TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA

UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY

A Research Study
Presented to
The Faculty of the College of Engineering
University of Northern Philippines
Tamag, Vigan City

In Partial fulfillment
of the Requirements in for the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Sanitary Engineering

FERNANDEZ, NIÑA S.

MADRIAGA, RACHELLE M.

TENGCO, FRANK GIAN Y.

ESTACIO, JOSHUA Q.

TINAZA, MICHAEL ADRIANNE B.

SY 2020

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY i
 Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur

College of Engineering
Website: www.unp.edu.ph Mail: coengineering@yahoo.com
CP #: 09175006128

CERTIFICATION

This research entitled “Trend Analysis of Air Pollutants in San Fernando

City, La Union for Air Quality Sustainability” prepared and submitted by Niña S.

Fernandez, Rachelle M. Madriaga, Frank Gian Y. Tengco, Joshua Q. Estacio and Michael

Adrianne B. Tinaza in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor in

Sanitary Engineering has been examined and is hereby recommended for acceptance and

approval for oral examination.

VIRGINIA F. INOFINADA, Ph.D.

Adviser

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY ii
 Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Tamag, Vigan City
2700 Ilocos Sur

College of Engineering
Website: www.unp.edu.ph Mail: coengineering@yahoo.com
CP #: 09175006128

APPROVAL SHEET

Approved by the PANEL OF EXAMINERS on the Oral Examination

with a grade of .

ENGR. CHRISTY FAYE A. GASMEN, S.E

Panel Member

ENGR. JAKE MARK DAVID, S.E, C.E, RMP

Panel Member

NORMA A. ESGUERRA, C.E, M. Const. Mgt., DPA

Chairperson

==================================================================

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

degree Bachelor of Science in Sanitary Engineering.

NORMA A. ESGUERRA, C.E, M. Const. Mgt., DPA

Dean
Date:

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The completion of this research would not be possibly attained and successful

without the participation and assistance of many people whose names may not all be

enumerated. Their contributions are sincerely appreciated and gratefully

acknowledged. However, we would like to express our deep appreciation and

indebtedness particularly to the following:

First and foremost, our utmost gratitude to Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, University

President for the moral support;

To the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Norma A. Esguerra for her

patience in guiding us for the completion of our research;

To Dr. Virginia F. Inofinada, our Research Adviser, for her time, sage

advice, insightful suggestions, patient encouragement for us to fulfill this study the

most possible way and time;

To Engr. Jake Mark P. David and Engr. Christy Faye A. Gasmen, our

Panel Members for their constructive comments, suggestions and critiquing;

To Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, the Regional Director of DENR – EMB I,

for her time and cooperation in all the given undersign given to her;

To Sir Rogelio B. Gabuyo Jr., EMS II, who is always there to assist us, the

researchers, for being accommodating to our queries for lending his time and

knowledge for the improvement of this study;

Our friends and classmates, for their support, help and encouragement;

Our beloved families and relatives, for their unending moral and financial

support, love, encouragement, prayers and guidance especially whenever we felt like

losing our momentum and confidence to continue the study;

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY iv
 Above all, to our Almighty GOD, the Author of knowledge and wisdom for
giving us faith to come up with this study and strength to go through this.

N.S.F.
R.M.M
F.Y.T.
J.Q.E.
M.B.T.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY v
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this piece of work

to my parents, relatives, brothers and sisters.

Nin

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY vi
 DEDICATION

This study is wholeheartedly dedicated

to my beloved parents, Servillano and Annaliza Madriaga.

Chelle

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY vii
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this humble work to:

my mother, Rosario Tengco

and my late father, Simeon Tengco.

Gian

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY viii
 DEDICATION

I humbly dedicate this piece of work

to my ever loving parents, Jesus and Imelda Estacio.

Josh

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY ix
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this humble piece of work

to my loving parents, Felipe and Elaida Tinaza

Mike

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY x
 TABLE OF CONTENT
PRELIMINARIES PAGE
Title page ……………………………………………………………………..... i
Certification ……………………………………………………………………. ii
Approval Sheet …………………………………………………………….…… iii
Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………....... iv
Dedication ……………………………………………………………………… vi
Table of Content
xi
…………………………………………………………………..
List of Tables and Figures …………………………………………………...….. xiii
Abstract …………..……………………………………………………………….xix
Chapter I - THE PROBLEM
Introduction …………………………………………………………………….. 1

Objectives ………………………………………………………………………. 8

Review of Related Literature …………………………………………………….. 8

Conceptual Framework …………………………………………………………… 21
Operational Definition of Terms ………………………………………………… 22
Research Methodology …………………………………………………………... 24
A. Research Design ……………………………………………………….. 24
B. Population and Sampling ……………………………………………….24
C. Data Gathering Techniques ……………………………………………..26
D. Statistical Treatment of Data
27
……………………………………………
Scope and Delimitation ………………………………………………………….. 28
Chapter II - PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

OF DATA
Result and discussion …………………………………………………... 29

Chapter III - SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings …………………………………………………... 78

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TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY xi
 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………... 81

Recommendation ………………………………………………………. 82

REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………... 83

APPENDICES
A. Letters ………………………………………………………………. 86

B. Documentation …………………………………………………….... 92
CURRICULUM VITAE ……………………………………………………….. 103

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

TITLE PAGES
Table 1. Monthly concentrations of each pollutant in each month during

2016 – 2019 ………………………………………………...…………………... 29

Table 2. Annual concentrations of each pollutant from 2016-2019 …………… 71
Figure 1. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of January ………………………………………………………………………. 30
Figure 2. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of February ……………………………………………………………………... 30
Figure 3. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of March …………………………………………………………………….….. 31
Figure 4. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of April …………………………………………………………………………. 31
Figure 5. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month 32

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY xii
of May ………….………………………………………………………………
Figure 6. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of June ………….……………………………………………………………… 32
Figure 7. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of July …………..…….………………………………………………………… 33
Figure 8. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of August ……….……………………………………………………………… 34
Figure 9. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of September …...……….……………………………………………………… 34
Figure 10. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of October ……..……….……………………………………………………….. 35
Figure 11. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of November …..……….………………………………………………………. 35
Figure 12. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 1-hour average in the month

of December …...……….……………………………………………………… 36
Figure 13. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of January …….……….………………………………………………………... 36
Figure 14. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of February …….……….………………………………………………………. 37
Figure 15. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month 37

of March ……….……….……………………………………………………….
Figure 16. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of April ………...………………………………………………………………. 38
Figure 17. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

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TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY xiii
of May ……..…..……………………………………………………………….. 39
Figure 18. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of June ………....……….………………………………………………………. 39
Figure 19. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of July ……….....……….………………………………………………………. 40
Figure 20. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of August ……....……….………………………………………………………. 40
Figure 21. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of September …..……….………………………………………………………. 41
Figure 22. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of October ……..……….………………………………………………………. 41
Figure 23. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of November …..……….………………………………………………………. 42
Figure 24. Photochemical oxidants as Ozone 8-hour average in the month

of December …...……….………………………………………………………. 43
Figure 25. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of January ………..… 43
Figure 26. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of February ……….… 44
Figure 27. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of March ………….… 44
Figure 28. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of April …................... 45
Figure 29. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of May ……………… 45
Figure 30. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of June ……………… 46
Figure 31. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of July ……………… 46
Figure 32. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of August …………… 47
Figure 33. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of September ………… 48
Figure 34. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of October …………… 48
Figure 35. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of November………… 49
Figure 36. Sulfur Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of December ……..… 49

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TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY xiv
Figure 37. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of January ……..… 50
Figure 38. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of February ………. 50
Figure 39. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of March ………..... 51
Figure 40. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of April ………….. 52
Figure 41. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of May …………... 52
Figure 42. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of June ……..……. 53
Figure 43. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of July …………… 53
Figure 44. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of August ………… 54
Figure 45. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of September ……… 54
Figure 46. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of October ………… 55
Figure 47. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of November ……… 56
Figure 48. Nitrogen Dioxide 24-hour average in the month of December ……… 56
Figure 49. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of January ……. 57
Figure 50. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of February …… 57
Figure 51. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of March ……… 58
Figure 52. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of April ……….. 58
Figure 53. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of May ………… 59
Figure 54. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of June ………… 60
Figure 55. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of July ………… 60
Figure 56. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of August ……… 61
Figure 57. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of September ….. 61
Figure 58. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of October …….. 62
Figure 59. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of November ..… 62
Figure 60. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of December…… 63
Figure 61. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of January……… 64
Figure 62. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of February…..... 64
Figure 63. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of March………. 65
Figure 64. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of April ……….. 65
Figure 65. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of May ………… 66
Figure 66. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of June ………… 67
Figure 67. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of July ………… 67

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TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY xv
 Figure 68. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of August ……… 68
Figure 69. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of September ….. 68
Figure 70. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of October …….. 69
Figure 71. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of November ….. 70
Figure 72. Particulate Matter 10 24-hour average in the month of December …... 70
Figure 73. The trend of concentration changes of Ozone 1-Hour from 2016-

2019……………………………………………………………………………… 72
Figure 74. The trend of concentration changes of Ozone 8-Hour from 2016-

2019……………………………………………………………………………… 73
Figure 75. The trend of concentration changes of Sulfur Dioxide from 2016-

2019……………………………………………………………………………… 74
Figure 76. The trend of concentration changes of Nitrogen Dioxide from

2016-2019. ………………………………………………………………………. 75
Figure 77. The trend of concentration changes of Particulate Matter 10 from

2016-2019………………………………………………………………………… 76
Figure 78. The trend of concentration changes of Particulate Matter 2.5 from

2016-2019………………………………………………………………………. 77

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the trend of ambient air pollutants (O 3, SO2, NO2,

PM10 and PM2.5) in the City of San Fernando, La Union from 2016-2019. It integrated

statistical analysis to compare the air pollution data with the recommended National

Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (NAAQGV) standard. Using Differential

Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) used by the EMB-DENR in the City of San

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TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY xvi
Fernando, La Union, the researcher observed and analyzed the data whether it passes

the NAAQGV. The DOAS was used to assess the level of pollutants by measuring the

quantity and types of certain pollutants in the surrounding, outdoor air.

Comparing the readings of each pollutant from 2016 to 2019 with the

NAAQGV values, it was found that there was a controllable air pollution in the City

of San Fernando, La Union. The pollutants observed such as particulate emission

were an outside factory phenomenon, and a transport related phenomenon. Ozone

levels were relatively high during dry season or in summer months. The sources of

these air pollutants are stationary sources such as industrial firms and the smoke

stacks of power plants, hotels and other establishments, area sources such as smoking,

burning of garbage, and dust from construction, and unpaved ground, and most of the

sources of these air pollutants were mobile sources.

The air quality of the City of San Fernando, La Union is not dangerous to

health or the environment. The monitoring of these air pollutants must continue to

determine the level of these air pollutants to minimize the possible associated impacts

on the economy.

Monitoring these air pollutants must continue to determine the level of these

air pollutants to minimize the possible associated impacts on the economy. To

maintain the concentrations, it is suggested that massive green plantation must be

taken up in and around the area; conduct of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Information, Education and Communication to reduce air pollution and to sustain the

NAAQGV; and focus on planning and traffic management policies/ordinances that

may develop over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic and limiting

vehicle speed at vulnerable localities.

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
TREND ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION FOR AIR QUALITY SUSTAINABILITY xviii