water quality assessment and water resource mapping pangantucan
TRANSCRIPT
Watershed Resource Mapping
and Assessment Along the Vicinity of Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park
Municipality of Pangantucan Province of Bukidnon
An initiative conducted by LGU-Pangantucan with the technical assistance of
EnterpriseWorks Worldwide Philippines (EWWP), Inc. through European Union’s Emerging Champions for Biodiversity
Conservation and Improved Ecosystem Services project
July 2014
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
2
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................3
Scope and limitation………………………………………………………………………..................5
Objectives/Significance of Activity ...............................................................................................5
Data Collection Method ................................................................................................................6
Results and Discussion ...................................................................................................................7
Physical-Chemical Water Quality Assessment
Velocity………………………………………………………………………….……………………….7
Temperature………………………………………………………………………………………..…...8
Dissolve Oxygen (DO)………………………………………...……………………….......………….8
Water pH………………………………..…………………………………………………………….…9
Total Dissolved Solids(TDS)………..……………………………….……………………………..…9
Electrical Conductivity(EC)……………………………….……………………………………...…..10
Channel width and soil pH……………………………………..…………………………………….11
Microbiological Parameters………………………………………………………...……..…..............12
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………12
Objectives of the study………………………………………………………..………………………..12
Methods……………………………………………………………..……………………………………12
Results and Discussions………………………………………………………………...………....13-15
Summary and Remarks .................................................................................................................16
References………….……………………………………..…………………………………….......17-18
Appendices
Photo Documentation taken from water sources
per barangay in Pangantucan, Bukidnon ………………………………………………………..19-21
Microbial Test results in the Laboratory……………………………..……...…………………….22-28
A B
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
3
Introduction
The Municipality of Pangantucan is one of the twenty
municipalities in the Province of Bukidnon. It has a land
area of 485.842km² (48,584 hectares) which is 9th largest
among municipalities and two cities of the province. It is
composed of 19 Barangays, all of which are accessible on
summer days by motor vehicle fit for the bad roads. It is
situated at the southwestern part of the province of
Bukidnon and located approximately 75 Km south of
Malaybalay City, the capital town of Bukidnon and is about
166 km away from Cagayan de Oro City.
The municipality of Pangantucan with a population of about 46,689 and its 19 Barangays
belong to the partly urban areas in the Philippines. While some of the barangays developed
modern urban structures, some others, especially those which are seated in the outlying areas,
remained rural. The municipality of kalilangan lies at the western part of the municipality while in
the north western portion is the Mt. Kalatungan Range. (Bukidnonland.com/general-
information/pangantucan/).
The terrain of Pangantucan is characterized by slightly undulating and rolling upland
areas. In fact, 62 percent of the municipal land area features rolling or hilly terrain with slopes
ranging from 18 percent to 50 percent. Only about 14 percent is suitable for agricultural
production. On the northwest portion of the municipality is Mount Kalatungan, the second highest
peak in the province with an elevation of 2,824 meters (9,265 ft). It occupies about 21 percent of
the municipality’s total land area.
Figure 2. a.) showing logging activities in the area b.).A banana plantation situated in the vicinity
kalatungan
Figure 1. Map of Pangantucan
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
4
Due to land conversion and the development of industrial plant in the municipality, the
destruction of the forests and uplands endangers the Kalatungan watersheds especially in the
areas of Pangantucan that could results in massive soil erosion, declining soil productivity,
sedimentation of river channels and siltation of dams, catastrophic floods and acute water source
shortages and waterborne diseases during the dry season. Furthermore, changes in the land use
patterns, e.g., conversion of watersheds, rapid urbanization, and increasing discharges of
untreated wastes and various pollutants also affect the availability of water for human
consumption.
The municipality has many water sources which are mainly the headwaters from Mt.
Kalatungan. Water resources along Mt. Kalatungan vicinity are of critical importance to both
natural ecosystem and human development. It is essential for agriculture, industry and human
existence. The healthy aquatic ecosystem is dependent on the physico-chemical and biological
characteristics. (Venkatesharaju, Ravikumar, Somasheka, Prakash, 2010). The quality of water
in any ecosystem provides significant information about the available resources for supporting life
in that ecosystem. Good quality of water resources depends on a large number of physico-
chemical parameters and biological characteristics. Monitoring of these water parameters in
different water sources of Pangantucan is essential to identify magnitude and source of any
pollution load. These characteristics can identify certain condition for the ecology of living
organisms and suggest appropriate conservation and management strategies.
(Medudhula.Thirupathaiah, Ch.Samatha, Chintha Sammaiah, 2012).
Improper management of water systems may cause serious problems in availability and
quality of water. Since water quality and human health are closely related, water analysis before
usage is of prime importance. There are physical, chemical and microbiological standards that
are set to ensure that the water is palatable and safe for drinking before it can be described as
potable. Therefore, present water quality assessment aims to analyze the physicochemical and
microbial analysis in different water sources of Pangantucan.
Lack of information, insufficient technical know-how, among others, has resulted the
failed implementation of already existing laws on watershed protection and preservation.
However, recent projects of Enterprise Works Worldwide Philippines (EWWP) together with the
Local Government Unit of Pangantucan collaborated to investigate the status of water sources in
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
5
terms of its physical, chemical and microbiological components which was done last July 7-11,
2014 in selected Barangays namely; Nabaliwa, Bacusanon, Payad, Malipayon, Langkataon and
New Eden.
Scope and Limitation
The water assessment covers the physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters.
Physical parameters include velocity, temperature, and channel width. Chemical parameters
include dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), water
and soil pH.
Results of the assessment were then compared to the Revised Water Quality Guidelines
of 2008 (Revision of DAO 90- 34). Standards under Class AA were used since water bodies under
this category could be used as source of drinking water.
Objectives/ Significance of the Activity
The activity had the following objectives:
Locate the coordinates of water resources in the sampled Barangay’s using
Global Positioning System (GPS);
Assess the characteristic of the water in these sources using the following
parameters:
o Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in milligrams per Liter (mg/L)
o Velocity in meters per second (m/s)
o Temperature in degree Celsius ( ̊C)
o pH
o Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in parts per million (ppm)
o Electrical Conductivity in micro Siemens per centimeter (µS/cm)
o Channel width in meters (m)
o Soil pH
Assess the microbial content of the selected waters source
Conduct a baseline survey in these three barangays for the production
practices and constraint analysis in watershed areas
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
6
Data Collection Method
The said parameters were measured using digital apparatuses, except for the channel
width in which a measuring tape was used while soil pH was manually read in the Luster Leaf
Rapitest 4- way Analyzer apparatus.
DO and temperature was measured using EcoSense YSI DO 200 DO meter, which could
both obtain DO and temperature readings. pH, EC and TDS was measured using Milwaukee MW
802 that could read values of these three parameters while readings for velocity was done using
Flowatch Flow meter.
Physical and biological assessment of water sources confined in reservoirs and intake
boxes were also conducted.
Figure 3. Apparatus used. From left: DO meter, Flow meter. Upper left: GPS and lower: pH, EC
and TDS meter.
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
7
Results and Discussion
Physico-chemical analysis of water resource. Table 1 shows the physical and chemical
characteristics of selected water source as well as the soil pH as compared to the standards set
by DENR-EMB. Three (3) water sources are located and assessed in Barangay Nabaliwa, nine
(9) in Barangay Bacusanon, two(2) in Barangay Payad, one(1) in the areas of Malipayon,
Langkataon and New Eden.
Table 1. Physico-Chemical status of identified water sources in the selected Barangays of
Pangantucan
Site/brgy Site Water Source Name Velocity Water
Temp(°C)
DO Water
pH
TDS EC Channel
width(m)
Soil
(m/s) (ppm) (ppm) µS/cm
Nabaliwa 1 Montaños Spring 1.7 19.9 7.03 5.6 10 0.02 0.011 7.1
2 Sillar Spring 1.1 19.7 6.8 5.9 10 0.02 0.06 7
3 MontañosSource 0.4 21.9 6.08 6.3 10 0.03 7
Bacusanon 4 Macarañas Spring 1.2 21.2 6.94 6.4 10 0.03 0.09 7
5 Ligaya Spring 1 0.3 19.5 6.35 6.4 40 0.07 2.4 7
6 Ligaya Spring 2 0.6 19.4 6.13 6.9 50 0.08 5.3 7
7 Digkaalatan Spring 1 0.5 19.2 10.1 6.4 30 0.05 0.65 7.1
8 Digkaalatan Spring 2 0.4 19.1 10.22 6.8 30 0.05 1.05 7
9 Digkaalatan Spring IB
1.2 19.1 9.59 7.2 20 0.02 0.09(pipe) 7.1
10 Sumalo spring 0.7 23.9 8.9 6.9 10 0.01 0.11 7
11 Adlaon Spring 0.1 23.5 7.5 6.8 10 0.01 0.09 6.9
12 Olandria Spring 0.3 22.7 6.9 6.6 60 0.1 0.5 7
Payad 13 Ortega Spring Intake box
1.1 27.4 3.27 6.3 130 0.2 0.05 7
14 Cabilla spring 0.6 26.2 7.68 7.3 170 0.25 2.05 7
Malipayon 15 Kidanggin spring 1 0.7 25.9 7.62 7.4 30 0.06 0.075 6.9
langkataon 16 Kidanggin spring 2 0.8 25.7 7.16 7.1 110 0.17 0.05 6.9
17 Kibogsong spring 0.4 26.1 5.02 6.6 40 0.07 0.02 7
New eden 18 New eden spring 0.5 17.1 7.96 7.3 30 0.05 8 7
Standard
Set by DENR-EMB
26-30°C 5 6.5-8.5 500 100-
2000
7
Velocity (m/s): The velocity of the water sources ranges from 0.1-1.7m/s (Table 1). Montaños
spring recorded to be the highest (1.7m/s) while Adlaon spring observed to be the lowest. There
were no standards for velocity but it is a vital parameter to compute the water discharge of the
given discharge.
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
8
Temperature (°C): The highest reading was recorded
in Ortega Spring Intake box (27.4°C). The variation in
the water temperature may be due to different timing
of collection and influence of season. Water
temperature varies with changing climatic condition.
Hutchinson stated that temperature is important in
controlling both the quality and quantity of plankton
flora. As shown in figure 4, Ortega Spring Intake Box
is located in the areas where there are no trees found
to shade the water source. Water temperature is high
in the said spring due to high air temperature. Temperature affects solubility of oxygen in water
wherein the solubility of oxygen in water increases with decreasing temperature (Joshi, P.C and
Singh, 2001).
Temperature is one of the most important factors in aquatic environment. Water
temperatures fluctuate naturally both daily and seasonally. Aquatic organisms often have narrow
temperature tolerances. Thus, although water bodies have the ability to buffer against
atmospheric temperature extremes, even moderate changes in water temperatures can have
serious impacts on aquatic life, including bacteria, algae, invertebrates and fish. (Singh, R.P.and
Mathur, P., 2005).
DO, in ppm: A definite trend in DO concentrations are observed in all the sites. The highest value
recorded is in Digkaalatan Spring 2 (10.22ppm) which favors’ solubility of oxygen among the other
sites. Based on the results, the concentration of dissolved oxygen was found between 3.27-
10.22ppm. Table 1 also shows that most of the water sources are still within the standard set by
DENR-EMB except for Ortega Spring Intake box with 3.27ppm. DO is an important parameter of
water quality because it influences the living conditions of all aquatic organisms that require
oxygen The reason for the low dissolved oxygen content in Ortega Spring Intake Box was due to
the high decomposition of organic matter, which indicates a high pollution load in the water. The
concentration of dissolved oxygen is also inversely related to water temperature, wherein the low
dissolved oxygen is controlled by temperature and has both a seasonal and a daily cycle..
(Archana, Kumar Ajay, Kumar Ajit, Gupta, Pandey, Parihar, Pathak, Shrivastav, 2012).
Figure 4. Ortega Spring Intake box
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
9
Many aquatic organisms such as fish, invertebrates (e.g.. insect larvae) and aerobic
microorganisms depend on DO for respiration. Exposure to low oxygen may cause a slowing in
growth rates, reproductive difficulties, stress, susceptibility to disease, and in severe cases of
depletion, premature death. When DO falls to levels below 5 mg/L, mobile aquatic fauna prefer to
move to areas with sufficient DO. If such water is unavailable, fish often move to shallow water
and may “gulp” air. Non-mobile species suffer because they are unable to avoid the low-oxygen
water. Continued decline to very low levels of DO (e.g. <1mg/L), will result in severe stress and
occasional death of all organisms requiring “normal” levels of DO (> 5 mg/L). A rapid rate of
decline in DO can cause a catastrophic “crash” and subsequent suffocation.(Understanding
Dissolved Oxygen in Springs,2000).
pH: As shown in Table 1, the water source pH values falls within the range of 5.6- 7.4 in which
Kidanggin spring 1 has the maximum pH value of 7.4 while Montaños Spring has the minimum
pH value of 5.6. DENR-EMB specifies pH value for drinking water as 6.5 to 8.5. Out of 18 water
sources, ( except for Montaños Spring, Sillar Spring, Montaños Source, Ligaya Spring 1, Ortega
Spring Intake Box), the pH values of analyzed water quality are within the permissible limits and
fit for drinking. In this assessment, most of the water sources pH values are found to be slightly
alkaline and acidic in nature which means the water has characteristics having a ph values closely
to 7. Variation in pH values and their alkalinity might be due to increase in temperature that
repress the solubility of carbon dioxide like in Ortega Spring Intake Box which has high
temperature, or due to leakage in supply lines in which domestic waste water could enter which
may cause alteration in pH values of water. It may affect not only by the reaction of carbon dioxide
but also by organic and inorganic solutes that are present in water. Any alteration in water pH is
accompanied by the change in other physic-chemical parameters. High value of pH may results
due to waste discharge, microbial decomposition of organic matter in the water body. Decrease
in water pH value may cause corrosion that destroys pipes, pumps and metallic plumbing fixture.
Water with acidic nature have bitter metallic taste, corrosive and soft, on the other hand water
with alkaline pH have soda taste, slippery feel and hard in nature. (Roohul-Amin, Syed Shahid
Ali, Zubair Anwar and Jabar Zaman Khan Khattak, 2012).
Total dissolved Solids (ppm): The most remarkable observation of this study was the alarmingly
high level of total dissolved solids (TDS). Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) includes those materials
dissolved in the water, such as, bicarbonate, sulphate, phosphate, nitrate, calcium, magnesium,
sodium, organic ions, and other ions. These ions are important in sustaining aquatic life. However,
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
10
high concentrations can result to damage in organism’s cell (Mitchell and Stapp, 1992), water
turbidity, reduce photosynthetic activity and increase the water temperature. An increase of the
value of these parameters can increase the surface water temperature because suspended
particles absorb heat from sunlight. It can also reduce the color of the water and can affect
photosynthesis. (IWR-MSU 1997).Factors affecting the level of dissolved solid in water body are
urban and fertilizer run-off, wastewater and septic effluent, soil erosion, decaying plants and
animals, and geological features in the area.
Based on the data, TDS found in the range of 10-170ppm, while the maximum permissible
limiting value of TDS for potable water is 500 mg/L. According to WHO, high levels of TDS in
water used for drinking purposes leads to many diseases which are not water-borne but due to
excess salts. Bad taste is one of the most common complaints that utilities receive about tap
water and salinity is often the problem. There is a secondary maximum contaminant level (MCL)
for TDS of 500 mg/L set primarily to address taste but also to prevent staining and mineral
deposits. Secondary MCLs regulate contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin
or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water. In early
studies, inverse relationships were reported between TDS concentrations in drinking water and
the incidence of cancer, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and cardiovascular
disease. Total mortality rates were reported to be inversely correlated with TDS levels in drinking-
water. This study has provided a good platform for TDS results in which all values are still within
the standard set by DENR-EMB for drinking water.
Electrical Conductivity (ppm): Electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of water capability to
transmit electric current and also it is a tool to assess the purity of water. Based on the results,
Sumalo and Adlaon Spring have the lowest EC values of 0.01 μs/cm while Cabilla Spring has the
highest with 0.25 μs/cm. The DENR EMB standard limit for EC is at 100-1000 μs/cm while the
recommended EC value for drinking water according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is
400 μs/cm. Table 1 shows that the EC values lies between the permissible limits of DENR-EMB
and WHO standards. EC is directly related with total dissolved solids, thus high EC value indicate
that there as high concentration of dissolved solids in the water. Electrical conductivity is
considered to be a rapid and good measure of dissolved solids.
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
11
Conductivity is also an important criterion in determining the suitability of water for
irrigation. One of the reason of salinity is the high concentration of cations such as sodium,
calcium and magnesium whereas chloride, phosphate and nitrate as anion. A sudden increase or
decrease in conductivity in a body of water can indicate pollution. Agricultural runoff, in addition
to being high in nutrients, often has a higher concentration of dissolved solids that can influence
conductivity Agricultural runoff or a sewage leak will increase conductivity due to the additional
chloride, phosphate and nitrate ions.
Channel Width and Soil pH: Values recorded in the assessment of channel width ranges from
0.011-8 m. New Eden Spring appears to be the highest channel with 8m. The water sources are
already developed and used by many residents in the municipality. As to the soil pH near the
water sources, it ranges from 6.9-7.1 which is found to be in the neutral condition. The acidity or
alkalinity in soils has several different sources. In natural systems, the pH is affected by the
mineralogy, climate, and weathering. Management of soils often alters the natural pH because of
acid-forming nitrogen fertilizers, or removal of bases (potassium, calcium, and magnesium). Soils
that have sulfur-forming minerals can produce very acid soil conditions when they are exposed to
air. These conditions often occur in tidal flats or near recent mining activity where the soil is
drained. Soils that have a pH below 5.5 generally have a low availability of calcium, magnesium,
and phosphorus. At these low pH’s, the solubility of aluminum, iron, and boron is high; and low
for molybdenum. At pH 7.8 or more, calcium and magnesium are abundant. High pH soils may
have an inadequate availability of iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and especially of phosphorus
and boron. (USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Services; Soil Quality Indicators: pH, 1998).
The effect of soil pH is great on the solubility of minerals or nutrients. Fourteen of the
seventeen essential plant nutrients are obtained from the soil. Before a nutrient can be used by
plants it must be dissolved in the soil solution. Most minerals and nutrients are more soluble or
available in acid soils than in neutral or slightly alkaline soils. A pH range of approximately 6 to 7
promotes the most ready availability of plant nutrients. (Environmental Information Series-
publication website from http://www.esf.edu/ecenter/).
Microbiological Parameters
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
12
Introduction
Water contamination can originate from a variety of sources, including industrial or
agricultural runoff, and poorly treated, or untreated, human and animal waste. In developing
countries like Philippines, the most common form of contamination is microbiological which comes
primarily from human or animal feces mixing with drinking water sources during transport or at
the point of use. More specifically, microbial contamination refers to the introduction of one of any
number of harmful bacteria, viruses or protozoa collectively known as pathogens, into a water
source.
Objectives and Significance of the study
The main purpose of the assessment is to examine the microbial content of selected water
sources in Brgy.Bacusanon, Brgy.Madaya and Brgy.Barandias. Results of the activity would serve
as baseline information and as a tool in designing the management plan in the Municipality of
Pangantucan.
Results and findings would be beneficial to the following:
1. To the community, that it would help them to be aware in the presence of microbes in their
water sources that may affect their health.
2. To the DENR, who were held responsible for regulating and monitoring of the industries
for their Environmental Compliance wherein most of the plant industries in the area found
near the water sources and by giving alternatives and techniques in protecting the water
source like assisted natural resource regeneration.
3. To the LGU of Pangantucan, that they may be able to give proper financial support for the
development and maintenance cost of developing the protected spring that will help health
risk reduction of water-borne diseases.
Methods
Water samples from the 3 barangays, which comprises a total of 6 springs, were
assessed. Grab sampling procedure was adopted as recommended by Standard Method for
microbiological analysis. Heterotrophic plate counts, total coliform, Escherichia coli bacteria, were
analyzed in water sampled. Results of the tests were compared with the prescribed Philippine
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
13
National Standards for Drinking Water (PNDSW) and Department of Health (DOH) for desirable
limits.
Results and Discussions
Table 2. Microbial Test Results in the selected water source of Pangantucan
Samples
Heterotrophic Plate Count
(CFU/ml)
No. of Positive Tube (Out of 5 tubes)
Most Probable Number (MPN) per
100 ml
E. Coli Conformance to PNSDW ** Total
Coliform Fecal
Coliform Total
Coliform Count
Fecal Coliform
Count BAC ARANAS (CD1407-1313-01)
>6.5 X 10 3(EsT) 3 3 4.6 4.6 Negative FAILED
BAC BUGWAK (CD1407-1313-02)
80 5 4 Greater than 8.0
8.0 Positive FAILED
BAC LIGAYA 2 (CD1407-1313-03)
<30(Est) 5 0 Greater than 8.0
Less than 1.1
Negative FAILED
BAC LIGAYA 1 (CD1407-1313-04)
<30(Est) 5 0 Greater than 8.0
Less than 1.1
Negative FAILED
MADAYA (CD1407-1313-05)
120 5 5 Greater than 8.0
Greater than 8.0
Positive FAILED
BARANDIAS (CD1407-1313-06)
140 5 2 Greater than 8.0
2.6 Negative FAILED
PNSDW, DOH 2007 Standard
<500 0 0 Less than 1.1
Less than 1.1
Negative
TEST METHOD POUR PLATE Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique (9221 B-C,E-F)
Note: CFU= Colony Forming Units EST= Estimated Colony Forming Units
Heterotrophic plate count (CFU/ml). Bacteria, molds, and yeasts that require organic carbon
for growth are known as heterotrophs. Most bacteria, including many of the bacteria associated
with drinking water systems, are heterotrophs. Heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) are derived
from a number of standard methods that are recognized internationally for measuring
heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water (Reasoner, 2004). As shown in the table, only Aranas
Spring at Brgy. Bacusanon found to be the highest number of Heterotrophic Bacteria that is being
recorded with 6, 500 CFU/ml. Out of five (5) test tubes being tested, three(3) of them are positive
and failed to meet the Standard for PNSDW and DOH. The rest of the water sources are not
contaminated in this kind of bacteria.
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
14
Older water systems especially dug wells, spring fed and cistern type systems are the
most common vulnerable to bacterial contamination. Any springs with chasings or caps that are
not watertight or lack a grout seal in the annular space are vulnerable. This is particularly true if
the spring is located such that runoff might be able to enter in the spring. Also, springs are
vulnerable when located near a bacterial source in an area with sandy soil or shallow depth to
groundwater.
Bacteria of greatest concern in drinking water are those that originate from the gut of
warm-blooded animals. Sources include wildlife, pets, and livestock on farms or in feedlots.
Contamination problems arise from improperly designed, failing, or overloaded waste water
treatment systems, including septic systems from private homes, and leaking sanitary sewer
pipes. Human sources are a particular concern as they include bacteria of human origin and may
include human pathogens. Floodwater commonly contains high levels of bacteria from numerous
sources.
Total Coliform: Coliform is a family of bacteria common in soils, plants and animals. The coliform
family is made up of several groups, one of which is the fecal coliform group, which is found in
the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals including humans. As shown in the table, total
coliform count of Brgy Madaya recorded to be the highest (greater than 8) wherein out of 5 test
tubes being tested, all of it found to have a positive results of total coliforms, while the rest of the
water sources still failed to pass the standard of less than 1.1. in PSWD and DOH. Coliform or
other bacteria in drinking or swimming water will not necessarily make the person ill. However,
since these organisms are present, other disease-causing organisms may also be present. Health
symptoms related to drinking or swallowing water contaminated with bacteria generally range
from no ill effects to cramps and diarrhea (gastrointestinal distress). The health effects of
exposure to disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites in drinking water area varied. The
most common symptoms of waterborne illness include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Infants,
the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems may suffer more severe effects. In
extreme cases some pathogens may infect the lungs, skin, eyes, nervous system, kidneys, or
liver and the effects may be more severe, chronic, or even fatal.
Fecal Coliform. Fecal coliforms exist in quantities in the intestinal and feces of humans and other
warm blooded animals. Results showed that all of the water sources are contaminated in this kind
of bacteria. PNSDW and DOH limits fecal coliform in drinking water with values less than 1.1.
Large quantities of fecal coliform bacteria in water are not harmful according to some authorities,
but may indicate a higher risk of pathogens being present in the water. The presence of these
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
15
bacteria in drinking water generally is a result of a problem with water treatment or the pipes which
distribute the water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can
cause disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice,
and any associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however, are not just associated
with disease-causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors
other than your drinking water. Some waterborne pathogenic diseases that may coincide with
fecal coliform contamination include ear infections, dysentery, typhoid fever, viral and bacterial
gastroenteritis, and hepatitis A. The presence of fecal coliform in drinking water is an indication
of recent sewage or animal waste contamination. Fecal coliform tends only to affect humans more
than it does aquatic creatures, though not exclusively. (Florida Department of Environmental
Protection).
Escherichia coli (E. coli): Results revealed that samples from Bugwak and Madaya water
sources are positive for E. coli contamination. E. coli is one of the fecal coliforms that lives in the
digestive tract of warm-blooded animals and humans. It is present in the feces of almost all warm-
blooded animals including humans. Its presence in drinking water is a clear indication of fecal
contamination and that the organisms in that waste are still living in the water. According to
Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW) and Department of Health (DOH),
water sources must not contaminated in this kind of bacteria. Water that tests positive for E. coli
could contain pathogens and would be risky to drink without adequate disinfection. Presence of
E. coli indicates that drinking water is fecally polluted. The main cause of the problem is old water
distribution network, leakage in pipeline, bad sanitary condition and improper management of
waste disposal. Poor sanitary condition near the water sources is mainly responsible for this
change in water quality, because old pipes and leakages in pipes provide way to waste water and
other pollutant contaminates the drinking water and alters their quality.
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
16
Summary and Remarks
A total of eighteen (18) water sources were assessed in their physical and chemical
parameters at different locations in Pangantucan. Present assessment results had shown that
most physical-chemical parameters of the water sources are still within the permissible limits by
DENR -DAO 34 for drinking water except for Ortega Spring Intake Box where found to have low
dissolved oxygen (3.27ppm) and a high temperature. Changes in the physical and chemical
properties of water can be caused both by land and water activities, either natural or man-made.
Most of these water sources in Pangantucan are located along or near the agricultural land and
a banana plantation that uses fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals that may contribute to
changing quality of the water source. In waters affected by agricultural runoff, chemicals of
concern could include those found in manure, fertilizers, and pesticides. In waters affected by
industrial discharges, measurements may be limited to the chemicals used or by products of the
nearby industries.
Six (6) water sources were assessed in their microbial composition namely; Bugwak,
Ligaya Spring 1 and 2, Aranas, Madaya and Barandias. Results reveals that all the water sources
are contaminated with heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform, fecal coliform and Escherichia coli.
The results indicate that drinking water is highly vulnerable to bacterial water contamination may
be due to leakage in pipes, cross contamination with waste water, poor constructed well head,
short distance between water supply network and sewage supply lines, construction of septic
tanks near with tube well’s and drinking water supply lines. Runoff, infiltration of waste water,
direct deposition of waste water through leakage is some of the major problem. Groundwater
should be free of those bacteria that arise from animal sources. Proper well design and
construction should protect drinking water sources from contamination by surface waters . Also,
the water samples were showing microbial content beyond the potability range, which needs to
be disinfected before consumption to avoid water-borne diseases.
Provision of good quality household drinking water is an important means of improving
public health in rural communities especially in Pangantucan as most of their water sources are
located in the vicinity of Mt. Kalatungan Watershed; wherein the present condition of the
watershed is mostly converted into agricultural and is the rationale behind protecting drinking
water sources.
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
17
Reference Cited
A.P (2012), India.. International Journal of Environmental Science Volume 3, No 1 APHA (2005), Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water. 21st Edn.,
Washington, D. C.
Archana, Kumar Ajay, Kumar Ajit, Gupta, Pandey, Parihar, Pathak, Shrivastav, (2012). Physico-
Chemical and Microbiological Analysis of Underground Waterin and Around Gwalior City,
MP, India Research Journal of Recent Sciences. Vol. 1(6), 62-65
Health Effects Information (2002). Department of Human Services Environmental Toxicology
Section.
Hutchinson G.E (1957). ., A treatise on limnology, Geography,physics and chemistry, Chapman & Hall, London , Wiley,New York , 1, 1015.
IWR-MSU. [Internet]. Institute of Water Research. Michigan State University. [Cited 1997].
Available from http://www.iwr.msu.edu/edmodule/water/ph.htm. J. Bartram, J. Cotruvo, M. Exner, C. Fricker, A. Glasmacher(2003). Heterotrophic Plate Counts
and Drinking-water Safety. World Health Organization
Hunt, RJ and Christiansen, IH, (2000). Dissolved Oxygen Information Kit' . A CRC Sugar Technical Publication, November 2000. CRC for Sustainable Sugar Production, Townsville. pp. 27
Joshi, P.C and Singh (2001). , Analysis of certain physico-chemical parameters and planktons of
fresh water hill stream at Nanda Devi biosphere reserve. Uttar Pradesh J. Zoo., 21: 177-
179 Karimnagar, Andhra, Medudhula.Thirupathaiah, Ch.Samatha, Chintha Sammaiah. Analysis of
water quality using physico-chemical parameters in lower manair reservoir of Department
of Zoology, Environmental Biology lab, Kakatiya University, Warangal-606 009.
Rajiv P, Hasna Abdul Salam, Kamaraj M, Rajeshwari Sivaraj and Sankar A. (2012) Physico
Chemical and Microbial Analysis of Different River Waters in Western Tamil Nadu, India..
Research Journal of Environment Sciences. Vol. 1(1), 2-6,
Ranjeeta Choudhary, Pushpa Rawtani and Monika Vishwakarma (2011). Comparative study of Drinking Water Quality Parameters of three Manmade Reservoirs i.e. Kolar, Kaliasote and Kerwa Dam.
Roohul-Amin, Syed Shahid Ali, Zubair Anwar and Jabar Zaman Khan Khattak (2012).Microbial Analysis of Drinking Water and Water Distribution System in New Urban Peshawar. Current Research Journal of Biological Science 4(6): 731-737, 2012. Published: November 20, 2012
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
18
Singh, R.P.and Mathur, P., (2005) Investigation of variations in physico chemical characteristics
of fresh water reservoir of Ajmer city, Rajasthan, Ind. J. Env., 9: 57-61
Venkatesharaju K., Ravikumar.P., Somashekar. R.K., Prakash. K.L., (2010), Physico-
chemical and Bacteriological Investigation on the river Cauvery of Kollegal Stretch in Karnataka, Journal of science Engineering and technology, 6 (1), pp 50-59.
Vicente S. Paragas, Juanito A. Manzano, Jr. and Danilo C. Cacanindin. Land Use Planning
Strategies on Watershed Management and Disaster Reduction in the Philippines.
WHO, 1976. Surveillance of Drinking Water Quality.World Health Organization, Geneva, (WHO monograph Sr.no.63).
http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/water/coliform.aspx http://www.philippine-islands.ph/en/bacusanon-pangantucan-bukidnon-philippines.html
http://bukidnonland.com/general-information/pangantucan/
http://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water-quality/conductivity-
salinity-tds/
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/drinkingwater/micro_con.htm
http://www.esf.edu/ecenter/
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/soil/sq_info/ph.pdf
Appendix A
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
19
Photo Documentation taken from water sources per Barangay in Pangantucan, Bukidnon
Figure 1. a.) Montaños Spring b.) Sillar Spring in Barangay Nabaliwa.
A B
A B
.
A
.
B
.
C.
D
.
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
20
Figure 2. a.) Adlaon Spring , b.) (Digkaalatan Spring c.) Digkaalatan Spring 2. d.)Tributary between B
& C Spring) e.)Macarañas Spring f.) Ligaya Spring 1 g.) Ligaya Spring 2 h.)Sumalo Spring water
sources found in Barangay Bacusanon.
E. F. H
.
G
.
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
21
Figure 3. a.) Kibogsong Spring b.) Kidanggin Spring 2 in Barangay Langkataon.
Figure 4. a.) Olandria Spring in Barangay Madaya.
Figure 5. Kidanggin Spring located in Barangay
Malipay, Pangantucan.
A
.
B
.
A
.
A
.
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
22
Figure 6. Photo shows the Water Resources in Barangay New Eden.
Figure 7. a. ) Ortega Et. Al Spring b. )Cabillas Spring at Barangay Payad.
Appendices B
A
.
B
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
23
Microbial Test Result from the Laboratory
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
24
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
25
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
26
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
27
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
28
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
29
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
30
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
31
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
32
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
33
Water Quality Assessment- Pangantucan, Bukidnon
34