Water quality assessment of the abandoned mine site in San Marcelino, Zambales

• Main Author: Maala, Alain Philippe G.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: Water quality > Zambales (Philippines); Water supply > Zambales (Philippines); Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/2188
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study assessed the water quality of water samples obtained from key areas within and in the vicinity of the abandoned mine site in San Marcelino, Zambales. Initial site survey and sampling was done in July (2007) under heavy rains and a more extensive sample collection was done in January (2008) under favorable (clear) weather conditions. Water samples were tested for the following parameters: lead and copper content total solids conductivity pH total hardness phosphate (PO4 3-) nitrate (NO3 -) silicate and dissolved oxygen. Results showed that water from the waste dump, tailings pond, and mine pit contained significant levels of heavy metals, namely lead and copper. Water from these sites also exhibited acidic pH and high total hardness. Lead, however, was significantly high in all samples. The control, Faustina Creek, complied with Philippine water standards (DAO 34 and PNSDW) in most parameters. However, high lead and phosphate content in the control may suggest that the samples require further treatment before use. As for samples obtained from the lake, lead and phosphate concentrations were of particular concern. The presence of these contaminants in all water samples suggests that the mine site may have a great influence on the quality of the lake and possible nearby water sources.