Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediments of Iloilo Batiano River, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract-No study have existed on heavy metals present in the river of Iloilo Batiano, Philippines. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the presence and quantities of heavy metals specifically cadmium, chromium and lead in the sediments of Iloilo Batiano River. Furthermore, water physicochemical parameters were determined such as pH and temperature, in situ. Three sampling stations were identified adjacent to (1) Batiano Bridge of Oton, Iloilo; (2) Sto. Niño Bridge of Villa, Iloilo City and (3) Calumpang Bridge of Molo, Iloilo City, respectively. Three (two sides and at the center perpendicular to the river) 500 g surface sediments were collected in each of the sampling station for a total of nine sediment samples stored in a sterile ziplock and were immediately transported at the CAS-ASL of UPV, Miag-ao, Iloilo for the quantification of metals through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). Available cadmium was below detection limit and it appeared that available Pb > Cr in the three points of the river in the three sampling stations. Available chromium and lead have high accumulation in station three (Calumpang Bridge). This study provides information on the heavy metal status of the river, awareness to the public and for further conservation of the river.

Selected Water Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Iloilo Batiano River, Philippines: A Baseline Study

“…This study also supports that pollution sources which are present along the stretch of the river [9]. To add, the presence of heavy metals on the sediment bed of the river also gives more meaning to the results [7]. In effect, the release of heavy metals on water column will highly destroy the river's ecosystem since the Philippine is closely approaching the typhoon season [8].…”

“…Since water is a vital source of life, the underlying aquatic sediments also pose the same importance [6]. A group of researchers [7] assessed the Iloilo Batiano River's sediments for heavy metal assessment and found out that the river was contaminated with heavy metals such as chromium and lead and exceed the Philippine standard values. Similarly, the Iloilo River was found out to have similar heavy metals with varying conditions.…”