Laguna Lake AWQR - 2009-2012

2009 to 2012
Annual Water Quality Report

on the Laguna de Bay
and its Tributary Rivers
Department Of Environment And Natural Resources

LAGUNA LAKE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Compound,
North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
FOREWORD
This report contains the water quality data on Laguna de Bay (LdB) and its tributary
rivers generated by the Environmental Laboratory and Research Division (ELRD) of
LLDA, formerly Environmental Quality Management Division (EQMD), from 2009 to
2012 for the LLDA’s Water Quality Monitoring Program which has been on-going since
1973. The results of the assessment of the lake and its tributary rivers’ water quality
status during the 4-year monitoring period based on compliance to the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Class C Water Quality Criteria as
prescribed under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No.34, Series of 1990, are also
presented.
From 2009 to 2011, the five (5) stations monitored in Laguna de Bay were Station I
(Central West Bay), Station II (East Bay), Station IV (Central Bay), Station V (Northern
West Bay) and Station VIII (South Bay). By 2012, four (4) new monitoring stations were
added, namely: Station XV (West Bay- San Pedro), Station XVI (West Bay- Sta Rosa),
Station XVII (Central Bay- Fish Sanctuary) and Station XVIII (East Bay- Pagsanjan).
For the monitoring of the Laguna de Bay’s tributaries, LLDA has a total of eighteen (18)
stations in 2009 to 2010 that included Marikina, Bagumbayan, Mangangate, Tunasan
(Downstream), San Pedro, Cabuyao, San Cristobal, San Juan, Bay, Sta. Cruz,
Pagsanjan, Pangil (Downstream), Siniloan, Tanay (Downstream), Morong
(Downstream) and Sapang Baho Rivers, Buli Creek, and Manggahan Floodway. To
cover the twenty four (24) sub-basins in the Laguna de Bay Region, the monitoring
stations in Baras River, Pililla River, Sta. Maria River-Downstream, Pila River, Molawin
Creek in Los Baños, Sta. Rosa River-Downstream and Biñan River started in 2011. By
2012, nine (9) additional tributary river stations were monitored located in Mangangate
River-Upstream, Tunasan River-Upstream, Sta. Rosa River-Midstream and Upstream,
Pangil River-Upstream, Sta. Maria River-Upstream, Jala-jala River, Tanay River-
Upstream and Morong River-Upstream. Thus, the number of the water quality
monitoring stations at the tributary rivers of LdB in 2012 was thirty four (34).
Throughout the 4-year monitoring period, the water sampling in all lake and tributary
river stations was conducted once a month. The analyses of the collected water
samples were in accordance with the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater, 21st Edition. 2005. APHA, AWWA, WEF.
This report covers seventeen (17) physico-chemical parameters, three (3) biological
parameters, two (2) micro-biological parameters and the results of the lake primary
productivity studies. The biological analysis of the water samples in the tributary rivers
for phytoplankton counts began only in 2011.
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This water quality report on the Laguna de Bay and its tributaries for 2009 to 2012 was
prepared by Ireneo G. Bongco (Sr. Science Research Specialist) and Joebeth S.
Dalisay (Science Research Specialist II) of the LLDA - Environmental Laboratory and
Research Division (ELRD) as part of the LLDA’s Water Quality Monitoring Program.
The support of the following in the preparation and completion of this report is hereby
acknowledged:
1. Jocelyn G. Sta. Ana – OIC, ELRD
2. Bileynnie P. Encarnacion – Head, Biology Section - ELRD
3. Dolorita Z. Ravanilla – Head, Chemistry Section – ELRD
4. Marilou D. Cebujano – Head, Microbiology Section – ELRD
Special thanks are also extended to all the technical and support staff of ELRD.
For Public Inquiries, please contact:
Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Tel. No. 286-6143

Laguna Lake Development Authority
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Club Manila East, Taytay, Rizal
ii
LAGUNA LAKE AND ITS TRIBUTARY RIVERS
SAMPLING STATIONS
iii
LAGUNA LAKE PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY STUDY
SAMPLING STATION
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Foreword i
Acknowledgement ii
Location Map of Laguna Lake and Its Tributary Rivers Sampling Stations iii
Location Map of Laguna Lake Primary Productivity Study Sampling Stations iv
Table of Contents v
List of Tables vii
List of Figures ix
Introduction 1
Physico-chemical Parameters
Alkalinity 2
Ammonia 6
Biochemical Oxygen Demand 10
Calcium Hardness 14
Chemical Oxygen Demand 18
Chloride 22
Dissolved Oxygen 26
Inorganic Phosphate 30
Nitrate 34
Oil and Grease 38
pH 42
Temperature 46
Total Dissolved Solids 50
v
Page
Total Hardness 54
Total Suspended Solids 58
Transparency 62
Turbidity 64
Biological Parameters
Phytoplankton 68
Zooplankton 72
Benthos 74
Microbiological Parameters
Total Coliform 76
Fecal Coliform 80
Net Primary Productivity of Laguna de Bay 84
Summary 86
Methods of Analysis 87
DENR Administrative Order No.34 88
References 90
vi
LIST OF TABLES
Laguna de Bay and Its Tributary Rivers Page
Alkalinity 2-3
Ammonia 6-7
Biochemical Oxygen Demand 10-11
Calcium Hardness 14-15
Chemical Oxygen Demand 18-19
Chloride 22-23
Dissolved Oxygen 26-27
Inorganic Phosphate 30-31
Nitrate 34-35
Oil and Grease 38-39
pH 42-43
Temperature 46-47
Total Dissolved Solids 50-51
Total Hardness 54-55
Total Suspended Solids 58-59
Transparency 62
Turbidity 64-65
Phytoplankton 68-69
Zooplankton 72
Benthos 74
vii
Page
Total Coliform 76-77
Fecal Coliform 80-81
Net Primary Productivity 84
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
1. Location Map of Laguna de Bay and its Tributary Rivers Sampling Stations iii
2. Location Map of Laguna Lake Primary Productivity Study iv
3. Graphical Presentation
Alkalinity 2&4
Ammonia 6&8
Biochemical Oxygen Demand 10 & 12
Calcium Hardness 14 & 16
Chemical Oxygen Demand 18 & 20
Chloride 22 & 24
Dissolved Oxygen 26 & 28
Inorganic Phosphate 30 & 32
Nitrate 34 & 36
Oil and Grease 38 & 40
pH 42 & 44
Temperature 46 & 48
Total Dissolved Solids 50 & 52
Total Hardness 54 & 56
Total Suspended Solids 58 & 60
Transparency 62
Turbidity 64 & 66
ix
Page
Phytoplankton 68 & 70
Zooplankton 72
Benthos 74
Total Coliform 76 & 78
Fecal Coliform 80 & 82
Net Primary Productivity 84
x
INTRODUCTION
Laguna de Bay, with a total surface area of 900 square kilometres (km 2), is the biggest
lake and one of the most important inland bodies of water in the Philippines. This
almost heart-shaped lake, located 13o55‘ to 14o50‘ N latitude and 20o50‘ to 121 o45‘ E
longitude at 15 kilometers (kms.) southeast of Manila, has three (3) distinct bays,
namely: West Bay, Central Bay and East Bay. Its southernmost portion is called the
South Bay. Although shallow with an average depth of only 2.5 meters, the lake‘s water
holding capacity is estimated at 2.19 billion cubic meters (m3). The lake‘s watershed
area of 3,820 square kilometers straddles the whole provinces of Rizal and Laguna, and
some towns in Batangas, Cavite, Quezon and cities in Metro Manila. Twenty-one (21)
major tributary river systems flow into the lake aside from other relatively small rivers
and streams (Tongson, E. T. et al., 2012). The lake‘s only outlet is the Napindan
Channel which is connected to Manila Bay via the Pasig River. Seawater backflow has
been a natural phenomenon in the lake and it took place in some years in the past.
This happens in the lake not every year but occasionally in summer months whenever
the lake level is lower than in Manila Bay. As the Pasig River reverses its flow during
the entry of saltwater due to the effect of tidal fluctuation in Manila Bay, the salinity of
the water in the lake increases.
As a multi use water resource, Laguna Bay is used as source of irrigation water,
industrial cooling water, hydroelectric power generation, transport route, source of
animal feed, a venue for recreation, source of fish supply and source of domestic water
supply. The National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that as of 2007, the total
population around the lake was about 14.4 million. To ensure the viability of this vital
resource, support is needed from the various lake stakeholders and other parties
interested in its sustainable use. Likewise, proper management of the lake and its
watershed areas must be intensified and sustained for environmentally sound resources
conservation.
From 1975 to 1977, a study was jointly undertaken by the World Health Organization
(WHO) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) which included
benchmarking of important water parameters and environmental indicators through the
conduct of a Comprehensive Water Quality Management Program of Laguna Bay.
Realizing the usefulness of having available water quality information on Laguna de Bay
and its tributary rivers, LLDA has continuously implemented its water quality monitoring
program since the 1970‘s with the following objectives:
1) To accurately assess the suitability of the lake for all its present and intended
beneficial uses, and
2) To evaluate the impacts of development activities on the lake‘s water quality that
will serve as important criteria for environmental planning and management .
1
LAGUNA DE BAY
Alkalinity, mg CaCO3/L
A. Water Quality Data:

Annual Averages Laguna de Bay Water Quality
Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. I (Central West Bay) 97 101 82 97
Stn. II (East Bay) 87 91 72 84
Stn. IV (Central Bay) 96 102 84 93
Stn. V (Northern West Bay) 101 104 85 94
Stn. VIII (South Bay) 100 105 86 93
Stn. XV San Pedro (West Bay) * * * 91
Stn. XVI Sta Rosa (West Bay) * * * 89
Stn. XVII Fish Sanctuary
(Central Bay) * * * 90
Stn. XVIII Pagsanjan (East Bay) * * * 79
Notes: * No data - not yet included in the LLDA's Water Quality Monitoring Program
Sampling Depth -
Stn. I - composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m. Stn. XV - composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Stn. II - composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m. Stn. XVI - composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Stn. IV - 0.5 m. Stn. XVII - composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Stn. V - 0.5 m. Stn. XVIII - composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Stn. VIII - composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Sampling Frequency - Once a month
DENR Class C criterion for Alkalinity - none
B. Graphs
2
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Alkalinity, mg CaCO3/L
A. Water Quality Data

Monitoring Stations Annual Averages
Tributary Rivers Water Quality
Station Locations Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
1 Marikina River 175 167 152 156
2 Bagumbayan River (Taguig) 436 446 282 256
3 Buli Creek (Taguig) 395 415 313 249
Mangangate River
4 (Muntinlupa) -Downstream 363 328 239 182
Mangangate River
4U (Muntinlupa) -Upstream * * * 166
Tunasan River (Muntinlupa)
5 -Downstream 327 362 312 300
5U -Upstream * * * 193
6 San Pedro River (T2) 307 345 330 290
7 Biñan River * * 253 254
Sta. Rosa River -
8 Downstream * * 297 242 Notes:
8M Sta. Rosa River - Midstream * * * 203
8U Sta. Rosa River - Upstream * * * 171 Sampling Frequency - Once a month
9 Cabuyao River 299 294 289 230
DENR Class C criterion for
10 San Cristobal River (T3)
249 252 252 197 Alkalinity - none
11 San Juan River (T5) 186 148 156 144
12 Molawin Creek (Los Baños) * * 164 187 * No sampling done
13 Bay River (T9) 255 225 222 188
14 Pila River * * 249 252
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 109 115 96 127
16 Pagsanjan River (T8) 60 93 42 109
17 Pangil River - Downstream 51 74 49 74
17U Pangil River - Upstream * * * 83
18 Siniloan River 67 86 48 79
Sta. Maria River -
19 Downstream * * 80 87
19U Sta. Maria River - Upstream * * * 85
20 Jala-jala River * * * 81
21 Pililla River * * 112 130
22 Tanay River - Downstream 232 216 187 172
22U Tanay River - Upstream * * * 167
23 Baras River * * 112 132
24 Morong River - Downstream 277 246 217 239
24U Morong River - Upstream * * * 229
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 184 182 159 165
26 Sapang Baho River (Cainta) 203 190 170 161
3
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Alkalinity
500
450
400
350
300
mg/L
250
200
150
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
1 Marikina River
Year
2 Bagum bayan River (Taguig) 3 Buli Creek (Taguig)
4 Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream 4U Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Upstream 5 Tunasan River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream
5U Tunasan River (Muntinlupa) -Upstream 6 San Pedro River (T2) 7 Biñan River
8 Sta. Rosa River - Dow nstream 8M Sta. Rosa River - Midstream 8U Sta. Rosa River - Upstream
9 Cabuyao River 10 San Cristobal River (T3) 11 San Juan River (T5)
12 Molaw in Creek (Los Baños) 13 Bay River (T9) 14 Pila River
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 16 Pagsanjan River (T8) 17 Pangil River - Dow nstream
17U Pangil River - Upstream 18 Siniloan River 19 Sta. Maria River - Dow nstream
19U Sta. Maria River - Upstream 20 Jala-jala River 21 Pililla River
22 Tanay River - Dow nstream 22U Tanay River - Upstream 23 Baras River
24 Morong River - Dow nstream 24U Morong River - Upstream 25 Manggahan Floodw ay (Taytay)
26 Sapang Baho River (Cainta)
4
ALKALINITY
Alkalinity is a measure of the water‘s capacity to neutralize acids and bases thereby
maintaining a fairly stable pH. It is also referred to as the acid neutralizing capacity, and
sometimes the buffering capacity. Alkalinity of natural waters is due primarily to the
presence of weak acid salts although strong bases may also contribute in extreme
environments. Bicarbonates represent the major form of alkalinity in natural waters and
its source is the partitioning of carbon dioxide (CO 2) from the atmosphere and the
weathering of carbonate minerals in rocks and soil. Other salts of weak acids, such as
borate, silicates, ammonia, phosphates, and organic bases from natural organic matter,
may be present in small amounts. Alkalinity is reported as mg/L CaCO 3 since most
alkalinity is derived from the weathering of carbonate minerals
(http://www.whitman.edu/chemistry/edusolns_software/ AlkalinityBackground.pdf).
.
Alkalinity in natural levels is beneficial to all organisms that depend on water because it
helps prevent acidic water (pH < 5) by resisting a change in pH that is harmful to
humans, wildlife, and aquatic organisms (http://serc.carleton.edu/sp/mnstep/activities/
38045.html).
For protection of aquatic life, the buffering capacity should be at least 20 mg/L CaCO 3.
If alkalinity is naturally low, (less than 20 mg/L) there can be no greater than a 25%
reduction in alkalinity (Source: http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/3746.asp). By maintaining
at least 20 mg/L CaCO3, the buffering system of the water is preserved which is an
important factor to aquatic life since fluctuation of the pH is prevented (LLDA, 1997).
Under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 34, there is no set Class C criterion for
alkalinity. From 2009 to 2012, the annual average alkalinity levels in the lake ranged
from 82 mg/L CaCO3 (in Stn I - Central West Bay in 2011) to 105 mg/l CaCO 3 (in Stn.
VIII - South Bay in 2010). In the tributary rivers, the computed annual average alkalinity
levels ranged from 42 mg/L CaCO3 (in Stn 16 - Pagsanjan River in 2011) to 446 mg/l
CaCO3 (in Stn. 2 – Bagumbayan River in 2010).
5
LAGUNA DE BAY
Ammonia, mg/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. I (Central West Bay) 0.044 0.068 0.171 0.162
Stn. II (East Bay) 0.013 0.034 0.038 0.146
Stn. IV (Central Bay) 0.025 0.042 0.060 0.043
Stn. V (Northern West Bay) 0.025 0.055 0.150 0.287
Stn. VIII (South Bay) 0.024 0.032 0.047 0.060
Stn. XV San Pedro (West Bay) * * * 0.045
Stn. XVI Sta Rosa (West Bay) * * * 0.053
(Central Bay) * * * 0.048
Stn. XVIII Pagsanjan (East Bay) * * * 0.057
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Ammonia - none
B. Graphs
6
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Ammonia, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
1 Marikina River 2.71 4.21 2.07 2.85
2 Bagumbayan River (Taguig) 8.25 33.30 5.10 5.53
3 Buli Creek (Taguig) 7.99 23.58 4.84 5.86
Mangangate River
4 (Muntinlupa) -Downstream 5.70 14.90 4.41 3.71
Mangangate River
4U (Muntinlupa) -Upstream * * * 3.81
5 -Downstream 5.29 6.87 2.74 5.22
5U -Upstream * * * 1.34
6 San Pedro River (T2) 6.25 10.99 3.79 5.09
7 Biñan River * * 2.71 4.24
Sta. Rosa River -
8 Downstream * * 2.66 2.88 Notes:
8M Sta. Rosa River - Midstream * * * 2.08
8U Sta. Rosa River - Upstream * * * 0.94 Sampling Frequency - Once a month
9 Cabuyao River 2.46 4.63 3.71 4.03
0.38 0.32 0.26 0.21 Ammonia - none
11 San Juan River (T5) 0.72 0.81 0.74 0.48
12 Molawin Creek (Los Baños) * * 0.19 0.28 * No sampling done
13 Bay River (T9) 0.09 0.10 0.12 0.11
14 Pila River * * 0.13 0.20
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 0.21 0.14 0.15 0.27
16 Pagsanjan River (T8) 0.07 0.04 0.09 0.07
17 Pangil River - Downstream 0.06 0.11 0.10 0.13
17U Pangil River - Upstream * * * 0.06
18 Siniloan River 0.71 1.31 0.42 1.00
Sta. Maria River -
19 Downstream * * 0.09 0.24
19U Sta. Maria River - Upstream * * * 0.06
20 Jala-jala River * * * 0.12
21 Pililla River * * 0.32 0.55
22 Tanay River - Downstream 0.53 0.44 0.81 0.40
22U Tanay River - Upstream * * * 0.10
23 Baras River * * 0.81 0.40
24 Morong River - Downstream 2.34 4.45 1.81 2.48
24U Morong River - Upstream * * * 3.16
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 2.27 4.35 2.74 3.12
26 Sapang Baho River (Cainta) 3.26 5.61 3.05 3.65
7
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Ammonia
35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
mg/L
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
1 Marikina River 2 Bagumbayan River (Taguig) 3 Buli Creek (Taguig)

4 Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Downstream 4U Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Upstream 5 Tunasan River (Muntinlupa) -Downstream
8 Sta. Rosa River - Downstream 8M Sta. Rosa River - Midstream 8U Sta. Rosa River - Upstream
12 Molawin Creek (Los Baños) 13 Bay River (T9) 14 Pila River
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 16 Pagsanjan River (T8) 17 Pangil River - Downstream
17U Pangil River - Upstream 18 Siniloan River 19 Sta. Maria River - Downstream
22 Tanay River - Downstream 22U Tanay River - Upstream 23 Baras River
24 Morong River - Downstream 24U Morong River - Upstream 25 Manggahan Floodway (Taytay)
8
AMMONIA
Ammonia is a colorless gas with irritating odor. In unpolluted water, trace amounts of
ammonia are present from the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen by aquatic
microorganisms. Ammonia can be produced naturally from the breakdown of organic
matter and is excreted by fish as a nitrogenous waste product. In fish, ammonia is a by-
product of protein metabolism and is primarily excreted across the gill membranes, with
a small amount excreted in the urine.
Ammonia is a toxic compound that can adversely affect fish health. When dissolved in
surface water, ammonia exists in two forms: NH 3 (unionized) and NH4+ (ionized). Total
ammonia is therefore the sum of the two (2) forms. Ionized ammonia does not easily
cross fish gills and is less bioavailable than the unionized form. The unionized form
(NH3) can cross from water into fish, and once inside, some converts to the ionized form
(NH4+), which then causes cellular damage (Francis-Floyd 2009; U.S. EPA, 1989 as
cited in http://www.nature.org/cs/groups/webcontent/@web/@alaska/documents/
document/prd_026308.pdf ).The nature and degree of toxicity depends on many factors,
including the chemical form of ammonia, the pH and temperature of the water, the
length of exposure, and the life stage of the exposed fish. As pH increases, the toxicity
of ammonia increases because the relative proportion of unionized ammonia increases.
(http://www.nature.org/cs/ groups/ webcontent/@web/@alaska/ documents/document/
prd_026308.pdf).
For the protection of freshwater aquatic life, a level of 0.02 mg/L unionized ammonia
(NH3) should not be exceeded (U.S. EPA Environmental Studies Board, 1973 as cited
in LLDA, 1997).
DAO 34 has no Class C criterion for ammonia. The highest annual average ammonia
concentration in the lake from 2009 to 2012 was in Stn. V – Northern West Bay at 0.287
mg/L in 2012 while the lowest was in Stn. II – East Bay at 0.013 mg/L in 2009.
Among the tributary river stations, Stn. 2 in Bagumbayan River recorded the highest
annual average ammonia concentration at 33.30 mg/L in 2010. On the other hand, the
lowest annual average ammonia level was obtained in Pagsanjan River in 2010 at 0.04
mg/L. From the computed annual average ammonia concentrations in the tributary
rivers from 2009 to 2012, it appeared that those stations with high levels of more than 1
mg/L are mostly located in the West Bay, specifically, Stns. 1, 2, 3, 4, 4U, 5, 5U, 6, 7, 8,
8M, 9, 25 and 26. The other river stations that also yielded relatively high annual
average ammonia concentrations were both in Morong River at the Central Bay,
namely: Stn. 24 at the downstream from 2009 to 2012, and Stn. 24U at the upstream in
2012.
9
LAGUNA DE BAY
Biochemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for BOD - 7.0 mg/l
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
4
mg/l
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. I (Central West Bay) Stn. II (East Bay)

Years
Stn. IV (Central Bay) Stn. V (Northern West Bay)
Stn. VIII (South Bay) Stn. XV San Pedro (West Bay)
Stn. XVI Sta Rosa (West Bay) Stn. XVII Fish Sanctuary (Central Bay)
Stn. XVIII Pagsanjan (East Bay) DENR Class C Criterion
10
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Biochemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 184 159 129 141
6 San Pedro River (T2) 16 18 24 23
Sta. Rosa River -
9 Cabuyao River 11 14 20 17
DENR Class C criterion for BOD -
33 78 63 33 7.0 mg/l (for annual average)
11 San Juan River (T5) 9 5 9 4
13 Bay River (T9) 3 4 3 2
14 Pila River * * 3 3
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 3 3 3 2
Sta. Maria River -
23 Baras River * * 6 5
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 7 14 11 11
11
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
250
200
150
mg/L
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
26 Sapang Baho River (Cainta) DENR Class C Criterion
12
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms

for stabilizing biologically decomposable organic matter (carbonaceous) in water under
aerobic conditions. The test is used to determine the pollution load of wastewater, the
degree of pollution and the efficiency of wastewater treatment methods
(http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/monograph1/Methpage1.html). BOD5 is calculated by
measuring the amount of dissolved oxygen in a water sample when it is collected, then
keeping the sample at 20°C for five days and measuring dissolved oxygen again. The
value of the five-day sample is then subtracted from that of the original to get a BOD
result in mg/L. High BOD levels can be associated with organic pollution, such as
sewage. High levels can also result when nutrient enrichment causes excessive growth
and decay of algae and aquatic plants (http://row.nku.edu/index.php?option=
com_content&view= article&id= 84&Itemid=74). BOD will not directly harm the aquatic
organisms because it is not a pollutant. BOD exerts an indirect effect only when
dissolved oxygen of the water is reduced to levels that are unfavorable to aquatic life.
(LLDA, 1997).
The DENR Class C water quality criterion for BOD set at 7 mg/L was complied in all of
the monitored lake stations from 2009 to 2012 based on the computed annual average
BOD concentrations.
The results of the water quality monitoring in the tributary rivers from 2009 to 2012
showed that annual average BOD concentrations ranged from 1 mg/L (noted in
Pagsanjan River station in 2009 and in Sta. Maria River – Upstream station in 2012) to
238 mg/L (recorded in Bagumbayan River station in 2010). It was observed that out of
the 34 tributary river stations monitored, only 17 stations (Stns. 5u, 8u,12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17, 17U, 18, 19, 19U, 20, 21, 22, 22U and 23) had all of the BOD annual averages
conformed to the DENR Class C criterion. Those stations whose annual average BOD
always exceeded the criterion were mostly in the West Bay area, namely: Stns. 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 26.
13
LAGUNA DE BAY
Calcium Hardness, mg CaCO3/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Calcium Hardness - none
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Calcium Hardness
65
60
55
50
45
40
mg CaCO 3/L
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2009 2010 2011 2012

Years Stn. IV (Central Bay)
Stn. V (Northern West Bay) Stn. VIII (South Bay) Stn. XV San Pedro (West Bay)
Stn. XVI Sta Rosa (West Bay) Stn. XVII Fish Sanctuary (Central Bay) Stn. XVIII Pagsanjan (East Bay)
14
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Calcium Hardness, mg CaCO3/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 101 86 76 99
6 San Pedro River (T2) 93 100 98 104
Sta. Rosa River -
DENR Class C criterion for Calcium
87 90 79 97 Hardness - none
11 San Juan River (T5) 85 97 83 91
13 Bay River (T9) 82 82 81 77
14 Pila River * * 42 67
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 41 50 34 59
Sta. Maria River -
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 82 88 82 89
15
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Calcium Hardness
160
140
120
100
mg/L
80
60
40
20
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
16
CALCIUM HARDNESS
Calcium Hardness is caused by the presence of calcium ions in the water. The
presence of calcium in water results from passage through or over deposits of
limestone, dolomite, gypsum and such other calcium bearing rocks. Calcium contributes
to the total hardness of water and is an important micro-nutrient in aquatic environment
needed in large quantities by molluscs and vertebrates. It is measured by EDTA
titrimetric method and the results of the analysis is reported in mg CaCO3/L. Small
concentration of calcium carbonate prevents corrosion of metal pipes by laying down a
protective coating (http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/monograph1/Methpage1.html).
Calcium salts can also be readily precipitated from water and high levels of calcium
hardness tend to promote scale formation in the water system
(http://www.aquaticlife.ca/Parameters/CalciumHardness.asp).
There is no set DENR Class C criterion for calcium hardness. The highest among the
annual mean calcium hardness levels in the lake was 64 mg CaCO 3/L in 2010 at Stn. V
(Northern West Bay) while the lowest was 31 mg CaCO 3/L in 2011 and 2012 in Stn. II
(East Bay). It was also noted that the year when all of the monitored lake stations
obtained their highest annual mean calcium hardness concentrations during the four-
year monitoring period was in 2010.
In the tributary rivers, the annual average calcium hardness was highest in Pililla River
in 2012 at 142 mg CaCO3/L and lowest at 18 mg CaCO 3/L was in Pagsanjan River in
2010.
17
LAGUNA DE BAY
Chemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for COD - none
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
45
40
35
30
25
mg/L
20
15
10
5
0
2009 2010 2011 2012

18
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Chemical Oxygen Demand, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 572 227 244 249
Sta. Rosa River -
DENR Class C criterion for COD -
79 195 133 66 none
11 San Juan River (T5) 51 25 21 29
13 Bay River (T9) 38 21 21 21
14 Pila River * * 15 30
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 28 33 9 30
Sta. Maria River -
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 22 73 36 34
19
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Chemical Oxygen Demand
700
600
500
400
mg/L
300
200
100
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
20
CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND
The COD is the amount of oxygen which is needed for the oxidation of all organic
substances in water in mg/L or g/m3. It is measured by Dichromate Reflux Method. The
intrinsic limitation of the test lies in its ability to differentiate between the biologically
oxidizable and inert material (http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/monograph1/Methpage1.
html). The main use of COD as an indicator of the organic and inorganic matter within
water and effluent discharge is it provides information on the quantity of oxygen
required to completely oxidize both the organic and inorganic material present in water.
There are other tests that are also used to measure the organic content of a water body,
such as the biological oxygen demand test. One advantage of the COD test over other
tests, such as the BOD test is that it is relatively fast to carry out, for example the BOD
test takes place over a five-day incubation period while the COD tests can be carried
out in 2 hours; hence provides a much quicker indication of water quality. This property
of the test has resulted in a wide range of usage when monitoring and controlling the
organic content of industrial waste from effluent systems and the receiving water bodies
(http://www.writework.com/essay/determination-chemical-oxygen-demand- cod- river-
water-samples).
From 2009 to 2012, the annual average COD levels in the lake ranged from 4 mg/L (in
2009 at Stn. V – Northern West Bay) to 41 mg/L (in 2010 at Stn. I – Central West Bay).
The range of annual mean COD concentrations in the tributaries were comparatively
higher than in the lake at 7 mg/L in 2011 in Stn. 22U (Tanay River Upstream) and 572
mg/L in 2009 in Stn. 5 (Tunasan River Downstream).
21
LAGUNA DE BAY
Chloride, mg/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 36 102 123 41
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Chloride - 350 mg/L
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Chloride
500
450
400
350
300
250
mg/L
200
150
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. IV (Central Bay) Years Stn. V (Northern West Bay)
22
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Chloride, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 71 116 117 70
Sta. Rosa River -
99 118 122 83 Chloride -350 mg/L
11 San Juan River (T5) 39 60 69 57
13 Bay River (T9) 18 26 21 26
14 Pila River * * 15 22
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 12 19 16 18
Sta. Maria River -
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 34 39 33 35
23
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Chloride
400
350
300
250
mg/L
200
150
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
24
CHLORIDE
Chloride, in the form of the Cl– ion, is one of the major inorganic anions, or negative
ions, in saltwater and freshwater. It originates from the dissociation of salts, such as
sodium chloride or calcium chloride, in water. These salts, and their resulting chloride
ions, originate from natural minerals, saltwater intrusion and industrial pollution.
The possible sources of manmade salts that may contribute to elevated chloride
concentrations are chlorinated drinking water and sodium-chloride water softeners
which often increase chloride levels in wastewater.
In drinking water, the salty taste produced by chloride depends upon the concentration
of the chloride ion. Water containing 250 mg/L of chloride may have a detectable salty
taste if the chloride came from sodium chloride. The recommended maximum level of
chloride in U.S. drinking water is 250 mg/L (http://www.vernier.com/experiments/
wqv/15/chloride_ and_salinity/).
In Laguna de Bay, the intrusion of seawater from Manila Bay via the Pasig River during
seawater backflow whenever the lake level drops to elevation 10.5 meters, has been
always responsible for the increase in the chloride concentration of the water.
Except in Stn. V (Northern West Bay) in 2010, all of the average chloride concentrations
in the lake from 2009 to 2012 were within the DENR Class C criterion of 350 mg/L. Stn.
V yielded the highest average chloride level in 2010 at 459 mg/L due to the very high
chloride concentration recorded in June in this station at 3,534 mg/L, an indication that
there was an intrusion of seawater into the lake from the Pasig River backflow. There
were no seawater backflow noted in the lake in 2009, 2011 and 2012 as all of the
measured monthly chloride concentrations in Stn. V never exceeded the 350 mg/L
Class C criterion.
All of the computed average chloride concentrations in the tributary rivers from 2009 to
2013 were within the Class C criterion for chloride.
25
LAGUNA DE BAY
Dissolved Oxygen, mg/L
C. Water Quality Data:

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 9.0 8.0 8.2 7.9
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for DO - 5.0 mg/L
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
mg/L
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
2009 2010 Years 2011 2012

26
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Dissolved Oxygen, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
1 Marikina River 2.9 2.1 1.9 1.9
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 0.9 0.1 0.2 0.1
5U -Upstream * * * 4.1
6 San Pedro River (T2) 2.7 0.2 1.3 1.2
7 Biñan River * * 0.6 0.6
Sta. Rosa River -
9 Cabuyao River 3.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
DENR Class C criterion for DO -
4.3 1.3 1.2 2.0 5.0 mg/L
11 San Juan River (T5) 4.5 3.6 2.8 3.0
13 Bay River (T9) 7.3 7.0 6.6 6.8
14 Pila River * * 5.1 4.8
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 6.7 7.0 6.5 6.5
18 Siniloan River 3.4 5.4 4.6 2.7
Sta. Maria River -
19 Downstream * * 6.5 6.5
23 Baras River * * 3.9 4.7
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 4.4 1.9 1.7 2.3
27
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Dissolved Oxygen
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
mg/L
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
1 Marikina River 2 Bagum bayan River (Taguig)
3 Buli Creek (Taguig) 4 Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream
4U Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Upstream 5 Tunasan River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream
5U Tunasan River (Muntinlupa) -Upstream 6 San Pedro River (T2)
7 Biñan River 8 Sta. Rosa River - Dow nstream
8M Sta. Rosa River - Midstream 8U Sta. Rosa River - Upstream
9 Cabuyao River 10 San Cristobal River (T3)
11 San Juan River (T5) 12 Molaw in Creek (Los Baños)
13 Bay River (T9) 14 Pila River
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 16 Pagsanjan River (T8)
17 Pangil River - Dow nstream 17U Pangil River - Upstream
18 Siniloan River 19 Sta. Maria River - Dow nstream
19U Sta. Maria River - Upstream 20 Jala-jala River
21 Pililla River 22 Tanay River - Dow nstream
22U Tanay River - Upstream 23 Baras River
24 Morong River - Dow nstream 24U Morong River - Upstream
25 Manggahan Floodw ay (Taytay) 26 Sapang Baho River (Cainta)
DENR Class C Criterion
28
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
Aquatic organisms require oxygen in the free elemental state as a dissolved gas. The
amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water is fundamental to the survival of most
aquatic organisms. Lack of significant levels of dissolved oxygen required by most
aquatic organisms for respiration can cause impairment or death.
The two main sources of dissolved oxygen are diffusion of oxygen from the air and
photosynthetic activity. Oxygen is soluble in water and the oxygen that is dissolved in
water will equilibrate with the oxygen in atmosphere. Oxygen tends to be less soluble as
temperature increases. Diffusion of oxygen from the air into water depends on the
solubility of oxygen, and is influenced by many other factors like water movement,
temperature, salinity, etc. Photosynthesis of aquatic plants will increase the DO during
day light hours and the DO levels will fall during the nighttime hours
(http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/ monograph1/Methpage1.html).
In natural waters, man-made contamination, or natural organic material will be

consumed by microorganisms. As this microbial activity increases due to high organic
loadings, oxygen will be consumed out of the water by the organisms to facilitate their
digestion process. Typically, DO levels of less than 2 mg/l will kill the fish
(http://www.stevenswater.com/articles/waterparameters.aspx).
The lake‘s average annual DO levels in all monitored stations from 2009 to 2012
conformed to the DENR Class C criterion set at a minimum of 5 mg/L.
Only 11 of the 34 tributary river stations monitored in 2009 to 2012 had all of the
computed average annual DO concentrations passed the Class C criterion and these
are Bay River (Stn. 13), Sta. Cruz River (Stn. 15), Pagsanjan River (Stn. 16), Pangil
River Downstream (Stn. 17), Pangil River Upstream (Stn. 17U), Sta. Maria River
Downstream (Stn 19), Sta. Maria River Upstream (Stn 19U), Jala-jala River (Stn. 20),
Tanay River-Downstream (Stn. 22), Tanay River-Upstream (Stn 22U) and Morong
River-Upstream (Stn. 24U). Those tributary river stations whose annual mean
concentrations for DO always failed the Class C criterion were Stns. 1 to 12, 21, 23, 25
and 26. For Stns. 14, 18 and 24, measured annual average DO concentrations
occasionally passed the Class C criterion.
29
LAGUNA DE BAY
Inorganic Phosphate, mg/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 0.084 0.085 0.035 0.128
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Inorganic Phosphate – 0.05 mg/L
B. Graphs
30
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Inorganic Phosphate, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
1 Marikina River 0.60 1.77 0.48 0.42
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 4.56 17.43 2.35 2.15
5U -Upstream * * * 0.87
6 San Pedro River (T2) 2.91 8.56 1.93 1.55
7 Biñan River * * 0.96 1.19
Sta. Rosa River -
9 Cabuyao River 1.56 3.78 1.02 1.05
0.82 1.58 0.46 0.50 Inorganic Phosphate – 0.4 mg/L
11 San Juan River (T5) 1.21 2.19 0.75 0.58
13 Bay River (T9) 0.60 0.87 0.32 0.31
14 Pila River * * 0.14 0.21
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 0.54 1.00 0.32 0.33
18 Siniloan River 0.27 0.63 0.09 0.09
Sta. Maria River -
19 Downstream * * 0.07 0.07
23 Baras River * * 0.36 0.24
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 0.55 2.14 0.71 0.58
31
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Inorganic Phosphate
19.00
18.00
17.00
16.00
15.00
14.00
13.00
12.00
11.00
mg/L
10.00
9.00
8.00
7.00
6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
2009 2010 2011 2012

3 Buli Creek (Taguig) 4 Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream
4U Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Upstream Year 5 Tunasan River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream
DENR Class C Criterion (0.05 m g/L)
32
INORGANIC PHOSPHATE
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for aquatic life. It occurs naturally in the environment
in small amounts. Phosphorus is often the "growth-limiting" factor for plants as high
levels can lead to algal blooms and excessive nutrients in the water.
Phosphorus occurs in several forms—both inorganic and organic. Inorganic

orthophosphate (PO43-) is the only form available to living organisms. However, the
other forms of phosphate can be transformed into orthophosphate. For this reason, total
phosphate is generally measured in addition to orthophosphate. The measure of total
phosphate provides an estimate of the amount of phosphorus potentially available to
plants and animals.
Common sources of phosphorus include agricultural runoff, animal waste and sewage
that contain organic phosphorus as well as inorganic phosphorus in products such as
detergents (http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/waterq3/WQassess3e.html).
The DENR‘s Class C Water Quality Criterion for inorganic phosphate is at 0.05 mg/L for
the lake and 0.4 mg/L for the tributary rivers.
The results of the monitoring in the lake from 2009 to 2012 showed that except for Stn.
II (East Bay) and Stn. IV (Central Bay) in 2011, all of the computed annual average
inorganic phosphate concentrations failed the Class C criterion.
Among the 34 tributary river stations monitored from 2009 to 2012, all of the annual
average inorganic phosphate concentrations in Stns. 1, 2, 3, 4, 4U, 5, 5U, 6, 7, 8, 8M,
8U, 9, 10, 11, 24, 24U, 25 and 26 exceeded the Class C criterion of 0.4 mg/L. On the
other hand, those river stations whose annual average inorganic phosphate
concentrations all conformed with the Class C criterion were Stns. 12, 14, 16, 17, 17U,
19, 19U, 20, 21, 22U and 23.
33
LAGUNA DE BAY
Nitrate, mg/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 0.210 0.206 0.098 0.121
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Nitrate – 10 mg/L
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Nitrate
1.000
0.900
0.800 DENR Class C criterion = 10 mg/L
0.700
0.600
mg/L
0.500
0.400
0.300
0.200
0.100
0.000
2009 2010 2011 2012

Years
Stn. XVIII Pagsanjan (East Bay)
34
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Nitrate, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 0.1 0.4 0.2 0.2
6 San Pedro River (T2) 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.7
Sta. Rosa River -
9 Cabuyao River 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.1
DENR Class C criterion for Nitrate
0.8 0.1 0.2 0.2 – 10 mg/L
11 San Juan River (T5) 5.3 6.8 3.6 5.9
13 Bay River (T9) 1.5 0.9 0.6 0.7
14 Pila River * * 0.4 0.4
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 0.9 0.6 0.6 0.9
18 Siniloan River 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.3
Sta. Maria River -
23 Baras River * * 0.9 0.7
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.2
35
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Nitrate
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
mg/L
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
36
NITRATE
Nitrates are the most oxidized forms of nitrogen and the end product of the aerobic
decomposition of organic nitrogenous matter. It commonly occurs in small amounts in
surface waters. Nitrates are essential plant nutrients, but in excess amounts they can
cause significant water quality problems. Together with phosphorus, excessive nitrate
concentration can accelerate eutrophication, causing dramatic increases in aquatic
plant growth and changes in the types of plants and animals that live in a water body.
This, in turn, affects dissolved oxygen, temperature, and other indicators. Excess
nitrates can cause hypoxia (low levels of dissolved oxygen) and can become toxic to
warm-blooded animals at higher concentrations (10 mg/L) or higher) under certain
conditions (http://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/vms57.cfm).
Sources of nitrates include chemical fertilizers from cultivated lands, drainage from
livestock feeds, as well as domestic and industrial discharges (http://ces.iisc.ernet.
in/energy/monograph1/Methpage1.html).
The average annual nitrate concentrations in all monitored stations in the lake and in
the tributary rivers from 2009 to 2012 were way below the 10 mg/L DENR water quality
criterion for Class C. The annual mean nitrate levels in the lake ranged from 0.038 to
0.407 mg/L while in the tributary rivers ranged from 0.1 to 6.8 mg/L. Among the 34
tributary river stations, Stn. 11 (San Juan River) always had the highest annual mean
nitrate concentration every year from 2009 to 2012.
37
LAGUNA DE BAY
Oil and Grease, mg/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Oil and Grease – 2.0 mg/L
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Oil and Grease
2.4
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
mg/L
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
2009 2010 2011 2012

Years
38
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Oil and Grease, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 10 5 7 4
Sta. Rosa River -
DENR Class C criterion for Oil and
2 2 2 2 Grease – 2.0 mg/L
11 San Juan River (T5) 1 2 2 2
13 Bay River (T9) 1 1 1 1
14 Pila River * * 2 2
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 1 1 2 2
Sta. Maria River -
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 1 2 2 1
39
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Oil and Grease
11
10
6
mg/L
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
40
OIL AND GREASE
Oil and grease (O&G) is a measure of a variety of substances including fuels, motor oil,
lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, cooking oil, and animal-derived fats. The concentration of
these substances is typically measured within a body of water. Lakes, river, storm water
runoff, and wastewater are all monitored for oil and grease. Sources of oil and grease
are mainly anthropogenic. Oil and greases should be contained and/or recycled typically
to keep them from entering the environment.
Toxicity varies among different types of oils and greases. Refined oils are generally
more toxic than crude oils. Various hydrocarbons found in fuels can pose a wide range
of human health problems, from affecting the liver, kidneys and blood to increasing the
risk of cancer (http://www.stormwaterx.com/Resources/IndustrialPollutants/OilGrease.
aspx).
In a body of water such as lakes and rivers, free oil and emulsions may act on the
epithelial surfaces of fish gills and interfere with respiration. They may coat and destroy
algae and other plankton, thereby removing a source of fish food, and when ingested by
fish they may taint their flesh. Settleable oily substances may also coat the bottom,
destroy benthic organisms, and interfere with spawning areas. Oil may be absorbed
quickly by suspended matter, such as clay, and then due to wind and strong currents
may be transported over wide areas and deposited on the bottom far from the source.
Even when deposited on the bottom, oil continuously yields water soluble substances
that are toxic to aquatic life. In addition, films of oil on the surface may interfere with
reaeration and photosynthesis, thus, preventing the respiration of aquatic insects such
as water boatman, backswimmers and some species of aquatic flies. Moreover, oil is
detrimental to waterfowl by destroying the natural buoyancy and insulation of their
feathers (U.S. Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, 1968).
From 2009 to 2012, all of the annual average oil and grease concentrations in the lake
complied with the 2.0 mg/L DENR Class C criterion.
The 2009 to 2012 annual average concentrations of oil and grease in the tributary rivers
revealed that those stations that failed the Class C criterion were Stn. 1 (Marikina River)
in 2010, Stn. 2 (Bagumbayan River) in 2010 and 2011, Stn. 3 (Buli Creek) from 2009 to
2011, Stn. 4 (Mangangate River-Downstream) in 2009 to 2010, Stn. 5 (Tunasan River –
Downstream in 2009 to 2012, Stn. 6 (San Pedro River) in 2010 and 2011, Stn. 8M (Sta.
Rosa Midstream) in 2012, and Stn. 26 (Sapang Baho River) in 2011.
41
LAGUNA DE BAY
pH, units

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 8.3 8.2 7.8 8.6
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for pH – 6.5 to 8.5
B. Graphs
42
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
pH, units

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 7.2 7.2 7.0 7.3
6 San Pedro River (T2) 7.5 7.5 7.4 7.7
Sta. Rosa River -
9 Cabuyao River 7.5 7.4 7.3 7.6
DENR Class C criterion for pH – 6.5 to
10 San Cristobal River (T3) 7.4 7.0 7.0 7.4 8.5
11 San Juan River (T5) 7.2 7.1 7.0 7.4
13 Bay River (T9) 7.9 7.7 7.7 8.1
14 Pila River * * 7.2 7.5
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 7.5 7.4 7.3 7.6
18 Siniloan River 6.8 7.0 6.8 7.1
Sta. Maria River -
23 Baras River * * 6.9 7.4
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 7.4 7.3 7.2 7.5
43
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
pH
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
mg/L
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
2009 2010 2011 2012

3 Buli Creek (Taguig) Year 4 Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream
4U Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Upstream 5 Tunasan River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream
DENR Class C Criterion (m inim um ) DENR Class C Criterion (m axim um )
44
pH
pH, as a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration, indicates whether the water is
acidic or basic. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with pH 7 being the neutral point.
Thus, a water of pH 7 is neither acidic nor basic, while a water with pH below 7 is acidic
and one with a pH above 7 is basic.
pH is typically monitored for assessments of aquatic ecosystem, health, recreational

waters, irrigation sources and discharges, livestock, drinking water sources, industrial
discharges, intakes, and storm water runoff. (http:/www.stevenswater.com/articles/
waterparameters.aspx).
The effect of pH on the chemical and biological properties of liquids makes its
determination very important. In natural waters, pH is governed by the equilibrium
between carbon dioxide/bicarbonate/carbonate ions. It tends to increase during day
largely due to the photosynthetic activity (consumption of carbon dioxide) and
decreases during night due to respiratory activity. Wastewater and polluted natural
waters may have pH values lower or higher than 7 depending on the nature of the
pollutant. Low pH affects physiological and biological functions of aquatic life through
the reduction of enzyme activity and effectiveness. Low pH results when atmospheric
oxygen and water comes in contact with sulfides such as pyrite, which reacts and forms
acid (http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/monograph1/Methpage1.html).
The evaluation of the average annual pH levels in the lake from 2009 to 2012 showed
that it was only in 2012 that the DENR Class C criterion of 6.5 to 8.5 was not met
particularly in Stns. II (East Bay), IV (Central Bay) and XVI (West Bay-Sta Rosa) with
pH 8.6; and in Stns. XV (West Bay- San Pedro), XVII (Central Bay-Fish Sanctuary) and
XVIII (East Bay-Pagsanjan) with pH 8.7.
In the tributary rivers, only Stn. 22U (Tanay River Upstream) had annual average pH
concentration that failed the DENR Class C criterion at 8.6 in 2012.
45
LAGUNA DE BAY
Temperature, oC

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Notes: * No data – not yet included in the LLDA‘s Water Quality Monitoring Program
Sampling Depth -
Stn. I – composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m. Stn. XV – composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Stn. II – composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m. Stn. XVI – composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Stn. IV – 0.5 m. Stn. XVII – composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Stn. V – 0.5 m. Stn. XVIII – composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Stn. VIII – composite of 0.5 and 2.0 m.
Sampling Frequency – Once a month
DENR Class C criterion for Temperature – none (annual average)
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Temperature
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
oC
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
2009 2010 Years 2011 2012

46
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Temperature, oC

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
Sta. Rosa River -
28 28 27 27 Temperature - none (annual average)
11 San Juan River (T5) 28 27 26 27
13 Bay River (T9) 28 28 27 29
14 Pila River * * 27 29
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 27 29 27 29
Sta. Maria River -
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 28 28 26 28
47
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Temperature
35
30
25
20
mg/L
15
10
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
1 Marikina River 2 Bagum bayan River (Taguig) 3 Buli Creek (Taguig)

Year
4 Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream 4U Mangangate River (Muntinlupa) -Upstream 5 Tunasan River (Muntinlupa) -Dow nstream
8 Sta. Rosa River - Dow nstream 8M Sta. Rosa River - Midstream 8U Sta. Rosa River - Upstream
12 Molaw in Creek (Los Baños) 13 Bay River (T9) 14 Pila River
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 16 Pagsanjan River (T8) 17 Pangil River - Dow nstream
17U Pangil River - Upstream 18 Siniloan River 19 Sta. Maria River - Dow nstream
22 Tanay River - Dow nstream 22U Tanay River - Upstream 23 Baras River
24 Morong River - Dow nstream 24U Morong River - Upstream 25 Manggahan Floodw ay (Taytay)
48
TEMPERATURE
Temperature is a measure of the warmness or coldness of the water body. It is an

important parameter in water quality assessment because many aquatic organisms are
sensitive to changes in water temperature. Water bodies will naturally show changes in
temperature seasonally and daily. However, man made changes to water temperature
will affect fish‘s ability to reproduce. Many lake and rivers will exhibit vertical
temperature gradients as the sun will warm the upper water while deeper water will
remain cooler (http://www.stevenswater.com/articles/waterparameters.aspx).
Solar radiation and atmospheric temperature brings about spatial and temporal changes
in temperature, setting up convection currents and thermal stratification. As changes in
temperature will have an effect on other water quality parameters such as alkalinity,
salinity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, etc., the chemical and biological
reactions are likewise affected such as solubility of oxygen, carbon-dioxide-carbonate-
bicarbonate equilibrium, increase in metabolic rate and physiological reactions of
organisms, etc. (http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/monograph1/Methpage1.html)
In DAO 34, the Class C criterion for temperature is that the maximum rise should not be
more than 3oC. Note that this criterions is not applied for the annual means.
The annual average temperature levels in the lake from 2009 to 2012 ranged from 27 oC
to 29 oC. Apparently, the temperature of the lake was relatively colder in 2009 than in
2010 to 2012.
For tributary rivers, the annual average temperature was highest at 33 oC in Stn 5
(Tunasan River Downstream) in 2010 while the lowest at 26 oC was in Stn. 22 (Tanay
River Downstream) in 2011. Throughout the 4-year monitoring period from 2009 to
2012, it appeared that Stn. 5 (Tunasan River Downstream) consistently registered the
highest average annual temperature every year.
49
LAGUNA DE BAY
Total Dissolved Solids, mg/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 185 412 307 170
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Total Dissolved Solids - none
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
750
700
650
600
550
500
450
400
mg/L
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012

Years
50
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Total Dissolved Solids, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 731 619 622 520
6 San Pedro River (T2) 491 612 617 573
Sta. Rosa River -
9 Cabuyao River 487 457 542 501
DENR Class C criterion for Total
1093 690 2324 551 Dissolved Solids - none
11 San Juan River (T5) 422 499 562 510
13 Bay River (T9) 344 285 344 377
14 Pila River * * 205 257
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 178 209 196 215
Sta. Maria River -
23 Baras River * * 247 208
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 266 215 246 286
51
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Total Dissolved Solids
2500
2000
1500
mg/L
1000
500
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
52
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS
Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measure of the amount of dissolved materials in the
water which consist of inorganic salts and dissolved materials. In natural waters, salts
are chemical compounds comprised of anions such as carbonates, chlorides, sulfates,
and nitrates and cations such as potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and
magnesium (Mg). The concentration of TDS in the water is expressed in milligrams per
liter (mg/L). In many instances resource agencies use the terms TDS and salinity
interchangeably, since these ions are typically in the form of salts. Measuring total
dissolved solids is a way to estimate the suitability of water for irrigation and drinking.
This is an important parameter for drinking water because high TDS values may result
in a ‗salty‘ taste to the water (http://cals.arizona.edu/watershedsteward/resources/docs/
guide29WaterQuality.pdf).
DENR has no set Class C criterion for TDS but for Class A (for public water supply
requiring complete treatment), the maximum permissible level is at 1000 mg/L.
In the lake, the computed annual average TDS levels from 2009 to 2012 ranged from
170 to 698 mg/L wherein the lowest was recorded in Stn. II (East Bay) in 2012 and the
highest was in Stn. IV (Central Bay) in 2010.
In the tributary rivers, the annual average TDS levels in all of the stations from 2009 to
2012 were below 1,000 mg/L except those obtained in Stn. 10 (San Cristobal River) in
2009 and 2011 at 1,093 and 2,324 mg/L, respectively.
53
LAGUNA DE BAY
Total Hardness, mg CaCO3/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 82 140 97 117
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Total Hardness – none
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Total Hardness (TH)
200
180
160
140
120
mg CaCO 3/L
100
80
60
40
20
0
2009 2010 2011 2012

Stn. IV (Central Bay)
Years Stn. V (Northern West Bay)
54
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Total Hardness, mg CaCO3/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
4 (Muntinlupa) –Downstream 169 182 146 155
Mangangate River
4U (Muntinlupa) –Upstream * * * 174
5 –Downstream 181 201 175 212
5U –Upstream * * * 193
6 San Pedro River (T2) 174 209 213 215
Sta. Rosa River –
Sta. Rosa River –
8M Midstream * * * 190
8U Sta. Rosa River – Upstream * * * 182 Sampling Frequency – Once a month
9 Cabuyao River 187 196 195 221
163 174 168 230 Hardness – none
11 San Juan River (T5) 180 177 176 202
13 Bay River (T9) 182 177 184 213
14 Pila River * * 105 149
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 87 101 95 158
17 Pangil River – Downstream 55 67 47 85
17U Pangil River – Upstream * * * 95
Sta. Maria River –
19U Sta. Maria River – Upstream * * * 100
22 Tanay River – Downstream 205 198 189 213
22U Tanay River – Upstream * * * 194
23 Baras River * * 247 208
Morong River –
24 Downstream 220 205 201 236
24U Morong River – Upstream * * * 232
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 143 149 131 169
55
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Total Hardness
300
250
200
mgCaCO3/L
150
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
56
TOTAL HARDNESS
Hardness is predominantly caused by divalent cations such as calcium, magnesium,

alkaline earth metal such as iron, manganese, strontium, etc. The total hardness is
defined as the sum of calcium and magnesium concentrations, both expressed as
CaCO3 in mg/L. Carbonates and bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium cause
temporary hardness. Sulphates and chlorides cause permanent hardness.
Hardness of water prevents lather formation with soap rendering the water unsuitable
for bathing and washing. It forms scales in boilers, making it unsuitable for industrial
usage (http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/monograph1/Methpage1.html).
DAO 34 has no Class C criterion for Total Hardness. Among the stations monitored in
the lake from 2009 to 2012, Stn. V (Northern West Bay) in 2010 yielded the highest
annual average total harness concentration at 193 mg CaCO3/L, whereas the lowest
was in Stn. II (East Bay) in 2009 at 82 mg CaCO3/L.
In the tributary rivers, the highest and lowest among the recorded annual average total
hardness levels were both recorded in 2011 at 247 mg CaCO 3/L in Stn 23 (Baras River)
and at 42 mg CaCO3/L in Stn. 16 (Pagsanjan River), respectively.
57
LAGUNA DE BAY
Total Suspended Solids, mg/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Total Suspended Solids – none (annual average)
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
mg/L
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2009 2010 2011 2012

Years
58
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Total Suspended Solids, mg/L

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
5 -Downstream 260 58 77 63
Sta. Rosa River -
DENR Class C criterion for TSS –
126 53 57 45 none (annual average)
11 San Juan River (T5) 101 8 24 36
13 Bay River (T9) 48 53 49 36
14 Pila River * * 52 53
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 10 10 14 14
Sta. Maria River -
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 31 30 209 55
59
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Total Suspended Solids
600
500
400
mg/L
300
200
100
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
60
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS
Suspended solids are particles of sand, silt, clay, and organic material including
plankton that move with the water. Suspended solids are usually measured as a
concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Suspended solids reduce visibility and absorb light, which can increase the water
temperature and reduce photosynthesis. Impeding aquatic plant photosynthesis
reduces the amount of food, habitat and dissolved oxygen. (http://www.stormwaterx.
com/Resources/IndustrialPollutants/TSS.aspx).
.
Water with high-suspended solids is unsatisfactory for bathing, industrial and other
purposes. High levels of suspended solids can cause problems for aquatic organisms
because it can reduce visibility, thus, making it hard for fish to find prey (http://
cals.arizona.edu/watershedsteward/resources/docs/guideWaterQuality.pdf). The
number of filter-feeding invertebrates will also decline due to clogged feeding
mechanisms. As the fish may likewise suffer clogging and abrasive damage to gills and
other respiratory surfaces, the abrasion of the gill tissues will trigger excess mucous
secretion, decrease resistance to disease, and a reduction or complete cessation of
feeding (http://www.sabah.gov.my/jpas/ Assessment/eia/sp-eias/Benta/AppEwater.pdf).
In DAO 34, the Class C water quality criterion for total suspended solids (TSS) is that
the increase over the natural background concentration should not be more than 30
mg/L. For the computed annual mean of TSS, there was no set criterion.
From 2009 to 2012, Stn. VIII (South Bay) in 2011 registered the highest annual average
TSS in the lake at 74 mg/L while Stn IV (Central Bay) in 2010 had the lowest at 14
mg/L.
The highest among the computed annual means in the tributary rivers for TSS from
2009 to 2012 was 514 mg/L in Stn. 4 (Bagumbayan River) in 2010 and the lowest was
in Stn 11 (San Juan River) at 8 mg/L also in 2010.
61
LAGUNA DE BAY
Transparency, centimeters

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Transparency - none
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Transparency
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
centimeters
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
62
TRANSPARENCY
Transparency or Secchi depth is a measure of how deep the light penetrates into the
water column and therefore it is an indication of water clarity. This measurement as an
alternative to measuring turbidity, is obtained by lowering a black and white secchi disk
into the water and recording the depth from the time that it is visible and until it is no
longer visible. Transparency is directly affected by the level of suspended particles and
dissolved materials in the water. When assessed along with other parameters such as
chlorophyll-a, transparency measurements give us useful insight into the biological
productivity in a lake, and ultimately its water quality conditions (http://www.micorps.
net/documents/SecchiFactsheet.pdf).
The annual average transparency of the lake from 2009 to 2012 ranged from 29 to 67
centimeters with the lowest obtained in Stn. II (East Bay) in 2010 and the highest
recorded in Stn. IV (Central Bay) in 2011.
63
LAGUNA DE BAY
Turbidity, NTU

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Sampling Depth -
DENR Class C criterion for Turbidity - none
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Turbidity
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
NTU
25
20
15
10
5
0
2009 2010 2011 2012

64
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Turbidity, NTU

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
Mangangate River
Mangangate River
Sta. Rosa River -
DENR Class C criterion for DO -
93 37 13 20 5.0 mg/l
11 San Juan River (T5) 202 5 6 35
13 Bay River (T9) 31 26 27 24
14 Pila River * * 39 38
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 12 10 11 10
Sta. Maria River -
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 16 37 97 76
65
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Turbidity
250
200
150
mg/L
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
66
TURBIDITY
Turbidity is a significant indicator of overall water quality. It is an expression of optical

property wherein light is scattered by suspended particles present in water (Tyndall
effect) and is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs).
Suspended and colloidal matter such as clay, silt, finely divided organic and inorganic
matter; plankton and other microscopic organisms cause turbidity in water.
http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/monograph1/Methpage1.html.
Water that has high turbidity appears cloudy or opaque. High turbidity can cause
increased water temperatures because suspended particles absorb more heat and can
also reduce the amount of light penetrating the water. High levels of turbidity make it
difficult for fish to find prey due to high levels of suspended solids. Turbidity due to a
large volume of suspended sediment will reduce light penetration, thereby suppressing
photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton,and macrophytes, especially those farther from
the water surface. If turbidity is largely due to algae, light will not penetrate deeply onto
the water and primary production will be limited to the uppermost layer of the water.
Overall, excess turbidity leads to fewer photosynthetic organisms available to serve as
food sources for the aquatic animals. If turbidity is largely due to organic particles,
dissolved oxygen depletion may occur in the water body. (http://www.sabah.gov.my/
jpas/Assessment/eia/sp-eias/Benta/AppEwater.pdf).
.
The DENR has no set Class C criterion for turbidity. For the 4-year monitoring period
from 2009 to 2012, the annual average turbidities in the lake varied from 12 NTU
(recorded in Stn. IV-Central Bay in 2010) to 55 NTU (obtained in Stn. VIII-South Bay in
2009).
The three (3) tributary river stations which indicated very high annual average turbidity
values of more than 100 NTU from 2009 to 2012 were Stn. 11 (San Juan River) in 2009
at 202 NTU, Stn. 24 (Morong River-Downstream) in 2011 at 127 NTU, and Stn. 1
(Marikina River) at 122 NTU in 2011 and 112 NTU in 2012. Stn. 17U (Pangil River-
Upstream) yielded the lowest annual average turbidity among the tributary river stations
at 4 NTU in 2012.
67
LAGUNA DE BAY
Phytoplankton, counts/mL

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 13557 19178 26164 13212
Sampling Depth -
B. Graphs
68
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Phytoplankton, counts/mL

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
1 Marikina River * * 8,774 73,044
Bagumbayan River
2 (Taguig) * * 245,065 295,386
3 Buli Creek (Taguig) * * * *
Mangangate River
4 (Muntinlupa) -Downstream * * * *
Mangangate River
4U (Muntinlupa) -Upstream * * * *
5 -Downstream * * 25,858 50,561
5U -Upstream * * * 105,917
6 San Pedro River (T2) * * 359,283 242,813
7 Biñan River * * 121,155 102,612
Sta. Rosa River -
8 Downstream * * 100,890 149,479 Notes:
Sta. Rosa River -
8M Midstream * * * 34,881
8U Sta. Rosa River - Upstream * * * 15,626 Sampling Frequency - Once a month
9 Cabuyao River * * 59,934 320,861
10 San Cristobal River (T3) * * 233,663 129,698 * No sampling done
11 San Juan River (T5) * * 115,176 40,023
12 Molawin Creek (Los Baños) * * 4,294 17,917
13 Bay River (T9) * * 9,963 54,687
14 Pila River * * 15,737 26,390
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) * * 54,252 55,813
16 Pagsanjan River (T8) * * 38,141 17,512
17 Pangil River - Downstream * * 7,177 951
17U Pangil River - Upstream * * * 1,077
18 Siniloan River * * 24,007 16,754
Sta. Maria River -
19 Downstream * * 80,929 43,449
Sta. Maria River -
19U Upstream * * * 14,107
20 Jala-jala River * * * 32,125
21 Pililla River * * 9,024 85,275
22 Tanay River - Downstream * * 3,640 6,131
22U Tanay River - Upstream * * * 34,082
23 Baras River * * 5,085 67,778
Morong River -
24 Downstream * * 309,863 421,926
24U Morong River - Upstream * * * 184,570
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) * * 59,986 953,900
Sapang Baho River
26 (Cainta) * * 14,375 4,443,555
69
B. Graphs:
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Phytoplankton Counts
1,000,000
900,000
800,000
700,000
600,000
counts/ml
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
Year
70
PHYTOPLANKTON
Phytoplankton is also known as algae and it refers to free-floating plants which inhabit the
illuminated surface waters of the sea, estuaries, lakes and ponds. Phytoplankton are mostly
unicellular and their photosynthetic activity in order to reproduce is limited to the maximum
depth to which light can penetrate into the water.
Phytoplankton have a critical role in primary production, nutrient cycling, and food webs and
make up a significant proportion of the primary production in aquatic systems (Dawes 1998 as
cited in http://nerrs.noaa.gov/doc/siteprofile/acebasin/html/biores/phyto/pytext.htm).
Phytoplankton are the food source for numerous aquatic animals, especially the zooplankton
which can significantly decrease phytoplankton density.
Phytoplankton growth and productivity are affected by several factors which are called limiting
factors. These limiting factors include light, temperature, circulation, grazing, and nutrients. The
same with the other factors which affect phytoplankton production, the effect of grazers is
seasonal. Phytoplankton experience the greatest productivity when they encounter their optimal
light and nutrient conditions. With adequate nutrients, phytoplankton growth and productivity
increases with increasing light levels until a certain light level is reached. At this point
photosynthesis is at its maximum and further photosynthesis is inhibited with increasing light
levels (http://nerrs.noaa.gov/doc/siteprofile/acebasin/html/ biores/phyto/pytext.htm).
.
The phytoplankton genera found in Laguna de Bay and its tributary rivers belonged to the
following classes: Class Cyanophyceae (blue-green algae), Class Chlorophyceae (green
algae), Class Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) and Class Pyrrophyceae (dinoflagellates).
From 2009 to 2012, Class Chlorophyceae (green algae) was the most diverse in the lake but
the most dominant genera were from Class Cyanophyceae (blue-green algae) and Class
Bacillariophyceae (diatoms). The phytoplankton genera which usually had the highest counts
during the 4-year monitoring period were Melosira sp. (diatoms), Microcystis sp. (blue-green
algae) and Stephanodiscus sp. (diatoms). The lowest computed annual phytoplankton counts in
the lake was in Stn. IV (Central Bay) at 11,097 counts/ml recorded in 2009 and the highest was
obtained in Stn. XVI (West Bay-Sta Rosa) at 120,829 counts/ml in 2012.
The analysis of water samples for phytoplankton counts in the tributary rivers started in 2011.
From among the 34 tributary river stations, 11 of them had very high annual phytoplankton
counts exceeding 100,000 counts/ml and these are Stn. 2-Bagumbayan River (at 245,065
counts/ml in 2009 and 295,386 counts/ml in 2010), Stn. 5U-Tunasan River Upstream (at
105,917 counts/ml in 2012), Stn. 6-San Pedro River (at 359,283 counts/ml in 2011 and 242,813
counts/ml in 2012), Stn. 8-Sta.Rosa River Downstream (at 100,890 counts/ml in 2011 and
149,479 counts/ml in 2012), Stn. 8-Sta. Rosa River Downstream (at 100,890 counts/ml in 2011
and 149,479 counts/ml in 2012), Stn. 9-Cabuyao River (at 320,861 counts/ml in 2012), Stn. 10-
San Cristobal River (at 233,663 counts/ml in 2011 and 129,698 counts/ml in 2012), Stn. 11-San
Juan River (at 115,176 counts/ml in 2011), Stn. 24-Morong River Downstream (at 309,863
counts/ml in 2011 and 421,926 counts/ml in 2012), Stn. 24U-Morong River Upstream (at
184,570 counts/ml in 2012), Stn. 25-Manggahan Flooodway (at 953,900 counts/ml in 2012) and
Stn. 26-Sapang Baho River (at 4,443,555 counts/ml in 2012). The identified abundant
phytoplankton genera in these rivers were Nitzschia sp. (diatom), a polluted water indicator. The
predominance of Microcystis sp. (blue-green alga) in November, 2012 was responsible for the
very high annual mean phytoplankton counts in Stns. 25 and 26 in 2012. The lowest annual
mean phytoplankton counts from 2009 to 2012 was 951 counts/ml in Stn. 17 (Pangil River-
Downstream) in 2012.
71
LAGUNA DE BAY
Zooplankton, counts/L

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Sampling Depth -
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Zooplankton Counts
200
190
180
170
160
150
140
130
120
counts/liter
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
72
ZOOPLANKTON
Zooplankton is the common name given to many small species of animals found in
fresh and marine waters. Zooplankton is a Greek word which means "wandering
animals." Most of these animals are so minute that they can only be seen using a
microscope. Zooplankton floats in the water column and drifts with the currents
because of their limited powers of locomotion. Like phytoplankton, they are usually
denser than water and constantly sink by gravity to lower depths
(http://www.edc.uri.edu/restoration/ html/gallery/invert/zoo.htm).
The zooplankton population in Laguna de Bay belonged to three major groups: rotifers,
cladocerans and copepods. Copepods are crustaceans with a tough exoskeleton
composed of calcium carbonate, and their bodies are divided into three sections: the
head, thorax, and abdomen. Two antennae protrude from the head and aid in
swimming, while two to four pairs of appendages extend from the thorax. Copepods and
other zooplankton feed on phytoplankton and are the first link between the primary
producers and larger animals. Zooplankton is a vital component of freshwater food
webs. The smallest zooplankton are eaten by the larger zooplankton which, in turn, are
eaten by small fish, aquatic insects and so on (http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/
native-animals/invertebrates/zooplankton/).
Of the three (3) groups of zooplankton in the lake, the most abundant from 2009 to 2012
were the copepods and the most diverse were the rotifers. The copepods comprised of
their immature stages and the following genera: Mesocyclops, Thermocyclops,
Arctodiaptomus and Diaptomus spp.. The identified rotifers included Brachionus,
Filinia, Keratella, Lecane and Tricocerca spp. while the cladocerans consisted of
Bosmina, Moina, Diaphanosoma and Chydorus spp.. Based on the computed annual
average total zooplankton counts in the lake, the lowest was at 14 counts/liter in Stn.
VIII (South Bay) in 2009 and the highest was 201 counts/liter in Stn. V (Northern West
Bay) in 2010.
73
LAGUNA DE BAY
Benthos, individuals/sq.m.

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 197 185 409 238
Sampling Depth -
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Benthos
1200
1100
1000
900
individuals/sq.m.
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
74
BENTHOS
"Benthos" refers to the benthic invertebrate community, which is a group of animals that
live on or in the bottom sediments of water bodies such as lakes and rivers. Benthic
macroinvertebrates include crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and many species of insect
larva such as mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and beetles. The abundance of
macroinvertebrates belonging to the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and
Trichoptera should be noted because for being highly sensitive to pollution, they are
often used as water quality indicators. Their presence indicates a high quality of water,
while their absence suggests water may be polluted. (http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/
waterq3/WQassess2a.html)
Benthos are easier to capture than fish, and easier to identify than algae or protozoa.
Benthos cannot move around like fish that they are less able to escape the effects of
sediment and other pollutants that diminish water quality. Thus, benthos can give us
reliable information on stream and lake water quality because their long life cycles will
allow studies conducted by aquatic ecologists to determine any decline in environmental
quality (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/irc/docs/00004176.pdf).
The collection of benthos samples in Laguna de Bay and in the tributary river stations
by LLDA is usually done using an ekman dredge. But in river stations that are shallow
with water depth of less than one (1) foot deep, the surber sampler is used instead of
the ekman dredge.
The benthos identified in Laguna de Bay and its tributaries from 2009 to 2012 are
classified into five (5) groups: Gastropoda, Crustacea, Insecta, Oligochaeta and
Pelecypoda. In the lake, the most dominant genera of benthic macroinvertebrates were
Cypricercus sp. (crustacean) in 2009; and Thiara sp. (gastropod) and Cypricercus sp. in
2010, 2011 and 2012. Among the nine (9) stations in the lake monitored in 2009 up to
2012, the lowest and highest annual average benthos population were recorded both in
Stn. IV (Central Bay) at 108 individuals/sq. m. in 2009 and 1,107 individuals/sq. m. in
2011.
75
LAGUNA DE BAY
Total Coliform, MPN/100 mL

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Stn. II (East Bay) 127 75 266 222
Stn. XV San Pedro (West Bay) - - - 955
Stn. XVI Sta Rosa (West Bay) - - - 358
(Central Bay) - - - 212
Stn. XVIII Pagsanjan (East Bay) - - - 318
Sampling Depth -
Sampling Frequency - Once a month All data presented are computed annual geomeans
DENR Class C criterion for Total Coliform – 5,000 MPN/100 ml
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Total Coliform
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
MPN/100 ml
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2009 2010 2011 2012
76
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Total Coliform, MPN/100 mL

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
1 Marikina River 2.8E+06 1.7E+06 4.9E+05 1.6E+06
2 Bagumbayan River (Taguig) 1.4E+15 4.3E+06 7.3E+06 8.2E+06
3 Buli Creek (Taguig) 9.6E+14 8.3E+06 2.8E+07 1.0E+07
Mangangate River
4 (Muntinlupa) -Downstream 3.0E+11 2.7E+06 6.0E+06 4.1E+06
Mangangate River
4U (Muntinlupa) -Upstream * * * 3.3E+06
5 -Downstream 2.3E+11 1.1E+07 1.3E+07 2.3E+07
5U -Upstream * * * 3.2E+05
6 San Pedro River (T2) 2.7E+09 1.5E+06 1.7E+06 3.1E+06
7 Biñan River * * 8.8E+05 3.1E+06
Sta. Rosa River -
8 Downstream * * 9.2E+06 7.3E+06 Notes:
8M Sta. Rosa River - Midstream * * * 5.4E+06
8U Sta. Rosa River - Upstream * * * 7.8E+05 Sampling Frequency - Once a month
9 Cabuyao River 7.5E+07 1.7E+06 1.9E+06 2.4E+06
All data presented are computed
1.2E+09 7.0E+06 3.2E+06 8.5E+06 annual geomeans
11 San Juan River (T5) 6.4E+05 9.4E+04 1.9E+05 4.7E+05
12 Molawin Creek (Los Baños)
* * 9.6E+04 7.1E+04 Coliform – 5,000 MPN/100 ml
13 Bay River (T9) 7.3E+05 1.1E+05 4.7E+05 4.1E+05
14 Pila River * * 1.8E+05 1.4E+05 * No sampling done
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 5.7E+04 1.7E+04 1.1E+05 1.3E+05
16 Pagsanjan River (T8) 3.7E+04 1.4E+04 5.4E+04 3.4E+04
17 Pangil River - Downstream 8.8E+04 3.0E+05 1.2E+05 1.7E+05
17U Pangil River - Upstream * * - 8.1E+03
18 Siniloan River 8.8E+04 4.4E+04 6.9E+04 5.7E+04
Sta. Maria River -
19 Downstream * * 9.9E+04 1.0E+05
19U Sta. Maria River - Upstream * * - 8.7E+03
20 Jala-jala River * * 1.9E+05 6.7E+05
21 Pililla River * * 2.1E+05 9.4E+04
22 Tanay River - Downstream 2.3E+05 5.2E+05 3.4E+05 2.2E+05
22U Tanay River - Upstream * * - 4.5E+04
23 Baras River * * 3.0E+05 3.9E+05
24 Morong River - Downstream 2.9E+05 1.9E+05 4.3E+04 1.7E+05
24U Morong River - Upstream * * - 1.4E+05
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 7.4E+05 4.5E+05 1.7E+05 4.5E+05
26 Sapang Baho River (Cainta) 4.7E+06 1.7E+06 1.4E+06 2.6E+06
77
B. Graphs:
78
TOTAL COLIFORM
Coliform bacteria are microscopic organisms that originate in the intestinal tract of
warm-blooded animals and are also present in soil and vegetation. Total coliform are
generally harmless but their presence in water would indicate the possibility of
contamination by disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites. Most coliform bacteria
enter natural streams by direct deposition of waste in the water and runoff from areas
with high concentrations of animals or humans. Domesticated animals contribute
heavily to the bacterial population. Diseases that may be present in water tested
positive for coliform bacteria include typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis, dysentery,
diarrhea, giardiasis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (https://extension.usu.edu/files/
publications/factsheet/NR_WQ_2005-20.pdf). Total coliform is measured using the
Multiple Tube Fermentation technique and the result of analysis is expressed as the
Most Probable Number (MPN).
The DENR‘s Class C criterion for total coliform is set at 5,000 MPN/100 ml.
The annual geomean total coliform concentrations in all lake stations from 2009 to 2013
which ranged from 55 to 2,100 MPN/100 ml passed the DENR Class C criterion. On
the other hand, all river stations had annual geomean total coliform concentrations
exceeding the 5,000 MPN/100 ml Class C criterion throughout the 4-year monitoring
period with the lowest at 8,123 MPN/100 ml in Stn 17U (Pangil River Upstream) in 2012
and the highest at 1,423,305,032,753,950 MPN/100 ml in Stn. 2 (Bagumbayan River) in
2009.
79
LAGUNA DE BAY
Fecal Coliform, MPN/ 100 mL

Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Stations
2009 2010 2011 2012
Sampling Depth -
Sampling Frequency - Once a month All data presented are computed annual geomeans
DENR Class C criterion for Fecal Coliform - none
B. Graphs
LAGUNA DE BAY
Fecal Coliform
700
650
600
550
500
450
400
MPN/100 ml
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012

Stn. IV (Central Bay)
Years Stn. V (Northern West Bay)
80
TRIBUTARY RIVERS
Fecal Coliform, MPN/100 mL

2009 2010 2011 2012
No.
1 Marikina River 1.5E+06 1.1E+06 2.0E+05 6.4E+05
2 Bagumbayan River (Taguig) 1.1E+15 2.9E+06 4.7E+06 5.2E+06
3 Buli Creek (Taguig) 6.8E+14 8.7E+06 1.4E+07 5.9E+06
Mangangate River
4 (Muntinlupa) -Downstream 1.3E+11 2.6E+06 1.6E+06 1.9E+06
Mangangate River
4U (Muntinlupa) -Upstream * * * 1.9E+06
5 -Downstream 1.8E+11 1.1E+07 7.5E+06 1.2E+07
5U -Upstream * * * 1.3E+05
6 San Pedro River (T2) 1.8E+09 1.5E+06 7.9E+05 1.3E+06
7 Biñan River * * 7.8E+05 7.0E+05
Sta. Rosa River -
8 Downstream * * 2.4E+06 1.6E+06 Notes:
8M Sta. Rosa River - Midstream * * * 2.8E+06
8U Sta. Rosa River - Upstream * * * 6.2E+05 Sampling Frequency - Once a month
9 Cabuyao River 4.7E+07 1.5E+06 9.9E+05 1.4E+06
All data presented are computed
1.1E+09 7.0E+06 2.0E+06 2.7E+06 annual geomeans
11 San Juan River (T5) 5.6E+05 8.6E+04 1.6E+05 1.9E+05
DENR Class C criterion for Fecal
12 Molawin Creek (Los Baños)
* * 3.5E+04 3.5E+04 Coliform – none
13 Bay River (T9) 5.0E+05 8.0E+04 4.0E+05 1.5E+05
14 Pila River * * 7.2E+04 4.1E+04 * No sampling done
15 Sta. Cruz River (T6) 4.8E+04 1.4E+04 3.2E+04 3.1E+04
16 Pagsanjan River (T8) 3.1E+04 4.1E+04 3.3E+04 1.5E+04
17 Pangil River – Downstream 5.9E+04 2.4E+05 5.7E+04 8.9E+04
17U Pangil River – Upstream * * * 3.9E+03
18 Siniloan River 6.1E+04 4.0E+04 2.6E+04 2.1E+04
Sta. Maria River –
19 Downstream * * 7.8E+04 6.7E+04
19U Sta. Maria River – Upstream * * * 2.5E+03
20 Jala-jala River * * * 3.0E+05
21 Pililla River * * 5.2E+04 4.5E+04
22 Tanay River – Downstream 1.4E+05 4.4E+05 1.7E+05 6.7E+04
22U Tanay River – Upstream * * * 1.4E+04
23 Baras River * * 1.7E+05 1.2E+05
Morong River –
24 Downstream 2.2E+05 1.7E+05 2.7E+04 4.1E+04
24U Morong River – Upstream * * * 4.8E+04
Manggahan Floodway
25 (Taytay) 6.4E+05 3.4E+05 8.7E+04 1.4E+05
26 Sapang Baho River (Cainta) 2.8E+06 1.6E+06 8.2E+04 1.1E+05
81
B. Graphs:
82
FECAL COLIFORM
The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in aquatic environments indicates that the water
has been contaminated with the fecal material of man or other animals. At the time this
occurred, the source water may have been contaminated by pathogens or disease
producing bacteria or viruses which can also exist in fecal material. Some waterborne
pathogenic diseases include typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis and
hepatitis A. The presence of fecal contamination is an indicator that a potential health
risk exists for individuals exposed to this water. Fecal coliform bacteria may occur in
ambient water as a result of the overflow of domestic sewage or nonpoint sources of
human and animal waste (http://www.state.ky.us/nrepc/water/wcpfcol.htm).
There is no set Class C criterion for fecal coliform under DAO 34. Stn. VIII (South Bay)
had the highest annual geomean fecal coliform levels in 2009, 2010 and 2011 among
the lake stations monitored from 2009 to 2012 at 694, 157 and 534 MPN/ 100 ml,
respectively. In 2012, Stn. XV (West Bay-San Pedro) recorded the highest annual
geomean fecal coliform level of 217 MPN/100 ml. The lowest annual geomean fecal
coliform level in all lake stations for the 4-year monitoring period was at 8 MPN/100 ml
obtained in Stn. II (East Bay) in 2012.
The tributary rivers had comparatively much higher annual geomean fecal coliform
levels in most of the stations than in the lake from 2009 to 2012 as the concentrations
ranged from 2,524 MPN/100 ml to 1,117,310,629,006,070 MPN/100 ml. The lowest
fecal coliform computed annual geomean was noted in Stn. 19U (Sta. Maria River-
Upstream) in 2012 at 2,524 MPN/100 ml while the highest was in Stn. 2 (Bagumbayan
River) in 2009 at 1,117,310,629,006,070 MPN/100 ml.
83
LAGUNA DE BAY
Net Primary Productivity

West Bay Central Bay East Bay
(Binangonan, Rizal) (Pililla, Rizal) (Sta. Cruz, Laguna)
Year
tons C/ha./yr. tons F/ha./yr. tons C/ha./yr. tons F/ha./yr. tons C/ha./yr. tons F/ha./yr.
2009 3.26 2.61 3.39 2.63 2.25 1.80
2010 8.06 5.38 5.42 4.34 2.87 2.30
2011 4.28 3.42 3.04 2.44 3.36 2.68
2012 2.66 2.12 3.51 2.81 2.82 2.26
B. Graphs:
LAGUNA DE BAY
Primary Productivity
10.00
9.00
8.00
tons carbon/hectare/year
7.00
6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
2009 2010 2011 2012
Years
West Bay Central Bay East Bay
84
PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY
Gross primary productivity is the rate at which solar energy is stored as organic
molecules by plants in an ecosystem. On the other hand, the net primary productivity
(NPP) reflects the energy that is used by plants as they carryout respiration, and is
calculated by subtracting the amount of respiration from the gross primary productivity.
The net primary productivity is of interest to ecologists, since this is the amount of
energy that is available for use by consumers in an ecosystem and determines the
energy budget of the ecosystem. In ecological studies, high primary productivity in an
aquatic ecosystem indicates that the ecosystem is ―healthy‖
In bodies of water, the amount of sunlight (solar energy) penetration decreases as the
depth increases. This means the rate of photosynthesis and primary productivity also
decrease. When sufficient sunlight is no longer is available, producers cannot survive
and carryout photosynthesis to produce organic molecules and oxygen.
The compensation depth in a lake is the depth at which the rate of photosynthesis
equals the rate of respiration. As a result, net primary productivity is equal to zero at the
compensation depth. Because the rate of photosynthesis depends on light intensity, the
level of the compensation depth depends on the depth to which a critical amount of light
can penetrate into the water. The region above the compensation depth is referred to as
the photic zone (euphotic zone), while the region below the compensation depth is
referred to as the aphotic zone (http://nrhs.nred.org/download.axd?file=6bc1ca31-dafa-
47bc-bfb3-caf03f60c).
In Laguna de Bay, the primary productivity is measured using the ―Light and Dark‖
Method. The primary productivity measurements provide information on the available
natural food supply in the lake at a certain place and time. Based on the lake‘s primary
production which is expressed in tons carbon/hectare/year, the corresponding estimates
of the lake‘s fish production potential in terms of tons/hectare/year can also be
computed.
Among the three (3) primary productivity stations in the lake, the West Bay station had
the highest annual average net primary productivities in 2010 and 2011 at 8.06 tons
carbon/hectare/year and 4.28 tons carbon/hectare/year, respectively, while Central
Bay‘s annual average NPPs were highest in 2009 at 3.39 tons carbon/hectare/year and
2012 at 3.51 tons carbon/hectare/year. The lowest computed annual average NPPs
were at the East Bay station in 2009 and 2010 at 2.25 tons carbon/hectare/year and
2.25 tons carbon/hectare/year, respectively; Central Bay station in 2011 at 3.04 tons
carbon/hectare/year; and West Bay station in 2012 at 2.66 tons carbon/hectare/year.
The estimated fish production potentials of the lake ranged from 1.80 to 2.63
tons/hectare/year in 2009, 2.30 to 5.38 tons carbon/hectare/year in 2010, 2.44 to 3.42
tons carbon/hectare/year in 2011 and 2.12 to 2.81 tons carbon/hectare/year.
85
SUMMARY
Generally, the water quality of Laguna de Bay from 2009 to 2012 met the DENR Class
C criteria based on the computed annual average levels of most of the physico-
chemical parameters for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chloride, dissolved
oxygen (DO), nitrate, oil and grease, pH and total coliforms.
Among the lake primary productivity stations in the three (3) bays of Laguna Lake, the
most productive on the basis of the computed net primary productions (NPPs) from
2009 to 2012 were the Central Bay station in 2009 and 2012, and the West Bay station
in 2010 and 2011. The highest NPP in 2010 at the West Bay coincided with the
saltwater intrusion event at that time.
From among the tributary rivers, the stations noted with very poor water quality or
always failed the DENR Class C criteria in 2009 up to 2012 were Stns. 1 (Marikina), 2
(Bagumbayan River-Taguig), 3 (Buli Creek-Taguig), 4 (Mangangate River
Downstream), 4U (Mangangate River Upstream), 5 (Tunasan River Downstream), 6
(San Pedro River), 7 (Biñan River), 8 (Sta. Rosa River Downstream), 9 (Cabuyao
River), 24 (Morong River Downstream), 24U (Morong River Upstream), 25 (Manggahan
Floodway-Taytay) and 26 (Sapang Baho River-Cainta) for ammonia; Stns. 1, 2, 3, 4,
4U, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8M , (Sta. Rosa River Midstream), 9, 10 (San Cristobal River), 24, 24U,
25 and 26 for BOD; Stns. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ,8, 8M, 9, 10, 25 and 26 for obtaining
average annual dissolved oxygen (DO) levels of less than 3 mg/L; Stns. 1, 2, 3, 4, 4U,
5, 5U (Tunasan River Upstream), 6, 7, 8 8M, 8U (Sta. Rosa River Upstream), 9, 10, 11
(San Juan River), 24, 24U, 25 and 26 for inorganic phosphate; Stn. 5 for oil and
grease; Stn. 22U (Tanay River Upstream) for pH; and all stations for total coliform.
Apparently, the results of the water quality assessments showed that most of the
polluted tributary river stations are located at the western and northern parts of the West
Bay wherein most of the population and the industrial establishments within the Laguna
de Bay Region are concentrated. Thus, pollution control activities must be intensified
in these rivers.
The tributary river stations whose annual average water quality parameter levels from
2009 to 2012 consistently conformed with the DENR Class C criteria included Stns. 12
(Molawin Creek-Los Baños), 13 (Bay River), 14 (Pila River), 15 (Sta. Cruz River), 16
(Pagsanjan River), 17 (Pangil River Downstream), 18 (Siniloan River), 19 (Sta. Maria
River-Downstream), 21 (Pililla River), 22 (Tanay River-Downstream) and 23 (Baras
River) for BOD; all stations for chloride and nitrate; Stns. 13, 15, 16, 17 and 22 for DO;
Stns. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 for oil and
grease; and all stations except Stn. 22U for pH.
86
METHODS OF ANALYSIS
PARAMETER METHOD OF ANALYSIS
Alkalinity Titration with Indicator

Ammonia Phenol Hypochlorite (Colorimetry)
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Azide Modification (Dilution Technique)
Calcium Hardness EDTA Titration
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Dichromate Reflux Method
Chloride Argentometric Titration
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Azide Modification (Winkler Method)
Inorganic Phosphate Ascorbic Acid Method
Nitrate Sodium Salicylate Method
Oil and Grease Gravimetric Method (Petroleum Ether
Extraction)
pH Glass Electrode Method
Temperature Mercury-filled Thermometer
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Gravimetric Method
Total Hardness EDTA Titration
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Gravimetric Method
Transparency Secchi Disc
Turbidity Nephelometric Method
Total Coliform Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique
Fecal Coliform Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique
Phytoplankton Inverted Microscope Method
Zooplankton Stereo Microscope Method
Benthos Stereo Microscope Method
87
DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 34
(Series of 1990)
WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR CONVENTIONAL AND OTHER

POLLUTANTS CONTRIBUTING TO AESTHETICS AND OXYGEN
DEMAND FOR FRESHWATERS (a)
PARAMETER UNIT CLASS C
Color PCU (b)
Temperature(c) o
C rise 3
(maximum rise in degree Celsius)
pH (range) 6.5-8.5
Dissolved Oxygen (d) % saturation 60

(minimum) mg/L 5.0
5-Day 20oC BOD mg/L 7(10)
Total Suspended Solids mg/L (e)
Total Dissolved Solids mg/L -
Oil and Grease mg/L 2

(Petroleum Ether Extracts)
Nitrate as Nitrogen mg/L 10 (f)
Phosphate as Phosphorus mg/L 0.4 (g)
Total Coliform MPN/100ml 5,000 (h)
Chloride as Cl- mg/L 350
88
Footnotes
(a) - Except as otherwise indicated, the numerical limits are yearly average values.
Values enclosed in parentheses are maximum values.
(b) - No abnormal discoloration from unnatural causes.
(c) - The allowable temperature increase over the average ambient temperature for
each month. This rise shall be based on the average of the maximum daily
temperature readings recorded at the site but upstream of the mixing zone over a
period of one (1) month.
(d) - Sampling taken between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
(e) - Not more than 30 mg/L increase.
(f) - Applicable only to lakes or reservoirs, and similarly impounded water.
(g) - When applied to lakes or reservoirs, the Phosphate as P concentration should

not exceed an average of 0.05 mg/L nor a maximum of 0.1 mg/L.
(h) - These values refer to the geometric mean of the most probable number of
coliform organism during a 3-month period and that the limit indicated shall not
be exceeded in 20 percent of the samples taken during the same period.
89
REFERENCES
Alkalinity. Retrieved March 7, 2013, from

http://www.whitman.edu/chemistry/edusolns_software/AlkalinityBackground.pdf
Alkalinity in Water. Retrieved March 7, 2013, from

http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/3746.asp
Aquatic Life Ltd. Calcium Hardness. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from
http://www.aquaticlife.ca/Parameters/CalciumHardness.asp
Bellingham, Keith. Physicochemical Parameters of Natural Waters. Retrieved March 7,

2013, from http://www.stevenswater.com/articles/waterparameters.aspx
Boyde, C.E. and Lichtkoppler, F (1985). Water Quality Management in Pond Fish
Culture. Retrieved June 20, 2012, from
http://repo.lib.auburn.edu/repo/bitstream/handle/123456789/1088/ 0192FISH.pdf
Chloride and Salinity. Retrieved March 7, 2013, from

http://www.vernier.com/experiments/wqv/15/chloride_ and_salinity/
Daniels, Barbara and Mesner, Nancy (2010). Drinking Water Facts …… Coliform
Bacteria. Retrieved May 1, 2013, from
https://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/NR_WQ_2005-20.pdf
Determination of the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of River Water Samples.

Retrieved March 7, 2013, from http://www.writework.com/essay/determination-
chemical-oxygen-demand-cod- river-water-samples
Exploring the Environment Water Quality. Retrieved June 5, 2013,

http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/waterq3/WQassess3e.html
Farrell-Poe, Kitt. Water Quality Monitoring. Retrieved May 7, 2013,

http://cals.arizona.edu/watershedsteward/resources/docs/guide/%2810%29
Water%20Quality.pdf
Fecal Coliform Bacteria. Retrieved June 2, 2013, from

http://www.state.ky.us/nrepc/water/wcpfcol.htm
Freshwater Zooplankton. Retrieved June 2, 2013, from

http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/ native-animals/invertebrates/zooplankton/
Levit, Stuart M. Effects of Ammonia in Fish. Retrieved March 25, 2012, from
http://www.nature.org/cs/groups/webcontent/@web/@alaska/documents/document
/prd_026308.pdf
90
LLDA (1997). 1996 Annual Water Quality Report on Laguna de Bay and Its Tributaries.
Maryland Department of natural Resources. Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrates,

Retrived May 5, 2013, from http://www.dnr.state.md.us/irc/docs/00004176.pdf
Methodology - Physico-Chemical and Biological Analyses of Water. Retrieved April 17,

2013, from http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/monograph1/Methpage1.html
MiCorps Factsheet. Secchi Disc Transparency, Retrieved May 8, 2013,

http://www.micorps.net/documents/SecchiFactsheet.pdf
Minnesota Science Teachers Education Project (MnSTEP). Testing alkalinity in water

systems (simulation), Retrieved May 8, 2013,
http://serc.carleton.edu/sp/mnstep/activities/38045.html
Phytoplankton. Retrieved April 2, 2013, from

http://nerrs.noaa.gov/doc/siteprofile/acebasin/html/biores/phyto/pytext.htm
Primary Productivity in Freshwater Lentic Ecosystems, Retrieved April 2, 2013, from

http://nrhs.nred.org/download.axd?file=6bc1ca31-dafa-47bc-bfb3-caf03f60c
StormwateRx. Oil and Grease, Retrieved May 3, 2013,

http://www.stormwaterx.com/Resources/IndustrialPollutants/OilGrease.aspx
StormwateRx. Total Suspended Solids or Suspended Solids, Retrieved May 3, 2013,

http://www.stormwaterx.com/Resources/IndustrialPollutants/TSS.aspx
Tongson, Edgardo E., Hernandez, Emiterio C. and Faraon, Alvin A. (2012). Hydrologic
Atlas of Laguna de Bay 2012. Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and
World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Philippines).
U.S. Federal Water Pollution Control Administration (1968). Water Quality Criteria.
Water Quality Parameters. Retrieved April 4, 2013, from
http://row.nku.edu/index.php?option=comcontent&view= article&id= 84&Itemid=74
Water QualityParameters and Definitions. Retrieved April 4, 2013, from

http://www.sabah.gov.my/jpas/ Assessment/eia/sp-eias/Benta/AppEwater.pdf
What are nitrates and why are they important?. Retrieved March 7, 2013, from
http://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/vms57.cfm
Zooplankton. Retrieved April 4, 2013, from

http://www.edc.uri.edu/restoration/html/gallery/invert/zoo.htm
91

Laguna Lake AWQR - 2009-2012

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Laguna Lake AWQR - 2009-2012

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2009 to 2012

Annual Water Quality Report

Department Of Environment And Natural Resources

1. Jocelyn G. Sta. Ana – OIC, ELRD

2. Bileynnie P. Encarnacion – Head, Biology Section - ELRD

3. Dolorita Z. Ravanilla – Head, Chemistry Section – ELRD

4. Marilou D. Cebujano – Head, Microbiology Section – ELRD

For Public Inquiries, please contact:

Environmental Laboratory and Research Division Tel. No. 286-6143

Location Map of Laguna Lake Primary Productivity Study Sampling Stations iv

List of Tables vii

Biochemical Oxygen Demand 10

Chemical Oxygen Demand 18

Oil and Grease 38

Total Dissolved Solids 50

Total Suspended Solids 58

Net Primary Productivity of Laguna de Bay 84

DENR Administrative Order No.34 88

Laguna de Bay and Its Tributary Rivers Page

Biochemical Oxygen Demand 10-11

Calcium Hardness 14-15

Chemical Oxygen Demand 18-19

Dissolved Oxygen 26-27

Inorganic Phosphate 30-31

Oil and Grease 38-39

Total Dissolved Solids 50-51

Total Hardness 54-55

Total Suspended Solids 58-59

Total Coliform 76-77

Fecal Coliform 80-81

Net Primary Productivity 84

2. Location Map of Laguna Lake Primary Productivity Study iv

Biochemical Oxygen Demand 10 & 12

Calcium Hardness 14 & 16

Chemical Oxygen Demand 18 & 20

Dissolved Oxygen 26 & 28

Inorganic Phosphate 30 & 32

Oil and Grease 38 & 40

Total Dissolved Solids 50 & 52

Total Hardness 54 & 56

Total Suspended Solids 58 & 60

Total Coliform 76 & 78

Fecal Coliform 80 & 82

Net Primary Productivity 84

A. Water Quality Data:

Sampling Frequency - Once a month

DENR Class C criterion for Alkalinity - none

A. Water Quality Data

A. Water Quality Data:

Sampling Frequency - Once a month

DENR Class C criterion for Ammonia - none

A. Water Quality Data

1 Marikina River 2 Bagumbayan River (Taguig) 3 Buli Creek (Taguig)

A. Water Quality Data:

Sampling Frequency - Once a month

DENR Class C criterion for BOD - 7.0 mg/l

Stn. I (Central West Bay) Stn. II (East Bay)

A. Water Quality Data

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms

A. Water Quality Data:

Sampling Frequency - Once a month

DENR Class C criterion for Calcium Hardness - none

Stn. I (Central West Bay) Stn. II (East Bay)