| Two
rivers––the Langaran and Layawan Rivers––in
Misamis Occidental, southern Philippines, were assessed and affirmed
as okay for bathing and swimming. They were classified under Recreational
Water Class 1.
The
comparative assessment was conducted to complement the information
on the biological characteristics of the rivers and the socioeconomic
features of the surrounding communities.
The
assessment results were compared with the water quality criteria
or water usage and classification for fresh water system of the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
As
stated in the study, the Layawan River was awarded as the cleanest
and greenest river in Region 10, suggesting its water quality surpassed
any Philippine river based on standards.
However,
findings of the comparative assessment showed otherwise, indicating
that the Langaran River had better water quality than the Layawan
River.
According
to researcher Romell A. Seronay of the College of Agricultural Sciences
and Natural Resources at the Northern Mindanao State Institute of
Science and Technology (NORMISIST), the Langaran River had lower
total dissolved solids (TDS) and conductivity during the dry season;
higher dissolved oxygen (DO); and higher phosphate level than the
Layawan River.
A higher
TDS is often associated with increased soil erosion and the conductivity
is directly related to TDS, Seronay explained.
Meanwhile,
a higher DO provides better respiration for aquatic life and higher
phosphate level is indicative of greater nutrient availability,
the study stated.
PCARRD
served as one of the evaluators during the project’s presentation
during the Caraga Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Research
and Development (R&D) Regional Symposium on R&D Highlights
held at NORMISIST, Ampayon, Butuan City.
Inquiries
can be addressed to Romell A. Seronay, NORMISIST, Ampayon, Butuan
City. He can be reached at (085) 341-3729. (Ma. Rowena M. Baltazar,
S&T Media Service)
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