ASSESSING NITRATE CONTAMINATION ON GROUNDWATER SOURCES IN AN AGRO-ECOSYSTEM IN LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES

This study assessed the nitrate contamination in groundwater sources in an agro-ecosystem situated in Laguna, Philippines. Grab water samples were obtained in groundwater sources situated in an agro-ecosystem in Laguna, Philippines, and analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen. Results of the study showed that the groundwater sources had a mean SEM nitrate-nitrogen concentrations for all sites of 5.83 3.76 ppm. No significant differences on the obtained nitrate-nitrogen on the waters from the well were observed (p > 0.05) except for the significant differences in the seasons, availability of septic tanks and the usage of the wells (p < 0.05). All the water resources tested for nitrate-nitrogen concentrations were below the standards. Continuous water monitoring of the groundwater resources is necessary to safeguard people’s well-being from the effects brought about by the utilization of contaminated water sources.