Journal of Advances in Microbiology

22(3): 63-72, 2022; Article no.JAMB.84694

ISSN: 2456-7116

An Analytical Physicochemical and Bacteriological

Drinking Water Quality Assessment - University of
Eastern Philippines - Main Campus
Flyndon Mark S. Dagalea a,b*, Karina Milagros C. Lim a,b,
Manuela Cecille G. Vicencio a,c and Felisa L. Sanico b
a
Department of Physical Sciences, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman,
Northern Samar 6400, Philippines.
b
University Research Office, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar 6400,
Philippines.
c
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman,
Northern Samar 6400, Philippines.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. All authors read and approved the final
manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: 10.9734/JAMB/2022/v22i330448

Open Peer Review History:

This journal follows the Advanced Open Peer Review policy. Identity of the Reviewers, Editor(s) and additional Reviewers,
peer review comments, different versions of the manuscript, comments of the editors, etc are available here:
https://www.sdiarticle5.com/review-history/84694

Received 12 January 2022

Original Research Article Accepted 16 March 2022
Published 22 March 2022

ABSTRACT

Water is one of the most important commodity, which is essentially required for the survival of all
types of life, including sustenance of ecosystems and bio-diversities. Human wellbeing hinges
around availability of sufficient qualitative and quantitative water affordability for a quality life. People
need to live and survive that’s why they must be aware of water quality parameters that are required
for quality water. Water quality is determined by assessing its biological, chemical, and physical
characteristics. In this study, a water quality assessment was carried out at the University of Eastern
Philippines water system; which included a water refilling station, traditional water pumps, and the
Alma Beach. The water samples, after the collection, were tested to identify the color, odor, pH,
salinity, temperature, calcium content, magnesium content, sodium content, potassium content, and
coliform count. After evaluation, all water samples conformed to the set standard by the PNSDW.
However, the bacterial analysis showed that there is a sampling site that is not allowable for human
consumption. In another area, the water quality assessment result for the Alma beach revealed that
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected];

 Dagalea et al.; JAMB, 22(3): 63-72, 2022; Article no.JAMB.84694

it is safe for recreational purposes and other recreational sports. But this does not mean that we
should lay down our back, this calls for proper sanitary and environmental compliance regularly for
the water systems in the university.

Keywords: Water quality; Alma Beach; UEP; Escherichia coli; traditional water pumps; water refilling
stations.

1. INTRODUCTION Increasing population contributes to the

contamination of drinking water sources [1].
The Department of Health presented a
prescribed standard and procedure on drinking It is in this light that the researchers found this
water quality aiming to protect the public and study of great significance to the present setting.
consumers’ health. To ensure the safety of They have investigated the water quality in Alma
drinking water, seven guidelines must be Beach, Catarman, Northern Samar in terms of its
followed. These include measuring the quality; physicochemical properties. The researchers
water sampling and examination; other modes of have also measured the coliform count in Alma
distribution of drinking water; evaluation of Beach. They have also investigated the
results; classification of quality parameters; anthropogenic activities of the residents and
quality assurance/ quality control for water resort employees and staff which greatly affects
laboratories; and water safety plan and quality the coastal waters in Alma Beach. This should
surveillance (Philippine National Standards for help in providing plausible recommendations for
Drinking Water, 2017). the better treatment of the beach waters that
applies, not only to the local setting but also
In the characterization of water bodies, there are nationwide. Knowing the safety of water gives a
three major components: hydrology, physico- wider impact on the community, clean water is
chemistry, and biology. A complete assessment vital to the livelihood and daily needs of the local
of water quality is based on appropriate populations.
monitoring of these components (UNESCO/
WHO/UNEP, 1996). In this study, the researcher 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
focused on the physical and chemical properties
and bacteriological content. The capacity of each water for serving
recreational interests will vary, but generally the
Water is considered as the universal solvent greater the number of people using an area at
which suits perfectly for the water to be used for any one time, the greater the risk of a decline in
all purposes. Water considering its unique water quality. Some activities are potentially
property made its way to play a vital role in more damaging than others. The use of
human life. From which, water is the material that motorboats can lead to beach and shoreline
makes life possible on earth. All organisms are erosion, dissemination of aquatic weed
composed of cells that contain at least 60 nuisances, chemical contamination, turbulence,
percent water and their metabolic activities take and turbidity in shallow waters (Notado, 2014).
place in a water solution (Smith, Enger, 2010). Such is the effect of abusing coastal resources.
All living things large or small, animal or plant Though tourism is one of those factors which
needs water. drive the economy of the country, disregarding
the conditions our natural resources are in
Water is essential to life; it is essential for health should not be tolerated since it has adverse
and sanitation. In the Philippines, freshwater effects to such and later affects human health.
resources are degrading even before the entire
population can benefit from them. As the Poblete [2] studied the physical, chemical, and
population grows, there is a greater need for bacteriological properties in selected Level 1
water particularly for drinking purposes. drinking water sources in Laoang, Northern
Samar. She determined the color, odor, ph, and
Purified drinking water from commercial stations total dissolved solids, salinity, nitrate, dissolved
was usually bacteria-free but is also mineral-free. oxygen water hardness and alkalinity, and fecal
These minerals are useful for human health. On coliform. He found out that all the parameters
the other hand, groundwater contains useful were within the permissible limit of the DENR
minerals but is usually contaminated by bacteria. standards for drinking water.

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Groundwater is not also exempted from unhygienic conditions, given that garbage and
contamination, Getalado [3] reveals that the dirty waste were conspicuously close to the
groundwater from the Seaside and Hillside areas stalls. In these areas, large amounts of garbage
of UEP, Catarman exceeded the permissible limit accumulate which provides harborage for insect
set by the Philippine National Standard for animal pests that are linked to the enteric
Drinking Water in terms of physical and chemical disease transmission of Shigella, Salmonella,
characteristics which only shows that proper and E. coli (Fang, 2002).
treatment of these, sources of water is necessary
before use for drinking and other household or 3. STUDY OBJECTIVES
personal use. He studied the physical, chemical,
and bacteriological analysis of groundwater at This study aimed to test if the water samples
the University of Eastern Philippines. from the traditional water pumps in the area are
drinkable. Through the course of this study, the
Beaches near the cities have greater E. coli than researchers were able to find out the reason why
those isolated areas, Alisasis (2003) proves that people still drink unsafe water even though they
it is dangerous to swim or take a bath in the already know that it’s not safe for their health. By
beaches fronting Gaisano and Terminal areas of using a water tester, the researchers were able
San Juanico Strait. The coliform counts for San to determine if the water is safe for drinking. The
Juanico Straits fronting Gaisano and Terminal main purpose of this research is to give
areas are too numerous to count (TNTC), knowledge to people to be aware of the water
Salmonella, Klebsiella, and other organisms produced by their water pumps is not always
were also isolated. Although there seems to be safe and will make their lives at risk.
no official report of patients being infected with
coliform bacteria resulting from swimming in the 4. MATERIALS AND METHODS
beaches studied, it cannot be discounted that
swimmers or bathers exposed to a high level of
4.1 Study Description
bacteria could suffer from gastro-intestinal
illnesses, skin rashes, and eye or ear infections
[4,5]. Hence it is no longer safe to recreate in The water quality assessment was conducted at
such waters and if the Local Government Unit the Chemistry Laboratory in the College of
does not put effort into rehabilitating the area, Science, University of Eastern Philippines,
this may lead to the total depletion of the life University Town, Catarman Northern Samar. The
forms existing there and greater health concerns water samples were collected in three
may arise. designated areas dividing the University Town
(Zone I, Zone II, and Zone III). Another location
In the study cited by Marites and Calumpiano, was Alma Beach, which is located inside the
Total coliform (TC) and Fecal Coliform (FC) of university. The beach serves as a leisure area
the surface water of Cancabato Bay, Tacloban every weekend to the community near it.
City were monitored from October 2010 to
January 2011 to evaluate the sustainability of the 4.2 Methodology
area for shellfish cultivation and recreational
activities. Using the standards proposed by the The following procedures conform to the AOAC
Department of Environmental and Natural International and US FDA Bacteriological
Resources – Environmental Management Analytical Manual (BAM) standard procedure.
Bureau, this bay cannot be considered suitable After the collection, a test analysis was carried
for shellfish culture and recreational activities out, as under:
based on the data gathered during the period of
the study [4,6]. 4.2.1 Determination of the physical
properties of water samples
The lack of facilities for liquid drainage and
wastewater and garbage disposal encourages Color and Odor. The color and odor of the water
waste to be thrown into nearby streets and samples were identified by five (5) respondents
gutters. Such habitats for rodents, breeding using their sense of sight and sense of smell,
points for flies, and media for the growth of respectively. The perceived color of most
microorganisms. A study done in Africa revealed respondents was recorded as the color of the
that 85% of the vendors prepared foods like fish, water sample, on the odor, the perceived odor
fruit salads, roasted maize, and chips in was recorded as to the odor of the water sample.

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pH. An on-site digital pH meter was used placed produced was observed and recorded. Sodium
in the water sample after the collection. After 1 was identified by a yellow flame color and
minute, the registered pH was recorded. This potassium was identified by lavender or purple
was done in three (3) trials. Salinity. The salinity flame color. The result was recorded and
of the water sample was tested also on-site after repeated thrice.
the collection of the water sample. A drop of the
water sample was placed on the glass side of the 4.2.3 Determination of E. coli contents of
refractometer. The salinity reading was water samples
converted from percent to part per thousands
(ppt). Temperature. The temperature of the A commercially available 6404/6414 E. coli/
water sample was determined using an infrared coliform count plate, 3M Petrifilm [7] was used. A
thermometer. water sample was placed in clean and sterilized
bottles. Care was an exercise to ensure that the
4.2.2 Determination of the mineral contents sample collected was properly labeled as
of water samples representative of the water to be tested and so
that the samples are not contaminated at the
Calcium Ion Test. One (1) mL of the water time of the collection. To preserve the water
sample was placed in a test tube. The acidity of a samples collected, these were placed inside a
sample solution was tested with litmus paper. cooler (an icebox) to ensure that no exposure to
Once it is acidic, three (3) molar of NH3 was sunlight happened. The collected water samples
added until basic. Then added with 0.2M were taken to the UEP-College of Science
(NH4)2C2O4 solution. The formation of a white Chemistry Laboratory for the determination of E.
2+
precipitate indicates the presence of Ca . The coli content using 3M Petrifilm.
result was confirmed by adding a few drops of
concentrated HCl and analyzed using a flame A 6404 E. coli/ coliform count plate, 3M Petrifilm
test. Flame Test Confirmatory for Calcium Ion. plate was placed on a leveled surface. The top
The wire loop was cleaned by dipping into HCl film was lifted to start the inoculation of the sauce
and rinsed with distilled water. The cleanliness of samples. One (1) mL of inoculum was distributed
the wire loop was tested by placing it into the aseptically into the 3M Petrifilm E. coli count
flame of the bunsen burner. The procedure was plates using a new sterile pipette. A spreader
repeated until the loop does not emit color from was placed on top of the film and pressure was
the flame. When the wire loop is cleaned, it will gently applied to distribute the inoculum over the
be dipped into the sample solution that contains circular area. An incubator creates the proper
calcium ions and it will be placed into the blue growth temperature and other conditions. This
flame of the Bunsen burner. When the flame promotes the multiplication of the microbe over
produced a brick red color, there is a presence of hours, days, and even weeks. In this study,
2+
Ca . The observation was recorded and following the AOAC Official Method 991.14, the
repeated in three trials. samples were incubated for 24±2 hours.
Incubation produces a culture, the visible
Magnesium Ion Test. Five (5) mL of water growth of the microbe in or on a medium.
sample was poured into a small beaker and was The temperature used to grow E. coli was
added with 5mL of 2M HCl. Then 15±5mL of 2M 35±1ºC.
NaOH was added. The precipitate was observed
closely. A white, jelly-like precipitate indicates In counting the colonies in the 3M Petrifilm the
the presence of magnesium ions. The plate was placed in an improvised colony counter
observation was recorded, and the test was (lamp shade and magnifying lens) which will
repeated thrice. enlarge the colonies and enable us to see clearly
and start counting which followed a method that
Sodium and Potassium Ion Test. The test used was used in counting the red blood and white
flame analysis. An evaporating dish was blood cell in a snake-like pattern. An estimate
thoroughly cleaned. One (1) mL water sample was to be made on the plate if it contains greater
was poured into a clean evaporating dish. The than 150 colonies by counting the number of
evaporating dish with the water sample was colonies using the bacterial colony counter in one
heated until it evaporated completely. The dish or more representative squares and determining
was then allowed to cool, afterwards, 1mL of the average number per square multiply the
denatured alcohol was added. The alcohol in the average number by 20 to determine the
evaporating dish was then ignited. The flame estimated count per plate.

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5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5.2 Traditional Water Pumps

5.1 Water Refilling Stations Table 4 shows the physical properties of water
samples collected in the three (3) zones of the
University of Eastern Philippines, University
The result of this study aimed to assess the
Town. The color of the collected water samples
water refilling stations in three barangays of
was colorless, it indicates that it has no formation
UEP, Catarman, Northern Samar.
of colored substances present in the water
samples. Most of the collected samples were
Table 1 shows the physical properties of the
odorless, but Area 2 has the Bleach Odor and
water samples collected from the water refilling
Area 3 has the Rusty Odor. The pH for drinking
stations in the three barangays of UEP. The color
water ranges from 6.5 to 8.5 [8,11], the average
of the water samples is colorless, indicating that
pH of the water sample conforms to the national
no formation of colored substances is present in
standard. Most of the salinity of the collected
the water samples. The odor is odorless. The pH
samples was zero except for Area 2 and 3 which
for drinking water ranges from 6.5 to 8.5 [8], the
has the result of 2, indicating that most of the
average pH of the water samples conforms to the
areas have no salt components that are
national standard. The salinity of the water
detectable during the sampling. The temperature
samples is zero, which implies that there are no
of the water samples conforms to the standard
salt components that are detectable during the
temperature range of 25-32°C for drinking water
sampling. The temperature of the water samples
[9,12].
conforms to the standard temperature range of
25-32ºC for drinking water [9,10]. Table 5 shows the available mineral content
among the water samples. Calcium, Magnesium,
Table 2 shows the available mineral content and Sodium-ion are all present in the water
among the water samples. Calcium, Magnesium, samples. Sodium-ion is present in all of the water
and Potassium are all absent in the water samples, this implies that it could help the human
samples. The sodium ion is present in all of the body to maintain blood pressure, control fluid
water samples, this implies that it could help the levels, and for normal nerve and muscle function.
human body to maintain blood pressure, control Intake of Calcium may reduce the rate of age-
fluid levels, and for normal nerve and muscle related bone loss and hip fractures. Studies show
function. that Magnesium intake has an inverse relation to
the occurrence of ischemic heart disease,
Table 3 shows the bacteriological analysis of the cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden death [13,14].
water samples collected from the water refilling
stations in the three barangays of UEP. The table Table 6 shows the bacteriological analysis of the
shows that water samples from these water water sample collected from different water
refilling stations are allowable for pumps around the University Town, Catarman,
consumption/drinking as there were no bacteria Northern Samar. All of the water samples are not
found in the water sample. However, the owners allowable for drinking consumption for they had
must subject the water refilling station to contamination of E. coli above the detection limit.
proper sanitary and environmental compliance Some of the test areas are TNTC, which
regularly to maintain the safety of the water they indicates that the water is highly contaminated
sell. with E. coli.

Table 1. Summary result of the physical properties from the refilling stations

Sampling Site Parameters

Color Odor pH Salinity Temperature
Area 1 Colorless Odorless 7.30 0 30.3ºC
Area 2 Colorless Odorless 7.41 0 30.2ºC
Area 3 Colorless Odorless 7.40 0 30.3ºC
Area 4 Colorless Odorless 7.47 0 30.3ºC
**All results are average of the three (3) trials conducted

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Table 2. Summary result of the mineral content of the water samples from the refilling stations

Sampling Site Parameters

Calcium Magnesium Sodium Potassium
Area 1 Absent Absent Present Absent
Area 2 Absent Absent Present Absent
Area 3 Absent Absent Present Absent
Area 4 Absent Absent Present Absent
**All results are average of the three (3) trials conducted

Table 3. Summary result of the bacteriological analysis of the water samples from the refilling
stations

Sampling Site Parameters

Result of Analysis Interpretations
Area 1 0 Allowable for drinking
Area 2 0 Allowable for drinking
Area 3 0 Allowable for drinking
Area 4 0 Allowable for drinking
**All results are average of the three (3) trials conducted

Table 4. Summary result of the physical properties from the traditional water pumps

Sampling Parameters
Sites Color Odor pH Salinity Temperature
Area 1 Colorless Odorless 7.3 0 27.3°C
Area 2 Colorless Bleach Odor 7.2 2 28.0°C
Area 3 Colorless Rusty Odor 7.4 2 27.0°C
Area 4 Colorless Odorless 6.9 0 27.0°C
Area 5 Colorless Odorless 7.0 0 29.0°C
Area 6 Colorless Odorless 6.0 0 27.8°C
Area 7 Colorless Odorless 7.6 0 28.8°C
**All results are average of the three (3) trials conducted

Table 5. Summary result of the mineral content of the water samples from the traditional water
pumps

Sampling Site Parameters

Calcium Magnesium Sodium Potassium
Area 1 Present Present Present Absent
Area 2 Present Present Present Absent
Area 3 Present Present Present Absent
Area 4 Present Present Present Absent
Area 5 Present Present Present Absent
Area 6 Present Present Present Absent
Area 7 Present Present Present Absent
**All results are average of the three (3) trials conducted

5.3 Alma Beach expressed in parts per thousand (ppt) or by

percentage (%). The standard salinity levels in
Table 7 presents the results of the analysis of the recreational waters usually lie at 35 ppt.
physicochemical properties of the water samples Variations to such may be brought about by
gathered from the experimentations conducted in external factors such as climate change, weather
Alma Beach, Northern Samar. disruptions such as typhoons and storms, or
various anthropogenic factors. This would greatly
The first parameter is salinity which refers to the affect the overall water quality and destroy the
total dissolved salts in the sampling site harmony with local species inhabiting the site.

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To further investigate, the researchers measured researchers measured the temperature with the
from each station in 7 meters, 14 meters, and 21 use of an infrared thermometer which is used by
meters away from the shoreline. With the use of pointing the instrument on the water until it
a refractometer on-site, the water was tested by indicates the temperature. Temperature plays a
placing a drop on the instrument, then the results vital role in maintaining habitable conditions for
were recorded. From the tabular data presented local species. From metabolism and homeostasis
above, it can be observed that the salinity levels in aquatic animals to food-making in plants, a
of the water samples vary from 15 ppt to 30 ppt great part of the environment will suffer if the
which do not exceed the standard salinity level at temperature experiences drastic changes.
35 ppt.
With the data gathered as presented above, it
The second parameter which is pH (power of can be observed that the temperature levels in
hydrogen) is another factor in maintaining the Alma Beach range from 22.4°C to 30.9°C. With
water quality. An extreme imbalance in this may the standard temperature for recreational waters
cause great disruptions to the living conditions of at 26-30°C, only Area 2 exceeded the standard
species in the area. An analysis of the pH levels limit.
in Alma Beach, a pH meter was used on-site to
establish such measurements displayed above. For the last of the physicochemical properties,
In each area, the instrument was dipped into the the measurements for total suspended solids
water for 1 (one) minute to achieve accuracy, from each of the water samples gathered from
after which, the pH meter was submerged in a the sampling site are presented in the next
buffer solution to reset the acidity. From the data column. These solids include anything drifting or
presented above, it can be observed that the pH floating in the water, from sediment, silt, and
levels of the water samples vary at a range of 7.1 sand to plankton and algae. Organic particles
to 8.4. This is within the standard pH measures from decomposing materials can also contribute
in sea waters of 6.0 to 9.0. This would indicate to the TSS concentration. As algae, plants, and
that the water in Alma Beach ranges from slightly animal decay, the decomposition process allows
neutral to basic. small organic particles to break away and enter
the water column as suspended solids. Even
The third parameter is turbidity which is the chemical precipitates are considered a form of
measure of clarity or cloudiness of the water suspended solids. Total suspended solids are a
which may be due to observable particulate significant factor in observing water clarity. The
matter present. The turbidity of water is based on more solids present in the water, the less clear
the amount of light scattered by particles in the the water will be (Fondriest Environmental, Inc.,
water columns. The more particles that are 2014).
present, the more light will be scattered
(Fondriest Environmental, Inc., 2014). With the For this study, one (1) liter of water samples for
use of a Secchi disk, the depth and turbidity were each measure in the sampling site were gathered
measured and recorded. As presented above, and transported to the lab for filtration. The
the results show that out of the nine (9) sampling residues trapped on the pre-weighed filter paper
areas, only four (4) of which resulted to be were then dried in an oven then weighed again.
relatively turbid. The recorded results were the total suspended
solids. As observed, the amount of total
The analysis for color measurements was suspended solids present in the water samples
conducted simultaneously with the analysis for lies at 0.05 g/L to 0.17 g/L. With the standard
turbidity for in measuring the color of the water, total suspended solids at 0.07 grams per liter,
the Secchi disk plate is also involved. While the one-third of the measures in the sampling areas
disk is submerged into the water, the color is exceed the standard limit.
measured with the use of the Florel Ule Color
Scale. The analysis for the color of water Table 8 presents the total coliform count taken as
resulted in the same for every area and station at a result of incubating nine (9) Petri films with
1 FU. This indicates that the color of the water in samples from the nine (9) measures in the
Alma Beach is closest to the first color in the sampling site. The presence of such is of great
scale which is an indigo-blueish color, typical of concern, especially in recreational water bodies
clear water bodies. such as Alma Beach. Traces of origin can be
said as environmental and fecal pollution, and
The next column presents the measurements for nonetheless poses a hazard to human health
temperature in each of the 9 sampling areas. The when not treated properly.

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Table 6. Summary result of the bacteriological analysis from the traditional water pumps

Sampling Site Parameters

Results of Analysis Interpretations
Area 1 TNTC Not allowable for drinking
Area 2 >10.0 Not allowable for drinking
Area 3 TNTC Not allowable for drinking
Area 4 >10.0 Not allowable for drinking
Area 5 >10.0 Not allowable for drinking
Area 6 >10.0 Not allowable for drinking
Area 7 >10.0 Not allowable for drinking
*TNTC= Too Numerous to Count
**All results are average of the three (3) trials conducted

Table 7. Physicochemical properties analysis in Alma Beach

Sampling Site Parameters

Salinity pH Turbidity Color Temp. TSS
Area 1 30 ppt 7.1 Not turbid 1 FU 29.4°C 0.09 g/L
(7m)
Station 1

Area 2 15 ppt 8.1 Not turbid 1 FU 30.9°C 0.05 g/L

(14 m)
Area 3 30 ppt 8.4 Turbid 1 FU 27.8°C 0.08 g/L
(21 m)
Area 4 30 ppt 8.4 Not turbid 1 FU 24.3°C 0.07 g/L
(7m)
Station 2

Area 5 20 ppt 8.3 Turbid 1 FU 26.4°C 0.07 g/L

(14 m)
Area 6 20 ppt 8.4 Not turbid 1 FU 25.2°C 0.17 g/L
(21 m)
Area 7 20 ppt 8.2 Not turbid 1 FU 24.9°C 0.06 g/L
(7m)
Station 3

Area 8 20 ppt 8.4 Turbid 1 FU 24.6°C 0.08 g/L

(14m)
Area 9 30 ppt 8.2 Turbid 1 FU 22.4°C 0.08 g/L
(21m)

Table 8. Total coliform count analysis results and interpretations in Alma Beach

Sampling Site Parameters

Results of Analysis Interpretations
Station 1 Area 1 (7m) <10.0 Safe for recreational
Area 2 (14m) <10.0 use
Area 3 (21m) <10.0
Station 2 Area 4 (7m) <10.0
Area 5 (14m) >10.0
Area 6 (21m) <10.0
Station 3 Area 7 (7m) <10.0
Area 8 (14m) <10.0
Area 9 (21m) <10.0

The data that is presented on the table for the is therefore interpreted as “safe for recreational
total coliform count was manually counted and use”.
recorded after 24 hours of incubation. It can be
observed that none of the water samples The researchers also surveyed anthropogenic
exceeded the standard total coliform count which activities. It was identified within the same period
is 150 counts per plate in recreational waters and the researchers were testing the sampling site for

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the physicochemical properties. An analysis of national standard. The water was found to have
such activities being conducted in the premises zero to low levels of salinity. All the samples
of the sampling site, the researchers were able to conform to the standard temperature. Based on
observe the common practices. the gathered data, all the water samples are
contaminated with E. coli, exceeding the
For one, the people visiting the beach make it a permissible limit for drinking water of 10 counts
norm to bring snacks and disposable utensils. per ml. Some test area is also TNTC, which
Evident are those improperly disposed plastics indicates that the water is highly contaminated
everywhere on the sand, grass, and around the with E. coli. This tells the public that the water
cottages. The management put up signs for from the water pumps is not suitable for drinking.
littering and proper waste segregation while
being lenient on keeping the cleanliness in the Through the conduct of this study, it was found
area. Residents also make it a habit to dump out that the water in Alma Beach is relatively safe
their sacks of weekend garbage onto the for recreational use, as intended, for all the nine
undeveloped areas near the beach. The (9) sampling areas resulted below the standard
water flowing from the sewage connecting to the limit for the total coliform count.
beach brings about household wastes which
greatly contributes to the pollution in Alma 7. RECOMMENDATIONS
Beach.
The following are recommended for continued
5.4 Water Treatment Practices and surveillance to ensure water safety inside the
Technologies at Refiling Station university premises. Establishment of water
expert organization/management which should
In the Philippines, the main process in a water manage and ensure safe drinking water to
refilling station is dictated by raw water quality. students and other individuals. The university
The typical steps are filtration (in several stages), must install a mini water treatment plan to ensure
softening, and disinfection. To give an overview that wastewater is treated first before disposal.
of the water purifying, here are some steps are Installations of hypo chlorinators at pumping
taken from Magtibay [15,16]: (1) multi-media stations to remove microbial contamination.
sediment filter, (2) ion-exchange, (3) activated Routine testing of heavy metals and trace
carbon filter, (4) reverse osmosis membrane, (5) elements in drinking water must also be done.
post-carbon filter, (6) ultraviolet lamp, and (7) Periodic and regular water quality monitoring
ozone generator. These filtration stages make SOPs. Further research is to be undertaken on
sure that harmful bacteria are killed, and this subject to ascertain the causes of
sediments are filtered throughout the process. contamination. Lastly, collaboration with the
engineering department on developing a low-cost
6. CONCLUSION filtration set up so that far-flung community could
use it as an alternative to the present refilling
In terms of the refilling stations, the physical station which is inaccessible to them.
properties of the water sample collected were
accepted based on the Philippine National COMPETING INTERESTS
Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW) and
Department of Environment and Natural Authors have declared that no competing
Resources (DENR) standards for drinking water. interests exist.
Sodium-ion is the only mineral available in the
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