Riverine Ecosystem Assessment of Cagayan de Oro River for Sustainable Resource Utilization

Assessment of the environmental health of Cagayan de Oro River was conducted in five different stations namely Uguiaban Bridge in Sitio Balaun, Rafting Site in Barangay Mambauaya, Pelaez Bridge in Taguanao, Poblacion (Ysalina Bridge) and Macajalar Bay Estuary. The environmental health assessment of the river was based on water quality indicators, biological indicators and social indicators.  The water quality indicators included flow rate, color, pH, temperature, biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), phosphate ( PO4 ), pesticide and total coliform.  Biological indicators on the other hand included macro invertebrates and riparian vegetation.  While social indicators covered the anthropogenic activities and environmental awareness of the barangay residents which was attained by conducting a survey.  The research design used qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze data gathered from the foregoing indicators.  The findings revealed that water quality testing were well within standards except for total coliform which always showed exceedingly high values.  In terms of the total coliform, the water quality is not within Class A standards.  The biological assessment through the bio indicators revealed Field Biotic Index (FBI) values interpreted as having the likelihood of substantial organic pollution. This assessment served to supplement the result of the water quality testing. Hence, there is a need to bring back the water quality in terms of total coliform to Class A.  The riparian vegetation survey also showed a decline from upstream to downstream.  On the aspect of environmental awareness of the barangay residents, the survey indicated only at moderate level and has some policy implications especiallly in areas which are greatly impacted by land-based activities particularly residential, commercial and industrial activities.

Keywords: Ecosystem, Cagayan de Oro River, assessment, sustainability.