CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Fresh water is a precious resource and the increasing pollution of our rivers is a
cause for alarm. Most women wash their clothes in river and most of the time the
bleaches used for washing contributes to the pollution of the water. At times some throw
their waste- either human waste or garbage waste in the river which damages the river.
The pollution of the river bodies can cause harm to the ecosystem, yet it is taken for
granted.
Passing by Tubod River and Mandulog River, the researchers observed that water
in the said rivers are turbid. However, these two rivers have different environment. The
banks of Tambacn River have fewer houses compared that of Tubod River.
The researchers wanted to find out which of the two rivers namely the Tambacan
River and Mandulog River, is more polluted.
B. Statement of the Problem
Main problem
Which river water,Tambacan River or Mandulog River is more
polluted?
Sub problem
1. Is there any significant difference in the turbidity of water in
Tambacan River and Mandulog River?
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2. Is there a significant difference in the pH of water in Tambacan River
and Mandulog River?
3. Is there any significant difference in the electrical conductivity of
Tambacan River and Mandulog River?
4. Which concentration of the Tambacan River and Mandulog River
would have the highest percent mortality rate?
5. Which concentration of the Tambacan River and Mandulog River
would have the lowest percent mortality rate?
6. Which of the two samples is more toxic in terms of percent mortality
rate?
7. Is there any significant difference in the toxicity of water in Tambacan
River and Mandulog River in terms of percent mortality?
8. Using the brine shrimp test in determining the toxicity, is there any
significant difference in the mortality of brine shrimp between the
rivers and the saltwater (control)?
C. Objectives of the Study
This study aims to determine which of the Tambacan River and Mandulog River
is more polluted.
D. Hypotheses of the Study
Main problem
Tambacan River and Mandulog River are equally polluted.
Sub problem
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1. Ho: There is no significant difference in the turbidity index of water
coming from the Mandulog River and Tambacan River.
2. Ho: There is no significant difference in the pH (acidity) of water
coming from the Mandulog River and Tambacan River.
3. Ho: There is no significant difference in the electrical conductivity of
water coming from the Mandulog River and Tambacan River.
4. Ho: The 60% concentration of Tambacan River and Mandulog River
would have the highest% of nauplii death.
5. Ho: The 15% concentration of Tambacan River and Mandulog River
would have the lowest% of nauplii death.
6. Ho: The Tambacan River water sample is the most toxic in terms of %
mortality rate.
7. Ho: There is no significant difference in the toxicity level of water
coming from the Mandulog River and Tambacan River.
8. Ho: There is no significant difference in the mortality rate of brine
shrimp between the rivers and the contol.
E. Significance of the Study
The proposed research will determine the turbidity and toxicity of each river to
evaluate the level of pollution.
The result of this study will be beneficial to the community and to the ecosystem.
The community will be aware that the water in that river is not good for any kind of
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usage that might cause to human infectious diseases and because water pollution is one of
the major causes why many aquatic animals and plants get killed and has made some
species endangered, the researchers expect that through this study, the government will
develop strategic solutions regarding solving waste problem when the researchers found
out which of the two rivers is more polluted.
F. Scope and limitations of the Study
The scope of this study is only to determine and compare the quality of water in
Tambacan River and Mandulog River. This assessment is limited only in testing the
turbidity by using secchi disk test, pH level (acidity) by using the pH meter, electrical
conductivity by using EC meter, and toxicity level of the water by using the brine shrimp
toxicity method. Substances that make the water polluted will not be included in the
study. The study will involve a 1 year collection and analysis of data. The effect of
weather on amount of pollutants, pH level, electrical conductivity, turbidity, and toxicity
will not be in incorporated in this study.
G. Definition of Terms
Toxicity
In this study toxicity is measured in terms
of the mortality of brine shrimp.
Turbidity
It is the haziness or cloudiness of a fluid
Contamination
It is the presence of a minor constituent in
another chemical or mixture, often at the
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trace level
Brine shrimp test
It is a test to determine toxicity of the
water.
Secchi disk test
It is a test that determines the turbidity of
the water.
pH
It is a measure of the acidity of the water.
Electrical conductivity
Electrical conductivity relates to the ability
of the material to conduct electrical current
through it.