1

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM

INTRODUCTION

Water Quality content varies from one place to another place and

throughout the world. Many variances are natural differences caused by nature

and some are induced by human. The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 defines

water quality as the characteristics of water that define its use and measured in

terms of physical, chemical, biological, bacteriological, or radiological

characteristics by which the acceptability of water is evaluated, to classify water

resources and their beneficial use. Water quality is important not only to protect

public health as the water provides ecosystem habitats, it is used for farming,

fishing and mining, and contributes to recreation and tourism. If it is not maintained,

not just the environment will suffer but also the commercial and recreational value

of the water resources will be diminished. Human activities gradually alter the

inland water ecosystem and its catchments through land conversion, sand and

gravel extraction, and indiscriminate disposal of sewage, agricultural and industrial

wastes to water bodies. It is therefore necessary to determine the water quality

and evaluate its impacts and provide measures to mitigate the problems (Mishra

et al.,2009).

There are ambient standards for measuring water quality that have been

formulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),

Department Administrative Order 2016-08-WQG (Water Quality Guidelines) and

General Effluent Standards (GES) issued in June 2016, this includes

 2

classifications for both fresh and marine waters. A subterranean or underground

river is a river that runs wholly or partly beneath the ground surface. According to

the Encyclopedia of Caves, these may be entirely natural, flowing through cave

systems. In karst topography, rivers may disappear through sinkholes, continuing

underground. In some cases, they may emerge into daylight further downstream.

Some fish (popularly known as cavefish) and other troglobitic organisms are

adapted to life in subterranean rivers and lakes. The study focuses on the analysis

of the water quality in Quitinday Underground River located in Jovellar, Albay

which has been growing into one of the famous tourist attraction in the 3rd District

of Albay, nestled along a mountain range surrounded by woodlands classified by

ecological authorities as rain forests. It is a 120-meter-long cavern that serves as

an underwater passage for the Quitinday River.

The researchers carried out to assess the water quality standards of the

four sampling sites of Quitinday Underground River on March 2018 in terms of the

following parameters: pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Suspended

Solids, Oil and Grease, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand to compare it with the

available data of Water Quality Monitoring at Quitinday Cave/Underground River

last May 2017 from DENR EMB V. These parameters will determine the

classification of the water body which the administrative order classifies into five

(5) classes, AA, A, B, C, D for inland fresh waters. The empirical data derived from

this study could be utilized for the evaluation or formulation of policy towards the

sustainable water resource management in the area. This provides the information

that permits the rational decision to be made on describing water resources,

 3

identifying actual and emerging problems of water pollution, use and abstraction

of water, and land use; formulating plans; and in evaluating the effectiveness of

management actions (UNEP/WHO, 1996).

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

GENERAL PROBLEM
 What is the water quality classification of Quitinday Underground River
based upon the standards set by the DENR?

SUB-PROBLEM
 Is there a significant difference among the different sampling sites in terms
of the following parameters set by the DENR? (Parameters: temperature,
pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, oil and grease, biochemical
oxygen demand)

STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESES

 Ho: There is no significant difference among the different sampling sites in

terms of the following parameters set by the DENR. (Parameters:
temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, oil and grease,
biochemical oxygen demand)

 Hi: There is a significant difference among the different sampling sites in

terms of the following parameters set by the DENR. (Parameters:
temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, oil and
grease, biochemical oxygen demand)
 4

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study is limited to the waters of Quitinday Underground River. The

researchers will collect the water samples from the four stations of the area: Station
1: At the deep sumps/pool adjacent to the entrance of the cave; Station 2:
Approximately 25 meters from the entrance of the cave; Station 3: At the middle
portion of the cave, approximately 1.5 meters from the entrance of the cave and
adjacent from the roosting site of the bats; Station 4: Approximately 25 meters from
the exit of the cave and adjacent from the roosting site of bats. The study will
assess the water quality of Quitinday Underground River by analyzing the
parameters (pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Suspended Solids, Oil
and Grease, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of the water.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The results of this study would be of great benefit to the following:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources, for managing and
maintenance of water sources which are natural resources. The people of
Jovellar, this study will provide the locality information with regards to the current
situation of the water body in terms of water quality. The students, the results can
help future students who would want to do their research in this particular field by
enhancing their knowledge and by sharing the information gathered in this paper.
 5

CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the related literature and studies both from local and

foreign sources that is relevant to the study. The discussion also presents the

synthesis of the art, theoretical framework, conceptual framework, terms and the

definition of terms to better understand the terms used in the study.

The review of related literature includes works, researches, books, and

articles from the internet both from foreign and local. The local studies anchored

on the investigation are Water Quality Monitoring assessment and analysis from

different Rivers in the Philippines with the DENR stipulating the water quality

standards and parameters that was used. The following are the available literature

gathered from different sources.

Water Quality

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 defines water quality as the
characteristics of water that define its use and measured in terms of physical,
chemical, biological, bacteriological, or radiological characteristics by which the
acceptability of water is evaluated, to classify water resources and their beneficial
use. Water quality is important not only to protect public health: water provides
ecosystem habitats, is used for farming, fishing and mining, and contributes to
recreation and tourism. If water quality is not maintained, it is not just the
environment that will suffer. The commercial and recreational value of the water
resources will also diminish.
 6

Water quality criteria defined in each of these parameters serve as

benchmark against which monitoring data are compared to assess the quality of
water bodies based on established classifications (EMB, 2005). This provides the
information that permits the rational decision to be made on describing water
resources, identifying actual and emerging problems of water pollution, use and
abstraction of water, and land use; formulating plans; and in evaluating the
effectiveness of management actions (UNEP/WHO, 1996). At the same time,
water quality monitoring data can be used to track response to management
regimes aimed at improving water quality.

Importance of Water Quality Monitoring in Rivers

Rivers are the most important natural resources for human consumption
and development. This body of water provide ecosystem services such as fresh
water sources for domestic and agriculture consumption, water regulation, primary
production as well as transportation and recreation purposes. However, human
activities gradually alter the inland water ecosystem and its catchments through
land conversion, sand and gravel extraction, and indiscriminate disposal of
sewage, agricultural and industrial wastes to water bodies. It is therefore
necessary to determine the water quality and evaluate its impacts and provide
measures to mitigate the problems (Mishra et al.,2009).

Underground River

A subterranean or underground river is a river that runs wholly or partly

beneath the ground surface, one where the riverbed does not represent the
surface of the Earth. This should not be confused with an aquifer which may flow
like a river but is contained within a permeable layer of rock or other unconsolidated
materials. According to the Encyclopedia of Caves, these may be entirely natural,
flowing through cave systems. In karst topography, rivers may disappear through
sinkholes, continuing underground. In some cases, they may emerge into daylight
 7

further downstream. Some fish (popularly known as cavefish) and other troglobitic
organisms are adapted to life in subterranean rivers and lakes.

Quitinday River in Jovellar, Albay

The town nestled along a mountain range greened by verdant woodlands

classified by ecological authorities as rain forests, it boasts of exotic underground
rivers, breathtaking cave systems, amazing waterfalls and surprising peak. Most
famous among leisure travelers and picnickers who wish to commune with nature
is a 120-meter-long cavern oddly serving as an underwater passage for the
Quintinday River - a long, expansive watercourse spanning from the lower slope
of Mt. Mayon crossing the town of Camalig to this town, down to the Jovellar River
that flows through the nearby Donsol, Sorsogon.

It is called the Quitinday Underground River situated in Barangay Quitinday,

located less than a kilometer from the downtown, the water conduit offers a narrow
arch at its upstream entrance to where the rapids turbulently flow into the four-
meter-deep pool inside the cave. The cave’s width varies from five to eight meters,
depending on the irregular span between its walls that features a strange buildup
of finely sculptured limestone rocks that eerily look like an army of animated small
minions in fancy formations. Water feed by founts at its ridge also drops
intermittently from the cave’s roof, a continuing natural episode that forms
overhead stalactites and stalagmites.

Hundreds of visitors come daily, especially during weekends and summer, it is

accessed by via bamboo rafts manned by young boatmen.

According to Lourdes Boreta, the municipal tourism officer, the local government
has already put in place an intensified tourism industry promotion campaign even
as so many tourists are already rediscovering the place for themselves. Boreta
said they are taking advantage of the current foreign market trend showing that
international tourists no longer tend to repeat visiting a local destination as they
 8

follow a cycle leading them from one place to another. This trend, she said, creates
a demand for a new destination other than Palawan, Donsol and other old eco-
tourism destinations “and we now offer our place as an alternative travel point
where tourists would surely be delighted by our hospitality, sumptuous delicacies
and marvelous natural sites.” Philippine News Agency (PNA)

DENR Ambient Standards

There are ambient standards for measuring water quality that have been
formulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
Department Administrative Order 2016-08-WQG (Water Quality Guidelines) and
General Effluent Standards (GES) issued in June 2016, includes classifications for
both fresh and marine waters. For each classification, the current beneficial use of
the water is given. It also contains water quality criteria for each class appropriate
to the designated beneficial use. According to the Environmental Management
Bureau (EMB), under this DAO, 33 parameters define the desired water quality per
water body classification. However, in the absence of a water quality index, EMB
also mentioned that certain parameters may be used in the interim. These
parameters include dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD),
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and heavy metals
for inland surface waters; and fecal coliform, nitrates, and salinity (chloride content)
for groundwater as defined in the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water
(PNSDW).
 9

DENR DAO 2016-08-WQG (Water Quality Guidelines) and General Effluent

Standards (GES)

Figure 1: Water Body Classification and Usage of Freshwater

Figure 2: Water Quality Guidelines for Primary Parameters

 10

Figure 3: Water Quality Guidelines for Secondary Parameters

SYNTHESIS OF THE STATE-OF-THE-ART

Based upon the related studies it is vital to know the water quality
classification of any major water body to take further actions in preserving the
water body and to help in informing the locality the current situation of the water
body as one of the tourist destination in the area. It is important to study the water
quality of Quitinday Underground River in Jovellar, Albay to know if there are
implications regarding tourism or human related activities and its connection to the
water quality classification. The related studies and literature provided the
appropriate parameters, methodology, and analyses to be used in the study. The
researchers will be working with the personnel of Department of Environment and
Natural Resources in conducting the assessment.
 11

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Water Quality
Classification

Environmental Areas of Water Parameters

Setting Monitoring of Analyses

Human- Station 1: At the deep DENR

related sumps/pool adjacent Administrative Order
Activities to the entrance of the No. 34 s.1990
cave.
pH
Land
Development Station 2: Approximately 25 meters
from the entrance of the cave Temperature

Dissolved Oxygen
Station 3: At the middle portion of the
cave, approximately 1.5 meters from Total Suspended Solids
the entrance of the cave and adjacent
from the roosting site of the bats
Oil and Grease

Biochemical Oxygen
Station 4: Approximately 25 meters
Demand
from the exit of the cave and adjacent
from the roosting site of bats.

Figure 4: Theoretical Paradigm

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Water Quality Monitoring

Collection of Water Samples

Laboratory Analyses of
Water Samples

Interpretation and Analysis of

Data

Water Quality Classification

Figure 5: Conceptual Paradigm

 12

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Absolute Filter Rating

Filter rating meaning that 99.9 % (or essentially all) of the particles larger
than a specified micron rating will be trapped on or within the filter.

Absorption

The process in which one substance penetrates into the body of another
substance, termed the absorbent. An example is the absorption of water into soil.

Acid

A substance which releases hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Most

acids will dissolve the common metals and will react with a base to form a neutral
salt and water. An acid is the opposite of an alkali, has a pH rating lower than 7.0,
will turn litmus paper red, and has a sour taste.

Acidity

The quantitative capacity of a water or water solution to neutralize an alkali

or base. It is usually measured by titration with a standard solution of sodium
hydroxide and expressed in ppm or mg/L of its calcium carbonate equivalent.

Adsorbent

A water treatment medium, usually solid, capable of the adsorption of

liquids, gases, and/or suspended matter. Activated alumina and activated carbon
are common adsorbents used in water processing.

Adsorption

The physical process occurring when liquids, gases, or suspended matters

adhere to the surfaces of, or in the pores of, an adsorbent media such as activated
carbon. Adsorption is a physical process which occurs without chemical reaction.

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

 13

It is a chemical procedure for determining the amount of dissolved oxygen

needed by aerobic biological organisms in a body of water to break down organic
material present in a given water sample at certain temperature over a specific
time period. It is not a precise quantitative test, although it is widely used as an
indication of the organic quality of water. It is most commonly expressed in
milligrams of oxygen consumed per liter of sample during 5 days (BOD5) of
incubation at 20°C and is often used as a robust surrogate of the degree of organic
pollution of water.

Density, Apparent (Density, Bulk)

The mass under specified conditions of a unit volume of a solid sorbent

including its pore volume and inter-particle voids.

Discharge

Includes, but is not limited to, the act of spilling, leaking, pumping, emitting,
emptying, releasing or dumping of any material into a water body or onto land from
which it might flow or drain into said water

Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen is oxygen gas molecules (O2) present in the water. Plants
and animals cannot directly use the oxygen that is part of the water molecule
(H2O), instead depending on dissolved oxygen for respiration. Oxygen enters
streams from the surrounding air and as a product of photosynthesis from aquatic
plants. Consistently high levels of dissolved oxygen are best for a healthy
ecosystem.

In situ

In the original place instead of being moved to another place

Filtration

The process of passing water through a porous substance to remove solids

in suspension. Available as media beds in tanks or as cartridge type devices
 14

Freshwater

It means water containing less than 500 parts per million dissolved common
salt, sodium chloride, such as that in groundwater, river, ponds and lakes

Groundwater

The term describing all subsurface water and the source of well water. It
can be found in aquifers as deep as several miles.

Navigable Waters

This means the waters of the Philippines, including the territorial sea and
inland waters suitable for water transport

pH

pH is a measure of a solution's acidity. In water, small numbers of water

molecules (H2O) will break apart or disassociate into hydrogen ions (H+) and
hydroxide ions (OH-). Other compounds entering the water may react with these,
leaving an imbalance in the numbers of hydrogen and hydroxide ions. When more
hydrogen ions react, more hydroxide ions are left in solution and the water is basic;
when more hydroxide ions react, more hydrogen ions are left and the water is
acidic. pH is a measure of the number of hydrogen ions and thus a measure of
acidity.

pH is measured on a logarithmic scale between 1 and 14 with 1 being

extremely acid, 7 neutral, and 14 extremely basic. Because it is a logarithmic scale
there is a ten-fold increase in acidity for a change of one unit of pH, e.g. 5 is 100
times more acid than 7 on the pH scale. The largest variety of freshwater aquatic
organisms prefer a pH range between 6.5 to 8.0.

Oil and Grease

It includes fats, oils, waxes, and other related constituents found in water,
generally wastewater. If these compounds are not removed before discharge of
 15

treated wastewater, oil and grease can interfere with biological life in surface
waters and create unsightly films.

Fats and oils are contributed to domestic wastewater in butter, lard, margarine,
and vegetable fats and oils. Fats are also commonly found in meats, in the
germinal area of cereals, in seeds, in nuts, and in certain fruits. The low solubility
of fats and oils reduces their rate of microbial degradation.

Potable Water

Water which is considered safe and fit for human consumption, culinary and
domestic purposes and meets the requirements of the health authority having
jurisdiction.

Primary Parameters

Are the required minimum water quality parameters to be monitored for

each water body

Secondary Parameters

Are other water quality parameters that shall be used in baseline

assessments as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment and other water
quality monitoring purposes

Strong Wastewater

Refers to wastewater whose initial Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

value before treatment is equal to or greater than 3,000 milli-gram per liter (mg/L)

Temperature

Water temperature is affected by air temperature, storm water runoff,

groundwater inflows, turbidity, and exposure to sunlight. In considering the health
of organisms, it is necessary to consider their maximum temperature and optimum
temperature. The maximum temperature is the highest water temperature at which
 16

the organism will live for a few hours. The optimum temperature is the temperature
at which it will thrive.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

are solids in water that can be trapped by a filter. TSS can include a wide
variety of material, such as silt, decaying plant and animal matter, industrial
wastes, and sewage. High concentrations of suspended solids can cause many
problems for stream health and aquatic life

Turbidity

Turbidity is a measure of how particles suspended in water affect water

clarity. It is an important indicator of suspended sediment and erosion levels.
Typically it will increase sharply during and after a rainfall, which causes sediment
to be carried into the creek. Elevated turbidity will also raise water temperature,
lower dissolved oxygen, prevent light from reaching aquatic plants which reduces
their ability to photosynthesize, and harm fish gills and eggs.

Water Body

Means both natural and man-made bodies of fresh, brackish, and saline
waters, and includes, but is not limited to, aquifers, groundwater, springs, creeks,
streams, rivers, ponds, lagoons, water reservoirs, lakes, bays, estuarine, coastal
and marine waters. Water bodies do not refer to those constructed, developed and
used purposely as water treatment facilities and/or water storage for recycling and
re-use, which are integral to process industry or manufacturing.

Water Quality Guidelines (WQG)

Refer to the level for a water constituent or numerical values of physical,

chemical, biological, and bacteriological or radiological parameters which are used
to classify water resources and their use, which do not result in significant health
risk.
 17

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the description of the research design and description

of respondents, research instruments, data collection procedure and statistical

treatments used.

Research Design

The study of this project is based on an explorative design. It involves

exploring the possible factors which are found in water. An exploratory design is
conducted about a research problem when there are few or no earlier studies to
refer to or rely upon to predict an outcome. The focus is on gaining insights and
familiarity for later investigation or undertaken when research problems are in a
preliminary stage of investigation. Exploratory designs are often used to establish
an understanding of how best to proceed in studying an issue or what methodology
would effectively apply to gathering information about the issue.

Research Methodology

Sample Collection and Analysis

The researchers requested for the available data set from the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau
Region 5 (DENR EMB V) regarding the Water Quality Monitoring in Quitinday
Cave/Underground River. There was an available data from May 2017.

The data from the Water Quality Monitoring in Quitinday Underground River
from May 2017 had four stations. Water sample collection for March 2018 with the
same stations were done by the students with the supervision and guide of the
personnel from DENR EMB V.
 18

The grab water samples were collected from the four stations of the
Quitinday Underground River in Barangay Quitinday, Jovellar, Albay by riding in a
bamboo raft operated by local boatmen in the area. The raft stopped at every
station where the researcher’s collected the data in-situ parameters. The time of
data collection for every station were recorded using a wristwatch. The pH for each
station using pH Indicator Paper Water Testing Kit and determined its range using
the scale from it. Each of the station’s temperature were recorded by submerging
the thermometer five times for 15 seconds each and computing the average of the
temperature.

Water containers that were used differed on the parameters analyzed; large
glass bottles were used for oil and grease; four (4) 1L bottles each for collecting
water samples for Total Suspended Solids and for Biochemical Oxygen Demand;
four (4) BOD Bottles for the Dissolved Oxygen. The water samples were stored in
an ice chest, packed with ice and transported in the DENR EMB V. The samples
were brought to the Ambient Monitoring and Technical Services Section (AMTSS)
Laboratory of DENR EMB V for the analyses. The laboratory followed the APHA-
AWWA (2005) methods of analysis (Table 1) for the four (4) parameters analyzed
from water samples namely: dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, oil and
grease and biochemical oxygen demand. The results were compared on the water
quality standards for fresh surface waters such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs, etc.
based on the DENR Department Administrative Order 2016-08.
Table 1. List of parameters and Method of Analysis
methods of analysis. Parameter
Dissolved oxygen
Biological oxygen demand Azide Modification Dilution Technique
Total suspended solids Gravimetric method (dried at 103 – 1050C)
Oil and grease Gravimetric method (Petroleum Ether Extraction)
Note: a Measured in-situ; Methods are based on Standards Methods of Analysis for Water and
Wastewater, 21st Edition, APHA AWWA (2010) except for nitrates and phosphates analyses
Figure 6: Lists of Parameters and Methods of Analysis

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Prepare the Dilution
Water for the Seed
Control Factor & the
Samples (Blank & the
Glucose-Glutamic
Acid)
Place the GLucose-Glutamic
Acid in the oven for 1 hour &
let it cool in a dessicator for
about an hour
Get a volume of dilution water
and add 1 capsule of seed for
500 mL
-volume of seed depends on the
no. of samples and the no. of
dilutions of samples
Check the pH, temp.
of the dilution water
Pipette specified
voume of seed to the
seed control factors
(SCF 3-5% dilutions)
Put the first row of the
BOD bottles in the sink
for initial determination of
the Dissolved Oxygen
Titrate w/ the Sodium
Thiosulfate using
starch as indicator,
read and record
19
Prepare two rows of BOD bottles
Add nutrients to the distilled
for the DO (Dissolved Oxygen)
water (1 mL/1 L)
Initial and DO Final
Nutrients: Phosphate Buffer,
For the blank, seed control factor,
Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium
Glucose-Glutamic Acid and the
Chloride & Ferric Chloride
Samples then label each
Prepare the Quality Control,
Aerate until there is
boil atleast 250 mL water
enough DO in the
and let it cool, weigh the
dilution water for 1 hour
Glucose-Glutamic Acid
The dilution of the samples
Check the pH,
will be dependent in the DO
Salinity, DO, and
of the sample, Higher
temperature of the
Dissolved Oxygen means
Samples upon arrival
higher volume of samples
Place a small volume of Pipette a small 4 mL of seed
the dilution water into the into the glucose-glutamic acid
BOD bottles except the and the BOD sample bottles
Blank and the samples except for the 100% dilution
with 100% dilution samples
Pipette 6 mL of glucoe-glutamic Fill the BOD bottles for
acid into the BOD bottles for GGA samples with the dilution water
up to th brim if the percent
Pipette the volume of the samples dilution is less than and not
into the BOD bottles equal to 100
Add 1 mL of Manganous Sulfate to the Add 1 mL of Alkali-
BOD bottles with SCF, GGA, and Iodide-Azide, shake
Samples then shake and wash the top and let the precipitate
off with tap water settle to the bottom
Figure 7: Biochemical Oxygen
Demand Procedure
 20

Total Suspended Solids

Pre-wash the Filter

Paper by placing it in
Pour 20 mL distilled
the Suction Pump Lay the Filter Paper in
water three times on
Machine in place on a paper and label it
the Filter Paper
the magnetic filter
holder

Wash the magnetic Wash the holder with

Pre-weigh the filter
filter holder with the water sample two
paper and record it
distilled water times

Pour down 100 mL of

the water sample in the
Secure the filter paper flask and turn the
in the filter in place machine on
with the use of a
*volume depends on
tweezers
how clean the sample
is
Measure 10 mL
distilled water and pour
it down and turn the
machine on three
times

Wash the sides of the Place the filter paper Use Gravimetric
magentic holder with again in the labeled Method and record the
distilled water paper weight filter paper

Figure 8: Total Suspended

Solids Procedure
 21

Oil and Grease

Pre-weigh and Pour each water

Measure 30 mL of
record the sample in their
Pet. Ether using a
Erlenmeyer Flask to corresponding
graduated cylinder
be used Separatory Funnel

Pour the Pet. Ether in the Seal off the sepatory

container of the water sample to funnel with its stopper Shake the
wash off excess bits from the and shake gradually funnel for atleast
sample and transfer in the while realising pressure 2 minutes
separatory funnel afterwards for 5 times

Set it back to the Put the empty water sample container below
stand, remove the the separatory funnel and open the valve to
stopper and wait for release the separated water stop and close the
5 mins. to let it settle valve when you reach the layer with oil

Prepare the Put the flask underneath Repeat the process

erlenmeyer flask and the separatory funnel but this time pour
set it up with funnel and release the valve the Pet. Ether
on top containing a once again to transfer directly to the
filter paper separated oil Separatory Funnel

Measure the volume Remove the funnel

Use the Gravimetric
of the remaining with the filter paper
Method for the
water sample and and put it on top of
Erlenmeyer Flask
record it the water bath

Figure 9: Oil and Grease

Procedure
 22

Data Gathering Procedure

The data gathering procedure was prior to the laboratory results from the
different methods of analysis based on the stated parameters.

Subject/Respondents

The monitoring stations were located in four areas of the Quitinday

Underground River. The stations were:

Station 1: At the deep sumps/pool adjacent to the entrance of the cave.

Station 2: Approximately 25 meters from the entrance of the cave

Station 3: At the middle portion of the cave, approximately 1.5 meters from
the entrance of the cave and adjacent from the roosting site of the bats

Station 4: Approximately 25 meters from the exit of the cave and adjacent
from the roosting site of bats.

Instruments
The researchers used instruments in the study such as a thermometer, pH
Indicator Paper Water Testing Kit, Laboratory Vacuum Filtration System

Statistical Tools
The Researchers used One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used
to determine whether there are any statistically significant differences between the
means of two or more independent (unrelated) groups. This was used for the four
stations to see if there is a significant difference among the data obtained from the
following parameters: BOD, DO, TSS, and Oil and Grease.
T-test was also used for comparing the Dissolved Oxygen from May 2017
in comparison with the results from March 2018.
 23

CHAPTER IV
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
This chapter presents the finding of the study in illustrative tables, figures
and analysis as well as the interpretation based from the treatment of the data.

GENERAL
The earth is known as the “Blue Planet” or “Water planet”. The presence
of water makes it unique and is the sole basis for the sustenance of life on the
earth. About 70.7% of the earth is covered by water and the remaining is land.
However, out of this vast coverage of water only 1% is available for human
consumption. The remaining 97% of water is in the ocean and 2% in the Polar
Regions in the form of glaciers. The 1% consumable quality of water is available
on the surface of the earth as well as underground.

Table 1. Results of in-situ Parameters

Station Station Time pH Temp D.O Physical Observations

no Identification (range) (Celsius) (mg/L)
1 At the deep 1631 7 27 8.1 Swimming Activities are
sumps/pool adjacent observed in the area. Clear
to the entrance of the water/High level of water
cave

2 Approximately 1635 7 27 8.6 No physical activities in the

25meters from the area. Clear water/High level
entrance of the cave of water

3 At the middle portion 1639 7 27 8.1 No physical activities in the

of the cave, area. Clear water/High level
approximately of water
1.5meters from the
entrance of the cave
and is adjacent from
the roosting site if
bats

4 Approximately 1643 7 27 8.4 No physical activities in the

25meters from the area. Clear water/High level
exit of the cave and of water
 24

adjacent from the

roosting site if bats

pH Temp D.O
(ran (Celsius) (mg/
ge) L)
DAO 2016-08 Class AA Waters
Public Water Supply Class I – Intended primarily for waters having
6.5- 5
watersheds. Which are uninhabited and/or otherwise declared as protected 26-30
areas, and which require only approved disinfection to meet the latest
8.5
PNSDW.
DAO 2016-08 Class A Waters
Public Water Supply Class II – Intended as sources of water supply 6.5-
26-30 5
requiring conventional treatment (coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and 8.5
disinfection) to meet the latest PNSDW.
DAO 2016-08 Class B Waters
6.5-
Recreational Water Class I – Intended for primary contact recreation 26-30 5
(bathing, swimming, etc.)
8.5
DAO 2016-08 Class C Waters
1. Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish and other
aquatic resources. 6.5-
25-30 5
2. Recreational Water Class II – for boating, fishing, or similar 9.0
activities.
3. For agriculture, irrigation, and livestock watering
DAO 2016-08 Class D Waters
6.0-
Navigable Waters 25-32 2
9.0
The water quality monitoring at Quitinday Underground River shows that it has
conformed with the DENR Water Quality Criteria set for the parameters pH,
temperature, and dissolved oxygen under Department Administrative Order (DAO)
2016-08 for Class AA-D Water in all established stations.

Table 1 shows the results acquired by the researchers during their Water Sampling
Analysis at Quitinday Underground River. It shows the time as to which the
samples from each station was taken. And it also shows the In-situ (pH,
temperature, dissolved oxygen). Below table 1 is the table that the researchers
used as a basis to know the Class of the Quitinday Underground River.
 25

Table 2. Results for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended

Solids (TSS), and Oil and Grease (O/G).

Station No. BOD (mg/L) TSS (mg/L) O/G (mg/L)

1 3.2 55 1.8
2 3.0 54 1.6
3 3.1 55 1.7
4 3.1 57 1.7
For Table 2, the results for Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total
Suspended Solids, and Oil and Grease are given.

Table 3. Water Quality Guidelines for Primary Parameters

WATER BODY CLASSIFICATION

Parameter Unit
AA A B C D
BOD mg/L 1 3 5 7 15
TSS mg/L 25 50 65 80 110
O/G Mg/L 4 1 1 2 5
Notes:

(a) Samples shall be taken from 9:00 AM to 4:00PM

(b) The natural background temperature as determined by EMB shall
prevail if the temperature is lower or higher than the WQG; provided
that the maximum increase is only up to 10 percent and that it will not
cause any risk to human health and the environment.

Table 4. One-Way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)

n 4 4 4 4
Sum 68.1 67.2 67.9 70.2
Mean 17.025 16.8 16.975 17.55
Standard Deviation 25.46034 24.98373 25.49841 26.45783
S1. Ho: There is no significant difference among the means.
Hi: There is at least one mean significantly different from the other means.
 26

S2. Calculations for F distribution.

Total Sum of Squares (SST) 7869.058
Treatment Sum of Squares (SSTR) 1894.548
Error Sum of Squares (SSE) 5974.51
Total Mean Squares (MST) 715.3689
Mean Square Treatment (MNSTR) 631.5158
Mean Square Error (MSE) 1156.601
F 0.546

S3. Critical Value

F-distribution table (df1=4-1=3; df2=12-4=8)
CV=4.07
S4. Decision Rule
F (observed value) < CV (critical value)
Do not Reject the Ho.
S5. There is no significant difference among the different sampling sites in terms
of the following parameters set by the DENR. (Parameters: temperature, pH,
dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, oil and grease, biochemical oxygen
demand)
SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORKS

 The modelling study can be extended for the other water

quality parameters.
 A study on groundwater quality movement can be carried out.
 A detailed study on consumptive use of ground water can be
carried out
 27

CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION, INTERPRETATION, AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary of the findings, conclusions and

recommendations based on the data analyzed in the previous chapter. Some
limitations have been identified. The research aims to identify the Water Quality of
the Quitinday Underground River for further information.

Five sampling sites were chosen based on surrounding land use along the
Quitinday Underground River. For Station number 1, it is at the deep sumps/pool
adjacent to the entrance of the cave. Swimming activities are observed in the area
and it is observed to have clear water/high level of water. Station number 2 is
approximately 25 meters from the entrance of the cave. No physical activities were
observed in the area and it is visible to have clear water/high level of water. Station
number 3 is at the middle portion of the cave, approximately 1.5 meters from the
entrance of the cave and adjacent from the roosting site of bats. No physical
activities are observed in this area and it is observed to have a high level of water.
For the last station, Station number 4, it is approximately 25 meters from the exit
of the cave and adjacent from the roosting site of bats. No physical activities are
observed in this area.

Since 2015, samples from different water sources are collected quarterly by
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental
Management Bureau. Chemists from DENR-EMB V assisted the researchers in
collecting the water samples from the Quitinday Underground River. The
researchers used four (4) 1L bottles each for collecting water samples for Total
Suspended Solids and for Biochemical Oxygen Demand. They also used 4 BOD
Bottles for the Dissolved Oxygen, and they used large glass bottles for collecting
the water samples for Oil and Grease. It was then contained in an ice box and is
transferred to the laboratory. Based from the Tables 1 and 2, the results for
Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, and Oil and Grease falls
in the range of the Class A (Table 3).
 28

It is observed that the water from Quitinday Underground River is a Public

Water Supply Class II – it is intended as sources of water supply requiring
conventional treatment (coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection) to
meet the latest Philippine National Standard Drinking Water (PNSDW). If and only
if the water is treated will it then turn to Class AA, or as we know as the Public
Water Supply Class I – Intended primarily for waters having watersheds. Which
are uninhabited and/or otherwise declared as protected areas, and which require
only approved disinfection to meet the latest PNSDW.

In general the quality of the Quitinday Underground River in Jovellar, Albay

is good and moderate in most of the observations are on the positive side. The
main reason for the presence of larger amount of suspended solids may be due to
geological formation or the feces of bats that are in the cave. This may cause high
salinity. From the water quality trends study using the surface and groundwater
quality parameters, it is seen that the Underground River is getting polluted with
time. Since major industries are not present around the river or other pollution
sources, the natural geochemistry of the river is the reason for the higher level of
total suspended solids which increases with time.

In conclusion, the water quality of Quitinday Underground River based on

the tests conducted by the researchers fall under Class AA. DAO 2016-08 Class
AA Waters. It states:

Public Water Supply Class I – Intended primarily for waters having

watersheds. Which are uninhabited and/or otherwise declared as protected areas,
and which require only approved disinfection to meet the latest PNSDW.

For the specific problem, there is no significant difference between each of

the stations. The results for this are shown in Table 4 and is supported by data and
simple equations.
 29

The researchers would like to recommend the analysis for the

Concentration of Heavy Metals (mercury, cadmium, zinc, chromium, and lead) in
the water of Quitinday Underground River. It will determine if the water is
contaminated and/or if it is or is not susceptible as a habitat for fishes. Nutrients
can also be tested with the help of Chemists from certain laboratories. And if
possible, future researchers can test for Fecal Coliforms because Station 1 is also
considered as an area for swimming.
 30

BIBLIOGRAPHIES

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Institute. National Water Regulatory Board.
http://www.nwrb.gov.ph/images/Publications/Assessment_Capability_to_i
mprove_Planning_and_Mngt_of_Water.pdf

William Herbert Hobbs, Earth Features and Their Meaning: An Introduction to

Geology for the Student and the General Reader, Macmillan, 1912, pages
182 and 189.

Jump up ^ William B. White and David C. Culver (eds), Encyclopedia of Caves,

2nd ed, Academic Press, 2012, ISBN 0123838339, p. 468.

DENR – EMB 1990. Administrative Order no. 34. (Series of 1990). Revised
Water Usage and Classification Water Quality Criteria Amending Section
Nos. 68 and 69, Chapter III of the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations.
PAGASA. [Internet]. Climatology and Agrometeorology [Cited 2004]. Available
fromhttp://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/cab/statfram.html
DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2016-08. Water Quality Guidelines and

General Effluent Standards https://water.emb.gov.ph/wp-

content/uploads/2016/06/DAO-2016-08-WQG-and-GES.pdf

DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 34 series of 1990. Revised Water Usage
and Classification/Water Quality Criteria Amending Section Nos. 68 and
69, Chapter III of the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations.
Helmer R, Hespanhol I. 1997. Water Pollution Control – A Guide to the Use of
Water Quality

Kim, A.G. and Cardone, C.R. 2005. Scatterscore: a reconnaissance method to

evaluate changes in water quality. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment 111:277-95

Behar, S. 1997. Testing the Waters: Chemical and Physical Vital Signs of A river.
Montpelier, VT: River Watch Network. Accessed at
http://fosc.org/WQData/WQParameters.htm on June 2016.
 31

United Nations Environment Program. 2007. Global Drinking Water Quality Index
Development and Sensitivity Analysis Report. United Nations Environment
Programme Global
Environment Monitoring System (GEMS)/Water Programme.

Mishra, A., A. Mukherjee, and B.D. Tripathi. 2009. Seasonal and Temporal
Variations in Physico-chemical and Bacterilogical Characteristics of River
Ganga in Varanasi. International Journal of Environmental Resources
3(3):395-402.

United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization.

1996. WaterQuality Monitoring - A Practical Guide to the Design and
Implementation of Freshwater Quality Studies and Monitoring
Programmes.
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/resourcesquality/waterqualmo
nitor.pdf.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand. Retrieved from
https://www.ysi.com/parameters/biochemical-oxygen-demand-bod

Castro, Tricia Anton. 1999. Water quality analysis of Angat River, Bustos,
Bulacan. Retrieved from
https://lib1000.dlsu.edu.ph/record=b1207661~S1 2.
Cambridge Dictionary.In-situ Definition.
Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/in-situ
Definition of Total Suspended Solids. Retrieved from
http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/data/BACT/info/TSS.html
Laerd Statistics. One-way ANOVA in SPSS Statistics. Retrieved from
https://statistics.laerd.com/spss-
tutorials/one-way-anova-using-spss-statistics.php

Martinico-Perez, Marianne Faith G., et. al. 2017, August. Evaluation Of Water
Quality Of Major Rivers In Palawan, Philippines Using Physico-Chemical
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 32

%20in%20Palawan%2C%20Philippines%20using%20Physico-
Chemical%20Parameters%20and%20Water%20Quality%20Index.pdf
Oil and Grease Definition.

Retrieved from
https://www.caltestlabs.com/Services/OilGreaseAnalyses.aspx

Vox Bicol. 2016, January. Ecological peculiarity makes Jovellar town spectacular.
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peculiarity-makes-jovellar-town-spectacular
 33

APPENDIX A
 34

DOCUMENTATION

Spillway/Pathway going to Quitinday River

Sir JM from DENR EMB V giving instructions regarding the sample collection

Myles Conda preparing the bottles for collection

 35

The researchers on the way to the Quitinday Underground River

View of the mouth of the cave from the top

 36

Station 1 of the Qutiinday Underground River

At the deep sumps/pool adjacent to the entrance

Taking the temperature in the first station

 37

Measuring the pH of the water and matching the color indication

Sample collection for the different parameters

Ice boxes are placed in the center of the raft for easy access and storage of grab
water bottles
 38

Entrance of the cave as seen from the inside

Station 2, approximately 25 meters from the entrance of the cave

At the middle portion of the cave, approximately 1.5 meters from the entrance of
the cave and adjacent from the roosting site of the bats
 39

Approximately 25 meters from the exit of the cave and adjacent from the roosting
site of bats.

Heading back on top after the water sample collection

 40

BOD bottles for Dissolved Oxygen

PerformingTitration
 41

APPENDIX B
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55