Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education

Region V (Bicol)

Division of Catanduanes

Catanduanes National High School

Virac, Catanduanes

The Physicochemical Parameter of river water in Pajo-Baguio and Gogon River.

Researchers:

Aguilar, Hayna Marie D.

Ricafrente, Marieflor

Tomagan, Leila May B.

Maria Claudette C. Borrega

Project Adviser

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 Table of Contents

Title Page 1

Table of Contents 2

Abstract 3

Introduction 4

Background of the Study 4

Objectives 4

Significance of the Study 4

Scope and Limitations 5

Review of Related Literature 5

Methodology 5

Results and Discussion

Conclusions

Recommendation

Bibliography

Acknowledgement

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 Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze the salinity and acidity of river water collected in
Pajo-Baguio and Gogon. It was done by measuring the two samples, using TDS meter,
pH meter and pH paper. The two water samples were subjected to different tests and
compared based on their salinity, alkalinity and acidity level. The results enabled the
researchers conclude that the river water samples are not potable but still safe. Safe
means not polluted, it still can be used for washing clothes and residents can still swim
in those river. Based on the result, the lower the pH and the higher the salinity level of the
water, the safer it is.

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 INTRODUCTION

a. Background of the study

Water quality analysis is to measure the required parameters such as the pH and
salinity. pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity of a solution that is a number on a
scale on which a value of 7 represents neutrality and lower numbers indicate increasing
alkalinity and on which each unit of change represents a tenfold change in acidity or
alkalinity. The measurement can be very acidic, acidic, balanced and too alkaline. The
higher the pH level the lower its acidity. Aquatic species are not the only ones affected
by pH. While humans have a higher tolerance for pH levels (drinkable levels range from
4-11 with minimal gastrointestinal irritation), there are still concerns. pH values greater
than 11 can cause skin and eye irritations, as does a pH below 4. A pH value below
2.5 will cause irreversible damage to skin and organ linings.

Salinity is the quality of dissolved salts in water and is measured by electrical

conductivity or TDS meter. The higher the number of scale the higher its salinity level
and the lower the number of scale the lower its salinity level.

Pajo-Baguio River is a stream and is located in province of Catanduanes, Bicol,

Philippines. The estimated terrain elevation above sea level is -9,999 meters and Gogon
River in Virac, Catanduanes is threatened by household and industrial wastes. The main
contributory factors that make Bicol Rivers dirty are the wastes that enter the tributary
from households and industrial firms.

b. Objectives

The researchers aimed:

 To compare the characteristics of Pajo-Baguio River with the water

of Gogon River in terms of salinity and pH.
 To know what are the other possible uses of the river water.

c. Significance of the Study

The importance of this study is to give a proper indication of the status and
sustainability of the river water body. This study was conducted for us to know the
limit of using this water and to monitor the river water’s safeness.

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 d. Scope and limitations

In this study, the researchers only gathered their samples in one area of the particular
river. The researchers used only two methods to compare the characteristics of the two rivers.

e. Review of related literature

Lower the pH value higher is the corrosive nature of water. This can produce conditions
that are toxic to aquatic life, particularly to sensitive species like trout. When both types
of ions are in equal concentration, the pH is 7.0 or neutral. Below 7.0, the water is
acidic (there are more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions). When the pH is above 7.0,
the water is alkaline, or basic (there are more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions). A
water sample with a pH of 5.0 is ten times as acidic as one with a pH of 6.0. pH 4.0
is 100 times as acidic as pH 6.0.

High levels of salinity in water and soil may cause native vegetation to become unhealthy
or die and lead to a decline in biodiversity through dominance of salt-resistant species,
potentially altering ecosystem structures.

Methodology

Materials:

150 mL river water (Gogon and Pajo - Baguio) pH meter/pH paper

TDS meter 2 beakers

Wash bottle Distilled water

Procedure

1. Collect all the materials needed, and the two water samples
2. Pour 150 mL water sample to the beaker
3. Put the TDS meter to water sample (make sure that the electrode are covered
with water) and observe.
4. Do it to the other sample, but before placing the TDS to sample B rinse the
meter’s tip with distilled water.
5. Next, test its acidity using pH meter, repeat the procedure above.
6. Observed the result of the two samples
7. Another method for measuring the acidity, used pH paper. Soak the pH paper to
the two samples for about 15 seconds. Then bring it out up.
8. Wait for it until the color of the paper change. Observe.

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Results and Discussion

(Table form)

Rivers Trials TDS meter (ppm) pH meter

Gogon 1 245 6.9

2 246 7.3

3 249 7.5

Pajo-Baguio 1 145 7.2

2 147 7.5

3 149 7.9

Result for salinity

250

200

150
trial 1
trial 2
trial 3
100

50

0
Gogon River Pajo - Baguio river

Result for acidity

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 8

7.8

7.6

7.4
trial 1
7.2 trial 2
trial 3
7

6.8

6.6

6.4
Gogon River Pajo - Baguio river

Result for pH paper

Pajo Baguio River

Gogon

The researchers compared the result of the two samples and its shows that Pajo – Baguio
is safer than the Gogon River because Pajo have low salinity and low acidity while the
Gogon have high salinity and high acidity.

Conclusion

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  The water samples from Pajo – Baguio river have higher salinity and lower pH.
Both are safe but they have different salinity and acidity level.
 Those two river water are not yet polluted. According to the characteristics of the
two rivers, the researchers conclude that it can still be used for washing clothes;
residents can still swim on those rivers and can be used for watering plants.

Recommendation

The researchers recommend to collect more water samples in different area (example: 3
meter distance). Used Neulog module to gathered appropriate data. Gather water during
dry day, because rain drops can add to the acidity level of the water. And make sure
that no bubbles come up, cap the bottle underwater and bring back up to the surface.

Bibliography

“Uses of Water”. Retrieved February 15, 2017 7:20 am from the website
(http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Tw-Z/Uses-of-Water.html)

“TDS meter”. Retrieved February 14, 2017 7:30 am from the

website(http://en.m.wiipedia.prg/wiki/TDS_meter)

“pH-Wikipedia”. Retrieved February 14, 2017 7:45 am from the website

(http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH)

“Total dissolved solids-Wikipedia February 15, 2017 9:00 am from the website
(http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_dissolved_solids)

“pH Definition-basic (alkaline) and acidic”. Retrieved February 14, 2017 10:00 am from the website
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com.ph-d483.html)

“Pajo River (stream)”. Retrieved February 15, 2017 8:30 am from the
website(http://ph.geoview.info/pajo_river,1696409)

“Total Dissolved Solids Drinking Water Quality”. Retrieved February 14, 2017 8:00 am from the
website (http://www.water-research.net/index.php/water-treatmenr/tools/total-dissolved-solids)

“WaterQuality”. Retrieved February 14, 2017 8:10 am from the website

(https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/fenlewis/Waterquality.html)

Acknowledgement

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The researchers acknowledge the following people who helped them in the progress of the study:

Ms. Maria Claudette C. Borrega for her guidance and immeasurable efforts in
assisting them in doing the research process.

Their families for their moral and financial support.

Ms. Ma. Elouisa Tablizo for helping us gathered the water from Pajo – Baguio.

And, mostly to God for the knowledge and strength he gave to accomplish and
make all the things happen in His will.