ABSTRACT

JAPON, MARY ANN E. Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, Bukinon. October 2012. Analysis of Effluent Quality from a Coconut Processing Facility in Medina, Misamis Oriental.

Adviser: Dr. Jose Hermis P. Patricio

The study primarily aimed to analyze the effluent quality of Fresh Fruit Ingredients, Incorporated (FFII) which is a coconut processing facility in Medina, Misamis Oriental. Specifically, it attempted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of effluent and how the community perceived the operation and effluent discharge system of the company. Collection of wastewater sample was done in three different sampling periods: May 21, 2012, June 29, 2012, July 27, 2012 to test for pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS) and oil and grease and temperature. Samples were brought to Davao Analytical Laboratories, Incorporated for analysis. Results of laboratory analysis for those considered effluent parameters were then subjected for statistical analysis to determine their variation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to cater the analysis for average discharge of effluents from three sample collection periods. Statistical results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared with DENR standard for Class SC (Coastal) water. Results of the study revealed that the mean pH in three periods of sampling collection ranges from 6.2 to 6.75, temperature has an average of 26.48oC and its TSS level varies from 45 to 92.5 mg./L. pH ,temperature and TSS were within the DENR standards for Class SC water. However, average BOD5, count which is 366.5 mg./L and oil and grease mean of 1,569.5 mg./L

were much beyond the set standard of DENR. Consequently, this manifestation entails that the final disposal area of the companys effluent was of considerable stress because it poses hazard to aquatic ecosystem and affect the survival rate of aquatic organisms, especially fishes. Household respondents and fisherfolk of the study area were much aware of the wastewater disposal system the company adopts. Apparently, about 54% of the household respondents and 62% of fisherfolk were not in favor of the current disposal system of the company because of its hazardous effect to the environment and to people who got contact with it. In fact, fish kill incident had occurred in the municipality just last year. Yet, 46 out of 50 household respondents experienced skin related problems after swimming in the nearby sea. It is recommended that the local government of Medina together with the DENR should have a continuous monitoring and evaluation for the improvement of the efficiency of the companys wastewater treatment plant to ensure that the coastal disposal area is not further degraded. Moreover, the company itself should be more responsible, environment-conscious and adopt proper practice for the disposal of their wastes especially its effluents.