GIS-Based Assessment of Land Use and Water Quality Compliance of Selected Class C Rivers in Central Luzon, Philippines

central luzon, class c rivers, geographic information system, land use and land cover, water quality

Authors

  • Ken Denver Vasquez Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
  • Lawrence E. Gayla College of Engineering, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan City 3100, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
  • Richard DC. Gonzales College of Engineering, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan City 3100, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
  • Erwin N. Mendoza College of Engineering, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan City 3100, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
  • Cassandra Trixxe L. Bani College of Engineering, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan City 3100, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
  • Rosel V. Babalcon College of Engineering, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan City 3100, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
May 21, 2026
May 25, 2026

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This study examines observed spatial associations between land use and land cover (LULC) and water quality compliance of selected Class C rivers in Central Luzon using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and secondary data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The researchers used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze LULC patterns that exist within 500-meter buffer zones which surround river monitoring stations. The research results show that the selected rivers display three main land use patterns which include built-up areas in Marilao and fishponds in Meycauayan and Obando and agricultural land in Pampanga and Talisay. All rivers which tested for Class C water quality standards failed to meet the requirements because every testing location showed both dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform results that did not meet standards. Results revealed that Marilao and Meycauayan Rivers contained the highest levels of pollution but Pampanga and Talisay showed better water quality. The research shows that urban areas which contain aquaculture facilities are associated with higher levels of organic and microbial pollution. The findings indicate that urban and aquaculture-dominated areas are associated with higher levels of organic and microbial pollution, highlighting the need for improved land use planning and wastewater management strategies.