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“PLANTS AS pH INDICATORS”
A Research Proposal
Presented to
Mindanao State University
Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography
SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
In Partial Fulfillment for the
Requirements for Graduation
MORENA E. DAIL
PARAMISULI S. AMING
SHEA ISSEY M. ANUDDIN
ALNEEHADA BIANCA A. KAMSA
September 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Table of Contents
CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Hypothesis
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER II – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
CHAPTER III – MATERIALS AND METHODS
Research Method
Materials
Equipments/Apparatus
Procedure
Preparation of pH Indicators
Collection and Preparation of Samples
Extraction of Coloring Matter/pH Indicator
Testing Different Items for pH level/Determination of the Color Changes of Different Plants when used as Indicator
Comparing Color Changes
Flow Chart of the Procedures
REFERENCES
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
pH is a measurement that will denote the level of chemical activity of hydrogen in a
given solution. The lowest possible pH rating is a pure acid at 0, and the highest possible pH
rating is a pure acid at 0, and the highest possible pH is at 14, which is a pure base.
(Litherland, 2009)
Commercial pH indicators are hard to find. Though they are cheap, many people have
trouble finding them. People really don’t have to use them, as nature provides us with pH
indicators in the form of plant pigments known as anthocyanins, which change color over
different pH ranges, depending on source. The plants that have anthocyanins are called
natural pH indicator or plant pH indicators which are cheaper and easier to find than the
commercial ones.
Methods of determining the pH of a solution can be expensive as well as indeed
cumbersome to use. Natural indicators, on the other hand, are relatively inexpensive by
comparison. This cheap cost is what makes them ideal for situations where a large number of
tests will have to be done. Some examples of this could be in a high school or college
chemistry lab. There are schools that lack pH indicators, particularly in some remote areas.
One such is the MSU TCTO Science High School. Sometimes, it is not available in a
specific area. Some are forced to go to other places just to acquire some samples. That is why
this study will focus on the production of the available pH indicator out of different plants as
alternative for the commercial pH indicators.
In recent years, the demand for measuring pH has grown dramatically. This includes
agricultural, wastewater, pharmaceutical, and educational applications, critical measurement
in industries, testing a sample against a legal requirement, and is also of outstanding
importance in water and environmental analysis.
Since almost any highly colored fruits, vegetables, or plants contain anthocyanin, then
it is hypothesized that pH indicators can possibly be produced out of different plants and that
they can be used to identify the color changes of different household and laboratory
chemicals.
Moreover, there has been a growing need to utilize indigenous resources as materials
in the laboratory. The results of this study can be a basis for use of plants that are locally
available in the province and in the country, as a cheaper, alternative, and important aid in
chemistry.
Statement of the Problem/Objectives
This study aims to produce pH indicators out of different plants. Specifically, it will
seek to answer the following questions:
1. What are the colors produced by the household chemicals and the laboratory
chemicals after the addition of each plant extract?
2. What are the colors produced by the laboratory chemicals after the addition of
each plant extract?
Significance of the Study
This study will focus mainly in the production of pH indicators using different plants.
Though there are many commercial indicators in our modern world today, there is still a
possibility that a time of scarcity of indicators may occur. If time of scarcity happens, one
knows how to easily make an indicator out of natural materials.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
This study will focus on the production of pH indicator out of different plants.
Aluminum sulfate will be used as an additive that will be applied on each test. The household
chemicals that will be used in this study are muriatic acid, calamansi extract, feminine wash,
vinegar, shampoo, distilled water, monosodium glutamate, bath soap and detergent bar
powder solution and household chemicals such as HNO3, H2SO4, CuSO4, K2Cr2O7,
Cr(NO2)3, Pb(NO3)2, Ammonium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, and NaOH. The study will be
conducted in the MSU Science High School Laboratory Room.
A total of ten (10) indicators will be used. Eight (8) of which are plant indicators:
Red Cabbage, Purple Heart Plant leaves, Areca Nut, Eggplant, Muntingia, Red Onion,
Malabar Nightshade, and Mangosteen; the other two are synthetic: phenolphthalein and
litmus paper.
Operational Definition of Terms
For the purpose of clarification, the following key terms are hereby operationally
defined.
Acid – a compound usually having a sour taste and capable of neutralizing alkalis and
reddening blue litmus paper
Anthocyanin – are water-soluble vacuolar pigments that may appear red, purple, or blue
according to the pH. It may occur in tissues of most ph indicating plants, including
leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits
Base – it is a compound usually having a slight bitter taste and capable of turning blue a red
litmus paper
Strong Acid/Base – an acid or base that completely dissociates into ions
Weak Acid/Base – an acid or base that only partially ionizes in solution
pH – measure of the acidity of a substance; a ph of less than 7 is acidic (lower number=more
acidic) and a pH of greater than 7 is basic, in general the scale goes from 1 (very
acidic) to 14 (very basic)
pH indicator – substances that changes color depending on the pH of the solution it is
mixed with. Indicators are often made from plant extracts
plant indicators – plants that can be used as an indicator. The plant extracts are usually used
as an indicator
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter presents the review of related literature that provides information about
“Plants as pH Indicators” which also serves as guidance in the research process, formation
of research problem, hypothesis, and definition of terms.
A pH (potential of Hydrogen) measurement reveals if a solution is acidic or alkaline
(also base or basic). If the solution has an equal amount of acidic and alkaline molecules, the
pH is considered neutral. Very soft water is commonly acidic, while very hard water is
commonly alkaline, though unusual circumstances can result in exceptions. (Kayne, 2003)
pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. This
definition of pH was introduced in 1909 by the Danish biochemist Soren Peter Lauritz
Sorensen. The pH value is an expression of the ratio of [H+] to [OH-] (hydroxide ion
concentration). Hence, if the [H+] is greater than [OH-], the solution is acidic. Conversely, if
the [OH-] is greater than the [H+], the solution is basic. At pH of 7, the ratio of [H+] to
[OH-] is equal and, therefore, the solution is neutral. pH is a logarithmic function. A change
of one pH unit represents a 10-fold change in concentration of hydrogen ion. (Kohlmann,
2003)
An indicator is a chemical substance that, by being able to change color, provides
visual evidence of the nature of chemical system in which it is placed. Most indicators are
complicated organic molecules that exists in two different color form (sometimes one form is
colorless) in different chemical environments such as acidic and basic solutions. The most
common acid-base indicator is litmus paper – paper that is treated with a chemical that
appear red in acidic solutions (low pH) and blue in basic solutions (high ph). (Knecht, 1996
quoted by Manulon, 2007)
The most common method to get an idea about the pH of solution is to use a pH
indicator, which is also called an acid-base indicator. An indicator is a large organic molecule
that works somewhat like a “color dye”. Whereas most dyes do not change color with the
amount of acid or base present, there are many molecules, known as acid-base indicators,
which do respond to a change in the hydrogen ion concentration. Most of the indicators are
themselves weak acids. (Ophardt, 2003)
Indicators are complicate organic weak acids or bases with complicated structures.
They are also called acid-base indicators or neutralization indicators. Their conjugate sac
indicators and ions for basic indicator. The ionization of acidic indicator in a solution is
represented by the equilibrium. (Khan et al., 2011)
Indicators work because they are weak acids which, when in solution, exist in
equilibrium with their conjugate base. The acid and its conjugate base each have different
colors, and as the equilibrium shifts from one direction to the other, the color of the indicator
solution changes. Some indicators exhibit only two colors and some exhibit wide range. Each
indicator must be individually studied to determine its behavior as a function of pH. (Malapit,
2010)
Chemists pick selective natural dyes to indicate specific pH levels based on their
color changes. For example, a commonly used acid-base indicator, named Bromthymol Blue,
is yellow in acid and blue in base and intermediate in between at pH 7. Yellow form of
Bromthymol Blue, (acid form HBb) when it donates a proton to OH- ions at higher pH
changes to anion, (base-form, Bb) which is blue. The point at which a color changes from
intermediate to blue gives information on the acid strength of the acid-form, HBb. Chemists
test various indicators for their acid strength and choose an indicator for specific pH levels.
(Withers, 2010)
There are hundreds of different acid-base indicators, many of which can be extracted
from common plants. (Malapit, 2010)
Anthocyanins are water soluble pigments found in many plants. These pigments have several
functions in the plant, and they are also of nutritional interest, because they have been linked
with nutritional benefits such as cancer prevention. People eat anthocyanins everyday, and
many people have a diet rich in these pigments. Depending on pH, anthocyanins can be red,
blue, or violet. The bright red color of an apple is due to the presence of anthocyanins, as is
the rich blue of a blueberry. These pigments can be found in fruit, stems, and leaves, and
their levels may fluctuate. (Smith, 2003)
Anthocyanin is probably the most readily available acid/base indicator; it is the plant
pigment that makes red cabbage purple, cornflowers blue, and poppies red. It changes color
from red in acid solution to purplish to green in mildly alkaline solution to yellow in very
alkaline solution. (Senese, 1997)
Many plant pigments act as acid-base indicators, and one can know appreciate why
some of these pigment molecules behave the way they do. The blue and red pigments of
flowers were isolated and extensively studies by R.M. Willstatter, just before the outbreak of
the First World War. Many indicators can be extracted from plants. The substance in the
plant changes at the molecular level which causes their color to be different at different pH
levels. Red cabbage juice a natural pH indicator which is known to contain anthocyanins
which are pigments that react in a different way to acids and bases. (Chandrasekaran, 2001)
The substances in plant products such as tea, red cabbage or grapes react with acids
(or bases) resulting in changes at the molecular level which causes their colors to be different
at different pH levels. All pH indicators, such as litmus paper, change color depending
whether they donate or accept protons, (acids are proton donors and bases are proton
acceptors). Therefore, pH indicators are themselves acids or bases. (Withers, 2001)
Natural indicators have been used for hundreds of years, long before chemists made
synthetic acid-base indicators. The 17th century chemist, Robert Boyle described indicator
extracted from roses and other plant materials in his book “The Experimental History of
Colours”. Boyle included the ability to turn plant juices red among the properties of acids.
Red cabbage is not the only natural indicator that goes through a variety of color changes but
there are some other compound from plant origin that can act as indicators. Many of the
natural dyes have extracted and isolated from different parts of plants which have different
colors at different pH. It is also observed that some extracts exhibit different color at different
pH values. Cherry juice, for example, may be red (pH=7), or green (pH=10). Roses, turnip
skins, violets, plum skins, primroses, radish skins, hydrangeas, rhubarb skins, cherries, blue
berries, red grapes, beets, red wine, curry powder, geranium petals, grape juice concentrate,
etc. are only a few of many that have different colors in acid or base. Almost any highly
colored fruit, vegetable, or flower petal has the potential use as an acid-base indicator. (Khan,
et al., 2011)
CHAPTER III
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This chapter presents the methods, research design, data collection, materials and the
procedures that will be used in the study.
Research Method
The study is a descriptive one but will utilize an experimental design.
Materials
The materials that will be used in the study are the following: household chemicals,
such as muriatic acid, calamansi extract, feminine wash, vinegar, shampoo, distilled water,
monosodium glutamate, bath soap, detergent bar and powder solution, toothpaste, laboratory
chemicals such as HCl, HNO3, H2SO4, CuSO4, K2Cr2O7, Cr(NO3)3, Pb(NO3)2,
Ammonium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, NaOH, Aluminum Sulfate and 1000 grams of each plant
indicator such Red Cabbage, Purple Heart Plant leaves, Areca Nut, Eggplant, Muntingia, Red
Onion, Malabar Nightshade, Mangosteen, and synthetic indicators, such as litmus paper
strips, and phenolphthalein.
Equipments/Apparatus and Utensils
Nine beakers (100 mL), 190 test tubes, medicine dropper, knife, pot, strainer, and
stirring rod will be used in the study.
Procedure
Collection and Preparation of Samples
One thousand grams of each plant will be gathered and washed thoroughly.
Each plant may either be placed in a pot to boil or in a blender. In the case of
mangosteen or red cabbage, for example, both of them may just be boiled.
Extraction of Coloring Matter/pH indicator
Each plant will be chopped into smaller pieces and 500 g of each chopped
plant will be placed in a blender with 350 ml distilled water. The plants will be
blended separately. Each plant extract or liquid will then be poured into separate
containers.
In the case of mangosteen or red cabbage, the pieces will be placed in separate
container with enough boiling water to cover for at least 10-30 minutes. The contents
of the bowl will then be gently tipped into a sieve to drain it into another bowl. Coffee
filter will be used to remove the smaller pieces. The liquid will then be poured into
separate containers.
Testing Different Household/Laboratory Chemicals for pH level/Determination
of the Color Changes of Different Plants when used as Indicators
Twenty test tubes will be labeled for each plant extract (ten for household
chemicals and another ten for the laboratory chemicals). 5 ml of each household or
laboratory chemical will be poured into each test tube.
In the case of powdery ingredients such as the washing powder, we will be
mixed with water to form the solution, just like liquid chemicals.
Drops of each plant extract will be added into each test tube. Each mixture
will be stirred very well to see if there are any color changes in each solution. The
procedure will be the same for all plants and synthetic indicators (like litmus paper of
phenolphthalein) will also be used to determine the acidity or basicity of the
chemicals.
Comparing Color Changes
The results will be recorded to compare the color changes of the household
chemicals when treated with each plant indicator and with synthetic ones.
REFERENCES
Books
Kohlmann, Frederick J. “What Is pH and How is it Measured?” Hach Company, 2003; 3-6
Ophardt, Charles E. “Virtual Chembook: Acid and Base Indicators,” Elmhurst College. 2003
Theses and Journals
Chandrasekaran, Jayanthi. “Chemistry of Colours,” Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced
Scientific Research Bangalore, India. 2001.
Khan, Pathan Moh’d Arif et al, “Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, Mumbai India.
2011; 2(4):20-27
Malapit, Christian, “Plant Extracts as Acid-Base Indicators,” Ateneo de Manila University:
Department of Chemistry. 2010
Manulon, Yusuf Khan N. et al, “Mangosteen Rind (Garcinia Mangostana) : A Potential pH
Indicator,” an Investigatory Project, a Requirements for Graduation, MSU TCTO
Science High School, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. 2009
Tangkusan, Denzy Rose I. and Alih, Raisha T. “Red Onion (Allium Cepa Linn): A Potential
pH Indicator,” an Investigatory Project, a Requirements for Graduation, MSU
TCTO Science High School, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Vedad, Jamela R. “Cassava Leaf Extract as Acid Base Indicator,” an Investigatory Project,
Philippine Science High School Bicol Region Campus, 2005-2006
Internet Sources
Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. “How to make Red Cabbage Indicator”
<http://chemistry.about.com/od/acidsbase1/a/red-cabbage-ph-indicator.htm >
Kayne, R. “WiseGeek: What is pH?” ed. Wallace, O. Conjecture Corporation. 2003
<http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-pH.htm>
Litherland, Meal. “What are the advantages of pH paper?” 2011.
<www.ehow.com/list_5841280_advantages-pH-paper_.html>
Senese, Fred. “What are some natural acid/base indicators?” Rev. 2010
<http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/sense/101/acidbase/faq/naturalindicators.shtml>
Smith, S.E. “WiseGeek: What are Anthocyanins?” ed. Wallace, O. Conjecture Corporation.
2003 <http://www/wisegeek.com/what-are-anthocyanins.htm>
Withers, Gayathri. “NATURAL INDICATORS: HOW DO THEY WORK?”. GIPSE. 2001
<http://www.cmu.edu/gipse/materials/pdf-2001/natural_pH_indicators.pdf >
PLANT PROFILE
PLANT LOCAL NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
Red Cabbage Pulang Repolyo Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra
Purple Heart Plant ? Trandescantia pallida
Areca Nut ? Areca catechu L.
Eggplant Talong Solanum melongena L.
Muntingia Aratilis Muntingia calabura L.
Red Onion Pulang Sibuyas Allium Cepa L.
Malabar Nightshade Alugbati Brasella
Flow Chart of the Procedure
Collection of the Plants
Cleaning
Chopping
Blending
Plant Extract
Add drops to
Household Chemicals Laboratory Chemicals
Color Outcome/Color Change
Color Outcome/Color Change