Chapter 5

Discussion
The study, ”Development of Coconut Shell Biochar-Based Odor

Reduction Prototype on Plastic Waste,” successfully tackled the need for a
sustainable solution to manage odors from plastic waste. By combining
prototype development, performance assessment, and user feedback,
several key insights emerged:
Effectiveness of Coconut Shell Biochar in Reducing Odors

Experimental results demonstrated that the coconut shell biochar-based
prototype effectively reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted
from plastic waste. Gas chromatography analysis revealed an average
reduction of 62.5% in VOC levels. Specific compounds, such as benzene and
toluene—known for their strong odors and health risks—were reduced by
71.9% and 66.9%, respectively. This highlights the biochar’s excellent
adsorptive properties, which are due to its porous structure that efficiently
captures odor-causing molecules.
Comparison with Existing Odor Reduction Methods The coconut

shell biochar was evaluated against conventional odor control techniques
such as activated carbon, chemical deodorizers, and mechanical ventilation.
While activated carbon demonstrated slightly higher efficiency (70–90%), the
coconut shell biochar offered notable advantages in other areas:
Sustainability Utilizing coconut shells, an agricultural by-product,

reduces waste in another context, contributing to environmental
conservation.
Cost-Effectiveness Producing biochar is significantly less expensive

than manufacturing activated carbon, making it accessible to financially
constrained communities.
Ease of Use The simple production and application processes of

biochar make it an ideal solution for resource-limited areas like Hinabangan,
Samar.
This balance of performance, affordability, and sustainability positions

coconut shell biochar as a viable alternative for odor control, particularly in
scenarios where traditional methods are impractical or costly.
High Level of User Acceptance: Feedback from 30 survey participants

showed high satisfaction levels with the prototype. Average scores for
various criteria, such as odor reduction (4.2), ease of use (4.5), and
environmental benefits (4.8), reflected the community’s appreciation of the
biochar’s effectiveness and sustainability. This positive reception underscores
the practicality of the prototype and its alignment with community needs.
Moreover, demographic analysis revealed no significant differences in

acceptance levels across gender and age groups (p > 0.05). This consistency
in feedback suggests the prototype’s universal appeal and potential for
broad implementation without demographic biases.
Sustainability and Broader Application Potential One of the

prototype’s standout features is its contribution to sustainable waste
management practices. By converting coconut shells—an abundant
agricultural by-product in tropical regions—into a useful material for odor
control, the study promotes a circular economy approach. This innovation
addresses both plastic waste odors and agricultural residue management,
reducing overall waste generation.
The prototype's simplicity, affordability, and environmental benefits

make it especially suitable for rural and low-income communities, where
advanced odor control solutions are inaccessible. Beyond plastic waste, the
biochar system can be applied in various scenarios, including landfills,
composting sites, and other odor-intensive environments.
Conclusion
This study on the development of a coconut shell biochar-based odor

reduction prototype yielded several key findings:
Successful Prototype Development: An eco-friendly and cost-effective

odor reduction prototype was created using coconut shell biochar. The
pyrolysis process transformed coconut shells into a porous material with
strong adsorptive properties, suitable for managing odors from plastic waste.
Effective Odor Mitigation: The prototype achieved a 62.5% reduction in

VOC emissions, effectively neutralizing odor-causing compounds from plastic
waste.
Practicality and Acceptance: High user satisfaction and consistent

acceptance across demographic groups demonstrate the prototype’s
practicality and appeal.
Advantages Over Existing Methods: When compared to conventional
odor control solutions like activated carbon and chemical deodorizers,
coconut shell biochar stands out as a sustainable and cost-effective option.
Its reliance on agricultural waste and simple implementation process makes
it a practical and accessible solution for odor reduction in low-resource
environments.
Contribution to Sustainable Waste Management: The study emphasizes

the value of using agricultural by-products, such as coconut shells, in waste
management systems. Incorporating coconut shell biochar into odor control
processes not only addresses environmental concerns linked to plastic waste
odors but also supports a circular economy by repurposing organic waste.
Recommendations
Further Research on Long-Term Effectiveness: Future studies should

evaluate the prototype’s long-term performance across various
environmental conditions and waste management scenarios. Investigating
the durability and reusability of the biochar material can offer deeper
insights into its cost-efficiency and sustained effectiveness.
Scaling Up and Real-World Testing: Pilot projects should be conducted

in larger settings, such as landfills or waste collection centers, to assess the
prototype’s performance on a broader scale. These field tests would provide
valuable data on its functionality in diverse environments and help optimize
its design for practical applications.
Exploring Alternative Agricultural Residues: To expand sustainable

practices, future research should explore other locally available agricultural
by-products, such as rice husks or corn cobs, for biochar production. This
approach could identify additional cost-effective and sustainable materials
for odor control.
In conclusion the successful development and testing of the coconut

shell biochar-based odor reduction prototype highlight its potential as an
effective, sustainable, and user-friendly solution for managing odors from
plastic waste. By leveraging natural materials and promoting circular
economy principles, this innovation addresses the challenges of plastic waste
management in an environmentally responsible way.

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Discussion

The study, ”Development of Coconut Shell Biochar-Based Odor

Effectiveness of Coconut Shell Biochar in Reducing Odors

Comparison with Existing Odor Reduction Methods The coconut

Sustainability Utilizing coconut shells, an agricultural by-product,

Cost-Effectiveness Producing biochar is significantly less expensive

Ease of Use The simple production and application processes of

This balance of performance, affordability, and sustainability positions

High Level of User Acceptance: Feedback from 30 survey participants

Moreover, demographic analysis revealed no significant differences in

Sustainability and Broader Application Potential One of the

The prototype's simplicity, affordability, and environmental benefits

This study on the development of a coconut shell biochar-based odor

Successful Prototype Development: An eco-friendly and cost-effective

Effective Odor Mitigation: The prototype achieved a 62.5% reduction in

Practicality and Acceptance: High user satisfaction and consistent

Contribution to Sustainable Waste Management: The study emphasizes

Further Research on Long-Term Effectiveness: Future studies should

Scaling Up and Real-World Testing: Pilot projects should be conducted

Exploring Alternative Agricultural Residues: To expand sustainable

In conclusion the successful development and testing of the coconut

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