ASET Technology Alberta Fall 2022 - 37

capstone
The effectiveness of coffee grounds
in industrial water filtration
ACADEMIC INSTITUTION: SAIT
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY DISCIPLINE: CHEMICAL
TEAM MEMBERS: KING LARRY VELOSO, JOHN RIC VILLALBA
T
his was an innovative idea to reuse used coffee
grounds and convert them into a bio elastomeric
foam that can filter out metals from
industrial wastewater. This project has realworld
applicability, because industry could further develop
this idea for their own use. Also, the coffee ground waste
can be diverted from the landfills. Given its heavy metal filtration
potential, the project would be a perfect fit for wastewater
treatment.
KING LARRY VELOSO: I'm a recent graduate of SAIT's
chemical laboratory technology program. I studied the medical
laboratory program at a prestigious university in the Philippines.
The program included research opportunities that
gave me experience in handling research-based projects
and understanding their importance. I chose SAIT because it
focuses on hands-on learning, both in the lab and the classroom.
While I did not think a chemistry-based degree would
grow on me, I grew to like, if not love, the chemical laboratory
technology program, and I can only commend SAIT for designing
the program to be equally extensive in both hands-on
and theory. I am a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines.
In my leisure time, I read articles, especially on the
stock market, play video games, and enjoy outdoor activities
like hiking, biking, and playing lawn tennis. I also like to read
about scientific innovations and their theory mechanisms because
I firmly believe that we should never stop learning.
JOHN RIC VILLALBA: I was born in the Philippines where I
spent most of my childhood and elementary years. In 2011,
I immigrated to Canada. My interest in chemistry started in
Grade 9 when I learned about the Bohr atomic model and
valence electrons in our science course. In Grade 12, due to
ongoing interest in chemistry, I attained a mark of 97 per cent
for my chemistry diploma exam. This led me to pursue a profession
in chemistry. By going to SAIT in the chemical laboratory
technology program, I acquired substantial skills that
will be beneficial in the chemical industry. For example, my
practical skills and techniques, particularly in a lab setting,
were honed at SAIT. Through the capstone project, my critical
thinking, communication, flexibility, teamwork, and research
skills have also developed. My hobbies include singing and
dancing, watching animated films, and drawing occasionally.
It has been a dream of mine to travel around the world. I want
to experience and learn about cultures that are different from
my own as well as see the sceneries and environments from
different parts of the world. I was accepted recently into the
University of Calgary, and will continue my studies and obtain
my degree in the bachelor of science, in chemistry.
TECHNOLOGY ALBERTA | FALL 2022 | 37
ASET Technology Alberta Fall 2022

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