St.

Clement Academy
Stma. Trinidad City of Malolos, Bulacan

The Presence of Heavy Metals in Tap Water Supplied by

Plaridel Water District and its Biological Effects
on Human Consumption

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for

Inquiries, Investigations
and Immersion

Researchers:
Ortega, Caryle Trixcee Maye DC.
Ricosana, Trixia Kate M.
Santos, Kyle Francisse M.
Solero, Alexandra Rose Q.

March 2020
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This research became successful with the kind support, assistance and cooperation of

many individuals. We would like to extend our immeasurable appreciation to all of them who

contributed to making this study possible.

Mr. Rommel C. Cruz, MEM, research adviser for his support, guidance, advice,

valuable comments and suggestions that helped the researchers in the completion of this study.

Also, for sharing his knowledge and for taking the time to supervise the progress in order to

achieve and complete the research. Thank you, sir and God bless!

Mrs. Abigail Lacson, researchers' external adviser, for her generous assistance and

pieces of advice that contributed to the success of this research.

Engr. Alvin Chinchuntic, Production Engineer and Water Resource of Plaridel Water

District, the assistance provided and shared knowledge was greatly appreciated by the

researchers for it made a big contribution to the research.

Mr. Alvin Guevarra, Customer Service of Plaridel Water District, for the assistance and

service since the day when the researchers came to visit their company for information gathering.

Plaridel Water District, for allowing the researchers to use their own data analysis as an

answer to the research questions.

To their families, classmates and friends who helped them with guidance and support

in order to accomplish the study. Also, for being a motivation, strength and inspiration that has

been helpful for the completion of the research.

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 To the researchers themselves for exerting effort into making the research and for

giving unconditional support to one another in order to accomplish the tasks assigned to each

member.

Lastly, the Lord who gave them the wisdom, knowledge, time and inspiration in this

study to conduct it in the best way they can. Thank you very much for everything! Amen.

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 ABSTRACT

According to Plaridel Water District (2017), they provide and maintain clean, safe and

potable water which is derived from the groundwater source through eight deep wells

strategically located within the area of the service coverage. However, there happened to be a

rise in complaints, because some of the residents of Plaridel experienced rusty-yellowish

coloration of water which could have a relationship with the presence of heavy metals in water.

This study was conducted to determine the presence of heavy metals and the factors that affect

the quality of the water being supplied by the PLAWD using related studies and literature.

Furthermore, it aims to determine what would be the biological effects of these heavy metals in

the human body once it was consumed on a regular basis. Based on the results from PLAWD,

the metal contents that can be possibly found in tap water are Nitrate, Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead,

Iron, Manganese, Chloride, and Sulfate with values not exceeding to the limit of Philippine

National Standard for Drinking Water 2017. The laboratory results showed that the water from

PLAWD is potable but the quality of water changes eventually due to different factors. The said

heavy metals in certain amounts correspond to certain health effects to humans after prolonged

consumption.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title ……………………………………………………………….. i
Acknowledgement ……………………………………………………………….. ii
Abstract ……………………………………………………………….. iv
Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………….. v
List of Figures ……………………………………………………………….. vi

CHAPTER I : THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Background of the Study ……………………………………………………………….. 1
Conceptual Framework ……………………………………………………………….. 3
Statement of the Problem ……………………………………………………………….. 3
Importance of the Study ……………………………………………………………….. 4
Scope and Limitations ……………………………………………………………….. 4
Definition of Terms ……………………………………………………………….. 5
CHAPTER II : REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Issues and Concerns ……………………………………………………………….. 7
Standard of Water
……………………………………………………………….. 8
Potability
Possible Metal Contents
and its Effects on Human ……………………………………………………………….. 10
Health
Synthesis of Related
……………………………………………………………….. 12
Studies and Literature
CHAPTER III : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design ……………………………………………………………….. 13
Data Gathering Procedure ……………………………………………………………….. 13
CHAPTER IV : RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Table 1.1 ……………………………………………………………….. 15
Table 1.2 ……………………………………………………………….. 16
Table 1.3 ……………………………………………………………….. 16
Table 1.4 ……………………………………………………………….. 17

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Table 1.5 ……………………………………………………………….. 18
Table 1.6 ……………………………………………………………….. 18
Table 1.7 ……………………………………………………………….. 19
Table 1.8 ……………………………………………………………….. 20
Table 1.9 ……………………………………………………………….. 20
Table 2 ……………………………………………………………….. 21
Table 3 ……………………………………………………………….. 22
CHAPTER V : SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings ……………………………………………………………….. 23
Conclusion ……………………………………………………………….. 27
Recommendations ……………………………………………………………….. 28

Bibliography ……………………………………………………………….. 30

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 : Summary of Standard Values

for Organic Chemical Parameters from
……………………………………………….. 9
Industrial Pollution of Drinking-Water
from PNSDW
Figure 2 : Summary of Standard Values
of Analysis for Chemical Quality for
……………………………………………….. 10
Acceptability Aspects of Drinking
Water

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