PROGRAMME

The goal of this study is to detect chlorpyrifos, a pesticide, in the Pampanga River basin and to create a new model, or improve upon an existing one, that can accurately predict the concentration levels of micro pollutants in the river bed. The complete dry and wet seasons are accounted for by taking samples within a single calendar year. Method of analysis include the preparation of samples in line with the standard test available utilizing GC-MS. The analyses were done at the National Sciences Research Institute- Research Analytical Services Laboratory. The widely acceptable water quality model (WASP8) provided by the USEPA is used with an added feature like Monte Carlo Program is incorporated in this model to predict future concentration results. The research includes a risk analysis of potential hazards posed by both target and non-target organisms. The first samples were taken from locations that had been previously determined to have a high concentration of the pollutants of interest, such as nearby farmlands and tributaries. Identified sampling sites with high concentrations of target pesticides (chlorpyrifos, endosulfan and malathion) constitute subject regions for the model. A dynamic box model was used in the Pampanga River channel with loads based on the laboratory results. Actual test results from GC-MS demonstrated that the model, with parameters and constants provided, can estimate amounts of pesticides at the downstream of the river water. The model is cross-validated based on the fact that it produces a mean error of 0.0263% when applied to the tributaries and a mean error of 0.65% when applied to the main channel. The predicted exposure concentrations for most of the identified pesticides were found to be greater than the regulation permissible value during the risk assessment for aquatic species. Additional study on safe pesticide concentrations is required before the Philippines can implement exposure scenarios and models for pesticide authorization. Further studies are also needed to build top-tier model and risk management that may be utilized in the Philippine scenario. People will require this model to help them make educated choices about how to deal with micro-pollutants like pesticides. The results of this investigation can be used as a basis of social and industrial strategies.