A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT ON THE TURBIDITY LEVEL: MIDSTREAM OF

BALULANG AND CARMEN RIVER, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, PHILIPPINES

ENCARGUEZ JHANE ROSE P

MAAPE YASHIMERA L
PADUA ROSIENNE MAE D

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Technology

Mindanao University of Science and Technology
Cagayan de Oro City
September 2016

i
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
TITLE PAGE
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

APPENDICES
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1 Turbidity levels of Balulang and Carmen River

11

Table 1.2 Turbidity Data for Balulang River

16

Table 1.3 Turbidity Data for Carmen River

16

Table 1.4 Minitab results

16

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Balulang River coordinates

17

Figure 1.2 Carmen River coordinates

17

Figure 1.3 Carmen Water Sampling

17

Figure 1.4 Balulang Water Sampling

17

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study

Statement of the problem

Significance of the study

Scope and limitation

Definition of terms

ii
REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE
Related literature

Related studies

Foreign studies

Local studies

METHODOLOGY
Research design

10

Research setting

10

Subjects of the study

10

Data collection procedure and treatment

10

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

11

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

13

Conclusion

13

Recommendation

13

REFERENCES

18

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First and foremost, we would like to thank our ALMIGHTY FATHER GOD for the
guidance and for the faith that keeps us anchored to our dreams and goals. We had faced and
will face more challenging obstacles along our way here in college. We may not be the best of
the best but HE guided us through thick and thin of the road. May HE always continue to bestow
the grace and perseverance. To GOD along be the glory!

Secondly, we would like to thank our Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation

professor, Prof. Alma N. Abug for helping us in performing our write ups, statiscal projects and
for the good vibes she spreads in the class. For all the efforts and undying supports she gave to
us.

To our Environmental Science and Technology 3i2 family, thank you for the good
moments and the brotherly and sisterly love you give to us every day. Stay focus guys for in no
time well have our diplomas with us.

ABSTRACT
Water is essential for life and plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the Earth's
ecosystems. Water pollution has a serious impact on all living creatures, and can negatively
affect the use of water for drinking, household needs, recreation, fishing, transportation and
commerce. For us to understand the major concept of the importance of water, we must take in
consideration the water quality management. One of the major parameters in the assessment of
water quality is to determine its level of turbidity. Turbidity is the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid
caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye.
The study focuses on the variation of the water turbidity levels in Balulang and Carmen River,
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Its main thrust is to assess the extent of turbidity of the two
rivers and the factors affecting it. Turbidity level data was recorded by the researchers for the
whole month of February 2016. Site visit and water inspection and testing were conducted to
determine the turbidity levels of the Balulang and Carmen River. Water samples were taken
from the two rivers and were brought to laboratory of the Department of Environmental Science
and Technology- Mindanao University of Science and Technology. Water turbidity was
determined by the use of a turbidity meter. The laboratory results were then statistically treated
using the Independent sampling. The results of the comparison were then utilized to compare
the data, thus providing the researchers results that supported the study. The results of the
study revealed that the two rivers have variation in their levels of turbidity. Turbidity of the water
is an irrefutable indicator that quite a large amount of sediments are present and are being
transported by these bodies of water. These sediments largely have a positive effect on the
turbidity of these water bodies.

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Encarguez et, al., 2016
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
The information given in this chapter tackles on the issues of turbidity and its relationship
with the freshwater body.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
As defined by Badaii et.al, 2013, water is an essential requirement of human life and
activities associated with industry, agriculture, and others, and it considers one of the most
delicate parts of the environment. In the last few decades, the accelerated pace of industrial
development and progressive growth of population caused in tremendous increase in the
demand of fresh water. The quality of surface and groundwater is identified in terms of its
physical, chemical, and biological parameters. It has also been stressed by Badaii et.al, 2013,
the water quality of rivers is characterized by a high level of heterogeneity in time and space,
because of the distinction of cover-land around. This often creates difficulties to identify water
conditions and pollution sources, which is necessary to control effectively pollution in addition to
construct successful strategies for minimizing of contamination resources. The North Carolina
State University, points out two sources of pollution: the non-point source and the point source.
The non-point source may come from land-derived sand, silt, clay, and organic particles
dislodged by rainfall and carried by overland flow that clouds the surface water systems. As
Morgan et al, 1993 defines point sources as those pollutants that are discharged through pipes,
ditches or sewers, industrial wastes, factories, sewage treatment plants, oil tankers and
household wastes.
These various wastes given off of these pollutants contribute much to the physicochemical state of a water body. One of the major parameters in assessing the water quality is
the turbidity level. As defined by Lloyd D.S., 1987, Turbidity is an optical property of water where
suspended and dissolved materials such as silt, clay, finely divided organic and inorganic
matter, chemicals, plankton, and other microscopic organisms cause light to be scattered rather
than transmitted in straight lines. Measurements of turbidity have been developed to quickly

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Encarguez et, al., 2016

estimate the amount of sediment within a sample of water and to describe the effect of
suspended solids blocking the transmission of light through a body of water.
Man-made and nature-occurring activities in Brgy. Balulang and Carmen, Cagayan de
Oro City watersheds, includes logging, grazing, agriculture, mining, road building, urbanization,
and commercial construction have often resulted in periodic pulses or chronic levels of turbidity
levels in streams and rivers. Turbidity level is associated with negative effects on the Balulang
and Carmen River, Cagayan de Oro City. Determination of turbidity is a common component of
water quality assessments. In surface water, the clarity of a natural body of water is used
routinely as an indicator of the condition and productivity of the aqueous system.
Latest biological breakthroughs under the different local and national government
agencies and even international non-government organizations have the desire to protect and to
restore declining water quality of the Balulang and Carmen River. The purpose of this study is
to provide an analysis of the current state of the science regarding the turbidity level of the
Balulang and Carmen River on the weeks of the month.
Turbidity is the most visible indicators of water quality. These suspended particles can
come from soil erosion, runoff, discharges, stirred bottom sediments or algal blooms. While it is
possible for some streams to have naturally high levels of suspended solids, clear water is
usually considered an indicator of healthy water. A sudden increase in turbidity in a previously
clear body of water is a cause for concern. Excessive suspended sediment can impair water
quality for aquatic and human life, impede navigation and increase flooding risks. And
increasing human population pressures and projected climate change during this century will
make these threats worse. Sustaining and restoring the biodiversity and ecological services
provided by freshwater lakes and rivers is a complex and challenging task. Furthermore, the
turbidity testing has been extensively used by modern technology; it utilizes the turbidity test to
determine the changing water quality of the various aquatic structures and is also used in
setting international standards for the average turbidity level of consumable drinking water thus,
paving new technological discoveries that would aid in the uncovering of an advance technique
in correlation with the turbidity testing.

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Encarguez et, al., 2016
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The study monitors the turbidity level of the Balulang and Carmen River during the days
of the week. The researchers determined the turbidity level of Balulang and Carmen River is at
the stratum throughout each day of the week. This study also aims to answer the following
question:
1. Is the turbidity level of Balulang and Carmen River are at the same level?
2. What are the factors affecting the turbidity of the Balulang and Carmen River?

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

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Encarguez et,al.,2016
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study determines the turbidity level of the water at Balulang and Carmen River. It
stresses the importance of a good water quality to the administration and students of Mindanao
University of science and Technology as well as the City government of Cagayan de Oro City.
This study is beneficial to the City government of Cagayan de Oro City if this research proves

that there is a high level of turbidity in the Balulang and Carmen River through this the city
environmental committee of the city government can take immediate action and find a solution
to this growing water quality degradation.
SCOPE AND LIMITATION
This study focuses only on the Balulang and Carmen River. The level of turbidity is
identified in this research. This also includes the factors affecting turbidity level (total dissolve
solids).

DEFINITION OF TERMS
DIAPHANOMETER. An instrument for measuring the transparency of a fluid.
LEVEL OF TURBIDITY. The level of cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by suspended
solids that are usually invisible to the naked eye.
NEPHELOMETRIC TURBIDITY UNITS. The unit used to describe turbidity.
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS. A water quality parameter used for example to assess the
quality of wastewater after treatment in a wastewater treatment plant.
TURBIDITY. The cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual
particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye, similar to smoke in air.

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Encarguez et.al, 2016
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE
The literature and studies cited in this chapter tackles about the level of turbidity and the
factors affecting it.

RELATED LITERATURE
According to the United States Geological Survey, turbidity is the measure of relative
clarity of a liquid. It is an optical characteristic of water and is an expression of the amount of
light that is scattered by material in the water when a light is shined through the water sample.
The higher the intensity of scattered light, the higher the turbidity. Material that causes water to
be turbid includes clay, silt, finely divided inorganic and organic matter, algae, soluble colored
organic compounds, and plankton and other microscopic organisms. High concentrations of
particulate matter affect light penetration and productivity, recreational values, and habitat
quality, and cause lakes to fill in faster. In streams, increased sedimentation and siltation can
occur, which can result in harm to habitat areas for fish and other aquatic life. Particles also
provide attachment places for other pollutants, notably metals and bacteria. For this reason,
turbidity readings can be used as an indicator of potential pollution in a water body.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency said that excessive turbidity, or
cloudiness, in drinking water is aesthetically unappealing, and may also represent a health
concern. Turbidity can provide food and shelter for pathogens. If not removed, turbidity can
promote regrowth of pathogens in the distribution system, leading to waterborne disease
outbreaks, which have caused significant cases of gastroenteritis throughout the United States
and the world. Although turbidity is not a direct indicator of health risk, numerous studies show a
strong relationship between removal of turbidity and removal of protozoa. The particles of
turbidity provide "shelter" for microbes by reducing their exposure to attack by disinfectants.
Microbial attachment to particulate material has been considered to aid in microbe survival.
Fortunately, traditional water treatment processes have the ability to effectively remove turbidity
when operated properly.
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Encarguez et.al, 2016
RELATED STUDIES
To acquire broader outlook about turbidity , the researchers cites in this portion studies
that give insight not only in the turbidity levels but also in finding solutions to the rapid growth of

damage to our major aquatic bodies . Among those reviewed are foreign studies conducted by
Giokas et.al, (2013) and Cabahug (2014).
FOREIGN STUDIES
In 2013, Giokas conducted a study to determine the Semenyih River water quality based
on the physiochemical and biological parameters. Semenyih River is one of the rivers in
Malaysia in which human activities associated with urbanization, industrialization, agricultural,
and mining activities are extremely main sources of pollution. Moreover, the range of
deterioration in water quality in the river varied depending on the percentage of change in land
use. Therefore, the land use activities in the basin must be carefully planned and controlled on
account of protecting the water resource and quality status. In this study, the physicochemical
and microbiological parameters were measured and classified based on National Water Quality
Standard (NWQS) to identify the effects of anthropogenic land use activities on the water quality
condition. Moreover, the multi variety statistical techniques such as cluster analysis and
principal component analysis were executed on the obtained data set to recognize water quality
parameters for seasonal changes in the water quality of rivers, to evaluate the similarities and
dissimilarities between sampling stations, and to determine the influence of pollution sources on
the water quality parameters of the Semenyih River basin. The sampling was conducted in dry
and rainy seasons during 2012 .Water samples were collected from eight stations along the
river and analyze using standard methods. One of the basic parameters used is the turbidity
testing. Turbidity values varied between 8 and 46 NTU during RS. Station 8 in the downstream
recorded the high turbidity of 46 NTU, while the lowest value was 8 NTU recorded in the
upstream. In a similar manner, turbidity values ranged from 4 to 206.7 NTU during DS, the
lowest turbidity of 4 NTU was recorded station 1, while the highest value was 206.7 NTU at
station 7 in the downstream. In addition, these concentrations were within standard permissible
limits of NWQS for Malaysian rivers and categorized as class II. However, this may be ascribed
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Encarguez et, al., 2016
to the effluent from livestock farms, heavy precipitation, organic contamination and agriculture,
and road runoff in which a high suspended matter content (UNESCO/WHO/UNEP, 2001).

Additionally, compared to , turbidity values ranged from 30 to 245 NTU. Furthermore, turbidity
concentrations in this study were higher than 15 NTU at most stations where the concentration
below 25 NTU is still permissible for domestic use (DOE, 2006). Moreover, when compared to
the sampling stations, turbidity was not significantly different (ANOVA, > 0.05). Overall, the
excessive turbidity is generally related to possible microbiological contamination because water
disinfection contained elevated turbidity is very complicated. Prevalently, turbidity is resulted
from the presence of suspended particles such as silt, plankton, clay, organic matter, and other
microscopic or decomposers organisms. Generally, the clarity water decreased as a result of
the presence of the suspended particles that deposited in the water. The murkier water in
general was ascribed to the higher amount of sediments. This can also be the indicator of a high
measured turbidity, and stream flow, surface runoff, and overland flow in natural waters also
increase the turbidity levels in the water.
LOCAL STUDIES
In 2014, Cabahug conducted a study on assessment of soil erosion, sediment transport
and deposition along Cagayan de Oro River. Its main thrust is to assess the extent of soil
erosion considering rainfall pattern and vegetation growth and on sediment transport and
deposition considering the turbidity of the water, river velocity and the type of soil extracted at
certain parts of the river. Turbidity of the water is a positive indicator that quite a large amount of
fine-grained sediments are present and transported by Cagayan de Oro River. Settlement of
large sediments occurs at the upstream part of the river in Cala-Cala, Macasandig. Silt and
sand settled at the area near Marcos Bridge and at Isla Bacsan. Water samples were taken at
areas near four quarry sites located along Cagayan de Oro River namely, Macasandig, Balulang
Consolacion and Kauswagan. Visual test showed that the water samples were all cloudy.

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Encarguez et, al., 2016

It can be seen that turbidity levels at Macasandig and Kauswagan are quite high. Higher
turbidity values, measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), indicate that more finegrained sediments are present in the water, making the water cloudy. Cloudiness in the water
decreases photosynthetic activity. Moreover, the fine-grained sediments also absorb the heat
from the sunlight, making the water warmer than normal. Both conditions decrease the chance
of having a thriving underwater flora and fauna.

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Encarguez et.al, 2016

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the discussion of the methodology adopted now in this study. The
topics included in the chapter are the research design, research setting, and respondents of the
study, the data collection procedure and the statistical treatment.
RESEARCH DESIGN
The study focused on the level of turbidity of Balulang and Carmen River base on the
data that are collected. The study used a calculative method using the turbidity meter in
gathering and evaluating the data needed in this study.
RESEARCH SETTING
The researchers conducted the sampling dates on all the Saturdays of July 2016. This
study is conducted in the rivers located at Brgy. Balulang and Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.
The Balulang River located at (082658.530N and 1243815.758E) of Cagayan de Oro City
and Carmen River (082832.844N and 1243826.854E) Cagayan de Oro City.
SUBJECTS OF THE STUDY
The subjects of the study are the rivers located at Brgy. Balulang and Carmen, Cagayan
de Oro City. The researchers have identified the turbidity level of each river.
DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE AND TREATMENT
In the collection of the needed data, the researchers observed and measured the
turbidity of the river in each location. Three (3) random samples are collected in each sampling
site. The turbidity level of each samples are then measured. The researchers, then, used the
averaging method to find the mean average of all the three (3) samples collected each sites. A
comparison thru T-Test (Independent Samples) with the aide of the statistical applicationMinitab, the data is then utilized to compare the data, thus providing the researchers results that
supported the study.
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Encarguez et.al, 2016

CHAPTER IV
PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
This chapter presents the discussion of the results of the data in the order of the
problem stated in Chapter I.

1. Is the turbidity level of Balulang and Carmen River the same?

In table 1.1, the turbidity levels of the two rivers are shown. These are the
gathered results throughout the sampling periods.
Table 1.1 Turbidity levels of Balulang and Carmen River

Turbidity Level of Balulang and Carmen River

50 40.67
40
30
16.54
Turbidity level (NTU) 20
10.76
4.34
4
3 5.69
102.06 1 0.6
2
0
1
2
3
04

No. of Weeks
Balulang Turbidity Level (NTU)
Carmen Turbidity Level (NTU)

The table 1.1 shows the recorded average turbidity levels of the two rivers for the whole
month of February 2016. The variations on the levels of turbidity for the two rivers are readily
visible on the chart. It can be seen that the highest peak of turbidity was on the first week of
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Encarguez et, al., 2016
February for the Carmen River accounting for more than 40 NTU. The highest peak of turbidity
for Balulang River was on the third week of February 2016 accounting for more than 16 NTU.
Nevertheless, Carmen River still accounts for the highest level of turbidity. (Appendix. Table 1.2
and 1.3)

High levels of turbidity usually indicates large amount of total dissolve solids. This means
that there is a great amount of eroded materials in a certain water body. These water bodies
large suffer from an extreme cloudiness or murkiness of its water. In the case of these two
rivers, it just not affects its own water but it also affects a larger body of water like an ocean as it
travels through it.
Furthermore, the variation of the data is analyzed statistically; the results showed that
there is no significant difference between the levels of turbidity between Balulang and Carmen
River (Appendix. Table 1.). This means that even if there a large disparity between the turbidity
levels of the samples there is no significant difference between the turbidity levels of each river
from one another.
2. What are the factors affecting the turbidity of the Balulang and Carmen River?
Turbidity has various factors that has a great effect on its. This factor causes disparity in
the results given by the study. The researchers considered several factors like, phytoplankton,
sediments from erosion, re-suspended sediments from bottom and wastes discharge, these are
the various parameters that severely affect the cloudiness of the water. Phytoplanktons are
living particles and are part of total suspended matter. Initiation and sustenance of
phytoplankton depends on mainly two factors i.e., light and nutrients. Turbid water may not
provide nutrients, reducing the light penetration in the water column thereby reducing
phytoplankton growth. The collapse of a strong phytoplankton increases the turbidity of the
water body. Suspended solids from erosion and run-off reduced water clarity by creating
opaque, hazy, or muddy appearance. Re-suspension of the sediments at the bottom of a body
of water that are stirred up by bottom feeding fishes, or anthropogenic causes such as dredging,
dredging disturbs large amounts of sediments causing the water to be murky or hazy. Wastes
discharges such as dissolved metals and pathogens can attach to suspended particles and
enters the water.
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Encarguez et.al, 2016
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary, findings, conclusions and recommendations of the
study which will be beneficial to the city environmental committee, barangay administration,
residents and future researchers.
SUMMARY
The study sought to determine levels of turbidity of the midstream of Balulang and
Carmen River. Throughout the sampling period results for the two rivers varied. The Balulang
River showed low level of turbidity which ranged from 0-16.54 NTU compared to Carmen River
that demonstrated high level of turbidity that ranged from 4.34-40.67 NTU. The data were then
statistically tested and it showed that there is no significant difference between the two rivers.
Although high variation in the data was readily visible, there are various parameters needed to
consider when analysing turbidity of a certain water body. The researchers considered several
factors like, phytoplankton, sediments from erosion, re-suspended sediments from bottom,
wastes discharge, algae growth and urban run-off.
CONCLUSION
The hypothesis tested in this study that the turbidity level of Balulang and Carmen River
are at the same level. Through the result of Minitab using the T- Test (Independent Sampling)
the researchers obtained a p-value greater than the alpha; the researchers concluded that the
turbidity level of Balulang and Carmen River are at par. Various factors also affect the turbidity
level of any water body which is an indication that great disparities in the results given will not
insure that one certain body of water will not be at par or will be at par with another water body.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the results of the study, the following recommendations are made:
The City Environmental Committee should strengthen institutional mechanisms and build
up multi-sectoral participation water quality management. The City Environmental Committee
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Encarguez et, al., 2016
can draw in investments for the provision of funds for the strict enforcements of water related
laws.

For the barangay administration, they must intensify the proper disposals of wastes and
to accelerate the provision of sewerage system in their locality. The barangay officials should
make sure that together with the rapid progress in their locality, the environmental aspect should
not be disregarded.
For the benefit of the residents along these water bodies, residents should develop a
responsible sanitation scheme and formulate an environment responsibility and initiative.
The future researchers can take in consideration the sanitation practices and the
knowledge of these residents towards the environment and the rate of water quality degradation
in their vicinities.

APPENDIX

17

Figure 1.1 Balulang River coordinates

Figure 1.3 Carmen Water Sampling

Figure 1.2 Carmen River coordinates

Figure 1.4 Balulang Water Sampling

16
Table 1.2 Turbidity Data for Balulang River
RIVER

WEEK

TURBIDITY METER READING (NTU)

Balulang River

1
2
3
4

2.06
0.6
16.54
0

RIVER

WEEK

TURBIDITY METER READING (NTU)

Carmen River

1
2
3
4

40.67
4.34
10.76
5.69

Table 1.3 Turbidity Data for Carmen River

Table 1.4 Minitab results

RIVER

Balulang River

MEAN

SD

4.8

7.87

T-VALUE

-1.12
Carmen River

15.4

17.1

P-VALUE

REMARKS

0.324

No
Significance

18
REFERENCES
Badaii, F., Othman, M., Gasim, M.July 2013. Water Quality Assessment of the Semenyih River,
Selangor, Malaysia. Journal of Chemistry (Vol.2013 pp.1-10). 43600Bangi, Selangor,
Malaysia. School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. University
Kebangsaan Malaysia
Cabahug, R and Villanueva, B. April 2014. Assessment of Soil Erosion, Sediment Transport and
Deposition along Cagayan de Oro River. Mindanao Journal of Science and Technology
(Vol.12 pp. 51-67). Cagayan de Oro City, 9000 Philippines. College of Engineering and
Architecture - Mindanao University of Science and Technology.
Jacaba, K., Malaran, F., Obsioma, N., Opea, J., 2014. TREES DIVERSITY IN MINDANAO
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. (pp.1-20). Cagayan de Oro City,
9000 Philippines. Department of Environmental Science and Technology-

Mindanao

University of Science and Technology.

Lloyd, D.S. 1987. Turbidity as a water quality standard for salmonid habitats in Alaska. North
American Journal of Fisheries Management (Vol.7 pp.34-45).
Osmond, D.L., D.E. Line, J.A. Gale, R.W. Gannon, C.B. Knott, K.A. Bartenhagen, M.H. Turner,
S.W. Coffey, J. Spooner, J. Wells, J.C. Walker, L.L. Hargrove, M.A. Foster, P.D.
Robillard, and D.W. Lehning. 1995. WATERSHEDSS: Water, Soil and HydroEnvironmental Decision Support System [online]. [Availble] http://h2osparc.wq.ncsu.edu.
Retrieved: March 2016
Research Gate. December 2014. Is there any relationship between phytoplankton
bloom and
turbidity
of
water
[online].
Available:
https://
www.researchgate.net/post/Is there any
relationship between phytoplankton
bloom and turbidity of water. Retrieved: March 2016
Turbidity, Total Suspended Solids, and Water Clarity [online]. 2015. Fundamentals of
Environmental Measurements.
Available: https://www.Fondriest.com/
environmental
measurements/parameters/water-quality/turbidity-total
suspended-solids-water-clarity.
FONDRIEST ENVIRONMENTAL INC.