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Pollution in the Lower Agusan River: Determining the Causes, Its Effects, and Proposing Solutions using the MyCOE Approach

Glynis Robert C. Aguilar

Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus, Sto. Niño, Tugbok District, Davao

City, Philippines

INTRODUCTION

“If a man fails to honor the rivers, he shall not gain the life from them.” — The Code of Hammurabi

Agusan River is located in the north-eastern part of the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. The river is the third longest river in the Philippines with an estimated length of 350 km from its headwaters found in the mountains of Compostela Valley down to its mouth in Butuan City (Asian Development Bank, 2004) An essential feature of the area is the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, found in the middle part of the river. The marsh is the habitat of endangered fauna like Anhinga melanogaster (Oriental Darter), Porphyrio porphyria (Purple Swamp Hen), and Nisaetus philippensis (Philippine Hawk-Eagle) (UNESCO, 2006). The sanctuary is registered under the Ramsar convention and is the most important freshwater wetland in the Philippines. However, this unique ecosystem is threatened by invasive plant and animal species, severe siltation and stream bank erosion due to mining and

deforestation, and discharge of harmful pollutants from mining and other industries (Global Environment Facility, 2009). The impacts of these threats are felt throughout the whole river, especially in its lower part in Butuan City and Butuan Bay. These problems, if not addressed, may lead to loss of important biodiversity in the area and even in international waters. Pollution may affect the estuary functioning of the Butuan Bay coastal ecosystems, which connect to an identified marine biodiversity corridor of global significance within the Coral Triangle (Global Environment Facility, 2009) Possible pollution in the river may not only affect flora and fauna in the area, but may also endanger the lives and livelihoods of the hundreds of thousands of people that rely on it. This project intends to determine the causes and effects of pollution in the Lower Agusan River by assessing the water quality of samples from the river. Furthermore, it also seeks sustainable solutions to the problems in the area using the MyCOE approach (Fig. 1). Author’s Email: robrt97@gmail.com; Phone #: +639232510006

mailto:robrt97@gmail.com

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Fig. 1: The MyCOE Approach

Source: http://www.aag.org/cs/mycoe/our-approach Scope of the Project: This project is limited only to the lower part of the Agusan River (from 8°57’10.79”N 125°32’33.84”E to 9° 1’6.65”N 125°31’0.83”E), within the Butuan to Magallanes portion of the river, which is significant due to the presence of sawmills, fish farms and residential buildings. The term Lower Agusan River as used in this project will refer to the area of the river within the coordinates above.

FORMULATE THE QUESTION (Step 1)

1. How polluted is the Lower Agusan River? 2. What are the causes of pollution in the Lower Agusan River? 3. How does pollution in the Lower Agusan River affect the communities around it? 4. How can we promote sustainable solutions for the river and those who depend on it?

OBSERVE AND ACQUIRE DATA (Step 2)

Ocular Inspection of the Area: Initial observation of the area was done on May 20,

2012 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. The weather during the time of the inspection was sunny. In the Lower Agusan River, it was observed that (i) the river was visibly turbid and murky; (ii) there was an abundance of Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) especially along and near the banks; (iii) there is a significant number of settlements on the banks of the river; (iv) people bathe and wash clothes and kitchenware in the river; (v) people dispose of fecal matter in the river; (vi) there are sawmills along the river; and (vii) there are fish farms in the river. Possible sources of pollution were also identified during the ocular inspection. These were plotted in a map (Fig. 3). Sampling Stations: Four sampling stations were used (Fig. 4). Sampling Station 1 is located 0 km from the mouth of the river. Sampling Station 2 is located 3.5 km from the mouth of the river. Sampling Station 3 is located 7.4 km from the mouth of the river and Sampling Station 4 is located 8.5 km from the mouth of the river. These stations were chosen because they lie in close

http://www.aag.org/cs/mycoe/our-approach

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Fig. 2: The location of the study area

(Asian Development Bank, 2004)

Fig. 3: Sources of pollution identified during

the ocular inspection

Fig. 4: Sampling sites numbered in order

from the mouth of the river *Full interactive map of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 can be accessed at

http://mycoe.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=1c96c48653d34c749f7a6b48f7aac968

http://mycoe.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=1c96c48653d34c749f7a6b48f7aac968

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Fig. 5: Zoning map of Butuan City Source: City Government of Butuan

proximity to possible sources of pollution in the river, which were identified during the ocular inspection and using Butuan City’s zoning map (Fig. 5). Materials and Methods: Sampling was done on May 24, 2012, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. The weather was sunny for the duration of the sampling activity. Half-gallon plastic jugs were used for water sampling. Prior to sample collection, all jugs were washed with distilled water multiple times and were dried overnight. At each sampling station, one half-gallon jug was used. Since the river was not wadable, a boat was used to traverse its course and to facilitate sample collection. Before collecting the final samples in each station, the jugs were rinsed three times with the

water to be collected. One half-gallon grab sample was collected in each sampling station. Immediately after sampling, the jugs were put in an ice box to reduce the temperature and preserve the samples. After collection, the samples were sent to the laboratory of the Environmental Management Bureau – Region XIII (EMB-XIII) for analysis. The parameters to be tested include temperature, apparent color, pH, conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and salinity. Results: Table 1 is a summary of the results of the physicochemical analyses of water samples from the sampling stations shown on Fig. 4.

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Table 1: Physicochemical parameters of the sampling stations at Lower Agusan River on May 24, 2012, 8 to 11 am. Parameters Method Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4

Temperature (°C)

Multiparameter Water Quality

Checker

27.55 27.58 27.60 27.44

Apparent Color (CU)

Visual Comparison

Method

38 67 33 40

pH

Multiparameter Water Quality

Checker

7.87 7.22 7.25 7.29

Conductivity (mS/cm)

Multiparameter Water Quality

Checker

3.48 0.169 0.153 0.157

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

(mg/L)

Gravimetric Method

(dried at 103-105°C)

16 14 17 29

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

(mg/L)

Multiparameter Water Quality

Checker

2, 220 110 100 102

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

(mg/L)

Azide Modification

Method

6.5 6.5 7.3 5.4

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) at 20°C

(mg/L)

Azide Modification

Method

0.3 0.4 0.6 0.6

Salinity (ppt NaCl)

Multiparameter Water Quality

Checker

1.0 0.1 0.1 0.1

The methods used for analyses of the physicochemical parameters include: gravimetric method for total suspended solids, visual comparison method for apparent color and azide modification method for biochemical oxygen demand and

dissolved oxygen. A multiparameter water quality checker was used to analyse temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids and salinity. The temperatures in all four stations were not significantly different from each other.

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Fig. 6: Conductivity at different sampling stations

Fig. 7: TSS and TDS at different sampling

stations

Fig. 8: DO and BOD at different sampling stations

The pH and salinity values also did not differ significantly among the different stations. Parameters with significant fluctuations in values among the stations sampled include conductivity (Fig. 6), TSS and TDS (Fig. 7) and DO and BOD (Fig. 8). Among the parameters with significant fluctuations in value, Station 1 had the highest value for conductivity and TDS, Station 3 had the highest value for DO, and Station 4 had the highest value for TSS and BOD.

ANALYZE (Step 3)

Temperature: Temperature is a measure of how much heat is present in the water (National Environmental Education Foundation, 2009). It controls the rate of metabolic activities, reproductive activities and the life cycles of aquatic organisms. Temperature affects the concentration of dissolved oxygen in a water body. Oxygen is more easily dissolved in cold water. Table 1 shows that the average temperature of all the four stations is about 27.5 °C. This is within the allowable range set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2007). Apparent Color: During the ocular inspection, it was observed that the water was murky and turbid. This affects the aesthetic value of the water. Aesthetic value means freedom from visible materials that will settle to form objectionable deposits, floating debris, oil, scum and other matter

0

1

2

3

4

1 2 3 4

mS/

cm

Sampling Station

Conductivity

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

1 2 3 4

mg/

L

Sampling Station

TSS and TDS

TSS TDS

0

2

4

6

8

1 2 3 4

mg/

L

Sampling Station

DO and BOD

DO BOD

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(Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2007). A low aesthetic value implies that the water is undesirable for industrial and domestic uses. pH: pH is an important indicator of aquatic life. Most aquatic organisms can survive only within a narrow pH range which may vary from organism to organism. Young fish and insects are sensitive to changes in pH. It is also an important factor in determining the potability of water. The pH values of water samples from all stations are within the allowable range set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Conductivity: Conductivity is an indirect measurement of the presence of inorganic dissolved solids such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron and aluminium, which are essential to organisms in low levels, but could pose a threat in large amounts. Data from Table 1 show that the conductivity value for Station 1 (3.48 mS/cm) is significantly higher than those of Stations 2, 3 and 4 (

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poor water quality. Organic wastes and industrial discharges may lower DO levels. DO readings in Table 1 from all stations are within DENR standards (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2007). Biochemical Oxygen Demand: BOD is 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 a certain temperature over a specific time period. BOD is a measure of organic pollution to both waste and surface water. High BOD is an indication of poor water quality (Government of Sabah, 2005). The results of water analysis (Table 1) show that the BOD of the water samples from all stations are within DENR standards (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2007). Salinity: Salinity is a measure of the saltiness of water. High salinity may interfere with the growth of aquatic vegetation. Salt may decrease the osmotic pressure, causing water to flow out of the plant to achieve equilibrium (Government of Sabah, 2005). In Table 1, the sample from Station 1 has the highest value for salinity. Station 1 has a salinity reading of 1.0 ppt NaCl, which puts it under the category of brackish waters. This is due to the close proximity of the station to the sea. Samples from Station 2, 3 and 4 have a salinity reading of 0.1 ppt NaCl which puts them under the category of freshwater.

Limitations of the Analyses: The results shown in this report are snapshots of the water quality of the river at the time the sample was collected and limited to the portion of the river where the sample was collected. Values may vary from different parts of the river at different times. Effects of Pollution to Communities: High levels of TDS and conductivity are indicative of disposal of organic wastes in the river, which can harm people’s health in high levels. Also, the disposal of fecal waste in the river can cause a gamut of diseases which may affect children and adults alike. Parasites may also spread because of poor sanitation. The Lower Agusan River poses a serious risk to public health (World Bank, 2007).

SEEK SOLUTIONS (Step 4)

The Lower Agusan River (and the Agusan River as a whole) is important, not only to the people that live on its banks but also to flora and fauna which call it home. It is important to seek sustainable solutions which will harmonize the interests of humans and nature which thrive in the area. The author proposes nine (9) measures to achieve this goal: (i) put into consideration the effects of economic development on the Agusan River when planning for them; (ii) impose stricter standards for industries (mining, logging, etc.) which affect the natural functioning of the Agusan River; (iii) monitor industrial effluent; (iv) regulate land use near the river; (v) educate the communities about proper health and

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sanitation; (vi) provide alternative livelihood to communities; (vii) monitor biodiversity in the area; (viii) study the application of bioremediation in the area; and (ix) conduct further studies throughout the river to paint a complete picuture of the Agusan River.

CONCLUSION (Answers to Questions in Step 1)

1. The results of the water quality analyses (Table 1) show that there are some areas which pose a threat to communities and organisms. However, most of the results were within standards set by the DENR. 2. Disposal of organic waste and fecal matter and erosion due to logging are major contributors to pollution in the area. 3. Pollution in the Lower Agusan River poses a serious threat to public health in the communities in its banks. 4. Nine ways: (i) put into consideration the effects of economic development on the Agusan River when planning for them; (ii) impose stricter standards for industries (mining, logging, etc.) which affect the natural functioning of the Agusan River; (iii) monitor industrial effluent; (iv) regulate land use near the river; (v) educate the communities about proper health and sanitation; (vi) provide alternative livelihood to communities; (vii) monitor biodiversity in the area; (viii) study the application of bioremediation in the area; and (ix) conduct further studies throughout the river to paint a complete picuture of the Agusan River.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Asian Development Bank. (2004, December). Technical Assistance to the Republic of the Philippines for a Master Plan for the Agusan River Basin. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from Asian Development Bank (ADB): http://www2.adb.org/Documents/TARs/PHI/tar-phi-36540.pdf

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2001, June 14). emb.gov.ph/laws/water%20quality%20management/dao94-26A.pdf. Retrieved May 31, 2012, from Philippines-Environmental Management Bureau : http://emb.gov.ph/laws/water%20quality%20management/dao94-26A.pdf

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2007, December 19). emb.gov.ph/wqms/Draft%20DAO%20on%20the%20Revised%20WQG%20and%20GES%20rev%20121807.pdf. Retrieved May 6, 2012, from Philippines-Environmental Management Bureau: http://emb.gov.ph/wqms/Draft%20DAO%20on%20the%20Revised%20WQG%20and%20GES%20rev%20121807.pdf

Global Environment Facility . (2009, February 9). iwlearn.net/iw-projects/3887/project_doc/agusan-river-basin-pif-document. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network - IW:LEARN:

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http://iwlearn.net/iw-projects/3887/project_doc/agusan-river-basin-pif-document

Government of Sabah. (2005, February 22). www.sabah.gov.my/jpas/Assessment/eia/sp-eias/Benta/AppEwater.pdf. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from Sabah Government: http://www.sabah.gov.my/jpas/Assessment/eia/sp-eias/Benta/AppEwater.pdf

Mathematical Association of South Australia Inc. (2009, July 28). www.masa.on.net/curriculum%20resource/ASISTM2/ASISTM2_worksheets_conductivityprobe.pdf. Retrieved May 31, 2012, from welcome to masa: http://www.masa.on.net/curriculum%20resource/ASISTM2/ASISTM2_worksheets_conductivityprobe.pdf

National Environmental Education Foundation. (2009, January 30). www.eeweek.org/assets/files/Water%20Quality%20Testing/Water%20Quality%20Parameters.pdf. Retrieved April 3, 2012, from National Environmental Education Week: http://www.eeweek.org/assets/files/Water%20Quality%20Testing/Water%20Quality%20Parameters.pdf

UNESCO. (2006, May 16). Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from UNESCO World Heritage Centre :

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5023/

World Bank. (2007, September 7). siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPHILIPPINES/Resources/PEM06-chapter2.pdf. Retrieved May 15, 2012, from World Bank Group: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPHILIPPINES/Resources/PEM06-chapter2.pdf

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project would not be possible without Mama and Papa, who wet their hands during fieldwork and supported me until and beyond the finish line. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to my friends at EMB-XIII who helped me despite their busy schedule. I dedicate all of this to my Creator who gave me this opportunity to contribute to humanity’s library of knowledge and help my community in my own little way.

GALLERY

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinths) line along the stretch of the Lower Agusan River. Invasive introduced species like water hyacinths can disrupt the natural balance of the river’s

ecosystem.

Passenger boats are used for transportation in the Lower Agusan River

A boom in logging in the Agusan Valley in recent decades resulted in an increase in the number of sawmills on the banks of the Agusan River. During the annual flooding of the river, sawdust

and logs are washed away from the banks and pollute the river.

People who live on the banks of the Lower Agusan River rely on fishing for food and income.

People who live on the banks of the Lower Agusan River also contribute to pollution. They dispose of fecal matter and domestic wastes into the river. They also throw biodegradable and

non-biodegradable waste into the river.

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