CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Bogac Cold Spring is one of the most visited tourist spots in Barobo, Surigao

del Sur. Its name was derived from the Visayan word “Bogwak” which means to flow.

It was once a source of potable and useful water for bathing and laundrying when

there was no stable water system yet. Legend has it that the Manobos and

Mandayas inhabited the area near the bank of the stream due to its bountiful catch in

variety of fishes. The inhabitants of the spring have enjoyed living there in harmony

and prosperity for centuries (Corvera, L.). As years passed by, Bogac Cold Spring

became a spot for recreational purposes for tourists, swimmers and for the people

living within the vicinity. During swimming activities, ingestion of water is

unavoidable. ​16 ml and 37 ml is the average amount of water swallowed by adults

and non-adults, respectively​ (Dorevitch S., etc., 2010).

Regular physicochemical analysis of water at source must also be carried out

to determine or check the effectiveness of treatment process (Omezukruike,

Damilola, Fajobi, Shittu, 2008). The pH of natural waters is influenced by various

factors and processes, including temperature, discharge of effluents, acid mine

drainage, acidic precipitation, runoff, microbial activity and decay processes. These

studies are closely related to the current study for it directly mentions the

physicochemical components of water and its state of potability.

 This study investigates the physicochemical components of the Bogac Cold

Spring in order to ensure the safety of all the tourists, swimmers, and inhabitants

within the studied area.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the physicochemical components of Bogac Cold

Spring, specifically it ought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the physicochemical components found in the water of Bogac Cold

Spring?

2. Are the physicochemical components of Bogac Cold Spring risky for

accidental ingestion or not?

Objectives of the study

1. To recognize the physicochemical components of Bogac Cold Spring.

2. To determine whether the physicochemical components of Bogac Cold Spring

risky for accidental ingestion or not.

Significance of the study

The significance of the study is for the awareness of the people who are

coming and swimming within the vicinity of the Bogac Cold Spring.

Scope and Delimitation

 This study focuses on investigating the physicochemical components of

Bogac Cold Spring and its significant effect to the health of the tourists, swimmers

and the inhabitants within the vicinity of the said tourist spot.

Definition of terms

Bogac Cold Spring- a spring found in the Municipality of Barobo

Physico-chemical- deals with the physical and chemical properties of substances.

Vicinity- the area around or near the particular place

Mandayas and Manobos- tribes that inhabited the spring long ago.

Bogwak- the visayan word where Bogac name was derived from which also

Means to flow.

Turbidity- measure of the degree to which water loses its transparency

Total Dissolved Solids- refers to any minerals, salts, metals, cations or anions

dissolved in water.
 CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

Materials and Methods

1.1 Research Locale

The study was conducted at Purok 1, Poblacion Barobo, Surigao del Sur and

was tested at the laboratory of Davao City Water District, Matina, Davao City.

1.2 Sample Collection

One 1L bottle of water sample was obtained at Bogac Cold Spring, P-1,

Poblacion Barobo, Surigao del Sur from the center of the spring on February 4, 2019

at exactly 4:30 am. The water sample was brought to the laboratory for the

performance of water analysis: Temperature was lowered to minimize the changes

of actual analysis of physical and chemical reaction of the quality of water sample.

However, water’s odor, taste and temperature were analyzed onsite (Shukla D.,

Bhadresha K., Dr. Jain N. K., Dr. Modi H. A., 2013)

1.2.1 Physical Parameters of Water Sample

Table 1

Water Quality Test Description Instrument/ Method

Color Characterized as the hue Visual Comparison
of the water

Temperature The degree of heat Thermometer

present in water

Turbidity Measure of the degree to Turbidimeter

which water loses its
transparency

Odor A distinctive smell caused Wide mouth glass

by chemical compounds stoppered bottles
that can be referred as
either pleasant or
unpleasant odor

1.2.2 Chemical Parameters of Water Sample

Water Quality Test Description Instrument/ Method

pH Acidity or alkalinity of a Electrometric/

solution pH meter

Total Dissolved Solids Refers to any minerals, Gravimetric

(TDS) salts, metals, cations or
anions dissolved in water

Nitrate The measure of nitrate Cadmium Reduction

present in water
 CHAPTER III

Results

Table 1

Parameters Method of Analysis Results

Color, CU Visual Comparison 0

Turbidity, NTU Turbidimetric 0

pH Electrometric 7.04

Temperature, celcius Thermometer

Total Dissolved Solids, Gravimetric 8

mg/L

Nitrate, mg/L Cadmium Reduction 0.8

Odor Wide Mouth Glass

Stoppered Bottle

Taste Flavor Profile Analysis

Discussion