A Study on the Fecal Contamination of Cagayan de Oro River Along Downstream (Barangay Kauswagan) and the Factors Affecting Contamination, August 2008-March 2009

The main objective of the study was to determine the extent of fecal contamination of Cagayan de Oro River along Barangay Kauswagan. The study was conducted from August 2008 to March 2009. The Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique (MTFT) was used to identify the presence of Fecal Coliform in the 3 different sampling periods done every first week of the month as well as confirm the presence of the indicator organism Escherichia coli in the water samples. A survey was also conducted to determine the possible factors that contribute to fecal contamination of the river. The Total Fecal Coliform values computed show fluctuating average MPN score from all the samples which exceeded the standard acceptable value set by the department of Environment and Natural Resources water quality guidelines (DENR) at 1000 fecal coli form organisms/ 100ml. Barangay Kauswagan show a high mean MPN value of 16000 Total Coliform Count/100ml in the first and second sample, followed by a decrease in amount which was 9200 Total Coliform count/100ml in the third sample. The Fecal Coliform Count on the first sample was 2400MPN/100ml, 16000MPN/100ml in the second sample and 2400MPN/100ml on the third sample. The E. coli count on the first sample was 2400MPN/100ml; 16000MPN/100 on the second and 2400MPN/100ml on the third sample. The presence of Escherichia coli was also confirmed indicating fecal contamination of the water samples. The factors that may have contributed to the river’s fecal contamination were: Animal manure disposal into the river for those household respondents who have farm and domestic animals, the number of households who have comfort rooms directly draining to the river, and improper human waste disposal into the river for those who don’t have toilet facilities.

Keywords - Fecal Contamination, Escherichia coli, Cagayan de Oro River, Barangay Kauswagan