Water sampling background

7/24/2019 Water sampling background

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Apart from the requirements of the course, the water

sampling activity was accomplished by the students in

cooperation with the DENR-CAR. Determined optimum

sampling points along Balili River were distributed among

groups. Our group was assigned to the sampling point at

Slaughter House Compound.

We arrived at the sampling point an hour before the

aboratory class. It was a sunny afternoon with clear skies

Upon arrival at the venue, we optically inspected the area

The river at the area flows in a cemented path (Figure 1).

This path is approximately four meters below the ground

of the compound. At the sampling point, there is a bridge

and under it is where the river flows (Figure 2). We needeto safely reach the river to collect our sample. At the far

end of the bridge is a one lane cemented case of stairs

eading to the riverside. Going down this path, the ground

s fully cemented (Figure 3). Looking at the river, the

cemented riverbed connects to the cemented wall-fences

of the houses around (Figure 4). There is no single groun

that is made of earth; all grounds at any sight are

cemented up to the walls of houses and fences. At the

other side of the river, the cemented fence of the



overlooking houses is approximately eight meters in

height. On inspection of the water (Figure 5), the water

seems cloudy grey. There are household wastes such as

food wrappers, water bottles and some diapers floating

along the river. The flow of the river is approaching

turbulence. When we dipped the 2-L water bottle at the

river, the water flow created a chaotic splashing with

droplets reaching the arm. Looking further at the vicinity

of the sampling point the compound’s canal leads directlynto the river (Figure 6).

Subsequent to optical inspection are other inspection

procedures. While at the sampling point, there was not a

bit of fresh air. Mixed bad pungent smell fills the air. Thismay be due to the garbage floating along and are on the

ground of the river. Furthermore, there is no sign of any

ifeform along and on the river. On the cemented riverbe

a thin film of slime-like substance is attached to it. The

color varies from white to green to dark grey. Upon

collection of samples, at the bottom of the 2-L collection

bottle were tiny sediments.



We’ve interviewed a few of the residents surrounding the

sampling point. Ms. Le who has been living for 4 years in

the building just beside the river said that she sometimes

throws organic trash on the river. Such organic trashes ar

egg shells, fruit and vegetable peelings. Mr. Dom on the

house overlooking the river said they would throw all the

garbage they could sweep from their backyard directly

unto the river. Such trash contained dog poo, fallen leave

and dust. Ms. Che who lives on the next building says shethrows almost all kinds of liquid from the house. Such

iquid were wash rinse from the washing machine, dirty

water from washing the dishes and food left overs. Other

residents from the compound have admitted that they

sometimes throw mindlessly any kind of trash on the rive

t was 2013 when DENR Secretary Ramon Paje has

approved the designation of the Balili River system as

Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) to protect and

mprove water quality of the river (Pia, 2013). A governin

board was organized to oversee and give directions on

rehabilitation efforts of the water quality of the river

system. The Balili River system was categorized as Class A

n 1975 but its waters deteriorated through the years due



to pollution, urbanization, and human activities. With this

as chemical engineering students and as residents of

Baguio, we must take a step and make a difference

towards moving forward to change through this water

sampling activity.

http://www.baguiocity.com/news_article/balili-river-

designated-water-quality-management-area-governing-

board-created. BALILI RIVER DESIGNATED AS WATER

QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREA; GOVERNING BOARD

CREATED

COALITION TO PUSH FOR PUBLIC’S INPUT IN BALILI

RIVER PROTECTION

http://www.baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/environment.asp?m

ode=%20archives/2016/january/1-24-2016/env6-Coalition-to-

push-for-publics-input-in-Balili-River.txt

Water sampling background

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