An Undergraduate Research Proposal Presented to the

College of Medical Laboratory Science

Riverside College, Bacolod City
 Objective
 Conceptual Framework
 Scope and Limitation
 Significance
 Definition of Terms
INTRODUCTION
Filipinos are fond of spending quality time with our family, and
we commonly visit and do reservations to resorts which specifically
have pools. Swimming pools gives out the fun and excitement
especially having those cool slides and a wider pool. But then, when
there is fun there will also be something that’ll hold on to it.
Practically, all water whether in natural or unnatural conditions
contain microbes like protozoa, fungi, virus and especially bacteria.
Pool water is contaminated in many aspects: number of swimmers,
environment, weather and sanitation. Swimmers are considered to be
the number one carrier of contaminants through: their swimwear, not
showering before dipping into the pool, skin, sebum, sweat, nose,
throat and even saliva.
The researchers seek not only to gain knowledge but also to give
out awareness to the public. All the results will serve as a reference for
the management of each swimming pool so that they could come up
with ideas that could help them improve their way of reaching out their
service and excitement to the people.
Objectives:
1. Determination of bacterial growth.
2. Identification of bacteria determined.
3. Comparison of bacterial growth among three
pools.
Conceptual Framework
Factor such pH, chlorine application and weather will directly
affect bacterial count (dependent variable) from the selected pools
(independent variable).

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Three selected
Bacterial growth
Swimming pools

Factors

pH, water, chlorine

application

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of Conceptual framework

Scope and Limitations of the study
This study is only limited in the determination
and identification of bacterial growth in three selected
pools in Northern Negros Occidental: Sagay City,
Cadiz City and Silay City. Susceptibility and resistance
of the microbes to other chemicals used in the pool
water sanitation except for chlorine and other factors
affecting the bacteria proliferation will not be touch by
the researchers. Water samples from first week until
third week will be used in testing bacterial growth.
Significance of the Study
To the medical technology students: The study’s
result can motivate them to perform further research
on determining other species of bacteria that may
grow in water.
Significance of the Study
To the health care practitioners: The study’s result
will give them an additional knowledge and can be a
good basis in improving the infection control program
in different pools.
Significance of the Study
To the community: That the study’s result will
highlight the awareness of the people to reduce the
circumstances of bacterial proliferation , therefore
will serve as a reference on how they will act as a
community towards the sanitation of the water.
Significance of the Study
To the management: the study’s results can help them
improve their sanitation that can minimize the
occurrence and spread of bacteria and infection
among swimmers.
Significance of the Study
To the future researchers: The study’s result will be a
basis of additional information and provide through
information of the said topic.
Definition of Terms
This chapter presents a review of related concepts and related studies
due to limited local studies
Related Concepts
(See hand-outs)
RELATED STUDY
(See hand-outs)
 Study Area
 Field Procedure
 Laboratory Procedure
MATERIALS & METHODS
Materials
Sterile test tubes will be used for the collection of
water samples. Test tubes and mechanical pipette for
the dilution. Mac and BAP agar will be used for
bacterial culture. TSI, Urease, SIM, LIA and SCA for
the biochemical tests. Specific stains for gram staining
and a microscope for the microscopic determination of
the bacteria.
MATERIALS & METHODS
STUDY AREA
The area of this study is composed of three selected
swimming pools chosen by the researchers. The first pool
(pool A) located at Sagay City, the pool is located along the
high-way. The second pool (pool B), is located in Cadiz
City. This pool is located below the parking lot and a mini
zoo is also situated about 50 meters. It has the complete
facility for a standardized pool which is conducive for
research. The third pool (Pool C) located at Silay City,
located beside a beach and a pool well known for its
entertainment facilities and accommodating features.
FIELD PROCEDURE
Dilution and bacterial culture was started last
August 17, 2013 and ended September 31 of the same
year. August 18, 2013 was the start of our biochemical
tests (TSI, Urease, SIM, LIA, SCA) and ended at
September 01, 2013. The bacteria isolated were
determined, identified and compiled.
FIELD PROCEDURE
The samples that the researchers used were taken from the chosen
different swimming pools in Northern Negros Occidental namely Pool A, Pool
B and Pool C. A total of 18 sterilized glass tubes were used as there were six
collections for each pool. The researchers visited the said places every seven
days with a random collection time per pool. Both extremities of the pool were
solved with three equidistant points that has served as a representation of the
different parts of the pool. Three researchers stood on each of the equidistant
points (each extremities) and the closed sterilized tubes has been submerged
and upon reaching the appropriate depth, the cap was removed to allow entry
of the water samples. Six samples from the same swimming pools have been
brought to schools laboratory for bacterial identification. The same process was
done on all of the other swimming pools.
 Preparation of materials
 Water collection
 Bacterial determination and identification
LABORATORY PROCEDURE
After gathering water samples from the selected
pools it will be process for culturing using selected
agars. After 18 – 24 hours of incubation, proceed in
performing the biochemical tests. Wait for another 18
– 24 and proceed to gram staining. Characterize and
note all the results obtained and identify basing on the
results gathered.
LABORATORY PROCEDURE
Permit to conduct a study

Collection of water samples in

three parts of both extremities

Dilution of the water samples

Bacterial culture on Mac and

BAP for 18 – 24 hours

Biochemical tests (TSI, Urease,

Gram Staining SIM, LIA, SCA) for 18 – 24 hours

Compilation of results and

data gathering
FIGURE 2. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF LABORATORY AND FIELD PROCEDURE
PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND
DISCUSSIONS
This research was conducted to check what
possible bacteria are present in the pool waters
collected from the three swimming pools chosen from
the Northern Negros Occidental. Water samples
collected undergone series of processes which leads
the researchers in determining and identifying the
microbes present. Results were organized to answers
the objectives stimulated.

(see hand-outs for the table of results)

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
The researchers came up with the study to identify the
possible bacteria that will grow from the different swimming
pools at Northern Negros Occidental from August 9, 2013-
September 1, 2013.
The study was conducted at the three selected cities at
Northern Negros Occidental: Silay, Cadiz and Sagay City. The
researchers collected water samples by authorized permission,
they performed cultural tests to characterize the growth of the
bacteria macroscopically and also conducted biochemical tests
in order to confirm the said bacteria that has grown on the
culture plate. The results showed that Pool A, B and C are
affected by bacterial contamination.
The results are revealed through tabular presentation.
 Summary of Results
 Conclusion
 Recommendation
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the summary findings presented, the following
conclusions were formulated:
1. Bacterial growth on pool water depends on the care and
update of disinfection of the facility.
2. Water plays a major role in the whole research procedure.
3. The bacteria that grew in pool water will most likely
cause skin irritations
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
The researchers therefore recommended the following:
 To the Community. For hygienic purposes, every individual shall respect and
follow the simple guidelines that the resort has provided before entering the
pool. (e.g showering before swimming, urinating in the pool is prohibited, food
is not allowed inside the pool, etc.)

 To the Management. For better feedbacks and enjoyment of the community,

the facility must enhance their cleaning capabilities like disinfecting the pool
in the right time and shouldn’t be delayed to avoid proliferation of any types of
microbes. With this they can provide better environmental usage of water that
can’t harm a person’s health.

 To the Future Researchers. To the next researchers who will continue our
study, to focus on confirmatory tests that will prove that the bacteria you
identified is with no doubt the bacteria you are expecting to grow.
APPENDICES
REFERENCES:
 http://www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/files/SD_BuildingServices
/DOH_Pool_Guidelines.pdf
 http://www.ehagroup.com/resources/swimming-
bathing-diseases/
 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/260693.p
hp
 http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57584816/
 http://www.lenntech.com/processes/disinfection/swi
mming-pool-/swimming-pool-pollution.htm