water quality assessment and water resource mapping pangantucan

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

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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


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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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kalatungan


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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


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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


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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.


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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

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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.


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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


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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,


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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.


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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


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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


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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)


Greater than 8.0

Positive FAILED

BARANDIAS (CD1407-1313-06)


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.


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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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogens


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.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysentery

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoid_fever

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_A


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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.


17

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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

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.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


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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

.


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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

.


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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

.


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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


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Microbial Test Result from the Laboratory


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water quality assessment and water resource mapping pangantucan

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