Michelle V. Japitana, Eleonor V. Palconit, Alexander T. Demetillo, Evelyn B. Taboada, Marlowe Edgar C. Burce
The Philippines is abundantly endowed with vast and abundant water resources. One of the water quality indicators that has to be importantly monitored is the amount of heavy metals which can be detrimental to the environment and human health when present at exceeding levels in water bodies classified as a potable source of water. As of 2013, a total of 688 water bodies have been classified according to their intended beneficial use by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) but only 199 out of the 688 water bodies (approximately 29%) are regularly monitored by EMB. In the 2014 National Water Quality Status Report of EMB, water bodies monitored for toxic chemicals such as cyanide and heavy metals (mercury, lead, and cadmium) are limited and focused only on those water bodies with remarkably known sources of these pollutants. This study therefore aims to identify the underlying challenges in monitoring heavy metals in the Philippines and review the prospective tools and their integration in the assessment, management and rehabilitation of heavy metals that are most appropriate in the Philippine settings. To carry out this study, we first evaluate the institutional policies and its transition through time as against its implementation, then assess the quantitative and qualitative state of the water resources in the country, and finally review emerging technologies and tools to evaluate its applicability in the Philippine contexts.
College of Engineering and Information Technology, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City, Philippines; Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines; Engineering Graduate Program, School of Engineering, University of San Carlos (USC), Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines; School of Engineering, University of San Carlos (USC), Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines; CpE Department, School of Engineering, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines
