Detection and Identification of Waterborne Parasites in Taguibo Watershed Forest Reserve, Butuan City

There exists a water crisis around the world; hence, water quality should always be a priority to maintain its safety. Due to the scarcity of reported data on waterborne parasites, the consumption of unsafe water persists. Thus, the microbial aspect of water quality, specifically waterborne parasites present in water was studied. The main objective of the study is to detect and identify the waterborne parasites of medical importance up to the genus level, in the main water source of Butuan City, the Taguibo Watershed Forest Reserve. A total of three samples, from the upstream, midstream, and downstream sites, each consisting of four liters, were collected and processed to obtain sediments. Another batch of samples were also collected to test for physical and chemical parameters. Results of temperature (22.8°C on both upstream and midstream, and 22.1°C on downstream), total dissolved solids (144 mg/L on upstream, 246 mg/L on both midstream and downstream), salinity (0 ppt on all sampling sites) and nitrate (6.50 mg/L on upstream, 5.30 mg/L on midstream and 4.80 mg/L on downstream) were all within range according to their respective classification. However, pH of the downstream area (pH 8.85) was out of range since the standard value is 6.5-8.5. This reveals that the water at Taguibo Watershed Forest Reserve passed the standards of water quality. The sediments obtained were microscopically examined using Lugol’s iodine and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain and all samples showed negative results for Giardia spp. cysts, Entamoeba spp. cysts, and Cryptosporidium oocysts. However, two out of three water samples, the midstream and downstream, were positive for free-living organisms. Thus, Taguibo Watershed Forest Reserve is negative for medically important cysts, oocysts and ova of parasites that can cause waterborne diseases.

Keywords – waterborne parasites, Taguibo watershed Forest Reserve