Assessment of heavy metal levels in spring water of Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City
Paper Details
Assessment of heavy metal levels in spring water of Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in drinking water becomes a public health issue, especially in communities situated near abandoned mining areas. This study examined the concentrations of selected heavy metals in spring water sources used for household purposes in Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City, and evaluated their compliance with regulatory standards. The main objective was to determine the concentration of Cu, Cr, Pb, Co, Mn, Ni, and Cd, and compare these levels with the limits set by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and World Health Organization (WHO). A descriptive-comparative research design was used. Water samples were collected from three sampling stations, and standard methods were utilized in the analysis of heavy metals. Results showed that lead had the greatest variation in mean concentration among the sampling stations, which were found to have higher levels at Sitio Iba and Sitio Bonhok, while other metals showed relatively consistent concentrations in all sites, and some are also below the limit of quantitation. The majority of the metals complied with drinking water standards. But lead was greater than the recommended concentration of 0.01 mg/L in two sampling stations closest to an abandoned mining site. Lead concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the mining area. The findings suggest possible residual impacts of legacy mining on spring water and emphasize the importance of site-specific monitoring. It also emphasizes the need for remedial action to be taken in the community.
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Faith M. Guimary*, Romeo M. Del Rosario, Angelo Mark P. Walag, 2026. Assessment of heavy metal levels in spring water of Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 28(2), 12-19.
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