Physico-Chemical, Biological and Anthropogenic-Related Attributes of Cagayan River Sub-tributaries in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

This is the first phase of an extensive research project regarding the status of water bodies in Nueva Vizcaya. It deals with water quality and biodiversity assessment, and identification of anthropogenic-related attributes of the Cagayan river subtributaries flowing in the province. In this specific phase of the study, the subtributaries assessed were the Aritao and Bambang rivers, following the Magat River main tributary course. Transect sampling sites were established and assessments were done twice. Water quality assessment was done by ocular inspection and laboratory analyses of the physico-chemical properties of water samples. Biodiversity survey was done by riparian zone assessment and taxon classification of the organisms found within and along the river areas. Anthropogenic-related attributes were identified by ocular inspection of evidences of human intervention. In order to establish links between the present and the past attributes of the rivers, information about the status of the rivers in the past were gathered through interviews with folks residing near the said rivers. Results revealed that the physico-chemical properties of both the Aritao and Bambang Rivers conform to the freshwater class B classification standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). A number of organisms were classified under the taxa of aquatic plants, fishes, mollusks and macroinvertebrates. Both rivers showed evidences of anthropogenic intervention along the aspects of livelihood, infrastructure, waste-product and recreational factors. Information from interviews revealed that both rivers were richer in aquatic organisms years back compared to their present conditions. Findings will serve as starting point for the conceptualization of possible projects and drafting of local policies by the local government units and non-government organizations that may regulate the utilization of the aquatic resources to maintain the good water quality status of the rivers and to preserve the existing flora and fauna therein.