Last Saturday (May 2, 2026), graduate students from Ateneo de Naga University conducted a field-based water-quality assessment in selected sections of the Inarihan River, Yabu River, and the Bicol River. This activity is part of an ongoing academic initiative to evaluate freshwater systems using standard environmental monitoring techniques.
Led by Dr. Maria Aurora A. Conde, the fieldwork team included graduate students Christopher E. Bacurin, Pauline D. Catorce, Oscar Jr. D. Esteban, and Angelo M. Espenocilla, with Dr. Jesus Cyril M. Conde also joining the activity.
The team employed a combination of geospatial and laboratory-oriented methods to ensure comprehensive data collection:
- GPS Mapping for site documentation
- In-situ water quality analysis using a HORIBA Water Quality Analyzer
- Transect sampling to capture representative data across river sections
Measured parameters included pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity, providing a detailed profile of the physicochemical characteristics of the aquatic ecosystems.
To evaluate microbial water quality, the team assessed the presence of Enterobacteriaceae, a key indicator group associated with fecal coliforms. Water samples were placed onto Petrifilm plates and incubated for approximately 24 hours under controlled conditions.
The development of characteristic colonies after incubation indicated the presence and relative abundance of fecal coliforms.
These findings provide critical insight into potential sanitary risks and contamination sources in river systems, offering a clearer picture of water quality.
Sampling sites were strategically selected, where many residents engage in recreational (Inarihan and Yabu) and faith-related (Magsaysay) water activities. Understanding the water quality in these areas is vital for public health awareness and environmental management.
This initiative highlights the value of experiential learning in graduate education, combining scientific rigor with community-relevant environmental research. The fieldwork not only enhances academic training but also contributes to the broader understanding of river health in the Bicol Region. Findings from this study are expected to inform future conservation and management efforts, supporting sustainable practices and community education on water resource protection.
Further analysis and interpretation of the collected data are currently underway. Results will be shared in upcoming academic reports and presentations, contributing to ongoing research on freshwater ecosystem health in the region.
Ateneo de Naga University – MaEd Environmental Science
Advancing research for sustainable ecosystems and communities.
Prepared by:
Angelo M. Espenocilla
MAED Environmental Science Student
