CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter indicates the outlined research strategy which includes

the research design, data collection, research process and design

considerations needed for the determination of feasibility of this study.

3.1 Research Design

The researchers will be using a descriptive-quantitative research

design. The descriptive method aims to assess the characteristics of a

phenomenon by means of observing and measuring in which variables

cannot be subjectively manipulated nor influenced by the researchers.

Moreover, the essential data will be acquired, quantified and analyzed in

determining the results of this research.

3.2 Data Collection

In order to satisfy the objectives of this study, primary and

secondary data will be gathered by the researchers by sending out

permission letters addressing the request to the chiefs of office in

obtaining the necessary data needed. The primary data will be achieved

by reconnaissance survey where the runoff discharge point will be

specifically located and actual discharge flow rate will be measured. In

addition, secondary data such as the topography, rainfall intensity,

selection of vegetation and the hydraulic analysis will be acquired by other

means than survey.

3.2.1 Topographic survey

The elevation of the highest and lowest points within the boundary

of location will be determined by actual survey and through the aid of

Google Earth Pro software. The significance in collecting such data is to

identify where the proposed artificial wetland will be situated at which

discharge accumulation is at its optimum. A site that is well suited for an

artificial wetland is one that is gently sloping, so that discharge runoff can

flow through the system by gravity, is conveniently located near the

discharge point and provides adequate space.

3.2.2 Selection of Vegetation

An artificial wetland acts as a natural sponge in mitigating flood into

a community in which vegetation as its prime contributing factor for the

overall feasibility, therefore, selecting the type of vegetation should be

acquired from a reliable government agency such as the Department of

Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) and an agricultural biologist.

3.2.4 Rainfall intensity and climate

Because wetlands are shallow water bodies open to the

atmosphere, they are strongly influenced by climate and weather. Rainfall,

spring runoff, drought and temperature can all affect the effectivity of

wetland (A Handbook of Constructed Wetland). Therefore, rainfall intensity

and climate are factors to be considered in planning and designing.

Rainfall intensity and climate data will be gathered from PAGASA

(Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration)

3.3 Design Aid

Throughout the course of this study, the researchers will be using

published manuals such as: Guidance for Design and Construction of a

Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland and A Handbook of Constructed

Wetland, which will serve as a guide in our analysis and calculations.

For measuring the boundaries of the proposed artificial wetland,

surveying equipment such as: total station, measuring tape, tripod and a

leveling rod, will be used.

3.4 Design procedures

1. Determine the point of runoff discharge from NHA.

2. Determine the existing conditions such as the average and peak

discharge runoff flow by gathering the rainfall and climate data.

3. Locate the lowest elevation which is near to the point of runoff

discharge through the aid of topographic data.

4. Select the type of vegetation by the recommendations from DENR,

DA and an agricultural biologist

5. Through calculations and data analysis, the total volume of the

proposed artificial wetland will be determined.