GREY WATER FROM DISHWASHING

AS WATERING AGENT ON THE

GROWTH OF PECHAY (BRASSICA
RAPA CHINENSIS)
MEMBERS:

ALIYAH MELIZ YVONNE Q. FERNANDEZ

KRYSSHA NICOLE D. GABIETA

EDNALINE E. BAZAS
 CHAPTER I:
• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This study will be conducted in Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School, Catbalogan City as an experimental research study.

This proposal is divided into seven chapters, the first of which is the executive summary. The second chapter is the introduction, which
includes chapters on the rationale, significance, scientific bases, theoretical framework, and objectives. Review of literature is the third
chapter. The methodology is covered in the fourth chapter, the projected output and potential impact is covered in the fifth chapter, the
workplan and target deliverables are covered in the sixth chapter, and lastly the references which is covered in the seventh chapter. In this
research proposal it is not only specifically focused on the impact of grey/waste water conservation, which benefits a large number of people.
 CHAPTER II: INTRODUCTION

- RATIONALE

- SIGNIFICANCE

- SCIENTIFIC BASIS

- THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

- OBJECTIVES
 RATIONALE:
As our population rate grows and with such a small percentage of all the water supply on Earth fit for consumption, it only makes sense that we must preserve and
conserve this precious resource. That our available water supply is finite, that means we do not have an endless amount of water. This is why we come up with this
study “Grey water from dishwashing as watering agent on growth of Pechay (Brassica Rapa). The overall amount of fresh water on the planet considerably
outnumbers human demands. About 97 percent of the total water resources on earth are found in the oceans, with the remaining 3% sustainable for direct
exploitation; nevertheless, the amount of water available for human usage is believed to be one-hundredth of that remaining 3% (Eakin and Sharman 2010; Gleick
1993).

Despite its appearance, greywater can be reused and does not need to be disposed of in the sewage system like other types of waste water. Gray water is collected
from kitchen, laundry, or bathwater. The water can then be used either for irrigation plants or as a substitute for using fresh water for flushing. Greywater’s
composition varies, and it is generally a reflection of one’s lifestyle as well as the type and choice of chemicals used in laundry, cleaning, and bathing. The qualities
of greywater are also influenced by the quality of the water sources of contaminants is necessary for identifying the different chemical elements in greywater.
Finding ways to reuse water is one approach to save it. Many households use more water to maintain their lawns and gardens green than they do to cook, clean, or
drink. As a result, greywater is defined as gently used wastewater from places like bathroom, kitchen, and laundry. It is relatively clean. Greywater may also contain
traces of food, grease, hair, dirt, or specific household cleaning products. Kitchen and laundry sources make up the majority of greywater sources with high nutrient
concentrations (Boyjoo et.al. 2013).
RATIONALE:
With reduced freshwater demands for each household, there is reduced energy demand required to pump the water into the house. Secondly, water reuse reduces the
load that treatment centers have to handle in ensuring that it is purified thus reducing the total energy required by both water distribution and sewage purifying
companies. Reduced energy means less electricity and in turn, fossil fuel use is also cut down eventually helping to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Greywater use
also reduces the need to fertilize the yards with chemical fertilizers due to the nutrients the water already contains. The use of greywater to water yards provides an
alternative source of water to plants, especially in regions where plants lack it. The fundamental reason for this study is to save water from dishwashing (Grey Water)
to water the Pechay plant. As much as it may look dirty, grey water can be reused for other purposes and does not necessarily have to be disposed of into sewage
system as other types of wastewater do. This means that it is not really wastewater but could be repurposed for safe and beneficial uses such as yard irrigation. It,
therefore, serves to substitute fresh water for some purposes thus allowing for water conservation as well as reducing the amount of water that is sent into sewage
system for treatment.

The benefits of using grey water are freshwater conservation-Use of greywater reduces the amount of freshwater used up in the household for other functions. The
reusing of greywater to flush toilets and water plants reduces a load of freshwater required and if enough people make the same choice, the water demands can be
reduced so drastically as to positively impact the environment. This is particularly important in regions experiencing dry climates or going through droughts. Reduced
chemical consumption-The reduction of water sent to sewage plants also leads to reduced levels in the amount of chemicals used in treating the water. With a smaller
load, sewage treatment plants do not require as much use of chemicals which is beneficial to the environment as it reduces both the cost of sewage treatment as well as
reducing the demand for chemical products that goes to benefit the environment. It also reduces the chance of accidental dumping of chemical waste by sewage
processing companies.
 RATIONALE:

Greywater use also reduces the need to fertilize the yards with chemical fertilizers due to the nutrients the water already contains. Beautification of landscapes-The
use of greywater to water yards provides an alternative source of water to plants, especially in regions where plants lack it. Regions that use reclaimed greywater
thus provide an alternative use for water that would have gone to waste. Therefore, it creates beautiful landscapes as plants maintain greenness and bloom, even in
regions where the climates are harsh. Coupled with other technologies such as the use of mulch and drip irrigation, the water provided can last longer to ensure the
beautiful state of one’s yard is maintained even during the driest of seasons.

Reuse of nutrients-The use of greywater reintroduces nutrients that would have otherwise been lost to the sewage system. The kitchen and bathwater contain a lot
of organic material that is not harmful to plants. This is unlike blackwater where the organic levels are too high. Blackwater also has lots of harmful bacteria e.g.
E. coli that could cause disease if they contaminate the soil. The greywater provides plants with good nutrients that go towards increased beautification.
Groundwater recharge-The greywater used often ends up being filtered by the soil as it moves down and ends up in the groundwater where it replenishes the levels
therein. This is a good thing as it ensures waterways such as rivers sourcing their water from the underground aquifers are always fed.
SIGNIFICANCE:

We conducted this research study because we are concerned about the water shortages that have been occurring in our towns. We
also hope that this will contribute in some way to water conservation.
 SCIENTIFIC BASIS:

Understanding the impacts of grey/waste water as a petchay plant and other plants watering agent is a simple technique to help save water. Water is required by all living things on the planet. Simple things
like this can go a long way toward conserving water. The academic community has taken an interest in investigating water concerns as a result of worldwide freshwater shortages and rising population
demands.

According to (Ken Higgins,2019) fresh water is a precious resource, and using and reusing it wisely is a key component of trying to live more sustainably. But even after reducing water usage initially, a lot
of the water that gets down the drain is essentially wasted and could be put to good use as greywater in the home and yard. It is estimated that just over half of household water used could be recycled as
greywater, saving potentially hundreds of liters of water per day. We must, therefore, work together to reduce our water use and reuse water whenever possible and we need to be more aware of the benefits
of greywater. Using greywater is a very controversial topic when it comes to gardening. Why? On one side horticulturalists and health experts worry about the potential for spreading contaminants or
disease while on the other side many gardeners argue that they’ve poured greywater over their crops for years without problems, with some ecen citing the fact that the soap helps control alphids. The truth
is that greywater is fine as long as you follow some sensible guidelines (Dore, 2010). We promote greywater reuse as a way to increase the productivity of sustainable backyard ecosystems that produce
food, clean water and shelter wildfire. Such systems recover valuable “waste” products-greywater, household compost, and humanure- and reconnects their human inhabitants to ecological cycle. By
modelling “appropriate technologies” for food production, water, and sanitation in the industrialized world, we hope to replace the cultural misconception of waste water” with the possibility of a life-
generating water culture. (Greywater Action, (2021). In recent RHS experiments with a few popular border perennial plants and sub-shrubs, we found out that applying the greywater for several weeks over
the summer did not significantly affect plant function. However after 6 weeks some plants (e.g.stachys byzantine) benefited from a rinse through with tap water as they were beginning to show signs of salt
stress. (The Royal Horticular Society, 2021).

Simple things can help preserve water, which is why we created this study in the hopes of recycling dishwashing waste water as a watering agent for some plants. We can promise that everyone will profit
from this research, so if grey water has no detrimental effects on plants, specifically petchay, this might be a terrific strategy for recycling our waste water from dishwashing into a plant watering agent.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:
Grey water from dishwashing as watering agent on the growth of Pechay (Brassica Rapa Chinensis)
•  

Literature Review

User Research  

Experimental Evaluation

Independent Variable 1 Independent Variable 2

Experimental Materials User Background

Dependent Variable: Quality,

effectiveness, efficiency, easy to
conduct.

Conclusion
 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:
Fresh water is a precious resource, according to (Ken Higgins,2019), and intelligently using and reusing it is a fundamental component of striving to live more sustainably.
However, even after initially reducing water usage, much of the water that goes down the drain is essentially wasted and might be used as greywater in the home and yard. It is
anticipated that about half of the water consumed in households may be recycled as greywater, saving hundreds of liters of water every day. As a result, we must collaborate to
reduce our water consumption and reuse water whenever possible, as well as raise awareness of the benefits of greywater.

This researcher's study aims to help

Understand the impacts of grey/waste water as a petchay plant and other plants watering agent is a simple technique to help save water. Water is required by all living things
on the planet. Simple things like this can go a long way toward conserving water.

As a result of global freshwater limitations and rising population demands, the academic community has taken an interest in exploring water issues.

When it comes to gardening, using greywater is a contentious matter. Why? Horticulturists and health professionals are concerned about the possibility of spreading toxins or
illness, while many gardeners insist that they've been pouring greywater over their crops without issue for years, with some even claiming that the soap helps manage alphids. The
truth is that greywater is perfectly acceptable as long as certain standards are followed (Dore, 2010).

We encourage greywater reuse as a strategy to boost the productivity of backyard ecosystems that generate food, provide clean water, and provide fire protection.Such
systems recycle important "waste" products including greywater, household compost, and humanure, while also reconnecting humans to the natural cycle. We seek to replace the
cultural misperception of waste water with the promise of a life-generating water culture by modeling "suitable technology" for food production, water, and sanitation in the
industrialized world. (Source: Greywater Action) (2021).
OBJECTIVES:

General Objective:

To determine the growth of Pechay (Brassica Rapa) when watered with greywater from dishwashing

Specific Objectives:

Compare the effect of different formulations to the growth of pechay in terms of height.

To determine whether the color of the leaf of Pechay will change.

To determine if the Pechay will survive when watered by greywater.

CHAPTER III: REVIEW OF RELATED
LITERATURE:
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE:
According to (Ken Higgins,2019) fresh water is a precious resource, and using and reusing it wisely is a key component of trying to live more sustainably. But even after reducing water
usage initially, a lot of the water that gets down the drain is essentially wasted and could be put to good use as greywater in the home and yard. It is estimated that just over half of
household water used could be recycled as greywater, saving potentially hundreds of liters of water per day. We must, therefore, work together to reduce our water use and reuse water
whenever possible and we need to be more aware of the benefits of greywater. Using greywater is a very controversial topic when it comes to gardening. Why? On one side horticulturalists
and health experts worry about the potential for spreading contaminants or disease while on the other side many gardeners argue that they’ve poured greywater over their crops for years
without problems, with some ecen citing the fact that the soap helps control alphids. The truth is that greywater is fine as long as you follow some sensible guidelines (Dore, 2010). We
promote greywater reuse as a way to increase the productivity of sustainable backyard ecosystems that produce food, clean water and shelter wildfire. Such systems recover valuable
“waste” products-greywater, household compost, and humanure- and reconnects their human inhabitants to ecological cycle. By modelling “appropriate technologies” for food production,
water, and sanitation in the industrialized world, we hope to replace the cultural misconception of waste water” with the possibility of a life-generating water culture. (Greywater Action,
(2021). In recent RHS experiments with a few popular border perennial plants and sub-shrubs, we found out that applying the greywater for several weeks over the summer did not
significantly affect plant function. However after 6 weeks some plants (e.g.stachys byzantine) benefited from a rinse through with tap water as they were beginning to show signs of salt
stress. (The Royal Horticular Society, 2021) But according to (Mary Simpson) Using greywater presents more problems than the systems installation costs. Bacteria can grow if greywater
is stored, so it must be used immediately. A threat to roots of most plans, overwatering could be a danger particularly for draught-established trees or very sensitive plants that are often hard
to grow under the best conditions. Using greywater, plants can be watered with showers, dishwashing, bath, and washing machine water (from rinse cycles). It varies in quality and may
contain contaminants such as soap and detergent. Fortunately, soil and potting composts are effective at filtering them out, and the residues can sometimes act as a mild fertilizer. There
should be no problem with small-scale, short-term use of greywater to tide plants over in summer draught. (The royal Horticultural society, 2021).
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE:
Greywater can contain highlevels of salt from detergents. For soils with a high percentage of clay on areas with less annual precipitation than 20 inches per year, periodic flushing of the
soil is recommended. (Washington state Department of health). Storing greywater is not recommended unless it treated for bacterial growth; The water is an obvious benefit to plants.
Other potential problems for plants depends on the level of the various chemicals included in the greywater. The chemical makeup of greywater varies from hoysehold to household
depending on the personal habits of the members of the household and their choice in soaps and other cleaning solutions. (e.g. Rhododendrons). Unless greywater is treated, it is
recommended that it not be used to water plants with edible roots and only surface watering should be used to plants to protect edible leaves or fruits from possible bacterial exposure.
Several studies have investigated the effect of greywater on soil composition. A study by (M. Travis, N. Weisbrod and A. Gross- “Accumulation of oil and grease in soil irrigated with
greywater and their potential role in soil water repellency.) Science of the total environment 394 (2008) pp.68-74) suggests that oil and grease from greywater can accumulate in soils and
affect the ability of the soil to absorb water-essentially making it water repellent. Another study by (A. Gross et al- “Environmental impact and health risk associated with greywater
irrigation: a case study” Water science & and technology Vol 52, mo.8 pp 161-169) found evidence that: “Long term irrigation of arid loess soil with greywater may result in
accumulation of salts, surfactants, and boron in the soil, causing changes in soil properties and toxicity to plants”. Grey water is the waste water from bath tub, shower area, hand wash
basim, laundry and kitchen sink, and this water is of lower quality than drinking water. (Erikson et.al,.2002: Ottosand Stenstrom,2003; Palmquist and Hanaeus, 2005). Greywater
excludes foul or blackwater from toilets and urinals. Soaps and detergent are the major components of greywater (Sefferson et.al. 1999). Reuse of greywater for growing plants may affect
the microbial activity in the rhizosphere that degregades the surfactants and the use by plant for transportation (Gorland et.al, 2000). They observed that the reuse of greywater with Ph in
excess of 8 can lead to increased soil Ph and reduced availability of some micro-nutrient for plants, and thus affecting the growth of plant. (Christova-Boal et.al. 1996). Phytotoxicity of
greywater reuse is another issue that impacts on the widespread recycling of greywater. The phytotoxicity effects of greywater reuse on different plants are highly variable. (Erikkson
et.al. 2006). The reuse of untreated greywater does, however, hold risks to crops, soil and human consumers which includes the potential
CHAPTER IV: METHODOLOGY
 METHODOLOGY:
Materials:

In this study we need these materials: 1 pack of pechay seeds, loamy soil for the plant, 4 pieces of 16 inches pots, 3 pairs of hand gloves, 25 ml of grey water, and 25 ml of tap
water. To measure the water we need measuring cups, and to measure the growth of the plants everyday we need a ruler or a measuring tape.

Procedure

Planting of Pechay seeds and Germination

The soil of equal amounts was distributed into each pot. Then the seeds were placed into each pot and were watered with 9.5ml of tap water every 7:00 in the morning. Every
12:00 at noon, the seedlings were then measured using a ruler and recorded for three days until sufficient height of the seedlings was observed. The seedlings were placed in the same
area where they can get equal and sufficient amount of sunlight.

Collection of Greywater from dishwashing

As we wash our dishes, we use a small basin that can fit in kitchen sink. Then we collect the water from the basin where we’ve washed the dishes with soap. After that, we
transfer the greywater into another bucket where well store it for a few hours without exceeding 24 hours, as the microbes will thrive.

Application of treatment and control

After the seed germination for 4 days, we are going to water the Pechay plant with the treatment with the same amount of (25 ml) and at the same time of day, (7:00am).
METHODOLOGY:
Table 1: Shows the different types of formula that will be watered into the Petchay plant.

Amount of Greywater (ml)

Formulation Tap water Total

A 5 ml 20 ml 25 ml

B 10 ml 15 ml 25 ml

C 15 ml 10 ml 25 ml

D (-) Tap water 0 ml 25 ml 25 ml

 METHODOLOGY:
Table 2: The height of petchay seedlings in 4 pots with 3 replicates on each pot. The 3 pots will be watered with different formulas (A,B,C) of waste water and
the other one is watered with tap water (D-).

  Height of seedlings in cm.

week Formula A Formula B Formula C Formula D

(Replicates) (Replicates) (Replicates) (Replicates)

  A1 A2 A3 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3

1                        

2                        

3                        

4                        
CHAPTER V: EXPECTED OUTPUT
AND POTENTIAL IMPACT:
 EXPECTED OUTPUT AND POTENTIAL
IMPACT:
The potential outcomes our experiment include that grey/waste water from dishwashing has an influence on
plants, which can be positive or detrimental. There are numerous beneficiaries in this study, including
humans, plants, animals, and our environment. The study’s socioeconomic impact is that enhancing
household water and sanitation access has an influence on household finances and, as a result, the economy
at large. Reducing our water consumption lowers the amount of energy required to treat and carry it to
homes , companies, farms, and communities, reducing pollution and conserving fuel resources.
CHAPTER VI: WORKPLAN AND
TARGET DELIVERABLES:
WORKPLAN AND TARGET
DELIVERABLES:
Week 1: The planting of pechay seeds into the seedbox.

Week 2: Transplanting the seedlings.

Week 3: Everyday of this week, we water the 4 pots with 3 replicates each pot. The 3 pots is watered with different formulas of
waste water, and the other one is watered with tap water.

Week 4: Everyday we measure the height of pechay.

Week 5: Observe and compare the plants that is watered with different formulas of waste water, and the one watered with tap
water.
CHAPTER VII: REFERENCES:
 REFERENCES:
Eakins and Sharman “Volumes of the world’s Oceans from ETOPO1”- (Dec.2007) Research

gate.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259327179_Volumes_of_the_World's_Oceans_from_ETOPO1

Evans,” Benefits of water conservation” (Dec. 2020); - The Balance smb

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/conservation-efforts-why-should-we-save-water-3157877#:~:text=With%20growing%20population%20rates%20and,a
nd%20caring%20for%20it%20properly

K. Higgins, ‘Watering Gardens with greywater-plants that like greywater” (2019)-Greywater

and Wastewater Industry Group. https://www.gwig.org/watering-gardens-with-greywater-plants-that-like-greywater/

Dore, “Using Greywater to help plants survive a hot summer” (July,2010); -Growing Interactive

Ltd. https://www.growveg/guides/using-grey-water-to help-plants-survive-a-hot-summer/

 REFERENCES:
Greywater Action, “Greywater Reuse” (October 30, 2018);
https://greywateraction.org/greywater-reuse/
 
The Royal Horticultural Society, ‘Using Grey water, (December 8, 2021)
https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/gardening-in-a-changing-world/water-use-in-gardens/using-grey-water
 
M. Simpson, “What are the dangers of using Grey water for plants?” (2021); -SF gate
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/dangers-using-grey-water-plants-75819.html
 
The Royal Horticultural Society, Using Grey water , (2021);
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 REFERENCES:
Washington State department of Health, (December, 2021); Grey water Reuse
https://www.doh.wa.gov/communityandenvironment/wastewatermanagement/greywaterreuse
 
Hampton, “Effects of greywater on plants and soil”,(July,2008); Nagpur, India
https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=2640
 
M. Travis, N. Weisbrod and A. Gross- “Accumulation of oil and grease in soil irrigated with
greywater and their potential role in soil water repellency” (2008) Science of the total environment 394 pp.68-74. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18280539/
 
A. Gross et.al. “Environmental impact and health risks associated with greywater irrigation; a
case study “. Water Science and Technology Vol 52 no.8 pp. 161-169.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7455989_Environmental_impact_and_health_risks_associated_with_greywater_irrigation_A_case_study

 
 REFERENCES:

Erikson et.al,.2002: Ottosand Stenstrom,2003; Palmquist and Hanaeus, (2005).

 
M.Peprah, M. Agbesi, Greywater Characteristics, Treatment Systems, Reuse
Sttrategies and User Perception-A Review , (July 16, 2018); https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11270-018-3909-8
 
RK. Misra, et.al. “Reuse potential of laundry greywater for irrigation based on growth, water and
nutrient use of tomato”-Faculty of Engineering and Surveying, Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments and CRC for Irrigation Futures, University of southern
Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022169410001368

U. Pinto, B.L. Maheshwari, H.S. Grewal, Effects of greywater irrigation on Plant growth,
water use and soil properties, Resources, Conservation and Recycling, (2010) Volume 54, issue 7.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236871967_Effects_of_greywater_irrigation_on_plant_growth_water_use_and_soil_properties.
 
Conserve Energy Future, “What is greywater? Ways to collects and Benefits of
using Greywater.(Dec. 2020); https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/ways-and-benefits-of-using-greywater.php
 REFERENCES:
Conserve Energy Future, “Soil Pollution: Definition, Causes, Effects and Solutions”
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution-php
 
Water Research Australia, Health Risk of Greywater use, (November,2013) Page-1
https://www.waterra.com.au/publications/document-search/?download=541
 
M.H. Dyer,” Will Dish Soap Hurt My Flowerbeds?” (December,2018)
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/dish-soap-hurt-flowerbeds-97524.html#:~:text=Gardeners%20often%20make%20homemade%20insecticidal,number%20of%20common
%20garden%20pests.&text=Usually%2C%20small%20amounts%20of%20well,for%20plants%20during%20a%20drought
.
 
“Safe Use of Household Greywater” from New Mexico State university
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 REFERENCES:

C. Lindstrom “Greywater, what it is, how to treat it, how to use it.” (2000)
http://www.greywater.com/
 
“Greywater central on the Oasis Design Page.” http://oasisdesign.net/
 
“Introduction to Greywater Management from EcoSanRes”.
http://www.ecosanres.org/pdf_files/ESR-factsheet-08.pdf.