Pollution in the Lower Agusan River: Determining the Causes, Its Effects, and Proposing Solutions using the MyCOE Approach

Glynis Robert C. Aguilar

Philippine Science High School Southern Campus, Sto. Niño, Tugbok District, Davao City,

INTRODUCTION deforestation, and discharge of harmful pollutants from mining and other industries “If a man fails to honor the rivers, he (Global Environment Facility, 2009). The shall not gain the life from them.” impacts of these threats are felt throughout the whole river, especially in its lower part — The Code of Hammurabi in City and Butuan Bay. These problems, if not addressed, may lead to loss Agusan River is located in the north- of important biodiversity in the area and eastern part of the island of Mindanao in the even in international waters. Pollution may Philippines. The river is the third longest affect the estuary functioning of the Butuan river in the Philippines with an estimated Bay coastal ecosystems, which connect to an length of 350 km from its headwaters found identified marine biodiversity corridor of in the mountains of Compostela Valley global significance within the Coral Triangle down to its mouth in Butuan City (Asian (Global Environment Facility, 2009) Development Bank, 2004) Possible pollution in the river may not only An essential feature of the area is the affect flora and fauna in the area, but may Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, found in also endanger the lives and livelihoods of the middle part of the river. The marsh is the the hundreds of thousands of people that habitat of endangered fauna like Anhinga rely on it. melanogaster (Oriental Darter), This project intends to determine the Porphyrio porphyria (Purple Swamp Hen), causes and effects of pollution in the Lower and Nisaetus philippensis (Philippine Hawk- Agusan River by assessing the water quality Eagle) (UNESCO, 2006). The sanctuary is of samples from the river. Furthermore, it registered under the Ramsar convention and also seeks sustainable solutions to the is the most important freshwater wetland in problems in the area using the MyCOE the Philippines. However, this unique approach (Fig. 1). ecosystem is threatened by invasive plant and animal species, severe siltation and Author’s Email: [email protected]; stream bank erosion due to mining and Phone #: +639232510006 1

Fig. 1: The MyCOE Approach Source: http://www.aag.org/cs/mycoe/our-approach

Scope of the Project: This project is limited 2012 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. The only to the lower part of the Agusan River weather during the time of the inspection (from 8°57’10.79”N 125°32’33.84”E to 9° was sunny. 1’6.65”N 125°31’0.83”E), within the In the Lower Agusan River, it was Butuan to Magallanes portion of the river, observed that (i) the river was visibly turbid which is significant due to the presence of and murky; (ii) there was an abundance of sawmills, fish farms and residential Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) buildings. The term Lower Agusan River as especially along and near the banks; (iii) used in this project will refer to the area of there is a significant number of settlements the river within the coordinates above. on the banks of the river; (iv) people bathe and wash clothes and kitchenware in the FORMULATE THE QUESTION river; (v) people dispose of fecal matter in (Step 1) the river; (vi) there are sawmills along the river; and (vii) there are fish farms in the 1. How polluted is the Lower Agusan River? river. 2. What are the causes of pollution in the Possible sources of pollution were also Lower Agusan River? identified during the ocular inspection. 3. How does pollution in the Lower Agusan These were plotted in a map (Fig. 3). River affect the communities around it? 4. How can we promote sustainable Sampling Stations: Four sampling stations solutions for the river and those who depend were used (Fig. 4). Sampling Station 1 is on it? located 0 km from the mouth of the river. Sampling Station 2 is located 3.5 km from OBSERVE AND ACQUIRE DATA the mouth of the river. Sampling Station 3 is (Step 2) located 7.4 km from the mouth of the river and Sampling Station 4 is located 8.5 km Ocular Inspection of the Area: Initial from the mouth of the river. These stations observation of the area was done on May 20, were chosen because they lie in close 2

Fig. 2: The location of the study area (Asian Development Bank, 2004)

Fig. 3: Sources of pollution identified during Fig. 4: Sampling sites numbered in order the ocular inspection from the mouth of the river *Full interactive map of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 can be accessed at http://mycoe.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=1c96c48653d34c749f7a6b48f7aac968 3

Fig. 5: Zoning map of Butuan City Source: City Government of Butuan proximity to possible sources of pollution in water to be collected. One half-gallon grab the river, which were identified during the sample was collected in each sampling ocular inspection and using Butuan City’s station. Immediately after sampling, the jugs zoning map (Fig. 5). were put in an ice box to reduce the temperature and preserve the samples. After Materials and Methods: Sampling was collection, the samples were sent to the done on May 24, 2012, from 8:00 am to laboratory of the Environmental 11:00 am. The weather was sunny for the Management Bureau – Region XIII (EMB- duration of the sampling activity. Half- XIII) for analysis. The parameters to be gallon plastic jugs were used for water tested include temperature, apparent color, sampling. Prior to sample collection, all jugs pH, conductivity, total suspended solids were washed with distilled water multiple (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), times and were dried overnight. At each dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen sampling station, one half-gallon jug was demand (BOD) and salinity. used. Since the river was not wadable, a boat was used to traverse its course and to Results: Table 1 is a summary of the results facilitate sample collection. Before of the physicochemical analyses of water collecting the final samples in each station, samples from the sampling stations shown the jugs were rinsed three times with the on Fig. 4.

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Table 1: Physicochemical parameters of the sampling stations at Lower Agusan River on May 24, 2012, 8 to 11 am. Parameters Method Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Temperature Multiparameter 27.55 27.58 27.60 27.44 (°C) Water Quality Checker

Apparent Color Visual 38 67 33 40 (CU) Comparison Method

pH Multiparameter 7.87 7.22 7.25 7.29 Water Quality Checker

Conductivity Multiparameter 3.48 0.169 0.153 0.157 (mS/cm) Water Quality Checker

Total Suspended Gravimetric 16 14 17 29 Solids (TSS) Method (mg/L) (dried at 103- 105°C)

Total Dissolved Multiparameter 2, 220 110 100 102 Solids (TDS) Water Quality (mg/L) Checker

Dissolved Azide 6.5 6.5 7.3 5.4 Oxygen (DO) Modification (mg/L) Method

Biochemical Azide 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.6 Oxygen Demand Modification

(BOD5) at 20°C Method (mg/L)

Salinity Multiparameter 1.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 (ppt NaCl) Water Quality Checker

The methods used for analyses of the dissolved oxygen. A multiparameter water physicochemical parameters include: quality checker was used to analyse gravimetric method for total suspended temperature, pH, conductivity, total solids, visual comparison method for dissolved solids and salinity. apparent color and azide modification The temperatures in all four stations were method for biochemical oxygen demand and not significantly different from each other.

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Conductivity The pH and salinity values also did not 4 differ significantly among the different 3 stations. Parameters with significant fluctuations in values among the stations 2

mS/cm sampled include conductivity (Fig. 6), TSS 1 and TDS (Fig. 7) and DO and BOD (Fig. 8).

0 Among the parameters with significant 1 2 3 4 fluctuations in value, Station 1 had the Sampling Station highest value for conductivity and TDS, Station 3 had the highest value for DO, and Fig. 6: Conductivity at different sampling Station 4 had the highest value for TSS and stations BOD. TSS and TDS 2500 ANALYZE 2000 (Step 3)

1500 Temperature: Temperature is a measure of mg/L 1000 how much heat is present in the water 500 (National Environmental Education 0 1 2 3 4 Foundation, 2009). It controls the rate of metabolic activities, reproductive activities Sampling Station and the life cycles of aquatic organisms. TSS TDS Temperature affects the concentration of

Fig. 7: TSS and TDS at different sampling dissolved oxygen in a water body. Oxygen is stations more easily dissolved in cold water. Table 1 shows that the average DO and BOD temperature of all the four stations is about 8 27.5 °C. This is within the allowable range 6 set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Department of 4 mg/L Environment and Natural Resources, 2007). 2 0 Apparent Color: During the ocular 1 2 3 4 inspection, it was observed that the water Sampling Station was murky and turbid. This affects the DO BOD aesthetic value of the water. Aesthetic value means freedom from visible materials that Fig. 8: DO and BOD at different sampling will settle to form objectionable deposits, stations floating debris, oil, scum and other matter 6

(Department of Environment and Natural In Table 1 it is shown that Station 4 had Resources, 2007). A low aesthetic value the highest amount of suspended solids. It is implies that the water is undesirable for possible that because of the high activity of industrial and domestic uses. passenger boats in the area, bottom sediment is stirred up, producing a high TSS reading. pH: pH is an important indicator of aquatic Erosion due to logging in the area could also life. Most aquatic organisms can survive be a reason. Despite this, the TSS levels are only within a narrow pH range which may still within the standards set by the DENR. vary from organism to organism. Young fish and insects are sensitive to changes in pH. It Total Dissolved Solids: The total dissolved is also an important factor in determining solids (TDS) in water consist of inorganic the potability of water. salts and dissolved materials (Government The pH values of water samples from all of Sabah, 2005). If TDS levels are stations are within the allowable range set abnormally high, salts may cause the skin of by the Department of Environment and some organisms to dehydrate. High Natural Resources (DENR). concentrations of dissolved solids can cause the water to have an unpleasant mineral taste. Conductivity: Conductivity is an indirect It is also possible for dissolved ions to affect measurement of the presence of inorganic the pH of a body of water, which in turn dissolved solids such as chloride, nitrate, may influence the health of aquatic life sulfate, phosphate, sodium, magnesium, (Mathematical Association of South calcium, iron and aluminium, which are Australia Inc, 2009). Irrigation water and essential to organisms in low levels, but organic waste often contribute to high TDS could pose a threat in large amounts. readings. Data from Table 1 show that the High TDS readings in Station 1 could be conductivity value for Station 1 (3.48 caused by the high density of houses, fish mS/cm) is significantly higher than those of farms and rice paddies in the area, which are Stations 2, 3 and 4 (<0.17 mS/cm). This sources of organic wastes. The TDS values means that inorganic dissolved solids are in all stations (except Station 1) are within present near the mouth of the river in larger the allowable range for drinking water set by quantities compared to areas upstream. the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2001). Total Suspended Solids: Suspended solids include silt, stirred-up bottom sediment, Dissolved Oxygen: DO is a measure of how decaying plant matter, or sewage-treatment much oxygen is available in water. effluent. TSS is a possible indicator of Dissolved oxygen is essential for aquatic life erosion along a river. Suspended solids (Government of Sabah, 2005). The DO cannot pass through a filter, unlike dissolved concentration in a river is the mass of the solids. oxygen gas present, in milligrams per liter of water. Low levels of DO (<2 mg/L) indicate 7

poor water quality. Organic wastes and Limitations of the Analyses: The results industrial discharges may lower DO levels. shown in this report are snapshots of the DO readings in Table 1 from all stations water quality of the river at the time the are within DENR standards (Department of sample was collected and limited to the Environment and Natural Resources, 2007). portion of the river where the sample was collected. Values may vary from different Biochemical Oxygen Demand: BOD is the parts of the river at different times. amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms in a body of Effects of Pollution to Communities: High water to break down organic material levels of TDS and conductivity are present in a given water sample at a certain indicative of disposal of organic wastes in temperature over a specific time period. the river, which can harm people’s health in BOD is a measure of organic pollution to high levels. Also, the disposal of fecal waste both waste and surface water. High BOD is in the river can cause a gamut of diseases an indication of poor water quality which may affect children and adults alike. (Government of Sabah, 2005). Parasites may also spread because of poor The results of water analysis (Table 1) sanitation. The Lower Agusan River poses a show that the BOD of the water samples serious risk to public health (World Bank, from all stations are within DENR standards 2007). (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2007). SEEK SOLUTIONS (Step 4) Salinity: Salinity is a measure of the saltiness of water. High salinity may The Lower Agusan River (and the interfere with the growth of aquatic Agusan River as a whole) is important, not vegetation. Salt may decrease the osmotic only to the people that live on its banks but pressure, causing water to flow out of the also to flora and fauna which call it home. It plant to achieve equilibrium (Government of is important to seek sustainable solutions Sabah, 2005). which will harmonize the interests of In Table 1, the sample from Station 1 has humans and nature which thrive in the area. the highest value for salinity. Station 1 has a The author proposes nine (9) measures to salinity reading of 1.0 ppt NaCl, which puts achieve this goal: (i) put into consideration it under the category of brackish waters. the effects of economic development on the This is due to the close proximity of the Agusan River when planning for them; (ii) station to the sea. Samples from Station 2, 3 impose stricter standards for industries and 4 have a salinity reading of 0.1 ppt NaCl (mining, logging, etc.) which affect the which puts them under the category of natural functioning of the Agusan River; (iii) freshwater. monitor industrial effluent; (iv) regulate land use near the river; (v) educate the communities about proper health and 8

sanitation; (vi) provide alternative livelihood BIBLIOGRAPHY to communities; (vii) monitor biodiversity in the area; (viii) study the application of Asian Development Bank. (2004, bioremediation in the area; and (ix) conduct December). Technical Assistance to further studies throughout the river to paint a the Republic of the Philippines for a complete picuture of the Agusan River. Master Plan for the Agusan River Basin. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from CONCLUSION Asian Development Bank (ADB): (Answers to Questions in Step 1) http://www2.adb.org/Documents/TA Rs/PHI/tar-phi-36540.pdf 1. The results of the water quality analyses (Table 1) show that there are some areas Department of Environment and Natural which pose a threat to communities and Resources. (2001, June 14). organisms. However, most of the results emb.gov.ph/laws/water%20quality% were within standards set by the DENR. 20management/dao94-26A.pdf. 2. Disposal of organic waste and fecal Retrieved May 31, 2012, from matter and erosion due to logging are major Philippines-Environmental contributors to pollution in the area. Management Bureau : 3. Pollution in the Lower Agusan River http://emb.gov.ph/laws/water%20qua poses a serious threat to public health in the lity%20management/dao94-26A.pdf communities in its banks. Department of Environment and Natural 4. Nine ways: (i) put into consideration the Resources. (2007, December 19). effects of economic development on the emb.gov.ph/wqms/Draft%20DAO%2 Agusan River when planning for them; (ii) 0on%20the%20Revised%20WQG%2 impose stricter standards for industries 0and%20GES%20rev%20121807.pd (mining, logging, etc.) which affect the f. Retrieved May 6, 2012, from natural functioning of the Agusan River; (iii) Philippines-Environmental monitor industrial effluent; (iv) regulate land Management Bureau: use near the river; (v) educate the http://emb.gov.ph/wqms/Draft%20D communities about proper health and AO%20on%20the%20Revised%20 sanitation; (vi) provide alternative livelihood WQG%20and%20GES%20rev%201 to communities; (vii) monitor biodiversity in 21807.pdf the area; (viii) study the application of bioremediation in the area; and (ix) conduct Global Environment Facility . (2009, further studies throughout the river to paint a February 9). iwlearn.net/iw- complete picuture of the Agusan River. projects/3887/project_doc/agusan- river-basin-pif-document. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network - IW:LEARN: 9

http://iwlearn.net/iw- http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelist projects/3887/project_doc/agusan- s/5023/ river-basin-pif-document World Bank. (2007, September 7). Government of Sabah. (2005, February 22). siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPHI www.sabah.gov.my/jpas/Assessment/ LIPPINES/Resources/PEM06- eia/sp-eias/Benta/AppEwater.pdf. chapter2.pdf. Retrieved May 15, Retrieved May 30, 2012, from Sabah 2012, from World Bank Group: Government: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IN http://www.sabah.gov.my/jpas/Asses TPHILIPPINES/Resources/PEM06- sment/eia/sp- chapter2.pdf eias/Benta/AppEwater.pdf

Mathematical Association of South ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Australia Inc. (2009, July 28).

www.masa.on.net/curriculum%20res This project would not be possible ource/ASISTM2/ASISTM2_workshee without Mama and Papa, who wet their ts_conductivityprobe.pdf. Retrieved hands during fieldwork and supported me May 31, 2012, from welcome to until and beyond the finish line. I also masa: extend my heartfelt gratitude to my friends http://www.masa.on.net/curriculum at EMB-XIII who helped me despite their %20resource/ASISTM2/ASISTM2_ busy schedule. I dedicate all of this to my worksheets_conductivityprobe.pdf Creator who gave me this opportunity to National Environmental Education contribute to humanity’s library of Foundation. (2009, January 30). knowledge and help my community in my www.eeweek.org/assets/files/Water% own little way. 20Quality%20Testing/Water%20Qu ality%20Parameters.pdf. Retrieved April 3, 2012, from National Environmental Education Week: http://www.eeweek.org/assets/files/ Water%20Quality%20Testing/Water %20Quality%20Parameters.pdf

UNESCO. (2006, May 16). Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from UNESCO World Heritage Centre :

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GALLERY

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinths) line along the stretch of the Lower Agusan River. Invasive introduced species like water hyacinths can disrupt the natural balance of the river’s ecosystem.

Passenger boats are used for transportation in the Lower Agusan River

A boom in logging in the Agusan Valley in recent decades resulted in an increase in the number of sawmills on the banks of the Agusan River. During the annual flooding of the river, sawdust and logs are washed away from the banks and pollute the river.

People who live on the banks of the Lower Agusan River rely on fishing for food and income.

People who live on the banks of the Lower Agusan River also contribute to pollution. They dispose of fecal matter and domestic wastes into the river. They also throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into the river. n^-..Lti^ sl:r;--:a^^ ra€prlt rlti, tI^raL- i,t ru rt tflttjtJff tEi, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ENVIRONi'IENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU iiffir:e af r&+ Ee-oinn*i lrir"*c!ar" $a Cata*e '-*g-Rr;i:irrrr Xiii Brr:u-eJ"-- iini-:*rrr: Bi:tt:ait Ciiv ?-l ll-- , dr1 ar{ o4aa" ad4E t atq tar4, r-., f,t^ ,nar1 +14 16, * t$l ltult. tlJllll;!a l-OJr+. JOZIj f OEiI.-J\}JI- ritA iI(}. iuoili J+l- tt i+

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