Assessment of Water Quality Using Physicochemical Analysis: A Study on

Marikina River Near a Sand and Gravel Quarry Site in Rodriguez, Rizal

A Research Presented to the Faculty of Civil Engineering

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sta. Mesa, Manila

In partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Course

CIEN 30092: Civil Engineering Research

by

John Michael L. Aragon

Cedric James R. Hipolio

Mary Shanne B. Malapo

Apols R. Uneta

February 2023
 Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

This chapter presents the background of the problem, the statement of the

problem, the scope and delimitations, the significance of the study, and the definition of

terms.

INTRODUCTION

Quarrying is a method of mining that focuses on the excavation of rocks or

minerals using manpower or equipment (Bhagyanagar et al., 2012 as cited in

Domingues et al., 2020). The demand for sand and gravel has increased because of

increasing industrialization, urbanization, and accompanying development, particularly in

emerging countries (Al Mamun et al., 2019). It is a known fact that quarrying is helpful in

producing building materials; this industry has a significant effect on infrastructure

development, including highways and civil construction, and on human lives (Arakawa &

Nicholson, 2020).

The Philippines is known to have abundant natural resources. Mountain ranges

are everywhere, and the mining industry has always been operating playing an

incredibly vital role in the country’s economic growth. According to Domingo (1993), the

Philippine economy's main pillar is the mining sector. The industry's long history has

been significantly impacted by both domestic and international market turbulences.

Prior research suggested how harmful quarrying is to our natural environment.

For instance, almost all quarry sites transform the surroundings or the specific location it

was done. They physically remove wildlife from the site and displace vast amounts of

soil and vegetation. Rarely do abandoned quarries leave behind enough soil to support

new growth. Furthermore, whether on a small or large scale, stone quarrying operations

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are inherently destructive to the environment, generating vast amounts of waste that can

have negative effects for decades, and the environmental degradation brought on by

stone quarrying is primarily the result of ineffective and wasteful working practices and

rehabilitation measures (Kitula, 2006, as cited in Mohamed, 2016).

Consequently, the sustainability issue is one that mining activity needs to be

resolved. If this problem is not appropriately resolved, serious consequences could

occur. While building an asset account for other natural resources is clearly important, it

is more crucial for minerals due to their exhaustibility. Its effect on the environment is

evident in most studies conducted pertaining to the adverse impacts of quarrying on the

environment. Studies from other countries have proven its negative effects. Stone

quarries have been found to have detrimental effects on the ecosystem and one aspect

of it is the water quality nearby sand and quarry sites.

Water quality has a significant impact on human health and well-being. According

to WHO (2004), poor water quality, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene are

responsible for about 3.1% of deaths (1.7 million) and 3.7% of disability-adjusted life

years (54.2 million) worldwide. Access to potable water is necessary to avoid the latter.

Potable water is water that is safe for people to consume or use with little risk of

immediate or long-term harm (Werkneh et al., 2015).

Surface water found in rivers along quarry sites is most likely to become affected

by the operations done in the locale. Explosive activity can change groundwater flow,

which in turn can eventually change the flow of surface water. Flood recurrence periods

can be lengthened by releasing quarry water into surrounding streams (Langer, 2001).

As more quarry sites are operating, more rivers and surface water near these locations

are disturbed, hence more people are affected.

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 This research provides proper hindsight on the effect of quarrying on the quality

of the water in Marikina River near a sand and gravel quarry site in Rodriguez, Rizal

using physicochemical analysis. The primary objective is to conduct various

physicochemical analysis of water samples taken to determine whether they were of

good quality or not using different parameters used to measure water quality. The

researchers will obtain samples of surface water in the research locale and submit them

to the testing facility that will perform the physicochemical analysis of the water. The

researchers will utilize the Water Quality Index (WQI) in comparing the results obtained

from the composite samples to the standard values of water quality of pure water.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The water quality of freshwater resources is worsening to an alarming extent

(Flores et. al, 2012, Tampus et. al, 2012, Enguito et. al, as cited in Maglangit, 2014).

Water quality in sand and gravel quarries can be affected by a number of factors,

including the type of quarry, the geographical location of the quarry, and the weather

conditions. For instance, if a quarry is situated in a region with heavy rainfall, this may

wash contaminants from the nearby land into the river. Similar to this, if a quarry is

located in an area with poor drainage, this might result in groundwater contamination. In

this manner, the water quality can share a possible direct proportionality to the impact of

the quarry operations. According to Kundanpawar et al. (2016), pits and quarries can

impair the amount and quality of drinking water for locals and wildlife close or

downstream from a quarry site that also disturb natural water recharge. Surface water

and groundwater circulation are also disrupted by pits and quarries. This fact will give a

hint on the conditions of some waters near the quarry site in the Philippines.

Assessments of the water quality are therefore required, particularly in residential areas

3
close to potentially contaminated quarry sites, which are more susceptible to the

negative impacts, but people are unaware of them.

The general decline in water quality over time has had a significant impact on the

region's capacity to supply potable water and agricultural water. This could be because

the cement manufacturers release wastewater into these nearby bodies of water

(Eugene, 2014). Waste in the contaminated water in the quarry may be made up of

many residential, industrial, and agricultural components, including agents that cause

disease, heavy metals, poisonous compounds, radioactive pollutants, and others. These

have the potential to significantly harm both the environment and the well-being of the

populace. However, quarry activities can affect water quality by raising the number of

suspended particles and nutrients in adjacent rivers, but they also produce noise and

dust, which can be an annoyance to nearby residents.

To address that dilemma, the number of quarries in the Philippines grows over

time, causing substantial water pollution (EMB,2005), flooding (Esguerra et.al., 2008),

and landslides (Martinez, et.al., 2011) cited from the Asian Scientific Journals in Water

Quality Assessment (Rosellynn Enguito et al., 2013). It was backed up by the Asian

Disaster Preparedness Center, which indicated that with industrialization came

increased population and the conversion of fertile agricultural land into residential zones.

Domestic sewage and industrial trash degraded the river significantly. Quarrying along

the riverbanks caused scouring and erosion. As a result, poor water quality and flooding

occurred, claiming lives, and destroying property (Rosales Iglesias & Philippines, 2014). 

After reading various articles and studies, the researchers came up with the

concept from M. A. Devi & Rongmei (2017) to emphasize the positive and negative

consequences of sand and gravel quarrying in the Imphal river, tying it to socioeconomic

4
characteristics using remote sensing and GIS. The study is related to the minerals

discovered and the location near the river to the scope of the researchers. However,

rather than evaluating socio-economic elements through remote sensing and GIS, the

researchers will simply examine the Wawa River through physical and chemical

analysis. 

Thus, this research focused on the water quality assessment of Marikina River

near a sand and a gravel quarry site in Rodriguez, Rizal using physicochemical analysis.

This study also aims to provide data about the quality of water that would be beneficial to

the residents nearby and its local government.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to assess the water quality of the Wawa River

using Physico-chemical Analysis. Routine physical and chemical analysis of drinking

water includes determination of the following parameters: color, odor, turbidity, pH,

alkalinity, calcium, chloride, conductivity, iron, magnesium, sulfate, total dissolved solids

(TDS), total hardness, and calcium and magnesium hardness.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is conducted to find the environmental effects of the quarry operation

on the Marikina River's water quality. The results from this study would be beneficial for

the following:

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Residents. The people who live nearby a quarry site are the most susceptible to the

environmental effects of the said operation. Moreover, they may often utilize the water

near their homes because water is vital to everyone's lives. Thus, being well-informed

about the situation and its quality would greatly help them evaluate their surroundings

and water usage depending on the effects of the quarry operation on the

physicochemical properties of the river. 

Environmentalists. Humans are the appointed guardians tasked to protect, defend, and

keep order within the environment. However, not everyone partakes in this responsibility,

and some are the ones who destroy the environment for their advantage. Thus,

environmentalists act as the custodians of the environment. In the possibility of the

results having adverse effects, they could use this study as a reference for their action to

protect the Marikina River. 

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The DENR is a

department in the Philippines tasked to conserve, develop, and regulate the environment

and natural resources of the country. Correspondingly, this study would significantly help

the department as additional data for their reference in accomplishing their function. 

Local Government. Quarrying has been one of the businesses that make the most

profit in Rodriguez, Rizal. Although, it also brings the most destruction in the area

because of its operation, from land degradation, pollution, and recurrent destruction of

roads. That being the case, the study's results could be considered data on their

regulation and evaluation of the quarrying businesses. These businesses should adhere

to certain agreements between their operation and the law, and evidence of violation

should be penalized. 

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Students. Research study helps students to be more objective and enhance efficient

learning in analyzing and resolving real-world problems. Hence, the contents of this

study could guide them in conducting their own. Correspondingly, it could also serve as

a reference for obtaining knowledge regarding water quality studies utilizing

physicochemical testing. 

Future Researchers. Finding relevant material regarding a study would be one of a

researcher's greatest delights. For this reason, the results of the study will serve as

baseline data that is beneficial in pursuing the topic of understudy. It can help them

understand their topic better with the information provided. 

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

With coordinates 14.7373457, 121.1726546, Sitio Tabak, a Wawa nearby, is

home to one of the quarrying sites. The 85-meter-long arch-gravity dam Wawa Dam is

situated in Barangay San Rafael, MH del Pilar St, Rodriguez, Lalawigan ng Rizal. The

Rodriguez municipality in the Philippine province of Rizal is where it is located. It is built

over the Marikina River. In the 360m high Montalban Gorge, a river gap in the Sierra

Madre Mountains, east of Manila, is where the slightly arched dam is located.

A barangay in the province of Rizal's Rodriguez municipality is called San Rafael,

where Sitio Tabak is lying. The 2020 Census found that it had a population of 31,922.

This accounted for 7.19% of Rodriguez's whole population. In San Rafael, there were

27,827 households, with 6,309 households having an average of 4.41 people in them,

according to the 2015 Census. Over the course of 30 years, San Rafael's population

increased by 21,374—from 10,548 in 1990 to 31,922 in 2020.

Studies have linked the Wawa Dam's poor water quality to the presence of large

pig farms, densely populated areas, and sanitary landfills in the Boso-Boso River's

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headwaters, all of which contaminate the raw water supply. The primary goal of our

study is to compare the water quality of the river from a different location from the sand

and gravel quarry site. The researchers want to evaluate the water's pH level, dissolved

solids content, turbidity, and any possible heavy metals using physicochemical tests.

INPUT FRAMEWORK
CONCEPTUAL PROCESS OUTPUT
Assessment of Assessed Water
Study Area
Water Quality Quality in
Water Samples through Rodriguez, Rizal
Water Quality
Parameters Physicochemical Proposed Action
Analysis and Water Plan
Quality Index

FEEDBACK

Figure 1. Input-Process-Output (IPO) Paradigm of the Study

The first frame shows the input of the study which includes the study area, the

composite water samples, and the water quality parameters are taken into consideration

in this research.

The second frame presents the process of the study that involves the

assessment of the water quality through Physicochemical analysis and Water Quality

Index.

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 The third frame shows the output of the study which includes the assessed water

quality in Rodriguez, Rizal and the proposed action plan.

The arrows from the input to the process and from the process to the output

represent the connection and transformation of the profile and aspects with the actions

done into results that are deemed to be output.

The arrow from input to output indicates feedback, which reflects the flow's

continuity and the connectivity of the constituents.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Alkalinity - It is the amount of ions in the water that is necessary to neutralize

hydrogen ions and are acquired through mineral decomposition 

Electrical Conductivity - The measure to which a material can transmit an

electric current.

pH - The quantitative measure of the basicity and acidity of a liquid solution,

usually on a scale of 0 to 14. 

Physicochemical Analysis - The substance's underlying physical and chemical

properties as significant indicators for risk assessment.

Quarrying - Quarrying is the process of extracting rock, sand, or other minerals

out of the earth and using them for construction materials and other products.

Temperature - It is the measure of the hotness or coldness of a substance.

Total Dissolved Solids - The traces of heavy metals, organic and inorganic

compounds in water. 

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Total Hardness - It is the measurement of minerals in the water. 

Turbidity - It is the measure of the clarity of a liquid. 

Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

FOREIGN LITERATURE

In accordance with Chu & Karr (2017), the protection of existing natural

resources and the pollution of air, land, and water have become global concerns due to

decades of intense industrial expansion and the development of hundreds of different

chemicals. Sustainable industrial development and waste recycling seem to be the first

steps towards conserving the earth's natural resources. However, in the past, pollutants

entered the environment through important industrial activities and are still present in the

Earth's ecosystems. The persistence of these organisms and the effectiveness of

methods currently being developed to clean up contaminated ecosystem compartments

determine how long they remain in ecosystems.

The global community is very concerned about the state of aquatic habitats. One

of the most important life-sustaining substances on earth is water, a component of

aquatic ecosystems. Extensive research has been conducted on how stream, lake and

sea toxins affect aquatic life and human health. The development of remediation

methods to clean up the world's rivers and lakes has been aided by knowledge of the

fate and pathways of various pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. Numerous studies have

shown that aquatic sediments are both pollutants and contaminants. Under certain

circumstances, sediment-related chemicals can be released into Shanghai, threatening

both aquatic life and human health. Therefore, sediment characterization and

determination of the quality and quantity of contaminants in sediments are techniques to

10
assess sediment quality, predict the release of sediment contaminants into water, and

remediate aquatic ecosystems is important in development.

In testing the physicochemical properties of the water sample, its properties have

a relationship with one another. The pH of the water was the focus of this study. pH was

chosen as the response variable because it is one of the most significant

physicochemical parameters that influence the behavior of other water quality metrics as

well as chemical concentrations in aquatic settings (Saalidong et al., 2022). The simplest

relation of parameters can be found between the pH and its alkalinity. The pH of water is

a measurement of its hydrogen ion concentration, which ranges from 1.0 to 14.0. Water

is more acidic when its pH is lower. Water with a higher pH is more basic, or alkaline.

A research article from AQUA Water Infrastructure, Ecosystems, and Society

highlighted the connection between the pH level and taste & odor (T&O) properties.

During algal and cyanobacterial blooms in surface water, pH is a key parameter

influencing water quality and T&O. An algal bloom can elevate the pH of water in surface

waters from <7 to >9 (Smith 2019 as cited in Adams et al., 2022). Due to the hydrolysis

catalyzed by bases, this shift in pH may intensify the odor (e.g., fishy, musty, grassy).

Changes in the pH of the source water might also have an indirect influence on T&O. It

is concluded that because pH is necessary for sample preservation and analysis of T&O

molecules, pH is vital in the distribution and regulation of T&O.

An article from Fondriest Environmental Learning Center (2014), pointed out

the direct relationship between conductivity and temperature. When the temperature

increases by 1 degree Celsius, the conductivity also increases by 2-4%; that is why it

was suggested to conduct the testing at a standardized temperature. Another

11
relationship from the same article indicated that high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) could

affect the water's taste, and this indicates high alkalinity and hardness.

A journal of Dasharath & Narsimha (2006) shows another relationship which

showed that when the flow rate is high, the turbidity increases while the TDS decreases.

In relation to this, from the article of Advanced Biotech (January 2022), the amount of

suspended and dissolved solids can act as an indicator for the color property of water.

Based on the study of Chinedu et al. (2012), the results that they have gathered from

analyzing a polluted freshwater system in Nigeria, show that there is a strong correlation

between Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD).

As the COD decreases, the amount of BOD increases.

LOCAL LITERATURE

Based on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) data,

the Marikina River was once categorized as a class "A" DENR Administrative Order

standard in the Philippines (DAO-1990-34, 1990). This classification for the river means

it is subjected to complete treatment as it is used as source of water supply. Since then,

the river has been classified as severely polluted due to different pollutants that humans

mainly cause. These causes are landfills, solid and water waste disposal from the

nearby residential area, and agricultural runoffs. Subsequently, in connection with the

topic understudy, the researchers want to evaluate the river's water quality in terms of its

physicochemical properties. This river is near a sand and gravel quarry site, which is

also a human activity that, based on numerous studies, makes the quality of the water

nearby high in pollutants and toxic elements that would be harmful to biodiversity.

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 Ironically, Montalban's tourism industry relies heavily on mountains, rolling hills,

and hiking trails, while plagued by unsightly and risky quarries. The Montalban quarries

have long been a source of environmental problems and show no signs of ending any

time soon. In contrast, the damage to the Montalban Mountains and the scale of the

quarries is enormous.

As mentioned by Miraflor (2021), Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, the

Governor issues licenses for sand and gravel mining in areas of 5 hectares or less

through the State Mining Regulatory Agency. The Department of Environment and

Natural Resources grants licenses to operators for areas larger than 5 hectares. An

environmental impact statement specifying mining conditions, such as limiting mining to

a uniform depth of 1 meter from the original riverbed, is one of the prerequisites for

obtaining a permit. In addition, the cleaning of quarry material on riverbeds is prohibited

to prevent silt and water turbidity. In addition, after mining, there should be no mountains

left on the riverbanks so as not to block the flow of water.

However, as stated by Cardinoza (2022), according to the Department of Mines

and Geosciences (MGB), severe flooding hit several areas of Marikina and Rizal during

the attack of Typhoon Ulysses, the worst and most destructive typhoon to hit the country

in 2020. was not intended for mining. Due to operations in the Marikina River Basin.

Land disturbance in Rizal is mainly caused by quarrying activities. According to the

MGB, other factors such as rapid urbanization, natural erosion, deforestation in parts of

the Sierra Madre Mountains, and other disturbances are major contributors to the silting

of the Marikina River and subsequent flooding along the floodplains. It is, therefore, the

contribution of these operations to Marikina River flooding and silting is negligible.

13
FOREIGN STUDIES

Abayomi & Kehinde (2014) have conducted a research study evaluating the

environmental effects of quarrying operations in Oba-Ile, Ondo state. According to the

study, they found that pollution has a negative impact on the health of those who live

nearby, making life challenging for the locals. It was shown that most residents of the

area less than one to three kilometers from Oba-Ile are susceptible to several types of

pollution, including water, land, air, and noise pollution. The research stated that

because residents immediately experience the effects of pollution, quarrying activities

have a detrimental impact on them.

Although it has created many jobs and is a small-scale labor-oriented business,

stone quarrying has also caused a significant amount of localized environmental

pollution issues. Understanding the quality of the ground water in the vicinity of the stone

quarry is the purpose of the investigation. pH, temperature, turbidity, total dissolved

solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, chlorides, fluorides, sulfates, and

nitrates are just a few of the characteristics that were examined. The aim of current

research is to understand the physical and chemical properties of groundwater near

quarries and how it is used by the human population.

According to studies conducted in India, dental and skeletal fluorosis affects both

children and people of all ages. To better understand the causes of dental and skeletal

fluorosis and their groundwater sources, studies based on water quality analysis of

aquifers in and near quarries are being conducted. Groundwater salinity and fluoride

zonal maps were produced for shallow and deep aquifers. These results indicate a large

difference in salinity between shallow and deep aquifers. Compared to shallow aquifers,

deep aquifers are more salinized. In contrast, shallow aquifers have higher

concentrations of chemical elements such as Na+, K+, Cl, and F than deeper aquifers.

14
Villages within or near the quarries have higher fluoride concentrations than villages

approximately 1 to 1.5 km away from these quarries. This demonstrates the direct and

indirect contribution of sandstone and limestone quarrying to the increased amount of

fluoride and salinity in aquifer groundwater and to the rise of toxic elements in

groundwater.

Concerning issues regarding the effects of mining operations on the

environment, including effects on buildings, farmlands, crops, and water systems, a

survey of the communities and quarries indicated. Flood waters, which are made up of

runoff and water pushed from quarry pits, frequently destroy farmland.

It was noted that the research conducted by Nartey et al. (2012) saw a noticeably

increased number of ailments associated with dust, according to health records from

Ghana's health centers. Additionally, it shows an increase in disorders caused by

exposure to dust beginning in 2005, when GHACEM quarrying was fully operational.

Acute respiratory tract infections (ATI) and ear infections are still on the rise. In addition

to an increase in pneumonia and eye infections, there is a minor rise in cough cases.

From 2005 onward, water-related illnesses, particularly malaria infection, increased

dramatically, and incidences of diarrhea also increased slightly. As may be seen in,

typhoid and schistosomiasis infections were rather small.

Significant changes have been observed in cases where 40% and 5% of the

respondents only experienced malaria and diarrhea; 20% experienced malaria and

cholera; 35% experienced malaria, typhoid, and diarrhea; and nobody (0%) contracted

malaria, typhoid, and diarrhea first, followed by malaria, cholera, and diarrhea. During

quarrying, 3% and 0% of workers experienced only malaria and diarrhea; 16.7% had

both; 33.3% had both; and 25% had both, as well as cholera and typhoid. A total of 20%

of people had malaria, cholera, or diarrhea. A, 95% of the responders had malaria,

15
whereas 100% had the same illness while working in quarries. Mosquito populations

may have increased as a result of the flooded farmlands.

As reported by Melodi (2017), this study revealed quarry activities have various

effects on the natural environment which includes degradation of land and vegetation,

noise pollution, air pollution and water pollution were identified as significant effects of

the surface mining in the study area. Even if there have been some initiatives by the

government or the industry to lessen these environmental effects of mining, the use of

toxic materials and extensive mining have been highlighted as the main sources of land

degradation and pollution. The provision of an alternative water source was noted to be

the most significant intervention received by the host community in response to

environmental hazards (water pollution) posed by the companies. The mining companies

should intensify their efforts at reforestation, resettlement of affected communities, and

other measures aimed at returning degraded lands to their original state after mining

activities.

The researchers, Kalu & Ogbonna (2021), found out in their investigation of the

rivers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, that there is a significant environmental effect of stone

quarrying activities on the water and soil surrounding the area. The study compared two

locations, Ishiagu and Akpoha quarries; they accumulated soil and water composite

samples and tested their physicochemical properties. It showed notable results of the

adverse effects of quarrying activities based on the very high physicochemical attributes

and varied based on the data's location and season of gathering. The concentration of

the compounds was more evident on the near area from the site and decreased while

going away from it. On the other hand, the pH level on both sites was high regardless of

the samples' distance because of the operation's duration in the area. To conclude, the

16
results from the Ishiagu quarry have more adverse effects than Akpoha quarry because

the Ishiagu quarry has been operating longer than the Akpoha quarry.

An article from a study by M. Devi & Rongmei (2017) highlighted the positive and

negative impacts of sand and gravel quarrying in the Imphal river relating it to

socioeconomic factors using remote sensing and GIS. Similar to the topic under study by

the researchers, the main mineral that is extracted from the quarry site is sand and

gravel. Based on the study, the quarry operation altered the topography and destroyed

the biodiversity. The materials that are accumulated are most used in the construction

industry, which will be for the benefit of the people. Moreover, the quarry operation gives

people employment, especially those near the site who could do physical labor skills. In

exchange for the benefit of the people in the socioeconomic means, the process disturbs

the environment, and continuous operation could lead to the depletion of the earth's

natural resources. It would take several years for these natural resources to restore it.

Thus, controlled and proper quarrying operation is encouraged in order to regulate

resources.

Al Mamun et al., (2019) conducted a case study of Piyain River's sand and gravel

quarry mining area in Jaflong, Sylhet which assessed the surface water quality using

Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process. According to the research, the river receives the

effluents from quarry mining operations without any kind of treatment or filtration. For

that reason, the observed value of Total Dissolved Solids and Soluble Silica exhibits an

increasing tendency in the quarry zone, but it declines as the mine water flows

downstream in the river.

The research covered an assessment of a new water quality index utilizing Fuzzy

Logic and Analytic Hierarchy Process. To establish Fresh Water Quality Index (WQI)

17
and Fuzzy Logic Water Quality Index (FWQI) and evaluate the quality of surface water,

the researchers measured twenty-one different water quality parameters. Fuzzy model

has shown that the quality of water in the said river has good quality, but turbidity is

always high. The unplanned bridges built for trucking sand and gravel have broken the

flow of sediment transportation. Oil, lubricants, kerosene, etc. required for the

transportation of sand and gravel and Boma machine operation are also compromising

the water quality. The overall water quality in the Piyain River is acceptable due to the

adequate value of the anions and cations group of water. It is believed that fuzzy logic

concepts may be an excellent instrument for water environmental policy making

ultimately which would be useful to improve the Government policies and management

systems to save the water resources in this region or everywhere. The researchers

further stated that more studies should be taken to find out the biological conditions for

the aquatic life existing in the Piyain River.

Arakawa & Nicholson (2020) argued in their research entitled “Identifying new

quarries as a method for expanding research: A GIS case study from the Mesa Verde

region in the American Southwest” that the identification of new quarries in the Central

Mesa Verde (CMV) is critical if archaeologists are to gain a comprehensive picture of the

sociopolitical organization and economic activities in prehistoric agricultural communities

of the American Southwest. Their quarry site suitability analysis illustrates where

quarries may potentially be built with respect to both community centers and two

environmental variables (bedrock geology and soils). According to their research, this

method of exploratory research not only helps us to save our own time, energy, and

funds during field surveys, but it can also offer a practical way to improve our knowledge

of the CMV region's raw material procurement. Further, this analysis can aid in

improving both the academic and financial efficiencies pertaining to expanding field

18
areas of research. The minimal cost of this type of study can serve to improve our

business models as well as our understanding of historical human behavior.

LOCAL STUDIES

According to Mar P. Sanchez et al. (2020), the amount of colloidal rock particles

in the water is greatly enhanced by human activities like quarrying. The extent to which

soil resources in the river are used (for example, by quarrying) and the notable

differences in the river's flow are both possible causes of the observed large differences

in turbidity measurements in the sampling sites. The abrupt rise in turbidity in the

midstream is a sign of environmental concern since it could lower the water quality,

making it less habitable for aquatic and human life and raising the risk of flooding.

The observed quarrying activity, which results in erosion, has increased the

river's upstream TSS and downstream flow rates, which have a devastating effect on the

aquatic species in the headstream and low stream. The profusion of pollution-indicator

creatures in the river, including dragonflies and striders, points to a potential

contaminated condition caused by quarrying and domestic activities. The level to which

human usage of river soil resources has been exploited, erosion, and depth may be the

causes of the three sites' significantly different flow rates. Poor water quality is indicated

by increased conductivity, increased turbidity, slower flow rates, decreased midstream

temperatures, and the presence of more pathogenic bacteria and copper across

locations.

Conducting a water quality assessment could help in the evaluation and

decision-making of the possible approaches for resolving environmental issues. Thus,

the researchers will perform a physicochemical analysis of the Marikina River.

19
Relatively, a study conducted by Chounlamany et al., 2017 was also conducted in the

Marikina River, but it focused on the detrimental effects of the Payatas landfill on the

surface water. And the results showed that the traces of TDS, Cl, DO, COD, BOD, and

PO3 are particularly high, which causes eutrophication nature. Moreover, this study

suggests that the river is subjected to monitoring.

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 Chapter III

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter concentrates on the discussion of the research methods and

procedures adhered to by the researchers to answer methodically the specific problems

posed for analysis through testing. Specifically, the research method, population and

samples, research instrument, data gathering procedure, and statistical treatment of the

data used for accurate data analysis and interpretation were explained in this chapter.

METHODS OF THE RESEARCH

This study used a quasi-experimental method of research. It utilized the

physicochemical parameters of Marikina River near the Sand and Gravel Quarry Site for

the water quality assessment to gather the needed data essential for the study.

Quantitative research was used to observe the relationship between the variables with

the principal objective analyzed and associated mathematically through the use of

statistical analysis. The study identified the quality of water by means of testing the

parameters associated with physicochemical properties that would be beneficial to the

residents nearby and its local government.

RESEARCH LOCALE

The water samples used in assessing the water quality came from the different

locations of the Marikina River, situated beside a quarry operation site. The area where

the study took place in Sitio Tabak, San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal. Its coordinates are

14.7353, 121.1523, on Luzon island and 28.7 meters above sea level.

21
 The Municipality of Rodriguez in the province of Rizal is formerly called

Montalban. Where its etymology is Monte Alba, which means White Mountain, this is

because the area is part of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, and gigantic stones on

the foot of the mountains are colored white.

The portion of Barangay San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal, where the study took

place, has a population of 31,992 households based on the Philippine Statistics

Authority. Also, it is near a historical and tourist attraction, Wawa Dam. Thus, numerous

tourists like bikers and those who want to do some leisure activities visits the area.

Wawa Dam is famous for it was built in 1909, during the American colonial era, to

provide water needs in Manila. Moreover, it was the first hiding spot and location for

ripping the cedulas of the Katipuneros to symbolize freedom from the colonizers before

Biak-na-Bato.

That being the case, it is essential to regularly examine the water quality of the

river that is streaming along the area where tourists and residents consumes the water.

And the study would also be helpful for the local government in ensuring the safety of its

constituents.

STATISTICAL TREATMENT OF DATA

Water Quality Index (WQI) developed by Brown et al., (1972) is used to interpret

the data gathered from the analysis of the composite samples of the study. It provides a

numerical representation of the overall quality of water for any intended purpose. The

intended use of the water determines the relative importance of several parameters in

the construction of the water quality index. For the computation of the WQI of the water

samples, the weighted arithmetic index approach employed by Akoteyon et al., (2011) in

a comparable study in accordance with Brown et al., (1972) was utilized.

22
 The data gathered were analyzed using the following statistical tools:

UNIT WEIGHT

To determine the unit weight (Wn) factors for each parameter, use the formula:

K
W n=
Sn

Where,

1 1
K= =
1 1 1 1 1
+ + + …+ Σ
S 1 S 2 S3 Sn Sn

S=Standard desirable value of the nth parameter

On summation of all selected parameters unit weight factors, W= 1 (unity).

SUB INDEX

To determine the sub index value (Qn), use the formula:

[ ( V n−V 0 ) ]
Q n= ∗100
[ ( S n−V 0 ) ]

Where,
th
V n=Mean Concentration of then parameters

23
 th
Sn=Standard desirable value of the n parameters

V 0= Actual values of the parameters∈ pure water

(generally V 0=0 , for most parameters except for pH )

[ ( V pH −7 ) ]
Q pH = ∗100
[ ( 8.5−7 ) ]

WATER QUALITY INDEX

Water Quality Index (WQI) is calculated using the formula,

Σ W n Qn
Overall WQI =
ΣWn

24
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