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The Effectiveness of powdered Kuhol(Pomacea canaliculata) Shell as a substitute for Silica in Clay Tiles

Lyd Ryan Guzman

Grade 10 – Becquerel

Researcher

Background of the Study:

These days, many people get diseases from the clay tiles because of the silica that is being added to these clay tiles. This inspires the researcher to find or look a substitute for silica in making clay tiles.

Silica is a name of mineral containing silicon and oxygen. It is commonly added to clay tiles to make it strong like cement for more durability for the tiles. However, Silica exposure, an ancient hazard, is a very serious threat to construction workers. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust during construction activities can cause silicosis(osha.gov). Silicosis is a lung disease that can cause your breathing become shorter(nlm.nih.gov).

Clay Soil is a kind of soil, which is made up of high percentage of clay particles. It is usually the type of soil used to make tiles, since clay is hardens when it is dried and or upon firing(wisegeek.com). It usually added by Silica to make it become stronger and more firm.

Pomacea canaliculata or also known as kuhol for the tagalog and apple snail for English, Is a mollusk with a big shell at its back. : The shell of this apple snail species is globose and relatively heavy (especially in older snails). A deep, indented suture separates the 5 to 6 whorls. The shell opening (aperture) is large and oval to round. Males are known to have a rounder aperture than females. The umbilicus is large and deep. The overal shell shape is similar to that of Pomacea lineata, except the deeper sutures and more globose shape in canaliculata. 

This study will show that the Silica is very dangerous to human health, and to emphasize that people needs a less cost replacement for silica, that have an effect like silica but safer one. Which it could be in the form of Kuhol shell.

Statement of the Problem:

Silica is a mineral that is need...