Surfactant levels and some water quality parameters of groundwater from selected sites in Calamba City, Laguna

Date

5-2006

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Nieva T. Librojo-Basilio

Abstract

TAGAZA, TRISTAN MANGAOANG, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Bafios. June 2006. SURFACTANT LEVELS AND SOME WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS IN SELECTED GROUNDWATER SITES IN CALAMBA, LAGUNA.

Adviser: Dr. Nieva T. Librojo-Basilio

Eleven selected groundwater sites in Calamba, Laguna were monitored for surfactant levels and some water quality parameters in January and February 2006. Surfactant levels were analyzed using the Methylene Blue Active Substances (MBAS) Method. The physical parameters measured were pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids. The chemical parameters taken into consideration were nitrate-nitrogen, total hardness, chloride and lead. Coliform count was used as the biological parameter.

The values obtained for the surfactant levels in groundwater from eleven sampling sites ranged from 0.0 to 0.6533 mg MBAS/L. pH values obtained ranged from 6.60 to 8.38, while the temperatures ranged from 26.7 to 28.3°C. Values for total dissolved solids ranged from 189.33 to 1392.00 mg/L. The lead, chloride and nitrate-nitrogen concentration were in the range of 0.0599 to 0.091, 7.56 to 48.80, and 1.9636 to 8.6397 mg/L, respectively. Total hardness MS from 78.80 to 286.33 mg CaCOilL and coliform count of groundwater ranged from < 1-5 MPN/100mL.

Lead content, total dissolved solids and surfactant level of groundwater from some of the sampling sites exceeded the Maximum Allowable Limit (MAL) set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for Class A drinking water (DAC, #34, 1994) and the Philippine Water Quality Standards for Drinking Water (DOH-AO 18-A). All the eleven sites contained lead in amounts higher than the MAL (0.05 mg/L). The MAL for TDS is 1000 mg/L. Sites 2 and 3 went over this limit; the values were 1264.33 and 1392 mg/L, respectively. Surfactants as MBAS in sites 7, 8, 3, 1 and 2 were in levels higher than the MAL of 0.2 mg/L with values of 0.2819, 0.3791, 0.5032, 0.5269 and 0.6533 mg/L, respectively.

Based on the parameters measured as compared to the allowable range for Class A (drinking water) set by the DENR (DAO #34, 1994) and the Philippine Water Quality Standards for Drinking Water (DOH-AO I8-A, 1994), none of the groundwater from the eleven sites is safe for drinking primarily due to the high amounts of lead present in them.

The solubility of many metals and some compounds is greatly influenced by pH, resulting in intensified toxicity in the higher pH range. Waters with high dissolved solids generally are of low potability and may induce an unfavorable physiological reaction in the constuner. Lead is a serious cumulative body poison. Although nitrate levels that affect infants do not pose a direct threat to older children and adults, they may indicate the possible presence of other more serious residential or agricultural contaminants, like bacteria or pesticides. Hard water requires a considerable amount of soap to produce lather also, it leads to scaling of hot water pipes, boilers and other household appliances. High chloride content may harm metallic pipes and structures, as well as growing plants. Water should be free of pathogenic microorganisms and the coliform group of bacteria is the principle indicator of the suitability of water for domestic industrial, and many other uses

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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