Physicochemical and Microbiological Contaminants of Riverside Drinking Water: Insights and Implications to Health Education

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Water is the indispensable ingredient for the continued existence of all life forms on Earth. This study provides information on the analysis of the physicochemical and microbiological contaminants to validate the potability of water from the riverside feeder barangays of Northern Canaman High School.

METHODS

Quantitative method was used to determine the physicochemical and microbiological contaminants and their levels in the water sources. Qualitative method was employed to qualify the responses of the respondents that include health professionals, LGU officials, barangay officials, school officials and community residents in the structured interview.

RESULTS

(1) On physical contaminants, in terms of turbidity, Station A (0.89 NTU), Station B (2.90 NTU) and Station C (7.27 NTU). In terms of color, Station A (3 CU), Station B (6 CU) and Station C (8 CU). In terms of odor, the three stations' sources of drinking water have No Objectionable Odor. In terms of pH level, Station A (7.78), Station B (7.52) and Station C (7.66); (2) along chemical contaminants, in terms of TDS, Station A (1.20 mg/l), Station B (1.71 mg/l) and Station C (1.36 mg/l). In terms ofsulfate concentrations, Station A (76 mg/l), Station B (102 mg/l) and Station C (110 mg/l). In terms of iron concentrations, Station A (0.07 mg/l), Station B (0.08 mg/l) and Station C (0.05 mg/l); (3) along microbiological contaminants, in terms of HPC, Station A (34 CFU), Station B (25 CFU), and Station C (40 CFU). In terms of Total Coli forms, Station A (>8 MPN), Station B (>8 MPN), and Station C (>8 MPN). In terms of Fecal Coli forms, Station A (>8 MPN), Station B (8 MPN), and Station C (>8 MPN); (4) Some of the common water -borne health related problems experienced by the respondents includes stomach ache (76%), abdominal discomfort (62%), diarrhea (54%), vomiting (20%), fever (9%), headache (5%), and nausea (3%).

DISCUSSIONS

The study concluded that: (1) Generally, all the three barangays' sources of drinking water were safe under the physical contaminants; (2) All the three feeder barangays' sources of drinking water were safe under the chemical contaminants but do not mean that they were safe for drinking purposes; (3) The three feeder barangays' sources of drinking water were not safe under the microbiological contaminants; and (4) The drinking water sources of the three feeder barangays were contaminated with impurities that caused some water -borne health related problems;