Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper

COAL COMBUSTION FROM POWER PLANT INDUSTRY IN MISAMIS ORIENTAL, PHILIPPINES: A POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION AND HEAVY METAL DETECTION

OLIVA P. CANENCIA AND ANGELO MARK P. WALAG

Abstract

The rising demand of energy in the Philippines paved way for the proliferation of different power sources, a more dependable energy source which is coal – based thermal power plant. The disposal of coal combustion products in ponds and landfills is a great concern because of its leachability. It can become a problem when elements from the ash are leached contaminating groundwater sources. The main goal of this research is to determine the concentration of heavy metals in the groundwater sources leached from coal combustion products and the to assess the physico-chemical parameters of water quality. Standard methods were employed in collection and determination of the pH, color, alkalinity, odor and temperature and the heavy metals; As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Hg. Mn was found to have the highest concentration while Hg has the least concentration. The concentrations of heavy metals follow the trend Hg < Cd < Cu = Pb< Cr < As < Mn. Concentrations of heavy metals were detected but not excessive enough to be over the permissible limit set in the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water thus making the groundwater potable with regards to the measured parameters in the study