Bulacan State University
College of Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering Department
City of Malolos, Bulacan
_____________________________________________________________________________________
MEE -
METHODS OF RESEARCH
Submitted by:
Malonzo, Rjay
Submitted to:
ENGR. JOHN DARWIN QUINTAL
Bulacan State University
College of Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering Department
City of Malolos, Bulacan
_____________________________________________________________________________________
INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGE: ASSESSING ITS CONTRIBUTON TO WATER POLLUTION AND
IMPLEMENTING REMEDIAL STRATEGIES
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Water pollution poses major danger to public health worldwide since it may contaminate
the water supplies and cause health related issues including respiratory ailments,
gastrointestinal disorders, and increased cancer risks (I. Bashir et al., 2020). Philippines face
significant problem due to water contamination impacting country’s environment and
inhabitants. According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
numerous water bodies across the country fail to meet water quality standards, with high levels
of pollutants such as heavy metals, organic compounds, macro-pollutants, micro-pollutants, and
pathogens (DENR, 2019).
The primary contributor of water contamination is industrial waste. Manufacturing and
factories often discharge harmful pollutants and toxins into local water bodies, resulting in
contamination which makes the water unsuitable for human consumption and fauna (A.
Siddiqua et al., 2022). Being listed as developing country, the growth of industrial sector in the
Philippines may impact the state of water pollution of the nation. As per the assessment of
Water Environment Partnership in Asia (WEPA) made in 2019, there are 820,253 industrial
establishments in the Philippines.
Prior studies conducted in the Philippines on water pollution have mostly concentrated
on particular contaminants, sources of contamination, and localized effects. Nevertheless, there
aren't sufficient research efforts evaluate the total amount of water pollution, its temporal and
localized variability, and its socioeconomic effects.
This research aims to address this gap by studying the impact of industrial activities on
water pollution in Calumpit-Plaridel-Pulilan-Hagonoy- Paombong sections of Angat River. This
study seeks to enhance understanding of water pollution dynamics and inform the development
of effective water pollution control measures.
Bulacan State University
College of Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering Department
City of Malolos, Bulacan
_____________________________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Despite of regulatory measures and wastewater treatment efforts, industrial pollution
remains a significant concern, with potential implications for human health, biodiversity, and
ecosystem. The main problem addressed by this research is the impact of industrial discharge
on water pollution in Calumpit-Hagonoy section of Angat River.
The specific issues to be investigated include:
1. What are types of pollutants present in industrial discharge in water bodies of Calumpit-
Hagonoy section?
2. What is spatial variability of industrial pollution in water bodies? including
a. rivers
c. coastal areas
3. What are the sources and pathways of industrial pollutants?
i. Point sources
a. Factory Outflows
b. Waste disposal sites
ii. Non-point sources
a. Urban run-off
b. Construction Sites
c. Industrial and Agricultural Practices
4. What are the ecological and health impacts of industrial pollution?
a. aquatic ecosystems
b. biodiversity
c. human communities
5. What are the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks and pollution control
measures in addressing industrial pollution?
Bulacan State University
College of Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering Department
City of Malolos, Bulacan
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
The primary focus of the study is assessing the impact of industrial discharge on water
pollution within Calumpit-Hagonoy section of Angat River. The researcher aims to analyze the
nature and extent of pollution caused by industrial activities, including the types of pollutants
involved and their concentrations in the water bodies. The target participants of the study are
the residents of river banks of Barangay Iba O’Este, Calumpit that will contribute to three
months of conducting the study.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Results and findings of the study will benefit the following:
Local Government Unit – To advocate for contemporary ideas to conduct community-
based initiatives to address water pollution concerns due to industrial activities.
Local Community - To give deeper understanding on the risks associated with pollution
due to hazardous industrial discharge to the water bodies that may their means of living.
Industries – To give modern solutions in implementing sustainable work practices that
may lessen the cost of production by complying for standards and regulations pertaining
to proper waste management.
Non-government organizations – To provide NGOs with the knowledge they need to
campaign for the protection of the marine environment and the advancement of public
health, as well as to increase awareness of the problems associated with water pollution.
Future Researcher – To acquire this study as reference into their related research field.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
The following terminologies are specified to guarantee precision and clarity:
Discharge – the release or outflow of wastewater.
Bulacan State University
College of Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering Department
City of Malolos, Bulacan
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Contaminate – refers to the introduction or presence of harmful or undesirable
substances.
Ailments – pertaining to health conditions or diseases.
Disorder – any abnormal condition or dysfunction that affects the health or well-being of
individuals.
Pathogens – pertaining to microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and
parasites, present in water bodies.
Pollution dynamics - refers to the complex interactions and processes that influence the
distribution of pollutants in the environment.
Biodiversity – the variety and variability of living organisms that includes but not limited
to inhabitants of bodies of water.
Spatial variability - the variation or differences in water quality parameters, pollutant
concentrations, or environmental conditions.
Coastal –pertaining to the geographical area or zone where the land meets the sea.
Urban - areas characterized by high population density, extensive built-up infrastructure,
and intense human activities, typically associated with a city.
Frameworks – refer to conceptual or analytical models used to organize, structure, and
guide the research process.
Concentrations – refer to the relative amounts or levels of substance.
Advocate – individuals, organizations, or groups who actively support or promote
actions, policies, or initiatives.
Sustainable – refers to practices, policies, or approaches that aim to meet the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.
