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Physicochemical-assessment of the
Water Quality of Buhisan River,
Cebu, Philippines
Fleurdeliz Maglangit

International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology

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International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology

Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved

ISSN 2249–9695
Original Article
Physicochemical-assessment of the Water Quality
of Buhisan River, Cebu, Philippines
FLEURDELIZ F. MAGLANGIT
ORCID NO. 0000-0002-0159-8337
[email protected]
University of the Philippines Cebu
Biology Program, Sciences Cluster
Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City
RITCHELITA P. GALAPATE
ORCID NO. 0000-0001-8489-9583
[email protected]
University of the Philippines Cebu
Biology Program, Sciences Cluster
Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City
EUKENE O. BENSIG
ORCID NO. 0000-0001-5509-2879
[email protected]
University of the Philippines Cebu
Biology Program, Sciences Cluster
Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City

Received 22 May 2014; accepted 06 June 2014

Abstract
This study was carried out to assess and provide baseline data on the water quality of Buhisan River, Cebu, Philippines.
Water samples were taken in the upstream, midstream and downstream sites of Buhisan River once a month from
November 2011 to April 2012. The parameters measured on-site were temperature, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS).
Laboratory analyses of total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5), nitrates
and total phosphorus were carried out according to APHA methods. Results of the study showed that mean midstream and
downstream DO and BOD levels did not comply with the standard for Class D surface waters set by the Department of
Environmental and Natural Reosurces (DENR). All measured parameters except for temperature vary significantly across
location (p<0.05). The levels of BOD and DO in the midstream and downstream sites exceeded the DENR limit which is
suggestive of organic pollutants from domestic sources and urban runoffs from surrounding areas. The water quality of
Buhisan River must be regularly monitored to appropriate mitigating measures for the protection and preservation of this
freshwater resource.
© 2014 Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved
Keywords:- water quality, water pollution, physicochemical parameter, Buhisan, Cebu City, Philippines.
1.0 INTRODUCTION concern. This concern is compounded with the improper
The water quality of freshwater resources is utilization of water supplies. The abuse and degradation of
worsening to an alarming extent [1, 2, 3]. Anthropogenic watersheds, over-pumping from groundwater sources,
activities, land use development, industrialization, and organic and material pollution in the rivers are prevalent
urbanization severely affect their water quality and in [6].
danger the habitat of aquatic organisms [4, 2, 5]. One of the major rivers in Cebu City is the
Cebu City is the hub of commercial and industrial Buhisan River, yet no baseline information is available at
activities in the Central Visayas and Mindanao Regions of hand regarding its water quality and classification. This
the Philippines. The lack of water has become a growing study was conducted to assess the water quality of Buhisan
International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology 2014; 4(2): 83-87
83
River as well as to provide baseline data on selected wastes, plastics, and other solid wastes.
physicochemical parameters. The results of the study could The downstream site was characterized with
be used as a basis for management options of the river. shallow waters due to the increasing number of houses
2.0 OBJECTIVES OT THE STUDY being built near and along the river bank. This resulted to
The study aimed to assess the water quality of river water overflow during rainy season. Houses were
Buhisan River by using selected physicochemical built very close to each other and their wastewater is
parameters as indicators. Specifically, the study aimed to: discharged into the river resulting in turbid water. Solid
(1) measure pH, temperature, Total Dissolved Solids wastes resulting from “puso” (rice wrapped in coconut
(TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Dissolved Oxygen leaves) making were found in the river causing it to clog.
(DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), nitrates and Slight rains cause flooding in some areas due to drainage
total P, (2) compare the physicochemical results of the problems and the floodwaters find their way into the river.
three sampling sites identified in the river, and (3) compare
the results with the standard set by the Department of
Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR).
3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Study Site
Buhisan River at 10o19’18’’ N latitude and
123 50’18’’ E longitude, is a complex river system in Cebu
o

City, Philippines spanning approximately 11.8 kilometers.

It traverses 11 barangays and is one of the major river
systems in Cebu City.
Three sampling sites were established along
Buhisan River (Fig. 1) according to the river’s source and
flow. The sites were marked by Global Positioning System
(GPS). The upstream portion of the river (10° 48' 24.8'' N,
123° 51' 16.3'' E) covers the barangays of Pamutan, Toong,
Buhisan, and some areas of Sapangdaku. The midstream Figure 1. Location of sampling sites along Buhisan River
section (10° 17' 55'' N, 123° 52' 11.7'' E) includes the
barangays Labangon, Tisa, Quiot, Punta Princesa, and parts 3.2 Sample Collection
of Guadalupe. The downstream portions (10° 17' 32'' N, Sample collection was done once a month from
123° 52' 50.6'' E) traverses barangays Mambaling and November 2011 to April 2012, with an approximate
Duljo-Fatima before it empties into the Mactan Channel. interval of at least three weeks. The Global Positioning
A dam was built in the upper parts of Barangay System (GPS) was used to determine the actual coordinates
Buhisan in 1912 with an original capacity of 10,000 m3. of the sampling sites (upstream, midstream, downstream) in
The barangay survey revealed that due to silting caused by Buhisan River and to reconfirm the site location during
deforestation, the dam’s capacity at present has been succeeding sampling periods. Standard procedures
reduced to no more than 2,000 m3. The dam serves as one following the APHA AWWA WEF [7] and US EPA
of the major sources of water in Metro Cebu. Another site Volunteer Stream Monitoring Manual [8] were performed
in the area is the 630 hectares Buhisan Watershed which is for the collection of water samples for chemical analysis.
protected under the Republic Act 9486 or Central Cebu Water samples were collected from the main current facing
Protected Landscape Law (CCPL). The Buhisan Watershed the upstream direction and taken 8 to 12 inches beneath the
Ecotourism Project (BWEP) holds tours and tree planting surface or mid-way between the surface and the bottom if
activities from different sectors in the area. This has been a the stream reach is shallow. When the location of the
joint project with the City Government (LGU including sampling site was curved, the water sample was taken near
barangays Buhisan, Toong, Pamutan and Sapangdaku), the outside of the curve where the water was relatively well
Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD), and the Department mixed [9].
of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR). Water samples from each site were collected in 2-
The upstream portion of Buhisan River was liter polyethylene bottles by grab sampling. The bottles
characterized by trees and vegetation with few houses at a were rinsed three times with surface water prior to sample
far distance. Large rocks were visible along the river bank. collection for laboratory analysis. Samples were kept at
Leaking pipes from Buhisan dam flows and drains to the about 40C in an ice bucket and transported to the Technolab
river. People use the flowing water within the river Analytical Group, Inc., an accredited laboratory, within 6
perimeter for washing clothes, dishes and taking a bath. hours after sample collection. The samples were
Occurrence of small-scale quarrying was also evident in the refrigerated in the laboratory prior to analysis.
area. 3.3 Sample Analysis
The midstream site was characterized with Water temperature, pH, and TDS were measured
numerous houses lining the river perimeter. A number of in-situ, using the Thermo Orion 5-star freshwater
households along the river raise pigs and the wastewater multimeter kit. The other parameters were determined and
finds their way into the river. Trees and vegetation were analyzed at Technolab Analytical Group, Inc. following the
absent in the area. River water was very turbid with fecal APHA AWWA WEF [7] methods as follows: DO using the

International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology 2014; 4(2): 83-87
84
 Table 1. Mean Values of the Physico-chemical parameters result as compared with the DENR standard
DENR standard
Parameter Upstream Midstream Downstream
(Class D)
Temperature (0C rise) 27.52 28.38 28.87 3
pH 7.17 7.60 7.26 6.0-9.0
Not more than 60
TSS (mg/L) 6.47 34.83 31.17
mg/L increase
TDS (mg/L) 392.67 536.67 558.83 1000
DO (mg/L) 4.43 0.10 0.07 3.0
10 minimum
BOD (mg/L) 2.03 66.67 53.83
15 maximum
Nitrates (mg/L) 2.07 0.16 0.06 -
Total P (mg/L) 0.14 1.94 1.82 -
- Means the standard of these substances are not considered necessary for the present time, considering the stage of the
country's development and DENR capabilities, equipment and resources

Figure 2. Mean Physico-chemical parameters of water (a) temperature, (b) pH, (c) TSS, (d) TDS, (e) DO, (f) BOD, (g)
nitrates and (h) total P concentration

azide modification (Winkler) method, BOD following the surface waters set by the Department of Natural Resources
azide modification (dilution) method, TSS by gravimetric (DENR).
method, NO3- was by chromotropic-colorimetric method 4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
and total P was analyzed by acid digestion followed by The current best beneficial use of Buhisan River
stannous chloride colorimetric method. belongs to the lowest classification which is Class D.
3. 4 Data Analysis Surface waters in this classification is used for agriculture,
Statistical analysis was performed on the data irrigation, livestock watering and is not safe for human
using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) consumption [10]. Physicochemical the results obtained in
version 19 (trial version). One-way Analysis of Variance this study were compared with the Class D standard set by
(ANOVA) was used to determine the relationships between DENR.
two or more variables. Physico-chemical results were Table 1 and Figure 2 show the physicochemical
compared with were compared with the standard for results for the three sampling sites of Buhisan River.
International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology 2014; 4(2): 83-87
85
 Temperature readings were within the DENR coming from runoffs from nitrogen fertilized gardens,
standard of not more than 30C increase over ambient domestic wastewater, human and animal wastes [21, 8].
temperature. The observed increase in water temperatures Increase in the organic matter degradation by microbial
from upstream to downstream (Fig. 2a) was not significant activities could also lead to higher NO3- levels [22].
(p=0.12). The variation in river water temperature usually The total mean Phosphorus level vary significantly
depends on the geographic location, season, sampling time across location (p=0). Midstream and downstream total P
and temperature of wastewater discharges entering the levels were relatively higher compared with the upstream
stream [4, 11]. total P which could be attributed to domestic wastewater
pH values were within the pH range of 6.0-9.0 for discharges into the river containing detergents, top soil
Classes AA to D surface waters set by DENR (Fig. 2b). In erosion carrying naturally occurring phosphorus from
general, the pH values were almost at the neutral level to neighboring areas [8, 23]. Other probable sources of
slightly alkaline. There was significant spatial variation pollutants included agriculture runoff, surface water runoff,
(p=0) of the pH values at all sites which could be due to failing septic systems as well as human and animal wastes
chemical buffering, water contamination with alkaline [8, 24]. Increasing levels of phosphorus and nitrogen
detergents from residential areas and release of compounds in lakes and reservoirs leads to eutrophication
bicarbonates and carbonate of calcium and magnesium in [25] however, no excessive plant growth was observed
water from urban runoff [1, 12, 13, 14]. during the study period.
TSS values were within the standard set by the 5.0 CONCLUSIONS
DENR of no more than 60mg/L TSS increase (Fig. 2c). The The BOD and DO levels in the midstream and
mean TSS values showed significant difference across downstream sites of Buhisan River exceeded the DENR
location (p=0.01). The highest mean TSS value was standard for surface waters. Higher concentrations of BOD
observed in the midstream site which could be indicative of are suggestive of input of organic pollutants from natural
erosion of silt, clay and other suspended particles that has and anthropogenic sources. High BOD levels deplete the
taken place in the course of the river [15, 16]. amounts of dissolved oxygen which is harmful to aquatic
Appreciable TDS values were observed at all lives. If organic pollution from domestic wastewater,
sampling sites but did not exceed the 1000 mg/L limit for agricultural and urban runoff, dumped garbage and other
Class D surface waters set by the DENR [17]. The TDS solid wastes, is not stopped, then further deterioration of
levels varied significantly across location (p=0) which Buhisan River is inevitable.
could be due to the mixing of pollutants in the river from 6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
different anthropogenic activities [18] at the different sites, To sustain the ecological status of Buhisan River,
such as small-scale quarrying, clothes washing and garbage there should be a regular monitoring of the river’s water
dumping, which are some common activities at the quality using physicochemical and biological parameters as
riverbank in this area. Higher TDS level in surface waters indicators. Pollutant prevention, education to the citizens,
increases the biological and chemical oxygen demand and strict enforcement of laws should be implemented in
eventually depletes the level of dissolved oxygen in water partnership with the different institutions, stakeholders and
[18]. non-government organizations.
Mean DO level (Fig. 2e) significantly decreased 7.0 LITERATURE CITED
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Source of support: Nil; Conflict of interest: None declared

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