Sungkilaw Falls: Salty Water Spring Preliminary Study | InformativeBD

Cinder Dianne L. Tabiolo from the different institute of the Philippines, wrote a research article about, Sungkilaw Falls: Salty Water Spring Preliminary Study, entitled, "Preliminary study of the trace elements, physico-chemical properties and utilization of the salty water spring from Sungkilaw Falls in the Philippines".This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical and bacteriological properties of the saltywater spring at Sungkilaw falls, Brgy. Diwan, Dipolog City, Philippines after a long, rainless and warm period to determine its groundwater chemistry. A single sampling technique was employed to collect water samples, which were analyzed for various parameters such as pH, turbidity, temperature, electrical conductivity, hydrogen sulfide, bicarbonates, sulphates, chlorides, salinity, nitrates, nitrites, fluoride, and phosphates. Trace elements were determined using AAS/ICP-OES method, while coliforms were detected using Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique. Results revealed that the analyzed spring water was slightly acidic with an average temperature and electrical conductivity. It met the maximum permissible limit set by PNSDW for nitrates, nitrites, sulfate, and alkalinity (CaCO3). The water was found to be rich in Fe, Na, Zn, F-, SO4, Pb, Hg, H2S, Ba, and CaCO3. However, the presence of coliforms suggests that the water needs to be treated. Further studies are needed to confirm the possibility of utilizing salty spring water for bath spa projects, considering its enhanced concentration of hydrogen gas. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the quality of the salty water spring in Dipolog City, Philippines which can serve as a basis for future research and water resource management and possible tourism initiatives.

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Introduction

Water quality is crucial for human health and wellbeing and is a significant factor in the success of tourism destinations. The issue of water quality is a global concern, and it has been highlighted by various studies and reports. The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all, as poor water quality can lead to health problems, environmental degradation, and economic losses (UN, 2021). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, which can lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A (WHO, 2021). In addition, the UN also recognizes the importance of sustainable tourism and encourages the development of responsible tourism practices that protect natural and cultural heritage while promoting economic growth and poverty reduction (UNWTO, 2021). 

In Asia, the issue of water quality is a major concern due to population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that around 1.7 billion people in Asia lack access to basic sanitation, and 700 million people do not have access to safe drinking water (ADB, 2021). The ADB also highlights the impact of poor water quality on the tourism industry, as tourists are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their travels and the health risks associated with poor water quality (ADB, 2021). 

In the Philippines, the issue of water quality is also a major concern, as access to clean water and sanitation remains a challenge in many parts of the country. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports that in 2020, around 17.3% of the population or 14.7 million Filipinos did not have access to basic sanitation facilities, while 5.5% or 4.7 million Filipinos did not have access to safe drinking water (PSA, 2020). In addition, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reports that only 5% of the country's water resources are classified as "Class A," which means that they are suitable for drinking, while 52% are classified as "Class C," which means that they are only suitable for agriculture, fishing, and industrial purposes (DENR, 2021). Therefore, the study of the water quality of tourist destinations in the Philippines, such as Sungkilaw Falls, is crucial in promoting sustainable tourism and protecting public health.

Factors Affecting Water Quality Water quality is a vital aspect of public health and ecosystem management. Previous studies have shown that several factors can affect water quality, such as surface runoff, dissolved carbon dioxide, and the presence of dissolved salts (Caedo & Argüelles, 2019; Swenson, n.d.). The flavor of water can also vary depending on its source, with different minerals and compounds contributing to distinct tastes (Richardson, 2003). Mineral content can also influence water taste, with calcium making water taste milky and smooth, magnesium making it bitter, and sodium making it salty (Richardson, 2003). Moreover, several recent studies have highlighted the importance of water quality for human health and the environment (Kumar & Kumari, 2018; Singh et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2021). The chemical composition of spring water has been linked to its therapeutic properties, which can be attributed to therapeutic mineral and thermal waters present in areas with carbonate bedrock (Dobrzyñski & Rossi, 2017). 

Status of Salty Water Spring in the Philippines Studies suggest that salty water springs in the Philippines are widespread, and their physicochemical properties can vary depending on their location and geological composition. The results also highlight the need for proper monitoring and management of these water resources to ensure their safety and sustainability. The status of salty water springs in the Philippines has been the subject of several studies. According to Delos Reyes et al. (2018), the presence of salty water springs in the country is mainly due to its geological composition. The researchers noted that the country is located in the "Pacific Ring of Fire," an area characterized by volcanic activities and tectonic plate movements that lead to the formation of various types of rocks andminerals, including those that contain high levels of salt. Furthermore, Tengco et al. (2018) conducted a study on the physico-chemical properties of groundwater in two salty water springs in the Philippines, namely Alaminos and Sta. Maria Springs in Laguna. The study revealed that the springs' water had high salinity levels, with chloride as the dominant anion and sodium as the dominant cation. The researchers also found that the groundwater had alkaline pH and high electrical conductivity levels, which are typical characteristics of saline water. Meanwhile, a study by de Guzman et al. (2019) focused on the microbial and physicochemical quality of a saline spring in Quezon province. The researchers noted that the saline water had high levels of total dissolved solids, with chloride and sodium as the dominant ions. The study also revealed that the water had a slightly alkaline pH and low levels of dissolved oxygen, which can affect the water's suitability for human consumption.

Medicinal Properties of Spring Water The medicinal properties of spring water have been linked to its chemical composition, as discussed by Dobrzyñski and Rossi (2017). The researchers found that therapeutic mineral and thermal waters are present in areas with carbonate bedrock, and the healing properties of spring water can be attributed to its chemical composition. However, despite the apparent therapeutic benefits of Sungkilaw Falls, there is a lack of scientific studies on the chemical composition and water quality of the area. The study is essential in providing a comprehensive analysis of the Sungkilaw Falls' water quality and the community's consumption practices. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for future monitoring studies on river water quality in Dipolog, particularly in the context of tourism development. Overall, this study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on water quality and its impact on human health and well-being, particularly in tourism destinations.

The Sungkilaw Falls in the Philippines is a popular tourist destination known for its salty water spring, which is believed to have medicinal effects due to its high mineral content. However, there is limited information on the physico-chemical properties and trace elements present in the water, as well as its bacteriological characteristics. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by determining the water's physico-chemical properties, trace elements, and bacteriological characteristics, including total coliform, fecal coliform, and heterotrophic plate count analysis. Additionally, the study seeks to determine the community's utilization of the water. The results of this study will provide valuable information to various stakeholders, including the community, local government units, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism, and future researchers. The findings can be used as a basis for formulating policies and programs for water quality monitoring and evaluation, as well as serve as a starting point for future research on water quality in the area. 

In recent years, there has been growing concern over the water quality of Sungkilaw Falls in Dipolog City, Philippines (Acedera, 2018). Previous studies have reported high levels of total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria in the water, indicating possible contamination (Cajoles, 2015). Additionally, the presence of high levels of dissolved salts and minerals in the water can have both positive and negative effects on human health (DOH, 2017).

 To address these concerns, this study aims to investigate the trace elements and physico-chemical properties of the salty water in Sungkilaw Falls, as well as its bacteriological characteristics through total coliform, fecal coliform, and heterotrophic plate count analysis. The study also seeks to determine the utilization of the water by the community. The findings of this study can be used by local government units, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Tourism to formulate policies and programs for monitoring and improving the water quality of Sungkilaw Falls. Moreover, the study can contribute to the body of knowledge on water quality and health in the Philippines.

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 Source : Preliminary study ofthe trace elements, physico-chemical properties and utilization of the saltywater spring from Sungkilaw Falls in the Philippines