Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Selected Tributaries of Didipio River, Eastern Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

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Ryan P. Manuel

Abstract

Didipio, known for its gold and copper resources, has developed into a mining-agricultural area. Conflicting interests over its resources, i.e., water and soil, necessitate information based management to inspire participation among stakeholders. This study aimed to assess the condition of water, soil and sediments of four major streams in Didipio and surrounding areas namely Alimit, Boulevard, Camgat-Surong and Dinauyan using 26 physical and chemical parameters. The research is part of a multi-pronged study and served as baseline for management purposes. For each stream, the up and downstream sections were sampled. Water, soil and sediment samples were brought to laboratory, and results were compared to water quality standards. Multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA), Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test and t-test were employed to compare whether or not physico-chemical characteristics of the sites differ from one another. Results were also discussed in connection to most imminent anthropogenic factors present in the streams. Stream sections with highest level of contaminants are those adjacent to streambank slushing (smallscale mining) and those devoid of riparian cover and subject to soil disturbance. Least impaired channels are those away from such land-uses. As majority of contaminants fall within acceptable levels, the four studied streams can return to more pristine state, provided that proper management mechanisms would be implemented.

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