Physicochemical Analysis of the Limnetic and Littoral Zones of Lake Pinamaloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon, Philippines

Abstract

Lake Pinamaloy is an important freshwater resource in Bukidnon, Philippines, providing water for fishing, household use, and recreation. This study assessed its water quality by measuring temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, and turbidity at five sampling stations in both the limnetic and littoral zones. Water samples were collected and analyzed on-site using a multiparameter digital water quality tester and a turbidity meter. Most of the results—pH at 6.78, EC at 61.13 µS/cm, TDS at 29.6 mg/L, and salinity at 30.33 mg/L—were within acceptable levels. However, turbidity had a high average of 20.08 NTU, which is above the recommended limit of 5 NTU and may affect aquatic life. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in temperature, turbidity, and salinity between the sampling stations, which may be caused by natural conditions or human activities. These findings provide useful baseline information for future monitoring and lake management. It is recommended that future studies identify pollution sources through land use mapping and watershed analysis and include other parameters such as total coliform count, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand, as well as biological indicators such as plankton or macroinvertebrates to better understand the lake’s ecological condition.