Project Title : PHYSICO-CHEMICAL TEST AND DIVERSITY OF

MACROINVERTEBRATES IN LOWER LOBOC, OROQUIETA CITY

Researcher : Sheilane J. Gangoso

Project Location : Oroquieta City

Duration

Date Started : February, 2013

Date Ended : May, 2013

ABSTRACT

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The study assess the beach in Loboc, Oroquieta City, which was semi-enclosed with

a breakwater for 10 years. This utilizes the adjacent beach which has no breakwater as the

control of the study. Physico-Chemical test was done with the following water quality

parameters: pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrites, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and

salinity, which were compared to the standards set by BFAR and DENR for the said

parameters. Another assessment done was through the macroinvertebrates found in the area,

which serves as an indicator for water quality.

For water quality, both beaches met the standards set by BFAR and DENR. Although

they differ in some parameters, there was no significant difference between them, which

means that the semi-enclosed beach is by far of good condition.

Sixteen genera were found in both beaches, where Diadema (sea urchin) was the most

dominant. Both beaches had general diversity index of less than 1, which implies that

diversity is low, but not poor.

Therefore, both beaches are in good condition as far as water quality is concerned, but

in critical condition when diversity of macroinvertebrates is considered. Thus, the researcher

recommends the local government create more programs to improve the diversity in both

beaches.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

Lower Loboc is the most densely populated barangay in Oroquieta City with the

population density of 239.52 per sq. km. (Oroquieta City Planning and Development Office),

occupying the coastal area next to the beach under study. A total land area of 38,642 square

meters was semi-enclosed by break water about 83-111 meters from the shore. This

breakwater was constructed in 2003 intended to shield the residents from large waves during

high tides, to save the shoreline from erosion, and eventually to be reclaimed in the future

(CEO, 2000). Next to this semi-enclosed area, bounded by the El Triunfo beach resort (a

constructed concrete pathway to the breakwater with shades for picnickers along the way and

at the end), is another beach with no breakwater.

This study is conducted to evaluate the semi-enclosed area and correlate this to the

open area. The physico-chemical test will reveal the present conditions of both areas. The

physico-chemical test includes the common water quality parameters such as the pH,

temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrites, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and salinity. Another

evaluation to be done is the identification of macroinvertebrates and comparison of their

diversity, where quadrat method of sampling is employed. The comparison of species is

based on their density, frequency, dominance, genus importance value, index of dominance

and general diversity. It is generally accepted that the presence of aquatic organisms can be

an indicator of the presence of certain contaminants. This study regarded diversity of

macroinvertebrates as a product of good water or water within acceptable values of the

physico-chemical parameters set by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

At present, there has been no record of studies or monitoring conducted by DENR, or

by the local government of Oroquieta, or by any individual about the physico-chemical

conditions and the diversity of macroinvertebrates in Lower Loboc, especially the semi-

enclosed resorts, hence, this study.

Objectives :

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1. To test the water quality of the open and semi-enclosed beach in Loboc with the

following parameters :pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrites, carbon dioxide,

ammonia and salinity; and compare the results to the standards set by BFAR and

DENR.

2. To check if there are significant differences between the two beaches in the physico-

chemical parameters tested.

3. To explore the beaches for the macroinvertebrates present.

4. To know the present condition of both beaches with regard to the macroinvertebrates’

Density, Frequency, Dominance, and General Diversity?

THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Oroquieta City is the capital city of Misamis Occidental. It has a total land area of

263.934 sq.km. which is characterized by lowland plains, wide coastal land, and spacious

highlands and mountains. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Lopez Jaena,

Aloran on the south, Don Victoriano and Concepcion on the southwest, and Iligan Bay on the

east (Oroquieta City Planning and Development Office). Facing the Iligan Bay are beaches,

some among them are in Lower Loboc, which this study considers.

Physico-Chemical Analysis

pH. pH is a measure of hydronium, as well as the hydroxide ion concentration in a

solution. A pH value tells how acidic or basic a solution is. It also tells if a solution is neutral

– neither acid nor base. The pH of a solution ranges from 0 to 14. A neutral solution has pH

7. Here, the hydronium ion equals the hydroxide ion. Solutions with pH less than 7 are acidic.

The lower the value, the more acidic the solution is. Solutions with pH greater than 7 to 14

are basic. The higher the value, the more basic it is (Dobson, 2001).

Temperature. Although water temperature may be one of the easiest measurements

to perform, it is probably one of the most important parameters to be considered. It

dramatically affects the rates of chemical and biochemical reaction within the water. Many

biological, physical, and chemical principles are temperature-dependent, such as the

solubility of compounds in sea water; distribution and abundance of organisms living in the

watershed; rates of chemical reactions; water density; inversions and mixing; and current

movements. Temperature affects feeding, reproduction, and metabolism of aquatic animals

(Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, 2010).

Dissolved Oxygen. Oxygen is measured in its dissolved form as dissolved oxygen

(DO). If more oxygen is consumed than is produced, dissolved oxygen levels decline and

some sensitive animals may move away, weaken, or die. DO levels fluctuate seasonally and

over a 24-hour period. They vary with water temperature and altitude. Cold water holds more

oxygen than warm water and water holds less oxygen at higher altitudes. (EPA, 2012).

Most living organisms require oxygen for their basic metabolic processes. Since the

existence of plants also depends on the availability of light, the oxygen-producing processes

occur only near the surface or in shallow waters. Photosynthesis of aquatic plants releases

oxygen into the water. When oxygen levels in the water fall below 3-5 ppm, most fish and

marine organisms are stressed and cannot survive (Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay,2010).

Nitrites. Unlike temperature and dissolved oxygen, the presence of nitrates usually

does not have a direct effect on aquatic insects or fish. However, excess levels of nitrates in

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water can create conditions that make it difficult for aquatic insects or fish to survive. Algae

and other plants use nitrates as a source of food. If algae have an unlimited source of nitrates,

their growth is unchecked. Large amounts of algae can cause extreme fluctuations in

dissolved oxygen. Photosynthesis by algae and other plants can generate oxygen during the

day. However, at night, dissolved oxygen may decrease to very low levels as a result of large

numbers of oxygen consuming bacteria feeding on dead or decaying algae and other plants

(PEER Curriculum).

Carbon Dioxide. It has been proposed that emission of anthropogenic carbon dioxide

to the atmosphere will lead to increased concentrations of CO2 in sea water corresponding to

a decrease of pH of several tenths of pH units. The effects of increased sea water

concentrations of CO2 on shell growth of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis showed a strong

and statistically significant decrease in growth at the lowest pH values, with virtually no

growth at pH = 6.7 and reduced growth at pH = 7.1. Normal growth occurs at pH 8.1(Berge,

2013).

Ammonia. Ammonia is highly soluble in water. In natural waters where

decomposition of organic matter takes place ammonia level will be high. Ammonia increase

is often concomitant with decrease in DO and increase in CO2. The level of ammonia will

also depend on the activity of the nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. Ammonia is important

as the predominant excretory product of aquatic animals and in high density culture high

ammonia levels can develop, through NH3 excreted directly and also by degradation of fecal

matter and uneaten feed (FAO Corporate Document Repository, 1987).

Salinity. Salinity is the total amount of dissolved material in grams in one kilogram of

sea water. Thus salinity is a dimensionless quantity. It has no units. The variability of

dissolved salt is very small. The range of salinity for most of the ocean's water is from 34.60

to 34.80 parts per thousand, which is 200 parts per million. The variability in the deep North

Pacific is even smaller, about 20 parts per million. If water is to be classified with different

salinity, instruments to be used must be accurate to about one part per million (Stewart,

2005).

Macroinvertebrates

Marine biome or ocean biome covers about 70% of the Earth. Organisms that live in

this biome have adaptations that allow them to survive in salt water. Other factors that affect

ocean organism are sunlight, temperature, water pressure and water movement. Most marine

organisms live near the surface or near the shore. Animals that live near the shore are

alternately covered into the sand while others attach themselves to rocks to keep them from

being washed out to sea (Maton, 1999).

Invertebrates are animals without backbones. Invertebrates which can be found in the

sea can be sponges, cnidarians, worms, mollusks, arthropods and echinoderms.

Most, if not all pollution (air, land and freshwater) ultimately enters the sea. Marine

biodiversity is thus most exposed to and critically influences the fate of pollutants in the

world. Yet marine species are probably least resistant to toxicants. The spread of pollutants in

marine food chains and therefore the quality of marine food is uncontrollable by humans

(Heip, 2007).

By defining the increase in concentration of a material above the normal level, water

quality monitoring impart an image not only of the extent of degradation but also how the

contamination level can be controlled (Dulay, 2005).

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For the people to brand Oroquieta City as “The City of Good Life” as it is at present,

environmental monitoring is a must for it keeps the local ecosystem balanced or, at least, at

its possible best. It is to this concern that leads to the evaluation of Loboc beach resorts. The

evaluation of water quality provides an objective source of information for a wise

management of vital water resources (Intergovernment Task Force on Monitoring Water

Quality, 1995). This water quality assessment is very helpful to protect human health as well

as conserve or rehabilitate present ecological condition that strengthens our economy.

METHODOLOGY

This research which aimed to evaluate the beaches in Lower Loboc, Oroquieta City

was conducted in the manner illustrated in the following:

Water Analysis

Sampling Scheme. Composite sampling was employed. Three different sites were

chosen, one from each side (about 10 meters from the sea wall and 40 meters from the shore)

and one from the center. For each site, 1 liter was collected from the surface, from the middle

and from the bottom. These were mixed thoroughly making it 3 liters. The 3 liters from each

site were likewise mixed thoroughly. Parallel measurements and procedures were done on the

open beach to get the sample.

In the determination of pH, DO, nitrites, carbon dioxide, ammonia and salinity, Hach

kit was used. Before the test, the apparatus was first standardized using distilled water to

ensure the accuracy of the result.

pH. 5 mL of the sample was placed in a viewing bottle. 9 drops of wide range pH

indicator was added. Then, the bottle was swirled to mix them thoroughly. Through a color

comparator disc, the pH value of the sample was determined.

Temperature. Temperature of the water was determined with the use of an alcohol

thermometer. The end of the thermometer was dipped in the water for 5 minutes and readings

were recorded. Three trials were done and the average was taken. Atmospheric temperature

was taken by letting the end of the thermometer be suspended in the atmosphere for about 5

minutes. Reading was recorded.

Dissolved Oxygen. 60 mL of water sample was placed in a glass stoppered BOD

bottle. DO 1 (Manganous Sulfate) and then DO 2 (Sodium Azide, Lithium Hydroxide,

Potassium Iodide) reagents were added to the sample. It was covered with a glass stopper

making sure there is no air trapped. The bottle was inverted several times, adding excess

sample, if necessary to prevent air trapped. A brownish orange floc precipitated at the

bottom. It was set aside for some time until about half of the solution is clear. It was inverted

again and allowed to settle until half of the solution is clear. DO 3 (Sulfamic acid) reagent

was then added and the bottle is inverted again several times. At these times, the floc is

dissolved if DO is present. 50 ml of the sample was poured off while the remaining solution

is titrated using a digital titrator, with 0.0250 N Sodium Thiosulfate until the solution turned

pale yellow. 2 drops of starch indicator was added into the solution and was swirled until blue

color occurred. It was titrated again with 0.0250 N Sodium Thiosulfate until the solution

turned colorless. The digital counter was read and reading was divided by 40 to obtain the

dissolved oxygen in mg/L.

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Nitrites. 5 mL of sample was placed in a viewing bottle. One nitriver reagent was

added to the sample. It was shaken for a minute and allowed to stand for 10 minutes . If

nitrites is present, the solution will turn red. The presence of nitrites was determined through

a color comparator disc.

Carbon dioxide. 100 ml of sample was placed in an Erlenmeyer flask.

Phenolphthalein powder was then added to the sample and mixed by gently swirling the

flask. It was then titrated with 0.3636 N Sodium Hydroxide until light pink persisted for 30

seconds. Reading is divided by 5 to get the CO2 in mg/L.

Ammonia. 5 ml of sample was placed in a viewing bottle. Ammonia Salicylate

reagent powder was added to the bottle and was shaken until completely dissolved. It was

allowed to stand for 3 minutes. Ammonia Cyanurate reagent powder was then added and the

bottle was shaken. It was again allowed to stand for 15 minutes. Ammonia content was

determined through a reading in a color comparator disc.

Salinity. Salinity was determined using a refractometer. About 2 drops of the sample

was placed on refractometer and salinity was determined by the reading.

The above procedures were repeated 3 times and the means were solved for the 2

beaches.

Diversity of Macroinvertebrates

Sampling. Quadrat method of sampling was used in picking the sampling site.

Quadrants were formed by drawing 2 lines, 10 m apart, from one wall to the other wall. This

is parallel to the shore. Quadrants were 10 meters apart from each other. A total of 5

quadrants were formed measuring about 10m. x 450m. These were the sampling sites for the

study, where the macroinvertebrates in it were photographed, identified and counted. The

frequency of occurrence was also noted. From the data gathered, density, frequency,

dominance and general diversity were solved using the following formula:

1. Density (D) = the number of individuals in each quadrant.

𝐷 =𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑓𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑙𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑁

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑑𝐴

2. Relative Density (RD) = the proportion of the density of the genus to the total

density of all genera.

𝑅𝐷 =𝐷𝑜𝑓𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝐼

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝐷𝑜𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑥 100

3. Frequency (F) = the proportion of the number of quadrants in which the genus I

occurs to the total number of quadrants examined.

𝐹 =𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝐼𝑜𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑟

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑

4. Relative Frequency (RF) = the proportion of the frequency of the genus to the

total

frequency of all genera.

𝑅𝐹 =𝐹𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑜𝑓𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝐼

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝐹𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑜𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑥 100

5. Dominance (Dom)(Cover) = the area covered by genus I in each quadrant.

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𝐷𝑜𝑚 =𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑏𝑦𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝐼

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑑

6. Relative Dominance (RDom) = the proportion of the dominance of the genus to

the

total dominance of a genera.

𝑅𝐷𝑜𝑚 =𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑜𝑓𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝐼

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑑𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑜𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑥 100

7. Genus Importance Value (GIV) = RD + RF + RDom

8. Index of Dominance

𝐶 = ∑(𝑛𝑖

𝑁)2

where ∶ ni = importance of value of species A N = total of importance value of all species

9. Index of General Diversity (H) = a modified version of Shannon’s index of

diversity which is applied only on the species level.

𝐻 = ∑ (𝑛𝑖

𝑁) log (

𝑛𝑖

𝑁)

where: ni = the GIV of genus I

N = the total GIV of all genera If H> I ; diversity is high

H<I ; diversity is low

All these procedure, from the water analysis to the identification of the

macroinvertebrates, were done in the open and semi-enclosed beach.

Data Analysis

In analyzing the data, the following statistical tools are employed:

Descriptive Statistics. The mean values of the data from every test were obtained to

describe the water quality of the beaches.

T-test.T-test was used to compare the mean values of each water quality parameter of

the 2 beaches under study.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

The following were the results obtained from water analyses done on April 11, 2013,

and exploration of the beach for macroinvertebrates present done on March 27-28, 2013.

Physico-Chemical Test

Water quality analyses were performed on site using Hach Kit method. The following

were the results obtained:

Test for pH.

For hard-shelled marine organisms (like clams, corals, and hermit crabs), water with a

pH of about 8.2 is ideal. This chemistry makes it easy to assemble external skeletons from

bicarbonate ions, the main form of carbon dissolved in the ocean. But the increase in carbon

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dioxide is decreasing the ocean's pH. This change is hampering the development of these

creatures, leaving them more vulnerable to environmental stressors (Hofmann, 2009).

Table 1. pH values of the two beaches

Semi-enclosed

Beach

Open

Beach

Desirable

Range BFAR

T-test Remarks

pH

(mean)

8.0 8.37 6-9 0.000194086 No

significant

Difference

The data shown indicate that both beaches are within the desirable range of set by

BFAR. Although the values differ, there was no significant difference between them. The

semi-enclosed was more acidic as compared to the open beach, as it has lower pH. The

decreased in pH in the semi-enclosed beach, is due to more carbon dioxide in the said area, as

shown in Table 3. Carbon dioxide when reacts with water produced carbonic acid as shown

in the chemical reaction below :

CO2 + H2O H2CO3 (Eqn. 1)

H2CO3 contributes to the acidity of the water. When this dissociate, it produced one

ion of hydrogen.

H2CO3 H+ + HCO3- (Eqn.2)

For a mean value of 4.4 mg /L of CO2 in the semi-enclosed beach

4.4 𝑚𝑔

𝐿𝑥

1𝑔

1000𝑚𝑔𝑥

1 𝑚𝑜𝑙

44 𝑔 𝐶𝑂2= 0.0001

𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝐿𝐶𝑂2

Eqn.2 shows that 1 mol of H2CO3 will produce 1 mol of H+. Thus, there is also 0.0001

mol/L of H+ upon dissociation of 0.0001 mol/L of CO2.

pH of the CO2 can be theoretically computed by the following equation,

pH = - log [H+} (Eqn.3)

pH = - log [1x 10-4]

pH = 4

For a mean value of 3.2 mg/L CO2 in the open beach

3.2𝑚𝑔

𝐿 𝑥

1𝑔

1000𝑔 𝑥

1𝑚𝑜𝑙

44 𝑔 𝐶𝑂2= 0.00007 𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝐿 or 7 x 10-5

Using eqn.3 to solve for pH of the CO2 concentration in the open beach

pH = -log [H+]

pH = -log [7 x 10-5]

pH = 4.15

Thus, the CO2 concentration in the semi-enclosed can decrease the total pH of the

water more than that of the open beach CO2 concentration.

Temperature

Table 2. Temperatures of the two beaches

Semi-enclosed

Beach

Open

Beach

Desirable Range

(BFAR& DENR)

Remarks

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Temperature (oC)

(mean)

30 30 26-31 No Difference

Temperature Rise

(oC)

2 2 3 No Difference

Atmospheric temperature is 28oC

Temperatures of the two beaches are the same and within the desirable range set by

BFAR. They are also at desirable range set by DENR when the temperature rise is

considered. Temperature rise is the difference between the atmospheric and water

temperatures.

Dissolved Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

Table 3. Dissolved Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Concentration

Semi-Enclosed

Beach

Open Beach Desirable Range

(BFAR)

Remarks

DO(mg/L)Trial 1 10.575 11.225 6-saturation No significant

CO2 (mg/L) Trial 1 4.4 3.2 0-15 Difference

Both DO and CO2 concentrations of the two areas are within the desirable range. The

difference between their values has no significance. The mean concentrations of CO2 in the

semi-enclosed is higher than that in the open beach. This might imply that there are more

anthropogenic activities in the semi-enclosed than in the open beach resulting to an increase

in carbon dioxide level, or could also be due to more consumers like bacteria but fewer

producers such as the aquamarine plants, or might be due to the sea currents and tide action

which keep the water moving in the open beach.

Nitrites and Ammonia

Table 4. Nitrites and Ammonia Concentration

Semi-Enclosed

Beach

Open Beach Desirable Range

(BFAR)

Nitrites (ppm) <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

Ammonia (ppm) <0.1 <0.1 <0.3

Since there were very small amount nitrites and ammonia found in both beaches, it

implies the presence of nitrifying bacteria which aid the oxidation of ammonia to nitrites, is

very minimal as well as the decomposition of organic materials.

The concentration of nitrite and nitrate is always lower than ammonia. According to

the study of J.K. Syers in 1965, there is a fairly constant ratio of 1:2 for nitrite and nitrate to

ammonia in precipitation, which is roughly true to marine waters as nitrite is a product of the

oxidation of ammonia. Hence, for these reason, it can be said that nitrite concentration is

roughly half of the value of ammonia, even if both displays the same value on the table.

Salinity

Table 5. Salinity

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Semi-Enclosed

Beach

Open Beach

Desirable Range (BFAR)

T-test Remarks

Salinity(ppt) 33 35 30-40 0.001139 No Significant

Difference

Salinity of the two beaches differs but t-test proved that there was no significant

difference between the two. Salinity may be lower in one through continuous input of fresh

water from rainfall, which has been trapped in the semi-enclosed area causing the decreased

in salinity, or there might be more deposits of shells from dead seashells, sea urchins, and

corals in the open beach than in the semi-enclosed beach.

The Macroinvertebrates Found

A total of 37,658 macroinvertebrates were accounted for in the semi-enclosed beach

while 75,544 individuals in the open, belonging to 16 macroinvertebrates, namely; Banded

trochus snail(Trochus sp), bear conch(Strombus sp), Feather-duster worms (Sabellastartes

sp), clams(Codakia sp), corals(Pocillopora sp), cowries(Cypraea sp), crab(Portunus sp),

hermit crab(Dardanus sp), medusa worms(Synapta sp), oysters(Crassostrea sp), pom-pom

anemones(Liponema sp), sea cucumber(Holothuria sp), sea hares(Dolabella sp), sea

urchin(Diadema sp), sponges(Lissodendoryx sp), and starfish(Archaster sp). Wherein, Sea

urchin dominates in both beaches. Crab has the least number in the semi-enclosed area, while

it is the Feather-duster worms in the open area (Table 6).

Table 6. List of Macroinvertebrates found with the total number of

Individuals in Each Genus

Name of Macroinvertebrate

Semi-Enclosed

Beach Open Beach

1 Trochus sp 100

100

353

2 Strombus sp 24 85

3 Sabellastartes 33 51

4 Codakia sp 117 296

5 Pocillopora sp 318 1218

6 Cypraea sp 61 79

7 Portunus sp 21 72

8 Dardanus sp 319 371

9 Synapta sp 1528 3007

10 Crassostrea sp 102 299

11 Liponema sp 120 346

12 Holothuria sp 50 117

13 Dolabella sp 40 178

14 Diadema sp 33590 65599

15 Lissodendoryxsp 33 482

16 Archaster sp 1202 2991

Total 37,658 75,544

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Overpopulation of sea urchins could be an indicator of overfishing in the

area. Aside from humans, the main predators of sea urchins are the triggerfish

and wrasses. Therefore, a population explosion of sea urchins may indicate the

absence of their predators. Too few sea urchins on the other hand might lead to

too much algae in the ecosystem, as they feed on algae and sea grass. This could

crash the balance of marine life (Wildlife Conservation Society, 2011).

The few population of other genera in the study, such as Trochus sp (Trochus snail,

Strombus sp (Bear Conch), Codakia sp (clams), Cypraea sp (cowries), Portunus sp (crabs),

Crassostrea (oysters), and Holothuria sp (sea cucumber) are chiefly due to overfishing.

People around the vicinity gather them for food almost everyday.

Density

The following table and graphs show the comparison of the density and relative

density in both beaches.

Table 7 Density and Relative Density of the Macroinvertebrates

Genus Semi-Enclosed

Open

Beach

D RD F RF D RD F RF

1 Trochus sp 0.005 0.266 0.667 6.742 0.019 0.467 0.667 6.522

2 Strombus sp 0.001 0.064 0.667 6.742 0.005 0.112 0.667 6.522

3

Sabellastartes sp 0.002 0.088 0.556 5.618 0.003 0.068 0.556 5.435

4 Codakia sp 0.006 0.311 0.667 6.742 0.016 0.392 0.667 6.522

5 Pocillopora sp 0.017 0.844 0.667 6.742 0.060 1.612 0.667 6.522

6 Cypraea sp 0.003 0.162 0.667 6.742 0.004 0.105 0.667 6.522

7 Portunus sp 0.001 0.056 0.556 5.618 0.004 0.095 0.667 6.522

8 Dardanus sp 0.017 0.847 0.667 6.742 0.020 0.491 0.667 6.522

9 Synapta sp 0.083 4.058 0.667 6.742 0.163 3.981 0.667 6.522

10 Crassostrea sp 0.006 0.271 0.667 6.742 0.016 0.396 0.667 6.522

11 Liponema sp 0.006 0.319 0.556 5.618 0.019 0.458 0.556 5.435

12 Holothuria sp 0.003 0.133 0.333 3.371 0.006 0.155 0.556 5.435

13 Dolabella sp 0.002 0.106 0.667 6.742 0.010 0.236 0.667 6.522

14 Diadema sp 1.821 89.198 0.667 6.742 3.556 86.84 0.667 6.522

15

Lissodendoryxs

p 0.002 0.088 0.556 5.618 0.026 0.638 0.556 5.435

16 Archaster sp 0.065 3.192 0.667 6.742 0.162 3.959 0.667 6.522

Total 2.041 100.00 9.889 100.0 4.094 100.0 10.22 100.0

11

Figure 1 A Bar Graph Which Shows the Density of the Genus

Figure 2 A Pie Graph Which Shows the Relative Density of the Genus

Frequency

Trochus sp (Banded trochus snail), Stombus sp (bear conch), Codakia sp(clams),

Pocillopora sp (corals), Cypraea sp (cowries), Dardanus sp (hermit crab), Synapta sp

(medusa worms), Crassostrea sp (oysters), Dolabella (sea hares), Diadema (sea urhin), and

Archastersp (starfish) have the same frequency and relative frequency in the semi-enclosed

beach. Table 7 and the following graph shows the comparison.

Figure 3 A Bar Graph Which Shows the Frequency of the Genus

00.5

11.5

22.5

33.5

4

Tro

chu

s sp

Stro

mb

us

sp

Sab

ella

star

tes

sp

Co

dak

ia s

p

Po

cillo

po

ra s

p

Cyp

raea

sp

Po

rtu

nu

s sp

Dar

dan

us

sp

Syn

apta

sp

Cra

sso

stre

a sp

Lip

on

ema

sp

Ho

loth

uri

a sp

Do

lab

ella

sp

Dia

dem

a sp

Liss

od

end

ory

xsp

Arc

has

ter

sp

Enclosed Beach

Open Beach

0.00000.10000.20000.30000.40000.50000.60000.7000

Tro

chu

s sp

Stro

mb

us

sp

Sabellastart…

Co

dak

ia s

p

Po

cillo

po

ra s

p

Cyp

raea

sp

Po

rtu

nu

s sp

Dar

dan

us

sp

Syn

apta

sp

Crassostrea…

Lip

on

ema

sp

Ho

loth

uri

a sp

Do

lab

ella

sp

Dia

dem

a sp

Lissoden

dor…

Arc

has

ter

sp

Open Beaches

12

Figure 4 A Pie Graph Which Shows the Relative Frequency of the Genus

Dominance

Table 8 Dominance and Relative Dominance of the Macroinvertebrates

Macroinvertebrates Semi-Enclosed Beach Open Beach

Dom RDom Dom RDom

1 Trochus sp 3.230E-06 5.752E-02 1.140E-05 8.737E-02

2 Strombus sp 1.277E-06 2.274E-02 4.523E-06 3.466E-02

3 Sabellastartes sp 8.780E-07 1.563E-02 1.357E-06 1.040E-02

4 Codakia sp 7.559E-06 1.346E-01 1.912E-05 1.465E-01

5 Pocillopora sp 5.415E-04 9.642E+00 2.074E-03 1.589E+01

6 Cypraea sp 1.971E-06 3.509E-02 2.552E-06 1.955E-02

7 Portunus sp 1.490E-06 2.653E-02 5.108E-06 3.914E-02

8 Dardanus sp 1.030E-05 1.835E-01 1.198E-05 9.183E-02

9 Synapta sp 8.017E-04 1.428E+01 1.578E-03 1.209E+01

10 Crassostrea sp 3.295E-06 5.867E-02 9.659E-06 7.401E-02

11 Liponema sp 1.277E-05 2.274E-01 3.682E-05 2.821E-01

12 Holothuria sp 7.870E-05 1.401E+00 1.842E-04 1.411E+00

13 Dolabella sp 8.514E-06 1.516E-01 3.789E-05 2.903E-01

14 Diadema sp 3.575E-03 6.366E+01 6.981E-03 5.349E+01

15 Lissodendoryxsp 5.619E-05 1.001E+00 8.207E-04 6.288E+00

16 Archaster sp 5.117E-04 9.111E+00 1.273E-03 9.756E+00

Total 5.616E-03 1.000E+02 1.305E-02 1.000E+02

Figure 5 A Bar Graph Which Shows the Dominance of the Genus

0.000E+00

2.000E-03

4.000E-03

6.000E-03

8.000E-03

Tro

chu

s sp

Stro

mb

us

spSabellastart…

Co

dak

ia s

pPocillo

pora…

Cyp

raea

sp

Po

rtu

nu

s sp

Dar

dan

us

spSy

nap

ta s

pCrassostrea…

Lip

on

ema

spH

olo

thu

ria

spD

ola

bel

la s

pD

iad

ema

spLissoden

do…

Arc

has

ter

sp

Enclosed Beach

Open Beach

13

Figure 6 A Pie Graph Which Shows the Relative Dominance of the Genus

Genus Importance Value

Diadema sp has the highest GIV of all in both beaches, which is 159.5944 in the

semi-enclosed and 146.8474 in the open beach. While Holothuria sp (Sea cucumber) has the

least GIV in the semi-enclosed beach which is 4.9049, and Sabellastartes sp(Feather-duster

worms) in the open area, with 5.5127. The following graphs compare their genus

importance values.

Table 9 List of Macroinvertebrates found and its Genus Importance Value

Name of Macroinvertebrate Semi-Enclosed Open Beach

GIV GIV

1 Trochus sp 7.0646 7.0764

2 Strombus sp 6.8280 6.6689

3 Sabellastartes sp 5.7212 5.5127

4 Codakia sp 7.1868 7.0601

5 Pocillopora sp 17.2281 24.0248

6 Cypraea sp 6.9386 6.6459

7 Portunus sp 5.7002 6.6562

8 Dardanus sp 7.7721 7.1047

9 Synapta sp 25.0747 22.5903

10 Crassostrea sp 7.0710 6.9915

11 Liponema sp 6.1640 6.1749

12 Holothuria sp 4.9049 7.0007

13 Dolabella sp 6.9993 7.0477

14 Diadema sp 159.5944 146.8474

15 Lissodendoryxsp 6.7061 12.3613

16 Archaster sp 19.0449 20.2366

Total 299.9989 300.0000

14

Figure 7 A Bar Graph Which Shows the List of Genus Found

in the Semi-Enclosed and Open Beach and Its Genus Importance Value (GIV)

Index of General Diversity

A soaring number of Diadema sp does not imply a high diversity since it belongs to

only one genus, while the rest of the genus found were of very small number. The index of

general diversity is shown in Table 11.Although, both values imply a low diversity as it was

lower than 1, but it does not mean a poor diversity, in view of the fact that it is almost 1. This

suggests that the water quality of both beaches is still good.

Table 10 Index of Dominance and Index of General Diversity

Semi-Enclosed Open Beach

Index of Dominance 0.303186795 0.263482465

Index of General Diversity 0.819387258 0.866619883

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Therefore, the author concluded that the waters in both beaches are still in good

condition, even the semi-enclosed beach, though it was semi-enclosed for over 10 years.

There was no significant difference between their values. The physico-chemical test results

showed a favourable condition for aquamarine organisms.

The index of general diversity which are 0.819387258 and 0.866619883 for the semi-

enclosed and open beaches, respectively, reveal that the diversity of both beaches is low, but

not poor as it is almost 1, which is for high diversity.

Hence, a program or more programs are recommended to be integrated by the local

government and by schools not only for the protection of these aquamarine organisms but

also on how to rapidly increase the number of species and microorganisms considering that

many are already endangered. An education for the people in the vicinity is a necessity to

keep the water quality at its best and conserve or recuperate the present condition of the

aquamarine organisms. Since the diversity is at critical level, it is likewise recommended for

the government to monitor the condition of both beaches regularly: its water quality, and

diversity of macroinvertebrates and to do further studies especially with other physico-

chemical parameters like the metal content of both beaches and diversity of micro or

macroinvertebrates identifying species up to its scientific name.

0.0000

50.0000

100.0000

150.0000

200.0000

Tro

chu

s sp

Stro

mb

us

sp

Sabellastart…

Co

dak

ia s

p

Pocillo

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Cyp

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sp

Po

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Dar

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us

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Syn

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Crassostrea…

Lip

on

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Ho

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uri

a sp

Do

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Dia

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Lissoden

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Arc

has

ter

sp

Enclosed Beach

Open Beach

15

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