Spatial variation in groundwater quality and potential extent of contamination in Santa Ignacia, Tarlac, Philippines

• Main Authors: Inson, Jessamine Gail M., Supsup, Christian E., Flores, Mary Jane C.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2020
• Subjects: Groundwater—Quality—Philippines—Tarlac (Province); Groundwater—Pollution—Philippines—Tarlac (Province); Biology; Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/11432
• Institution: De La Salle University

The municipality of Santa Ignacia in the Province of Tarlac is highly dependent on groundwater; thus, its quality is significant to the community. This study presents the first assessment of groundwater quality and spatial variation of possible groundwater contamination in Santa Ignacia. A total of 274 groundwater samples were collected from 21 sampling sites in the municipality. Five groundwater quality parameters were measured, namely: pH, conductivity, nitrate, nitrite, and iron. Geographical coordinates of sampled wells and measurements of measured groundwater quality parameters were transformed and analyzed using Geographic Information System software, QGIS. Spatial variations of measured groundwater quality parameters were mapped using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation technique. Constructed spatial variation maps revealed that groundwater quality parameters varied in the study area. All measured parameters, except nitrite content, were within the acceptable limits set by the DENR and WHO for groundwater quality. The nitrite content of groundwater in Padapada has exceeded the permissible limit which may cause long-term public health problems; hence, further evaluation and monitoring of groundwater quality in this area is highly recommended. The identification of the possible source of nitrite in Padapada is necessary to lessen the contamination risk; hence, protecting the groundwater sources in the municipality.