Assessment of physico-chemical, heavy metal, and microbiological quality of spring water sources in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Paper Details
Assessment of physico-chemical, heavy metal, and microbiological quality of spring water sources in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Abstract
This study evaluated the water quality of three major spring sources—Dumaguing, Faustina, and Napapong—in the municipality of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. Water samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters, heavy metal concentrations, and microbiological quality (Total Coliform and Escherichia coli). The results indicated that the physico-chemical characteristics of all three springs, including pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and chlorides, were well within the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW), as well as USEPA and WHO guidelines. Heavy metal analysis showed that lead, cadmium, aluminum, arsenic, mercury, antimony, copper, and iron were generally below detection limits, with only trace amounts of zinc detected in Dumaguing spring. However, microbiological analysis revealed a significant health risk for Faustina and Napapong springs, which tested positive for E. coli and exhibited high total coliform counts (TNTC). Dumaguing spring was found to be free of E. coli with minimal coliform presence. The study concludes that while the physico-chemical and heavy metal profiles suggest the water is chemically safe, the microbial contamination in two of the three springs necessitates immediate disinfection and regular monitoring to ensure public health safety.
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Ronnie L. Besagas*, 2026. Assessment of physico-chemical, heavy metal, and microbiological quality of spring water sources in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 28(1), 96-101.
Copyright © 2026 by the Authors. This article is an open access article and distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license.