Three undergraduate research groups from the GAMER Lab, composed of Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering students, successfully completed the defense of their theses for the academic year 2025 to 2026. The presentations highlighted advanced studies in sensing technologies and environmental remediation, demonstrating the group’s strong focus on materials-based approaches for addressing water and environmental concerns. The thesis defenses were held on May 5, 2026, at the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Building.

The first study, “Chitosan/Guar Gum/Sodium Alginate Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Removal of Chloramphenicol in Water,” was conducted by Maria Angelica A. Marasigan, Adrianne L. Torres, and Janella Mari C. Vicencio. The research focused on the fabrication of a biodegradable nanocomposite hydrogel composed of chitosan, guar gum, and sodium alginate for the adsorption of chloramphenicol, a widely detected antibiotic contaminant in aquatic environments. Pharmaceutical pollutants such as chloramphenicol pose significant risks because of their persistence and potential contribution to antimicrobial resistance. The study examined the hydrogel’s adsorption behavior, surface morphology, and removal performance under varying operating conditions. Results demonstrated that the incorporation of natural polymer matrices improved adsorption capacity and structural stability, highlighting the material’s potential as a sustainable and low-cost adsorbent for antibiotic-contaminated wastewater treatment systems.

The second study, “Hydroxypropyl Beta-Cyclodextrin-Functionalized Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Hydrochar for Orange IV Adsorption in Water,” was presented by Joyce Angelika S. Malapitan and Marie Angelie M. Ventura. The research explored the conversion of calamansi waste biomass into functionalized hydrochar through hydrothermal carbonization and surface modification using hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin. The developed material was investigated for the adsorption of Orange IV dye, a synthetic azo dye commonly associated with textile and industrial wastewater contamination. The study evaluated the effects of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration on adsorption performance. Characterization analyses revealed enhanced surface functionality and improved affinity toward dye molecules after cyclodextrin functionalization. The findings demonstrated the feasibility of transforming agricultural waste into value-added adsorbent materials capable of addressing dye pollution while supporting waste valorization and sustainable resource recovery strategies.

The third study, “Effect of Dopant Composition in M-Doped NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) (M = Ni, Cu) on Visible-Light Degradation of Bisphenol A in Water,” was conducted by Mark Kenneth C. Paruli, Renato E. Luciano Jr., and Melyzabel Q. Lucinario. The research investigated the synthesis and photocatalytic performance of nickel- and copper-doped NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) materials for the degradation of Bisphenol A under visible-light irradiation. Bisphenol A is a persistent endocrine-disrupting compound frequently detected in industrial effluents and aquatic systems, raising concerns regarding ecological and human health impacts. The study examined how varying dopant compositions influenced the structural and photocatalytic properties of the metal-organic framework. Through photocatalytic degradation experiments, the researchers evaluated pollutant removal efficiency. Results indicated that metal doping significantly enhanced visible-light activity and pollutant degradation performance, demonstrating the potential of modified NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) photocatalysts for advanced oxidation processes in water treatment applications.