

chronic toxicity to organisms. Also, this will lessen the economic costs since it was dumped as

agriculture waste.

Oil spill is one of the reasons for the short term of survival of the marine environment cause it

affects the biodiversity and economic function, but since researchers have found an absorbent that

can solve this problem without any issue. Based on Sivashankar & Anand (2023). Oil spills and

subsequent cleanup by oil–water separation remains a global concern. But for the first time, corn silk
 4

are reported to create a superhydrophobic oil–water sequestration membrane, which can be used for

oil spill cleaning and oil absorbent.

These results can help us to develop a technology that can help our economic growth, using

materials that have not taken the attention of people like corn silk as an absorbent that has significant

properties that can use for oil spill that has been unresolved for a decent of time.

Problem Statement

Petroleum pollution, or oil spills, is a serious global environmental problem that has various

effects on the health of people, plants, animals, and the marine environment that can harm also in

different biological systems in humans, including the hematologic, renal, liver, hepatic, respiratory,

and neurological systems, stated by Al-Rubaye et al. (2023). Current methods for cleaning up spill

are expensive and most of them are harmful in environment since they use synthetic materials to

clean the sea water. This problem needs a eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional

petroleum spill absorbent.

Corn silk has multiple potential uses due to its chemical composition and properties. A study

by Kakhetelidze et al. (2023) stated that the potential use of food production waste to obtain medical

and other useful products that could help not just the individuals around the community but also the

environment, they focuses on food production waste, such as corn silk that contains a variety of bio

active compounds that could be utilized to improve and create new product. This experimental study

aims to determine the work of corn silk as an alternative petroleum spill absorbent by how it absorbs,

the cost of the material used, and the impact on the environmental and economic system in the

traditional method.
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Objectives

The researchers main goal is to developed an Alternative Oil Absorbent to petroleum spill

using The Corn Silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis). The purpose of this study is to addresses the

problem of Oil Spill and also to give an other alternative solution to solve the Oil Spill. The

researchers measured the effectiveness of Alternative Petroleum Spill Absorbent by measuring the

absorbency capacity and also to determine if it is effective to be Alternative Petroleum Spill

absorbent or not. And the researchers need to determine if Corn Silk can be a substitute to human

and animal hair fashioned petroleum spill absorbents. According to Asadpour et al. (2016) added

that Corn Silk can be oil adsorbents for cleanup operation should be of high adsorption capacity,

biodegradable, and readily available, and low-cost.

1. To determine the absorbency capacity of corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) as an alternative

petroleum spill absorbent.

2. To assess the reusability of corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) in absorbing petroleum based

liquids.

3. To compare the effectiveness between fresh corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) and dry corn silk

(Zea mays stigma maydis)

Hypothesis

The researchers aim to is to prove that (Corn Silk) Zea Mays Stigma May dis as An alternative

Petroleum Spill Absorbent is effective and has the capacity to absorb oil spill in oceanic water.

No

Corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) is not an effective petroleum spill absorbent, is not reusable in
 6

absorbing petroleum-based liquids, both dry and fresh corn silk is not effective in absorbing

petroleum based liquids, and lastly it has no significant capacity to absorb petroleum.

Ha

Corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) has the capacity to absorb petroleum-based liquids.

Corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) is reusable as an alternative petroleum spill absorbent.

Dry Corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) is more effective in absorbing petroleum spill compare to

Fresh Corn Silk (Zea mays stigma maydis).

Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

 Researching of  Prepare the  Alternative

materials needed Petreoleum Spill
Ideas
 Dry the corn silk Aboserbent
 Planning  Put the corn silk

 Corn Silk in the net

 Net

Figure 1.

Diagram of the Study

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The conceptual framework shows the illustration of the diagram. The first figure indicates the

input were the researchers did the brain storming like Research Planning, Ideas, and other materials

that needed in making the Corn Silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) as an Alternative Petroleum Spill Ab-

sorbent. The second figure shows how the researchers did the product or process of works such us

Drying the Corn silk, preparing all the materials needed, put the corn silk in the net. The researchers

Experimented or developed because of the problem of oil spill in the oceanic water. This study can

help and will be use as one of the solution in the problem of petroleum spill in oceanic water. The

third figure contains the output were the researchers done the making of the experiment which is the

Corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) as an alternative petroleum spill absorbent.

Significance of the Project

The Experimental Study Of Corn Silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) As An Alternative

Petroleum Spill Absorbent has the potential to provide multiple benefits in a different sectors that

offers sustainable, cost effective solution to environmental challenges. The experimental study could

lead to a significant result that could help both economy and environment. Below are the

beneficiaries and the benefits from this innovative approach:

• Farmers. They could develop and improve their businesses to gain additional source of income by

selling corn silk. The study could create new market for agricultural waste, enhancing sustainability.

• Oil And Gas Industry. Oil and gas companies could benefit from a Eco friendly alternative oil

spill absorbent. Corn silk could lessen the cleanup costs since its a natural property, this could align

environmental regulations to minimize ecological damage.

• Local Communities. Environment and communities living near the coastal areas who are affected
 8

by the oil spill could experience cleaner water and reduced environmental damage or water pollution.

This study could help improve water quality, preserve local fisheries and protect local economies

dependent on natural resources.

• Students. The study could help students gain practical knowledge on eco-friendly solution by using

the corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) as an alternative oil spill absorbent that could offer a

sustainable method for addressing environmental issues.

• Environmental Scientists. Research institutions focusing on environmental sciences could benefit

from this study, by gaining new insights and information into natural and economic materials

effectiveness in oil spill problem. This study could lead to further research, innovations,

improvements of natural and Eco friendly pollution control.

• Fisheries Industry. This sector could see improvements in the quality of their water and

ecosystems. This study could reduce oil contamination in marine environments, protecting aquatic

life and ensuring the safety and sustainable fishing practices to maintain healthy fish population.

• Future Researchers. This study could serve as a basis for other researchers to further analysis. The

findings may help them to gain new insights and information. This research could help the next

generation for further research about the benefits of alternative oil spill absorbent for the

environment.

In conclusion, this experiment on using corn silk as an oil spill absorbent could offer a sustainable,

cost-effective solution with many benefits. This study has the potential to make a positive impact on

both the environment and the economy.

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Scope and Delimitation

This experimental study of Corn Silk as an environmentally friendly substitute to old

fashioned petroleum spill absorbents. The study investigate the efficiency, capacity, and re-usability

of absorption of maize silk. In laboratory settings, corn silk's efficacy is evaluated against common

absorbent materials like activated carbon and polypropylene. Crude oil, diesel, or gasoline can be used

to simulate real petroleum spills. The absorbency of corn silk samples is evaluated through

observational studies. Finding out if maize hair has the potential to be an environmentally sustainable

spill solution is the top priority. Examining the impact on the environment and the effectiveness of

corn silk recycling are secondary target. Successful results can be used to determine products based on

maize fiber spill control.

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Review of Related Literature

1.1 Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Corn

Sari et al. (2022) defines in the recent research that was the enhanced corn-based materials'

strength, heat resistance and durability. Studies found combining corn husk fibers with pumice

powder can make the polyester composites stronger. On the other hand Mohammed et al. (2022)

included that on this study, treating corn starch bio composites with plasticizing, chemical

treatment and cross-linking enhanced performance. As stated by Kruszelnicka (2021) corn grain

mechanical properties have differences significantly in size, shape and rupture energy, with thicker

grains exhibiting weaker mechanical properties. Othman et al. (2021) corroborates Kruszelnicka's

idea emphasizing that innovative additions specifically like nanocellulose fibers boost tensile

strength and thermal stability, while thymol enhances flexibility but reduces the barrier properties.

1.2 Recent Study of Corn Silk

Corn silk, traditionally considered waste, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic

properties. Wang et al. (2024) provides a comprehensive review of the phytochemistry and

biological activities of corn silk, containing various bioactive compounds including flavonoids,

polyphenols, and phenolic acids summarizing the key chemical components and pharmacological

effects such as antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant activities. While Naeem M. (2020)

found that corn silk and its extracts have antimicrobial, renoprotective, and hepatoprotective effects

improving antioxidant status and reducing markers of oxidative stress and organ damage in rat

models of gentamicin-induced kidney and liver damage. Sawangwong et al. (2024) examines the

composition, biological properties, safety, and molecular docking of corn silk extracts,

demonstrating their potential and beneficial biological properties relevant for cosmeceutical

applications. The corn silk extracts which are a by-product of corn production in Thailand that is
 11

typically disposed of, exhibited for cosmeceutical applications, such as antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase,

and anti-aging activities, while also being non-toxic.

1.3 Physical and Chemical Properties of Corn Hair

The corn silk has oil absorbent of high absorption capacity, biodegradable, readily available

and low cost, That are important for oil spillage in the water environment (Asadpour et al. 2016).

This show the finding that even corn silk adsorbs methylene blue, it has increased its absorption

ability through sulphuric acid treatment (Ekinci 2023). This study reports the synthesis of activated

carbon fibers (ACF) from corn silk via physical and chemical activation using CO2 and KOH as

activation agents, respectively (Sabri et al. 2019). That corn silk could be used as efficient novel

biosorbent for Cu2+ and Zn2+ removal from water samples (Petrovic et al. 2017).

1.4 Structural Composition of Corn Silk

As stated by Wang et al. (2024), corn silk or Zea Mayl is thw stigma og annual gromineuos

plant named corn. Phytochemical studies have shown that the main bioactive component of corn

silk includes flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and terpennoia. Added by

Tordzagla et al. (2024) corn silk has high phenolic content and flavonoid content what are

responsible for its high antioxidant activity. Spectroscopy revealed stretching, bending, and

vibrations of abundantly present polysaccharides and protein functional group. To evaluate the

phytochemical in corn silk. Date were recorded for total phenolic, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and

antioxidant activity. Purple waxy corn at the milk stage had the highest value for all parameters.

1.5 Oil Absorbent

Cuong et al. (2024) Stated that biomass was added to the polyurethane foam network to

enhance the oil separation ability of the composite. In this current work, sugarcane bagasse was
 12

used as to fabricate SC-PU composite with the aim to improve biodegradability and oil adsorption

capabilities of sorbent. On the other hand the study of De M Ferreira et al. (2024) Used alternative

adsorbent materials obtained from organic waste is currently considered an effective method for the

contaminant removal process in solution, with low cost and low complexity. Among these

materials is Salvinia sp.; based on our previous studies, the biomass from this macrophyte obtained

potential oil adsorption capacity. It was verified that the chemically modified biomass of Salvinia is

capable of satisfactorily adsorbing metals,dyes, and oils. Further more the study of Urgel et al.

(2024) corroborates that the one way of achieving a sustainable solution to hydrocarbon pollution

in water is by developing new adsorbents from cheap raw materials that can efciently remove oil

from water. The research used biochar derived from waste banana peels (BPBC) was used as an

adsorbent for diesel oil removal from water. Specifcally, saba (Musa acuminata balbisiana) banana

peels powder (SBPP) underwent slow pyrolysis to produce BPBC.

1.6 Industrial Use of Corn

Long acknowledged for its many advantages, maize holds significant importance in animal

nutrition, human health, and environmental sustainability (Adiaha, 2017). Its remarkable nutritional

composition includes vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that have supported civilizations for

ages Amanjyoti et al. (2024). Maize's benefits extend far beyond food, such as the manufacturing

of paper, biofuel, and food processing. Maize starch has a lots of uses, such as thickening agents

and encapsulating solutions (Ostrander, 2015). As stated by Amanjyoti et al. (2024) to add that

improvements in maize farming have produced hardy cultivars that increase the crop's worth in

environmental, medicinal, and gastronomic contexts.

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1.7 Hair Absorbent

Recent studies have explored the potential of hair-based materials as adsorbents for

environmental contaminants. Human hair has shown promising results in adsorbing heavy metals,

with uptake capacity as stated by Mir (2023). The adsorption process follows pseudo-second-order

kinetics and involves both intraparticle diffusion and surface adsorption (Mir, 2023). Similarly,

keratin-based biomaterials like human hair and sheep fur have demonstrated high adsorption

capacities for heavy metals, particularly chromium ions a supported study by Salaudeen Abdulwasiu

Olawale et al. (2022). The adsorption process is influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and

initial ion concentration, a corroborate study made by Salaudeen Abdulwasiu Olawale et al. (2022).

In terrestrial oil spill scenarios, dog fur and human hair sorbents have shown comparable

effectiveness to polypropylene in extracting crude oil from non- and semi-porous surfaces as stated

by Murray et al. (2020). Additionally, oak cupules powder coated with ZnO has been found

effective in removing hair dyes from aqueous solutions (Al-Ma'abreh et al., 2022).
 14

Methodology

Project Design

This research employs both experimental and developmental design to investigate the

efficacy of corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) that can improve the environment and create an

alternative absorbent for petroleum spills. Experimental design will analyze the properties of corn

silk that contributes to enhance the capacity of absorbents. While the developmental design will

concentrate on optimizing corn silk to minimize the absorbency and create an effective eco-friendly

spill absorbent. The data will be based on the corn silk preparation method for petroleum spill

absorbent to develop a practical and scalability solution. These findings will provide an valuable

insights into the potential of corn silk as sustainable alternative absorbent material, also this offering

a potential to the applications of marine environment. This study will seek an development for the

environmentally friendly spill technologies that can help for the protection and preservation of our

ecosystem.

Participants or Subjects

This study investigates the potential of corn silk as a natural alternative petroleum spill

adsorbents. By examining the characteristics and values of corn silk, researchers aim to determine its

effectiveness in absorbing and managing hair oil. The unique properties of corn silk, such as its high

absorbency and soft texture, make it an attractive candidate to replace synthetic hair adsorbents,

promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly hair care solution.

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Materials and Tools

Basin

The researchers use the basin to put the salt

water and the crude oil.

Crude Oil

The crude oil will be the one use as a

representation of petroleum spill.

Measuring Cups

The measuring cup will be use to measure all

the liquids that needed to be tested.

 16

Scale

The scale will be the one measure how much

corn silk needed it should be by Grams (g).

Dry Corn Silk

This will be the one of the bases of

alternative petroleum spill absorbent.

Fresh Corn Silk

The second method will be used as an

alternative petroleum absorbent.

 17

Net

The net will be the one holds the corn silk to

soak in the basin with salt water and crude

oil.

Figure 2. Diagram of the Study

Procedures

This procedure involves different types of process used in preparing and testing the

absorption of both fresh and dried corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) to the crude oil in a salt water.

The goal of this experimentation is to observe and measure the oil absorption capacity of dried and

fresh corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) over time and involves monitoring and recording the

amount of oil absorbed by the corn silk bags at regular intervals. The following steps are :

Step 1: Prepare the materials needed: corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis), salt, water, crude or

petroleum oil, basin and a net.

Step 2: Make separate mixtures of salt water and oil by putting 3 liters of water and mixing the 250

grams of salt in each basin.

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Step 3: Add 500ml of crude or petroleum oil to each salt water mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) by creating 3 bags each of dried and fresh

corn silk

Step 5: Place the dried corn silk in the net and seal both ends. Repeat the process for fresh corn silk.

Step 6: For the first basin with the mixture of salt water and oil, gently soak the 3 bags of dried corn

silk to the salt water and oil then repeat the process to the other basin with the mixture for fresh corn

silk and make sure that all are fully soaked to the water mixture.

Step 7: Every 5 minutes, remove one bag per basin in the salt water and oil mixture and measure and

record the oil it absorbs separately by each dried and fresh corn silk.

Data Analysis

In the process of conducting the ability to absorb the oil using corn silk, the researchers will

use chart or tables to analyze the data collection. There are two (2) different types of corn silk to be

used to gather the data and these treatments have the similar grams and will be soak at salt water

with oil. Dry corn silk have 3 sections, each sections has 33 grams of dry corn silk that will be soak

at salt water with oil, same with the fresh corn silk.

Each sections will be soaked with different minutes identified: five (5) minutes, ten (10)

minutes, and Fifteen (15) minutes both dry and fresh, each section has different mL that hey absorb

each minute. By conducting this data, it takes one day to get it done, for a reason that we need to

gather corn silk. The process of data gathering have done so easily because each group member on

this research work with proper communication and each individual has their task to do so that the
 19

data gathering will be successfully conducted.

The researchers will use tables to analyze the data collection and to visually present complex

data in a clear and organized manner also, to better understand the results clearly and precisely by

those tables it will help to understand easily the results. Tables allow for easy comparison between

the two (2) group and enhance the overall readability of the research paper.
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Results and Discussion

Presentation of Results

Corn Silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) As An Alternative Petroleum Spill Absorbent 1st Try

Corn Silk Time ABSORBED

DRY 5 MINUTES 123 ML
FRESH 5 MINUTES 135ML

DRY 1O MINUTES 130 ML

FRESH 1O MINUTES 158 ML

DRY 15 MINUTES 200 ML

FRESH 15 MINUTES 182 ML

Figure 3. Diagram of the Study

This table shows the results of the first try of using corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) as a

petroleum spill absorbent. The amount of petroleum absorbed increased with both time and the same

goes to corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) even if it was fresh or dry.

Corn Silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) As An Alternative Petroleum Spill Absorbent 2nd Try

Corn Silk Time ABSORBED

DRY 5 MINUTES 113 ML
FRESH 5 MINUTES 125 ML

DRY 1O MINUTES 118 ML

FRESH 1O MINUTES 128 ML

DRY 15 MINUTES 122 ML

FRESH 15 MINUTES 170 ML

Figure 4. Diagram of the Study

This table presents the results of the second trial using corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis)

to absorb petroleum. Similar to the first trial, the absorption capacity of corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma
 21

Maydis) increased with time, showing differences between fresh and dry corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma

Maydis).

Corn Silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) As An Alternative Petroleum Spill Absorbent 3rd Try

Corn Silk Time ABSORBED

DRY 5 MINUTES 98ML
FRESH 5 MINUTES 122 ML

DRY 1O MINUTES 113 ML

FRESH 1O MINUTES 123 ML

DRY 15 MINUTES 115 ML

FRESH 15 MINUTES 135 ML

Figure 5. Diagram of the Study

This table displays the results of the third trial using corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) as a

petroleum absorbent. The data shows that the amount of petroleum absorbed increased with time,

and fresh corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) absorbed more than dry corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma

Maydis).

Corn Silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) As An Alternative Petroleum Spill Absorbent 4th Try

Corn Silk Time ABSORBED

DRY 5 MINUTES 83 ML
FRESH 5 MINUTES 0 ML

DRY 1O MINUTES 95 ML
FRESH 1O MINUTES 0 ML

DRY 15 MINUTES 102 ML

FRESH 15 MINUTES 0 ML

Figure 6. Diagram of the Study

 22

This table shows the results from the fourth trial of using corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma

Maydis) as a petroleum absorbent. Interestingly, in this trial, dry corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma

Maydis) absorbed petroleum, while fresh corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) did not absorb any.

CORN SILK (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis)

TRIAL 5 MINUTES 10 MINUTES 15 MINUTES

DRY FRES DRY FRES DRY FRES RANK

H H H

123 130 200

1ST 135 158 182 FRESH
mL mL mL
mL mL mL

2ND 113 125 118 128 122 170 FRESH

mL mL mL mL mL mL

3RD 122 113 123 115 135 FRESH

98 mL
mL mL mL mL mL

102
4TH 83 mL 0 mL 95 mL 0 mL 0mL DRY
mL

Figure 7. Diagram of the Study

This table summarizes the results of four trials, comparing the petroleum absorption capacity

of dry and fresh corn silk at 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The "Rank" column indicates whether fresh or

dry corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) performed better overall in each trial. Across all trials,

fresh corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) consistently demonstrated a higher petroleum absorption

capacity than dry corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis). While in terms of reusability dried corn silk

(Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) rank 1st in terms of how many times can be use.

Analysis

The results from both the dried and fresh corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) tests indicate a
 23

significant difference in oil absorption capacity, with fresh corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis)

exceeding in all instances except for the final trials which fresh corn silk showed no absorption.

Fresh corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) has the higher oil absorption capacity since it has

preserved moisture content that allows to retain and absorb more oil than the dried corn silk (Zea

Mays Stigma Maydis) , which becomes more firm and loses its absorption efficiency overtime.

The results using dried corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis), show that it initially absorbed a

fair amount of oil but gradually became less effective as the tests went on. In the first trial, dried corn

silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) absorbed 123 ml of oil in the first 5 minutes, then 130 ml after 10

minutes, and 200 ml after 15 minutes. The first trial shows that dried corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma

Maydis) quickly absorbed oil, possibly because it was dry and permeable, allowing oil to be

absorbed quickly.

However, as the tests progressed, the dried corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) started to

decrease the amount of oil it absorbed. In the second trial, it absorbed only 113 ml at 5 minutes, 118

ml at 10 minutes, and 122 ml at 15 minutes. By the third trial, it absorbed even less than the first two

trials which are 98 ml at 5 minutes, 113 ml at 10 minutes, and 115 ml at 15 minutes. In the fourth

trial, the absorption was further reduced: 83 ml at 5 minutes, 95 ml at 10 minutes, and 102 ml at 15

minutes.The last trial does not absorb at all. The test results that the dried corn silk (Zea Mays

Stigma Maydis) became less effective to absorb oil overtime, that reached a point where it could no

longer absorb more oil.

While Fresh corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) is way better at soaking up oil than dried

cornsilk. The study shows that fresh corn silk beats dried corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) hands

down when it comes to oil absorption. This is significant, especially when looking for alternative
 24

ways to clean up oil spills. Fresh corn silk's moisture content is the key to its absorption powers. It's

able to soak up more oil because of its natural moisture.

The study shows that fresh corn silk beats dried corn silk hands down when it comes to oil

absorption. In the first try, fresh corn silk absorbed 135ml of oil in 5 minutes, 138ml in 10 minutes,

and 182ml in 15 minutes. In the second try, it absorbed 125ml in 5 minutes, 128ml in 10 minutes,

and 170ml in 15 minutes. By the third try, it absorbed 122ml in 5 minutes, 123ml in 10 minutes, and

135ml in 15 minutes. However, in the fourth try, fresh corn silk had already exceeded its usage, and

as a result, it was no longer able to absorb oil, with 0 ml absorbed in 5, 10, and 15 minutes.

In the end, fresh corn silk is the clear choice for an alternative absorbent for oil spills, but it

has its limitations. Its natural moisture content makes it way more effective at soaking up oil than

dried cornsilk. However, once it exceeds its usage, it loses its ability to absorb oil. It's a simple, yet

effective solution for cleaning up oil spills, but it's essential to use it within its limits.

Discussion

This study states that Corn Silk can absorbed spilled oil in salt water and can reuse it up to

three (3) times or more. The study used three (3) different measurements of corn silk, with the

measurement 33 grams of corn silk both dry and fresh. The dry corn silk with 33 grams of

measurement packed in net soaked in 3 liters of salt water with 500 grams of used crude oil can

absorbed 123mL in 5 minutes, 130mL in 10 minutes, and 200 ml for 15 minutes. While in the same

procedure with fresh corn silk can absorbed 135mL for 5 minutes, 158mL at 10 minutes, and lastly,

182mL in 15 minutes.

While the result in second try, with the dry corn silk in 5 minutes it can absorbed 113mL,
 25

118mL for 10 minutes and 122mL for 15 minutes. While the fresh corn silk can absorbed 125mL for

5 minutes, 128mL for 10 minutes, and lastly, 170mL for 15minutes. In third try with the dry corn, it

can still absorbed 98mL to 115mL soaking it for 15 minutes. While the fresh corn silk in third try in

can absorbed 122mL to 135mL soaking it for at least 15 minutes. While trying for the fourth try,

both of the corn silk are slowly dissolving.

This study helps the researcher to determine the oil absorption rate of both dry and fresh corn

silk using experimental testing, revealing the differences on their absorbency. The findings on this

study highlights the impact of moisture content on the oil absorption capacity of a corn silk. Where

this information is crucial for the potential application of this material to the marine environment to

create an effective alternative oil absorption product using available resources.

 26

Conclusion and Recommendations

Conclusion

. This study examines the potential of cornsilk (Zea mays stigma maydis) as an alternative

petroleum absorbent. The researcher aims to determine its effectiveness in oil spill by comparing,

evaluates its reusability and overall efficiency of dried and fresh corn silk (Zea may stigma maydis)

to assess its potential as a sustainable solution for oil absorption.

The study of corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) as an alternative petroleum spill absorbent

successfully achieved its objectives by determining their oil absorption capacity. It shows that the

fresh corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) was significantly more effective than dried corn silk (Zea

mays stigma maydis) due to its preserved moisture content, which enhanced its ability to retain and

absorb oil. However, fresh corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) lost its absorption ability once

exceeded its usage limit, highlighting its limitation. While, dried corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis)

at first it absorbed oil efficiently but gradually became less effective over multiple trials.

In terms of reusability, both fresh and dried corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) had limited

long-term absorption potential, as the results indicated by the researchers. Fresh cornsilk's

effectiveness loses after repeated use, while dried corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) lost its

permeability over time, eventually failing to absorb oil. This suggests that while corn silk (Zea mays

stigma maydis) is feasible natural oil absorbent, it could only suitable for once or twice uses in large

scale applications.

Lastly, the comparison between fresh and dried corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis)

demonstrated that fresh corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) is the suitable option for oil absorption.

The study highlights the potential of fresh corn silk (Zea mays stigma maydis) as an eco-friendly

alternative oil absorption or oil spill cleanup. Further studies could focus on improving its
 27

preservation, trying in a large scale application and enhancing its storage to maximize its effectiveness

in environmental cleanup efforts.

Recommendations

1. This study will improve if the corn silk will be made into a sponge to enhance its oil absorption

capacity and reusability, to be an effective environmentally friendly absorbent to the marine

environment problem.

2. This study recommends further research and experimentation to explore the potential of corn silk

as a sustainable material for various applications, such as water filtration, through deeper analysis

and expert testing.

3. Test or experiment the corn silk (Zea Mays Stigma Maydis) with different types of oil to

determine if corn silk performs better with specific oil consistency.

4. Conduct larger-scale tests in real environmental conditions to evaluate and test cornsilk’s (Zea

Mays Stigma Maydis) effectiveness in oil spill cleanups.

 28

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Appendices

● Additional material such as:

o Questionnaires or survey tools.

o Raw data.

o Technical drawings or schematics.

o Relevant documentation.