Groundwater Heavy Metal Contamination and Pollution Index in Marinduque Island, Philippines using Empirical Bayesian Kriging Method
Kevin Lawrence M. De Jesus
a,b,c,d
,
Delia B. Senoro
a,e,c
,
Pablito Natal
a,c,f
,
Pauline Bonifacio
c
a School of Graduate Studies, Mapua University, 658 Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila 1002
b School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapua University, 658 Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila 1002
c Resiliency and Sustainable Development Center, RRM6 Yuchengco Innovation Center, Mapua University, 658 Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila 1002
d Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, FEU Institute of Technology, 839 P. Paredes St., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines 1015
e School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering, Mapua University, 658 Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila 1002
f Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Marinduque State College, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines
Abstract: This research exhibits the current state of the groundwater resources of the Province of Marinduque more than 20 years after the mining disaster. The sampling locations included thirty – five (35) sites that were extending all six municipalities of the province. The concentration of chromium, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc exceeded the maximum admissible limit (MAL) based on the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW) 2017. Thirteen of the sampling sites were classified as severe pollution based on its pollution index. The highest pollution indices were found to be at Brgy. Sumangga, a riverside barangay in the Municipality of Mogpog. These indices were utilized to produce a spatial metal concentration map of the Province of Marinduque using the Empirical Bayesian Kriging (EBK) method. Based on the map, the groundwater of the municipality of Torrijos needs prompt attention for remediation. The findings revealed that the province of Marinduque's groundwater quality is in danger of deteriorating. It is possible to infer that EBK is an effective method for monitoring groundwater quality based on the data and correlation provided. The results of this study could assist in planning rapid response and strategies that are beneficial in the execution of programs that will enhance the adaptive capacity of the province.