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Physicochemical-assessment of the
Water Quality of Buhisan River,
Cebu, Philippines
Fleurdeliz Maglangit

International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology

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International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology

Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved

ISSN 2249–9695
Original Article
Physicochemical-assessment of the Water Quality
of Buhisan River, Cebu, Philippines
FLEURDELIZ F. MAGLANGIT
ORCID NO. 0000-0002-0159-8337
ffmaglangit@up.edu.ph
University of the Philippines Cebu
Biology Program, Sciences Cluster
Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City
RITCHELITA P. GALAPATE
ORCID NO. 0000-0001-8489-9583
rpgalapate@up.edu.ph
University of the Philippines Cebu
Biology Program, Sciences Cluster
Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City
EUKENE O. BENSIG
ORCID NO. 0000-0001-5509-2879
eukene.bensig81@gmail.com
University of the Philippines Cebu
Biology Program, Sciences Cluster
Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City

Received 22 May 2014; accepted 06 June 2014

Abstract
This study was carried out to assess and provide baseline data on the water quality of Buhisan River, Cebu, Philippines.
Water samples were taken in the upstream, midstream and downstream sites of Buhisan River once a month from
November 2011 to April 2012. The parameters measured on-site were temperature, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS).
Laboratory analyses of total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5), nitrates
and total phosphorus were carried out according to APHA methods. Results of the study showed that mean midstream and
downstream DO and BOD levels did not comply with the standard for Class D surface waters set by the Department of
Environmental and Natural Reosurces (DENR). All measured parameters except for temperature vary significantly across
location (p<0.05). The levels of BOD and DO in the midstream and downstream sites exceeded the DENR limit which is
suggestive of organic pollutants from domestic sources and urban runoffs from surrounding areas. The water quality of
Buhisan River must be regularly monitored to appropriate mitigating measures for the protection and preservation of this
freshwater resource.
© 2014 Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved
Keywords:- water quality, water pollution, physicochemical parameter, Buhisan, Cebu City, Philippines.
1.0 INTRODUCTION concern. This concern is compounded with the improper
The water quality of freshwater resources is utilization of water supplies. The abuse and degradation of
worsening to an alarming extent [1, 2, 3]. Anthropogenic watersheds, over-pumping from groundwater sources,
activities, land use development, industrialization, and organic and material pollution in the rivers are prevalent
urbanization severely affect their water quality and in [6].
danger the habitat of aquatic organisms [4, 2, 5]. One of the major rivers in Cebu City is the
Cebu City is the hub of commercial and industrial Buhisan River, yet no baseline information is available at
activities in the Central Visayas and Mindanao Regions of hand regarding its water quality and classification. This
the Philippines. The lack of water has become a growing study was conducted to assess the water quality of Buhisan
International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology 2014; 4(2): 83-87
83
River as well as to provide baseline data on selected
physicochemical parameters. The results of the study could
be used as a basis for management options of the river.
2.0 OBJECTIVES OT THE STUDY
The study aimed to assess the water quality of
Buhisan River by using selected physicochemical
parameters as indicators. Specifically, the study aimed to:
(1) measure pH, temperature, Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Dissolved Oxygen
(DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), nitrates and
total P, (2) compare the physicochemical results of the
three sampling sites identified in the river, and (3) compare
the results with the standard set by the Department of
Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR).
3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Study Site
Buhisan River at 10o19’18’’ N latitude and
123 50’18’’ E longitude, is a complex river system in Cebu
o
City, Philippines spanning approximately 11.8 kilometers.
It traverses 11 barangays and is one of the major river
systems in Cebu City.
Three sampling sites were established along
Buhisan River (Fig. 1) according to the river’s source and
flow. The sites were marked by Global Positioning System
(GPS). The upstream portion of the river (10° 48' 24.8'' N,
123° 51' 16.3'' E) covers the barangays of Pamutan, Toong,
Buhisan, and some areas of Sapangdaku. The midstream
section (10° 17' 55'' N, 123° 52' 11.7'' E) includes the
barangays Labangon, Tisa, Quiot, Punta Princesa, and parts
of Guadalupe. The downstream portions (10° 17' 32'' N,
123° 52' 50.6'' E) traverses barangays Mambaling and
Duljo-Fatima before it empties into the Mactan Channel.
A dam was built in the upper parts of Barangay
Buhisan in 1912 with an original capacity of 10,000 m3.
The barangay survey revealed that due to silting caused by
deforestation, the dam’s capacity at present has been
reduced to no more than 2,000 m3. The dam serves as one
of the major sources of water in Metro Cebu. Another site
in the area is the 630 hectares Buhisan Watershed which is
protected under the Republic Act 9486 or Central Cebu
Protected Landscape Law (CCPL). The Buhisan Watershed
Ecotourism Project (BWEP) holds tours and tree planting
activities from different sectors in the area. This has been a
joint project with the City Government (LGU including
barangays Buhisan, Toong, Pamutan and Sapangdaku),
Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD), and the Department
of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR).
The upstream portion of Buhisan River was
characterized by trees and vegetation with few houses at a
far distance. Large rocks were visible along the river bank.
Leaking pipes from Buhisan dam flows and drains to the
river. People use the flowing water within the river
perimeter for washing clothes, dishes and taking a bath.
Occurrence of small-scale quarrying was also evident in the
area.
The midstream site was characterized with
numerous houses lining the river perimeter. A number of
households along the river raise pigs and the wastewater
finds their way into the river. Trees and vegetation were
absent in the area. River water was very turbid with fecal
International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology 2014; 4(2): 83-87
84
wastes, plastics, and other solid wastes.
The downstream site was characterized with
shallow waters due to the increasing number of houses
being built near and along the river bank. This resulted to
river water overflow during rainy season. Houses were
built very close to each other and their wastewater is
discharged into the river resulting in turbid water. Solid
wastes resulting from “puso” (rice wrapped in coconut
leaves) making were found in the river causing it to clog.
Slight rains cause flooding in some areas due to drainage
problems and the floodwaters find their way into the river.
Figure 1. Location of sampling sites along Buhisan River
3.2 Sample Collection
Sample collection was done once a month from
November 2011 to April 2012, with an approximate
interval of at least three weeks. The Global Positioning
System (GPS) was used to determine the actual coordinates
of the sampling sites (upstream, midstream, downstream) in
Buhisan River and to reconfirm the site location during
succeeding sampling periods. Standard procedures
following the APHA AWWA WEF [7] and US EPA
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Manual [8] were performed
for the collection of water samples for chemical analysis.
Water samples were collected from the main current facing
the upstream direction and taken 8 to 12 inches beneath the
surface or mid-way between the surface and the bottom if
the stream reach is shallow. When the location of the
sampling site was curved, the water sample was taken near
the outside of the curve where the water was relatively well
mixed [9].
Water samples from each site were collected in 2-
liter polyethylene bottles by grab sampling. The bottles
were rinsed three times with surface water prior to sample
collection for laboratory analysis. Samples were kept at
about 40C in an ice bucket and transported to the Technolab
Analytical Group, Inc., an accredited laboratory, within 6
hours after sample collection. The samples were
refrigerated in the laboratory prior to analysis.
3.3 Sample Analysis
Water temperature, pH, and TDS were measured
in-situ, using the Thermo Orion 5-star freshwater
multimeter kit. The other parameters were determined and
analyzed at Technolab Analytical Group, Inc. following the
APHA AWWA WEF [7] methods as follows: DO using the
 Table 1. Mean Values of the Physico-chemical parameters result as compared with the DENR standard
DENR standard
Parameter Upstream Midstream Downstream
(Class D)
Temperature (0C rise) 27.52 28.38 28.87 3
pH 7.17 7.60 7.26 6.0-9.0
Not more than 60
TSS (mg/L) 6.47 34.83 31.17
mg/L increase
TDS (mg/L) 392.67 536.67 558.83 1000
DO (mg/L) 4.43 0.10 0.07 3.0
10 minimum
BOD (mg/L) 2.03 66.67 53.83
15 maximum
Nitrates (mg/L) 2.07 0.16 0.06 -
Total P (mg/L) 0.14 1.94 1.82 -
- Means the standard of these substances are not considered necessary for the present time, considering the stage of the
country's development and DENR capabilities, equipment and resources

Figure 2. Mean Physico-chemical parameters of water (a) temperature, (b) pH, (c) TSS, (d) TDS, (e) DO, (f) BOD, (g)
nitrates and (h) total P concentration

azide modification (Winkler) method, BOD following the
azide modification (dilution) method, TSS by gravimetric
method, NO3- was by chromotropic-colorimetric method
and total P was analyzed by acid digestion followed by
stannous chloride colorimetric method.
3. 4 Data Analysis
Statistical analysis was performed on the data
using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
version 19 (trial version). One-way Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) was used to determine the relationships between
two or more variables. Physico-chemical results were
compared with were compared with the standard for
International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology 2014; 4(2): 83-87
85
surface waters set by the Department of Natural Resources
(DENR).
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The current best beneficial use of Buhisan River
belongs to the lowest classification which is Class D.
Surface waters in this classification is used for agriculture,
irrigation, livestock watering and is not safe for human
consumption [10]. Physicochemical the results obtained in
this study were compared with the Class D standard set by
DENR.
Table 1 and Figure 2 show the physicochemical
results for the three sampling sites of Buhisan River.
 Temperature readings were within the DENR
standard of not more than 30C increase over ambient
temperature. The observed increase in water temperatures
from upstream to downstream (Fig. 2a) was not significant
(p=0.12). The variation in river water temperature usually
depends on the geographic location, season, sampling time
and temperature of wastewater discharges entering the
stream [4, 11].
pH values were within the pH range of 6.0-9.0 for
Classes AA to D surface waters set by DENR (Fig. 2b). In
general, the pH values were almost at the neutral level to
slightly alkaline. There was significant spatial variation
(p=0) of the pH values at all sites which could be due to
chemical buffering, water contamination with alkaline
detergents from residential areas and release of
bicarbonates and carbonate of calcium and magnesium in
water from urban runoff [1, 12, 13, 14].
TSS values were within the standard set by the
DENR of no more than 60mg/L TSS increase (Fig. 2c). The
mean TSS values showed significant difference across
location (p=0.01). The highest mean TSS value was
observed in the midstream site which could be indicative of
erosion of silt, clay and other suspended particles that has
taken place in the course of the river [15, 16].
Appreciable TDS values were observed at all
sampling sites but did not exceed the 1000 mg/L limit for
Class D surface waters set by the DENR [17]. The TDS
levels varied significantly across location (p=0) which
could be due to the mixing of pollutants in the river from
different anthropogenic activities [18] at the different sites,
such as small-scale quarrying, clothes washing and garbage
dumping, which are some common activities at the
riverbank in this area. Higher TDS level in surface waters
increases the biological and chemical oxygen demand and
eventually depletes the level of dissolved oxygen in water
[18].
Mean DO level (Fig. 2e) significantly decreased
towards downstream (p=2.25 x 10-10), with mean values
4.43 mg/L, 0.10 mg/L and 0.07 mg/L for upstream,
midstream and downstream sites, respectively. Only DO
upstream was within the 3.0 mg/L acceptable DENR limit
for Class D surface waters and can adequately sustain
aquatic lives [19]. The depleting DO level at the midstream
and downstream sites could be attributed to the
consumption of DO in the oxidation of organic matter [11]
from domestic wastewater, discharges from pigpens, and
human wastes.
BOD levels significantly vary across sites
(p=0.01). Midstream and downstream BOD values
exceeded the 15 mg/L DENR limit (Fig. 2d). Organic
wastes from toilets, kitchen, laundry and piggeries from
nearby households contribute to the low BOD levels in
these sites [1, 8]. High BOD levels indicates decline in DO
because the available oxygen in water is being consumed
by the bacteria for the decomposition of organic matter
leading to the inability of aquatic organisms to survive in
the river [20].
The mean NO3- values significantly decreased
(p=0) in downstream direction (Fig. 2f). The relatively high
upstream NO3- level compared with other sites could be
International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and Technology 2014; 4(2): 83-87
86
coming from runoffs from nitrogen fertilized gardens,
domestic wastewater, human and animal wastes [21, 8].
Increase in the organic matter degradation by microbial
activities could also lead to higher NO3- levels [22].
The total mean Phosphorus level vary significantly
across location (p=0). Midstream and downstream total P
levels were relatively higher compared with the upstream
total P which could be attributed to domestic wastewater
discharges into the river containing detergents, top soil
erosion carrying naturally occurring phosphorus from
neighboring areas [8, 23]. Other probable sources of
pollutants included agriculture runoff, surface water runoff,
failing septic systems as well as human and animal wastes
[8, 24]. Increasing levels of phosphorus and nitrogen
compounds in lakes and reservoirs leads to eutrophication
[25] however, no excessive plant growth was observed
during the study period.
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
The BOD and DO levels in the midstream and
downstream sites of Buhisan River exceeded the DENR
standard for surface waters. Higher concentrations of BOD
are suggestive of input of organic pollutants from natural
and anthropogenic sources. High BOD levels deplete the
amounts of dissolved oxygen which is harmful to aquatic
lives. If organic pollution from domestic wastewater,
agricultural and urban runoff, dumped garbage and other
solid wastes, is not stopped, then further deterioration of
Buhisan River is inevitable.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
To sustain the ecological status of Buhisan River,
there should be a regular monitoring of the river’s water
quality using physicochemical and biological parameters as
indicators. Pollutant prevention, education to the citizens,
strict enforcement of laws should be implemented in
partnership with the different institutions, stakeholders and
non-government organizations.
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