THE USE OF WATER LETTUCE (Pistia stratiotes) LEAVES IN MAKING ALL

AROUND CLEANING AGENT

 INTRODUCTION

One of the problems of the fishermen in Laguna Lake is fish kill due to excessive
plant growth of Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes). Up until now they are finding a way to
lessen and make use of the excess Water Lettuce.The researchers thought of a way to lessen
and make a significant use of Water Lettuce.

Background of the Study

Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a perennial monocotyledon with thick, soft

leaves that form a rosette. Water Lettuce floats on the surface of the water with its roots
hanging submersed beneath floating leaves. Its leaves can be up to 14 cm long and have no
stem. Water Lettuce is among the world's most productive freshwater aquatic plants and it
is considered an invasive species. It can also be found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving
rivers, forming large, dense masses.

The leaf extract of this plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols,
which have biological activities such as antiviral, antifungal and, antibacterial agents.
Tannins can be used for a stronger and more resistant antibacterial activities. Condensed
tannins are much more resistant to microbial degradation than hydrolysable tannins and
exhibit stronger antiviral, and antifungal activity. Study results show that ethannolic
extract of Pistia stratiotes L. has cytotoxic, antimicrobial, CNS depressant and
antinocieceptive activity.(Khan MD, 2011)

Statement of the problem

This study seeks to test the effectiveness of Water Lettuce as an all-around cleaning
agent.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following:

I. Antimicrobial activity in Water Lettuce.

II. Stain removal activity of the a of the Water Lettuce cleaning agents
Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis

• Water lettuce cleaning agent will not be effective as a cleaning agent.

• The usage of water lettuce all around cleaning agent is not effective in removing
stains.

Alternative Hypothesis

• Water lettuce cleaning agent will be effective as a cleaning agent.

• The usage of water lettuce all around cleaning agent is effective in removing
stains.

Significance of the Study

This study benefits the following sectors:

Some cleaning agents that people buy in the market have harmful toxic chemicals
and if that toxic chemicals go to the bodies of water some fish will die, that is why the
researchers made a cleaning agent that is organic made from the leaves of Water Lettuce
and doesn’t have toxic chemicals that can harm our environment.

When Water Lettuce is numerous it can cause fish kill(oxygen depletion) that is
why the researchers thought of a significant way on how to lessen water lettuce in bodies
of water for the fishermen not to lose harvest of fishes

This product is 100 % organic unlike some cleaning agents in the market
containing toxic chemicals. This product is not harmful to humans because it is 100%
organic and natural.
 MATERIALS AND METHOD

ACQUISITION OF MATERIALS

CLASSIFICATION OF
MATERIALS

Mortar and Pestle WATER LETTUCE

TRANSFORM INTO PASTE

EXTRACTION

MEASUREMENT OF
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

EVALUATION OF RESULTS
Materials Function
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) leaves Served as the main ingredient in making
the cleaning agent,
Water Removed the excess dirt in the leaves of
the water lettuce.
Mortar and Pestle Crashed the leaves of the water lettuce,
Strainer Strained the water lettuce paste to get the
extract of the leaves.