Bicol University

College of Engineering
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Legazpi City

EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY OF SELECTED RIVERS AND CREEK

SYSTEMS IN POBLACION AREAS OF CAMALIG AND STO. DOMINGO
Careo, Neil Dominic D.*
Mendiola, Anatalie N.
Baloloy, Angelica M.
Tobongbanua, Cherry V.
BS Chemical Engineering 2
Engr. Junel Borbo, MSChE
Professor
ABSTRACT
In order to understand the sanitation condition of water in the rural areas of Sto. Domingo and Camalig in Albay,
and to provide scientific bases for water quality improvement and public health protection, water quality was tested and
analyzed using different methods, namely, pH determination, total solids, water hardness, chemical oxygen demand,
carbonate content, and chloride content. The results showed that the contents of carbonates, chlorides, pH, Electrical
Conductivity and water hardness passed the range of EPA limit standards, while the Chemical Oxygen Demand and
Total Suspended Solids slightly exceeded the standards. It was concluded that the water resources, especially water
from rivers and creeks in the rural areas of Camalig and Sto. Domingo were slightly polluted due to slightly high
concentration of COD analyzed. Therefore, currently the related government departments should focus on strengthening
their programs and campaigns concerning the treatment and sanitation management of water transmission, and
providing additional water disinfection facilities.
Keywords: pH determination, total solids, water hardness, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Carbonate content,
Chloride content, water transmission

1. Introduction
Water is a basic source which is a natural
benefaction to man. An abundant supply of clean and safe
drinking water is essential for human and animal health.
Water from municipal or public water systems is treated
and monitored to guarantee that it is safe for human
consumption. Nowadays, water is becoming a scarce
resource with the ever-growing demand for household
and industrial consumption. Many health and sickness
problems are linked with the quality and sufficiency of
water. As the population began to increase, the demand
for potable water in urban areas has also increased, while
the water sources began to deteriorate over time. The
declining of water supply was brought about by decades
of resource mismanagement, insufficient investments in
physical infrastructure, and the growing threat of climate
change.

Today, Albay is greatly affected by several

natural occurrences such as typhoons, floods, volcanic
eruption, El Nino phenomenon and other natural
calamities. Due to these calamities, water problems arise
to the people of the said province. The water resources
occur to be limited in quantity and unreliable on its safety,
which make it unavailable and ineffectual in some parts
of the province.
To ensure that water is safe for human
consumption and livestock use, water supplies should be
tested and checked to ensure that they meet the acceptable
levels for bacterial and chemical contents. Water testing
is a broad description for various procedures used to
analyze water quality. The quality of natural water in
rivers, lakes and reservoirs and below the ground surface
depends on a number of interrelated factors. These factors
include geology, climate, topography, biological

processes and land use. The impurities also determine the

characteristics of a water body.
Some municipalities in the province, including
Sto.Domingo and Camalig settled at the foot of Mayon
Volcano having with them rivers and other surface water
sources coming from Mayon. But due to demand and
increase in population, water sources are still insufficient.
Surface water sources such as lakes and rivers are still
used nowadays for drinking water, but they are almost
always contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms
thats why people became uncertain for them to use these
surface water sources for their daily consumption. Thus,
there is an urgent need to test and explore ways on how
these water sources can be used by households. The local
government units of these towns have programs to
improve the water quality of their reservoirs but these are
still limited and still under development,
This study was conducted to assess the quality of
water sources, particularly the surface water sources in the
urban barangays of the municipalities of Sto.Domingo
and Camalig in Albay. Contexts for the study include the
current state of potable water consumption, specifically
the water usage, its sufficiency, and its effects to human
and animal health together with the perceived problems
of the households. The valuable data gathered will be
provided for the benefit of the community of
Sto.Domingo and Camalig in Albay and researchers as
useful references and inputs.
2. Methods of Analysis
2.1 Preparation of Sampling Containers
The samples were gathered and stored in clean
containers (1-liter Catsup plastic bottles).The following
method were then used during the preparation of all
sample containers to monitor conductivity, total solids,
turbidity, pH, and total alkalinity, nitrates and
phosphorus: First, each sample bottle was cleaned using a
brush and a phosphate-free detergent. The bottles were
then rinsed with cold tap water, followed by 10 percent
pure hydrochloric acid, and then cleansed with distilled
water right after.
2.2 Collection of Samples
The samples were gathered from 5 sample points,
each point was separated by 500-meter distance. Water
samples were gathered from the stream bank in the main
current so that the samples will not contain sediments or
mud particles. The samples were then stored and analyzed
a day after the collection to minimize errors and to yield
more accurate results.
2.3. Water Quality Tests

2.3.1

pH Determination

Approximately 50 mL of water sample was

measured in a graduated cylinder and was placed on
a dry 100 ml beaker. The sample was stirred using a
stirring rod. Then, by submerging the electrodes of
the pH meter in the sample, the pH was checked. The
pH reading was recorded in the table. The procedures
were repeated for the rest of the water systems in
sample points. Then, the results of the sample points
for each water system were graphed.
2.3.2

Total Solids

On the first day, two 250mL beakers were

prepared for drying and sample evaporation. The
beakers were carefully cleaned and placed in the
drying oven at 100 C to 105 C
for at least one hour to
be dried. By using tongs or gloves, the beakers were
removed from the oven and were allowed to cool.
Remember that from this point on, the beakers should
be handled with tongs or gloves so that the oils on the
hands are prevented from affecting the masses of the
beakers. A pencil was used to number the beakers 1
and 2. No labeling tapes should be used. The mass
of each beaker was measured by using an analytical
balance. The values were rounded to the nearest
thousandth gram and were recorded in the data table.
If this step was completed before the samples were
collected, the beakers should be stored in a clean, dry
and dust-free space before returning to the laboratory.
Large particles, such as twigs or insects, were
removed from the sample water. The samples were
swirled to attain uniformity of suspended particles. A
100 mL graduated cylinder was used to carefully
measure 200 mL of sample water into each beaker.
By using tongs or gloves, the beakers were placed into
the oven and the water was allowed to evaporate
overnight at a temperature of around 100C to 105C.
On the second day, the mass of the beakers and solids
were measured. By using tongs or gloves, the beakers
were removed from the oven and were placed tin a
desiccator, if available, to cool. If no desiccator is
available, the beakers should be cooled on a table top.
The next step should be done as soon as possible to
minimize any water absorbed. An analytical balance
was used to measure the mass of each beaker with the
solids that were left behind. The values were rounded
to the nearest thousandth gram and were recorded.
The mass of the solids were obtained by subtracting
the mass of the empty beaker from the mass of the
beaker with the solids. If the mass of the solids is less
than 0.025 g, another 200 mL of sample should be
added to each beaker and the previous two steps
should be repeated. A note should be made on the
recorded data because the volume was increased to
400mL from 200mL. If the mass of the solids was at
least 0.025 g, the mass of the solids should be

recorded directly. Round the values to the nearest

thousandth gram.
2.3.3

Water Hardness

Before the experiment started, all of the reagents were

prepared. The buffer solution was prepared by measuring
50 mL of distilled water and transferring it into the beaker.
Next, 1.179g of EDTA were weighed and dissolved in the
50mL distilled water. 16.9g of ammonium chloride,780
mg of magnesium sulphates were also mixed to the
solution. Then, using the graduated cylinder, 143mL of
ammonium hydroxide were poured into the solution. The
solution were transferred into the 250mL flask and were
diluted up to mark. Next, a Erichrome Black T indicator
solution was prepared. A 0.5g of Erichrome Black T was
prepared and transferred to a 100mL standard flask,
diluted up to mark. The EDTA solution was prepared by
weighing 3.723g of EDTA sodium salt and pouring it to a
1000mL standard flask. The flask was then filled with
distilled water up to mark. The water sample was then
analyzed by pipetting 20mL of the water sample and
transferring it into a 250mL conical flask. Next, 2mL of
ammonia buffer solution was added to the water sample.
Few drops of EBT indicator were dropped into the conical
flask until the sample turned to wine reddish color. Before
starting the titration, the burette was rinsed with a few
milliliters of EDTA. After that, the burette was with
0.02M EDTA solution and adjusted to zero and fixed in a
stand. The sample was titrated with the EDTA solution in
the burette until all calcium and magnesium ions present
in the sample react with the EDTA. The appearance of
blue color will indicate the endpoint. The titration was
repeated until agreeing values were achieved.
2.3.4

Conductivity

Another 10mL of sulfuric acid was also added in each

flask. Lastly, the contents of each flask were titrated with
0.1 N Sodium thiosulfate until the blue color disappears
completely.

2.3.6
Carbonate and Bicarbonate content
A 25 ml of sample water was pipetted into a clean
dry flask. Then, 5 drops of phenolphthalein was added
to the sample. The solution was titrated wisely with
the acid provided until the solution became colorless.
On the same bulk of solution, 3 drops of methyl
orange was added. The sample was titrated by further
adding the acid from the burette drop wise till the
color changed to orange. The procedure was repeated
a number of times with fresh quantity of sample water
till constant reading were obtained. The carbonates
and bicarbonates content was then calculated from the
readings obtained
2.3.7
Chloride content
A 25 ml of sample water was pipetted into a clean
dry flask. Then, a sufficient quantity of H 2SO4 was
added and a 10mL distilled water was added shortly
to it. Two drops of the indicator were added the
solution was then titrated with AgNO3 provided until
the permanent chocolate red color was formed in the
solution. This procedure was repeated a number of
times with fresh quantity of 25 mL sample water till
constant reading were obtained. The chloride content
was calculated after sufficient data were gathered.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1 pH
Table 3.1.1 pH reading of water samples from Sto. Domingo
from the month of December to March

The electrode was rinsed with distilled water and

wiped with a tissue paper. A 200mL of the water sample
were measured and transferred into the beaker and stirred
using the stirring rod. The electrode was then dipped into
the sample solution until a steady reading is obtained.
2.3.5

Chemical Oxygen Demand

A 10ml water sample was transferred in three 100 mL

conical flask labeled as Test 1, Test 2, and Test 3.
Simultaneously, the distilled water was taken in three
100mL conical flask labeled as Blank 1, Blank 2 and
Blank 3. Next, 5ml of potassium dichromate solution was
added in each of the six conical flasks. The flask was then
kept in water bath at 100C (boiling temperature) for 1
hour. The samples was cooled after for 10 minutes. A
5mL potassium iodide was then added in each flask.

Table 3.1.2 pH reading of water samples from Camalig from

the month of December to March

In Sto. Domingo, Albay, the pH of water samples

ranges from 6.752 to 7.755. The maximum pH value
(7.755) was recorded in San Isidro River during the month
of March (summer) and minimum (6.752) also in San
Isidro River during the month of January. The pH of water
samples in Camalig, Albay ranges from 6.71 to 7.74. The
maximum pH value (7.74) was recorded in Camalig River
during the month of December and minimum (6.71) in
Brgy. Tagaytay River during the month of February. Most
of bio-chemical and chemical reactions are influenced by
the pH. The reduced rate of photosynthetic activities
reduces the assimilation of carbon dioxide and
bicarbonates which are ultimately responsible for increase
in pH. Also, the location of Sto. Domingo and Camalig
which are both near the foot of Mt. Mayon made the pH
of river water such as in Sto. Domingo Bridge River and
Camalig River generally alkaline.

Misericordia River during the month of in the month of

March (summer season). The total dissolved solids in
Camalig on the other hand, fluctuate from 46.47 mg/l to
302.133 mg/l. The maximum value (302.133 mg/l) was
recorded in Camalig River during the month of
December.The minimum value (46.47 mg/l) was recorded
in Brgy. Barayong River during the month of in the month
of February.
3.3 Hardness
Table 3.3.1 Hardness (ppm CaCO3) of water samples from Sto.
Domingo (December-March)

3.2 Total Dissolved Solids

Table 3.2.1 TDS reading (ppm) of water samples from Sto.
Domingo (December-March)

Table 3.2.1 TDS reading (ppm) of water samples from Camalig

(December-March)

TDS is defined as the residue of filtered water

sample after evaporation. The bulk of total dissolved solids
include bicarbonates, sulphates and chloride of calcium,
magnesium, sodium, potassium, silica, potassium chloride,
nitrate and boron. According to Hem (1959), TDS was
calculated using the relationship given below
TDS (in ppm) = 0.64 * EC (in micromhos/cm)

The total dissolved solids fluctuate from 50.174

mg/l to 408.57 mg/l in Sto Domingo. The maximum value
(408.57 mg/l) was recorded in Sto. Domingo Bridge River
during the month of December. It is due to heavy rainfall.
The minimum value (50.174 mg/l) was recorded in Sta.

Table 3.3.2Hardness (ppm CaCO3) of water samples from

Camalig (December-March)

Hardness of water is caused by the presence of

multivalent metallic cations and is largely due to calcium
and magnesium ions. Hardness is reported in terms of
CaCO3. Hardness is the measure of capacity of water to
react with soap, hard water requiring considerably more soap
to produce lather. It is not caused by single substance but by
a variety of dissolved polyvalent metallic ions,
predominantly calcium and magnesium cations. The
hardness of the water samples in Sto. Domingo ranged
between 24 ppm which was measured in Sto. Misericordia
River during the month of January, and 230ppm, which was
measured in Basud River during the month of March. The
water hardness in Camalig, on the other hand, ranged from
26ppm (Brgy. Barayong River) during the month of January,
to 240ppm ( Camalig River) during the month of March. The
measured values were all below the EPA limit of 250 mg/l.
The low and high value of hardness has advantages and
disadvantages. Absolutely soft waters are tasteless,
corrosive and have the property of dissolving metals in
solution. Moderately hard water is preferred to soft water for
irrigation purposes. Based on the EPA limits, the hardness
of the water samples from the selected areas can be
considered to be safe.

3.4 Electrical Conductivity

Table 3.5.2Chemical Oxygen Demand ( ppm ) of water samples

from Camalig (December-March)

Table 3.4.1 Electrical Conductivity ( micromhos/cm ) of water

samples from Sto. Domingo (December-March)

Table 3.4.2 Electrical Conductivity ( micromhos/cm ) of water

samples from Camalig (December-March)

The electrical conductivity of water relates to the

total concentration of dissolved ions in water and the
temperature at which the measurement is taken. The
electrical conductivity in Sto. Domingo ranged from 93.744
S/cm to 612.855 S/cm. The highest conductivity, 612.855
S/cm was measured in Sto. Domingo Bridge River during
the month of January while the lowest conductivity, 93.744
S/cm was measured in Sta. Misericordia River during the
month of December. Electrical conductivity in Camalig on
the other hand ranges from 50.338 S/cm to 453.2 S/cm.
The highest conductivity, 453.2 S/cm was measured in
Camalig River during the month of December while the
lowest conductivity, 50.338 S/cm was measured in Brgy.
Barayong River, also during the month of December. 100 %
of the samples measured conductivities passed the EPA limit
of 1000 S/cm. Electrical conductivity is directly
proportional to TDS.
3.5. Chemical Oxygen Demand
Table 3.5.1 Chemical Oxygen Demand ( ppm ) of water samples
from Sto. Domingo (December-March)

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a measure of

the oxygen equivalent of the organic matter in a water
sample that is susceptible to oxidation by a strong chemical
oxidant.The higher the chemical oxygen demand, the higher
the amount of pollution in the test sample. Analysis of the
water samples showed that the COD in Sto. Domingo ranged
from 38.2ppm to 92.1ppm. Sta. Misericordia River yielded
the lowest COD of 38.2ppm during the month of March
while Lidong River yielded the highest COD of 92.1ppm.
The COD of water samples in Camalig on the other hand
ranges from 28.8ppm to 89.2ppm. Camalig River yielded the
lowest COD of 28.8ppm during the month of January while
Brgy.4 River yielded the highest COD of 89.2ppm. 85% of
the results obtained are greater than the EPA COD standard
of 40 ppm. Thus, it can be concluded that the rivers in Sto.
Domingo and Camalig especially Lidong River and Brgy. 4
river are moderately polluted. Also, The lower COD in
summer is due to increase in temperature and duration of
bright sunlight has influence on the % of soluble gases (O
& CO). The long days and intense sunlight during
summer seem to accelerate photosynthesis by
phytoplankton, utilizing CO2 and giving off oxygen. This
possibly accounts for the greater qualities of O2 recorded
during summer.

3.6 Chloride
Table 3.6.1 Chloride content ( ppm ) of water samples from Sto.
Domingo (December-March)

Table 3.6.2 Chloride content ( ppm ) of water samples from

Camalig (December-March)

Chloride ion is a predominant natural form of

chlorine and is extremely soluble in water. The major
sources of chloride in natural water are sedimentary rocks
particularly evaporates. Igneous rocks contribute only a
fraction of total chloride. Other sources are industrial and
domestic wastewater. The chloride content in the samples
was determined by using 0.1M AgNO3 solution. In the
present study, the chloride ion content in all river water
samples of Sto. Domingo ranged from 20.14ppm to 126.50
ppm. Sto. Domingo Bridge river yielded the lowest chloride
concentration of 20.14 ppm while San Isidro River yielded
the highest choride concentration of 126.50 ppm. The
chloride concentration of river samples in Camalig, on the
other hand, ranged from 18.1504 ppm to 131.0232ppm.
100% of the chloride concentrations obtained are below EPA
standard of 250ppm. Thus, It can be concluded that the river
waters are still safe to use for agricultural and aquaculture
purposes.
3.7 Bicarbonate Content

Table 3.7.1 Bicarbonate content ( ppm ) of water samples from

Sto. Domingo (December-March)

The bicarbonate content in the samples was

determined by using 0.05M H2SO4 solution. Analysis of the
water samples showed that the bicarbonate content in Sto.
Domingo ranged from 39.45ppm to 121.85 ppm. Sto.
Domingo Bridge river yielded the highest bicarbonate
content of 121.85ppm during the month of March while Sta
Misericordia River yielded the lowest bicarbonate content of
39.45 ppm during the month of March also. The bicarbonate
content in Camalig also ranged from 34.16ppm to 131.76
ppm. Brgy. Barayong River yielded the highest bicarbonate
content of 131.76 ppm during the month of January while
Brgy. Tagaytay River yielded the lowest bicarbonate content
of 34.16 ppm during the month of December.

4.Conclusion

It can be deduced that the water resources,

especially water from rivers and creeks in the rural areas
of Camalig and Sto. Domingo were slightly polluted due
to slightly high concentration of COD analyzed. Five of
the water chemical properties passed the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) standard, namely, bicarbonates,
chlorides, pH, Electrical Conductivity and water
hardness. On the other hand, the Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD) and TDS exceeded the EPA standard.
Therefore, currently the related government departments
should focus on strengthening their programs and
campaigns concerning the treatment and sanitation
management of water transmission, and providing
additional water disinfection facilities.

5. Bibliography
1. Peterson N., Bricheer O., Kennedy M.; Water quality
trends and geological mass balance; John Whiley and
Sons, p-139-179, (1997)
2.
Goltman H.Z., Clymo R.S. and Ohnstad M.A.M.;
Methods for physical and chemical analysis of fresh
water, I.B.P.H. and Book No.8, 2nd edition Black well
Scientific, Oxford (1978)

Table 3.7.2 Bicarbonate content ( ppm ) of water samples from

Sto. Domingo (December-March)

3. Trivedi R.K. and Goel P.K.; Chemical and Biological

methods for water pollution studies, Environmental
Publication, Karad, India(1984)
4. EPA Standard Methods for Chemical Examination
of water and waste water, American Public
Health Association 20th edn , Washington D.C. (1998)

5. Trivedy, R. K. and Goel P. K. (1986): Chemical and

biological methods for water pollution studies,
Environmental Publication, Karad, Maharashtra
Chemical Oxygen Demand EPA standard
6. European Communities (Quality of Water Intended for
Human Consumption) Regulations, 1988. [S.I. No 81 of
1988. 4]
7.Parameters of Water Quality - Interpretation and
Standards, 2002.
8.http://www.eutechinst.com/techtips/tech-tips40.html
Chloride Content EPA standard

pH EPA standard

Electrical Conductivity EPA standard