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

Abstract

Protecting our natural resources is one of the important thrusts of every organization. In this study, the waters of Iloilo Batiano River, Philippines is explored. This study was conducted because there is a dearth of information on the water physico-chemical characteristics of the river. Since this is an initial assessment, this study will serve as a baseline data and the results will serve as a basis for future reference for conservation measures of the river. The present study aimed to determine the selected water physico-chemical characteristics of the river such as the electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, pH, and calcium content; assess if these parameters exceed the limit set by the DENR Administrative Order No. 20F16-08 of the Republic of the Philippines and other available literatures; and to determine if there was no significant difference in the water physico-chemical characteristics among the six sampling stations. Results revealed that EC and calcium content of the river exceed their limits except for temperature and pH levels. Furthermore, EC and temperature were statistically different among the six sampling stations except for pH values. This study concludes that the river is saline due to the mixing of saltwater and surface water as the river is near to the sea and has high calcium content that can threaten the life of freshwater aquatic organisms.

Diversity of Prokaryotic Microbiota in Iloilo River, Iloilo Province, Philippines Through Partial 16S rrna Gene Sequence Analysis

“…In the case of Iloilo River, no study using metagenomic sequencing have been done. In previous studies done on the habitat health of Iloilo River using sediment samples, the presence of dominant opportunistic macrobenthic taxa were noted [21,5], however; there was no mention about specific characteristics of bacteria.…”

“…Iloilo River is classified as Class C body of water, suitable for growth of fish and other aquatic resources; recreational water Class II for boating, fishing or similar activities and for industrial water supply, Class I. The river also passes through some of the city's most densely populated areas where plenty of establishments nearby and many informal settlers are situated, as well as economic and commercial centers [4,5].…”