Abstract

Labo and Clarin rivers are very important to many communities in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Hundreds of people living near the two rivers depend on these waters for domestic and industrial purposes. This study was conducted to assess the water quality of two major river systems, Clarin and Labo rivers in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Physico-chemical and biological parameters were assessed in three different sampling sites in each river. Results showed that dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, nitrate and phosphate along the forest and agro forest sampling sites were at levels that fall within the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines. However, the sampling station in Labo River located along the agricultural area showed values that are non-compliant with the DENR standard. The water temperature and pH range in sampling stations along the forest were within the tolerable range that will not cause stress to the aquatic organisms. Bacteriological analysis showed that all sampling stations were positive for coliforms (Enterobacter aerogenes and Escherichia coli). The sampling stations along the agroforest and agricultural areas had high total fecal coliform load. Results indicate the need to have proper environmental management program in Clarin and Labo rivers.