Bacteriological and Physicochemical Analysis of Kablon River in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), Tupi, South Cotabato

Freshwater river systems are essential for the sustainability of life, and they provide ecological services for human use and consumption. Water sources like rivers, which are among the most crucial water resources for human activities, tend to deteriorate, and water quality suffers due to rapid human developmental actions and the degradation of more forest areas. The present study assessed the water quality of Kablon River samples collected in March 2023 and May 2023 at Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL). Tupi, South Cotabato. The upstream, midstream, and downstream stations were established, and the water's physicochemical parameters, such as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, temperature, and bacteriological parameters through total coliform and fecal coliform, were evaluated. The pH and temperature of the river waters ranged from 6.70-7.80 and from 23 °C to 27.16 °C, respectively, and were under the permissible limit. The TDS levels are below 500 mg/L and are within the standards, as are the conductivity levels, which also fall within the recommended values. The river also showed varying dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, declining relatively downstream, whereas the salinity during March exceeded the standard limit. The total coliform ranged from 1100-54000 MPN/100 mL, while the fecal coliform showed significant MPN values at 470-35000 MPN/100 m. The bacteriological analysis indicated the high presence of total coliforms and fecal coliforms in the water samples from all stations, which classified the water body under Class D. Human and animal excretion and human anthropogenic activities such as agricultural practices were noted as the potential primary contributors of the contamination in the river. The present bacteriological load of the Kablon River would restrict the utilization of water resources and necessitate proper treatments before domestic use.