A Study on the Fecal Contamination of Cagayan de Oro River Along the Upstream of (Barangay Dansolihon) and the Factors Affecting Contamination, August 2008 – March 2009

The general objective of the study was to identify the degree of fecal contamination in Cagayan de Oro along Barangay Dansolihon. The study was conducted from August 2008 to March 2009. Taking of water samples in the river was used to identify the presence of fecal coliform as well as confirm the presence of the indicator organism Escherichia coli in the water samples in the 3 different sampling dates done every first week of the month by the use of the Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique (MTFT) which comprises 5 tube dilution for accurate basis of outcome. A random survey was also conducted to determine the possible factors that contribute to fecal contamination in the river. The total fecal coliform values in the results showed fluctuating average MPN score from all the samples which above the standard acceptable value set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Water Quality Guidelines at 1000 fecal coli form organism/100ml. In Dansolihon the results showed a slightly high mean MPN value of 3500 fecal coliform/100ml, followed by a huge decrease in amount which was 490 fecal coliform/100ml. The presence of E. coli was also confirmed indicating fecal contamination of the water samples. The factors that may have contributed to the river’s fecal contamination: the disposal of animal waste of chickens, pigs, cows, the number of comfort rooms which directly drain in the river and human wastes which are directly disposed into the river for residents without comfort rooms.

 

Keywords - Fecal contamination, E. coli, Cagayan de Oro River, Barangay Dansolihon