Philippine E-Journals

Physio-biochemical Fingerprints of the Angat River: An Environmental Investigation for Sustainable Program Development

Reynaldo C. Cruz | Alvin V. Nuqui | Maribel R. Gaite | Ronaldo D. Milagroso

 

Abstract:

River systems throughout history have been the life source and support of all known human civilizations. From being a constant food source and a vital link to the propagation of economic trails, river systems have gone beyond what is expected of them. Such intricate connection that bonds rivers and human beings is neither without limit nor inevitable danger. _e study assessed the environmental condition of selected sections of the Angat River located in Calumpit, Plaridel,

Pulilan, Hagonoy and Paombong. Descriptive evaluation was primarily utilized in determining the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the Angat River. The findings revealed that the: 1) Calumpit-Plaridel-Pulilan-Hagonoy- Paombong sections were within the standard pH parameter but were biologically polluted as shown by its high Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD); 2) Calumpit- Plaridel-Pulilan sections have a chance to recover on its own because of a high Dissolved Oxygen (DO) content while the downstream sections of Hagonoy- Paombong may have less chance to recover due to low DO content; 3) river sections were polluted with oil, grease, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS); and 4) Calumpit-Plaridel-Pulilan sections were teeming with E. Coli microorganism compared with the Hagonoy-Paombong sections which were free of E-Coli.