Rapid Physicochemical Assessment of Kalawaig Creek in Bukidnon, Philippines

Aim/Background: Creeks found in the Philippines are essential to the ecosystem. Like Kalawaig Creek in Bukidnon, Philippines, it represents a unique ecosystem with its distinct set of physicochemical conditions supporting the continuous growth of flora and fauna. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical parameters, specifically Water Temperature, Total Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Color, Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH) and Total Alkalinity. Materials and Methods: This study utilized a descriptive approach combined with field research techniques to describe the physico-chemical parameters in Kalawaig Creek. A 4 L of water samples were collected from the up-stream, down-stream and middle stream of Kalawaig Creek to test for the Dissolved Oxygen (DO), color, Total Dissolved Solid and Total Alkalinity. At the same time, temperature and pH were measured in situ. Results: The physicochemical testing for the physical parameters revealed the total average temperature across all locations and trials, which is calculated as 27.51ºC. Moreover, the average Total Dissolved Solids in Kalawaig Creek is 317 mg/L. For the chemical parameters, the calculated average for dissolved oxygen is 7.9 and the average apparent color is 15 CU. Meanwhile, the total average pH across all trials and locations is 6.67 and the average of the Total Alkalinity is 96.9. Wilcoxon Signed-Ranked Test was employed to determine whether there is a significant difference between the set standards of the physicochemical parameters and the results of the measured parameters in Kalawaig Creek. The statistical analysis results indicate a significant difference between the set standards for physicochemical parameters and the observed results in Kalawaig Creek. Conclusion: The analysis of physicochemical parameters in Kalawaig Creek indicates a generally healthy ecosystem; however, the study's findings emphasize that the physicochemical parameters in Kalawaig Creek do not align perfectly with the established standards for these parameters.