Philippine E-Journals

Bitan-ag Creek Water: Its Physical, Chemical, and Biochemical Characteristics

Romeo M. Del Rosario | Nenita D. Palmes

 

Abstract:

This is almost a one-year study of the quality status of the water of Bitan-ag Creek in Cagayan de Oro City. It mainly covers the characterization of the creek’s water quality. It also includes an ocular inspection of a major stretch of the creek from upstream to the sea. The whole endeavor was part of the big objective of rehabilitating the creek as initiated by a task force composed of the local barangays through which the creek winds itself as it travels towards the sea. A number of physico-chemical parameters were included: color, appearance, temperature, pH, conductivity, nitrate, phosphate, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). To complement this information, biochemical tests on kangkong test plants were also carried out: chlorophylls, carotenoids, total phenolics, and electrolyte leakage. Bioassays were also done in terms of kangkong (Ipomoea reptans) wilting and bulb onion (Allium cepa) root growth inhibition. The results point to the sad state of the Bitan-ag Creek. It is an appalling dumpsite of all sorts of solid wastes and other wastes. The impacts of these indiscriminate disposals were also revealed by the physico-chemical test results that describe a substantial level of pollution. Further, the bioassays and biochemical tests have indicated highly stressful conditions for aquatic organisms and a worrisome level of general toxicity.