investigatory project ( ABSTRACT)

ABSTRACT

Pigweed plant, scientific name Amarantus Spinosus, commonly known as “uray” a stout, erect, smooth, branched herb, 0.4 to 1 m high, stems with slender axillaries spines. The presence of spines differentiates it from kulitis (Amaranthus viridis). It was gathered at the roadsides where it was pulled out as weeds.
Knowing some changes in the states of matter learned in Chemistry, pigweed was dried under the sun for one month. After it has been dried, it was burned until it became ash or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) Water was added to the ash to produce calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide precipitation. This process is known as lime soda softening. Straining and filtration followed. Filtered liquid is the Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) or lye, “lihiya in Filipino”.
Lye is a strong caustic alkaline solution of potassium or sodium salts, obtained by leaching wood ashes. Its chemical name is Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). As a chemical, it has plenty of uses. Its powder destroys waste by its ability to eat organic material. It is used as food additive which enhance the colors and tastes of foods especially in some native delicacies.
The results revealed that pigweed plant can be a source of sodium hydroxide which can be used as food additive available plant in the surroundings. It can really be a source of income if one thinks that lye is easy to prepare and if one wants to save money, of course, if proper procedures are to be followed every time it will be prepared.