Undergraduate Theses

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Effect of varying levels of cotton (Gossypium sp.) seed meal on the spermatogenesis of mice (Mus musculus)
Abonador, Luena A. (Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 1992-04)
Cottonseeds procured from Western Colton Corporation, Oton, Iloilo were dehulled, cleaned by hand, and ground using a mortar and pestle. Ground cottonseed meal (CSM) was incorporated in varying amounts into the basal diet so that diets contained varying levels (0,10,20,30 g) of CSM per 100 g formulated diet. These were then pelletized at the Nutrition and Feed Division, Aquaculture Department (AQD), Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), Tigbauan, Iloilo. A total of thirty-two 20-day-old male mice (16 white and 16 black) were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments, each with four replicates. After a 5-day acclimatization period, during which the mice were fed with the basal diet (0% CSM), the four experimental diets were given to the randomly selected experimental animals for another 35 days. The mice were subsequently sacrificed, and histological examination of the testes was conducted. Differential count of sperms was done to evaluate the effects of varying levels of CSM on the spermatogenesis of mice. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. There was no significant difference in the sperm counts of the two strains of mice. However, significant differences (P<0.01) were noted in sperm counts of mice at various levels of CSM in the diet. Likewise, significant differences (P<0.01) were observed between 0% and 20 or 30%; 10% and 20 or 30%; 20% and 30% CSM in the diet. No significant difference was noted between sperm counts of mice fed with 0% and 10% CSM levels. Slight degeneration of the seminiferous tubules and predominance of immature stages (spermatogonia) were observed in the testes of mice fed with diet containing 30% CSM.
Academic performance of UPV Iloilo High School students admitted under the democratized admission scheme
Apalacio, Reymund D. (Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 1993-04)
As its contribution to the enhancement of the social welfare of people, especially the poor, in a poor developing country like the Philippines, a government university like UP has embarked on a policy democratized education which includes the scheme of democratized admission at the UPV Iloilo High School. This paper undertook action research, which is the applications of tools and methods of social science to immediate, practical problems, to determine the academic performance of economically poor students admitted under the new, democratized admission scheme of the UPV Iloilo High School. It was found out that generally they perform as well as their better-off counterparts under the old scheme (with tuition fees).
Fears of Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School students, Silay City, Negros Occidental
Arcenas, Maricar D. (Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 1994-04)
The study focuses on the different types of fears of Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School students in Silay City, Negros Occidental. The aim of the study is to identify the different types of fears of Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School students? to determine the most intensely Feared abject and the least intensely feared object on every fear category. For every gender, per year levels and to determine whether there is gender difference on the reported intensity for each type of fear, per year level. There were 245 respondents, 85 of which were Freshmen, 51 were Sophomores, 64 were Juniors, and 45 were Seniors. The respondents were selected through stratified random sampling using proportional allocation. The design that was used in this study is the survey. A questionnaire and a checklist were used to identity the different types of fear of the respondents and the trend of its intensity. The trend of the intensity on the different types of fear were measured using the formula of the average score and the T test formula. The findings showed that Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School students have fear of supernaturals, animals, nature natural calamities; man-made calamities; means oF transportation; places; fear of certain criminals; and fear of crimes. The intensity report showed that there are similarities and differences on the reported most intensely feared objects and least intensely feared object on the different fear categories, per year level. Furthermore, the result of the study also showed that there is no gender difference on the intensity report on most feared objects per year level.
A comparison on the effect of light on melanophore differentiation in the larval stage of frog, Hyla sp.
Araneta, Merrie Celine E. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 1996-03)
Three set-ups were exposed to different experimental conditions namely: set-up A. under prolonged light: set-up B. under prolonged darkness: set-up C. under normal condition. Observation was done under the dissecting microscope from the first appearance of melanophores until the migration was stabilized. The pattern of differentiation was observed to be the same in all set-ups. only the distribution and the color intensity differred. B was the darkest and C was the lightest. It only showed that light could not, alter the pattern of melanophore differentiation, only the distribution.
Larval rearing of Scylla serrata Forskal: The effect of Artemia salima and Brachionus plicatilis as food on the growth and survival of zoea
Apote, Ma. Noemi G. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 1996-11)
A study was conducted to find out tile effects of Artemia, Brachionus and a combination of Anemia and Brachionus as food on the survival of mudcrab Scylla serrata Forskal zoea and the ability of the zoea to metamorphose to megalopa stage. The study composed of three experiments. Each experiment lasted for 21 days. Results showed highest mean percent survival (66.7±2.03) on zoea fed with a combination of Anemia and Brachionus at a feeding density of 5 individuals/ml each. When the density of Brachionus was increased from 5 individuals/ml to 12 individuals/ml in the combination diet, there was an increase in the survival of the zoea to 68.9±2.41. Highest metamorphosis from zoea to megalopa was also obtained on those fed with a combination of Anemia and Brachionus. This combination diet also gave the shortest number of days for the zoea to metamorphose to the next stage which also resulted to the least number of days for megalopa production to start. The study also revealed that larvae ted with a combination of Anemia and Brachionus reared at 30 ppt salinity got high survival on the first three days of culture, however starting on the 4th day up to the 15th day of culture, those reared at 28 ppt obtained higher survival although not statistically different from the other salinities tested.
Growth of the telescope snail, telescopium telescopium (Linne) in brackishwater ponds
Apistar, Jobert H. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines, 1998-04)
Samples of T. telescopium were collected every month, from April to October 1997 for 6 months, in brackishwater ponds. Allometric relationships were defined by comparing shell length with shell width, as well as various body weight proportions including total weight with shell, total volume with shell, visceral weight and visceral volume. A total of 5 cohorts with growth rates ranging from 0.45 - 0.67 mm-day- were observed using the Bhattacharya analysis. A high mean growth rate of 0.56 mm-day- (sd = 0.07, n= 5) was estimated by joining the modes of the cohorts between successive sampling months. Low inverse correlations were observed between mean shell length and various environmental parameters (i.e. salinity, air temperature, water temperature and organic matter content) possibly explained by the species' environmental adaptations. On the other hand significant correlation was observed between mean shell length and density, indicating the possible role of overcrowding in these habitats.
Bioactivity-guided screening of selected plants from UPV Miag-ao campus
Arceo, Ma. Ofelia H. (Division of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 1998-05)
Twelve selected ethnomedically-used plants were screened for alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids. Nine out of twelve plants contained at most two of the phytochemicals tested, and three showed the absence of these phytochemicals. Methanolic extracts of three selected plants (Stachy/arpheta /amaicensis, Hyptis suaveo/ens, Semecarpus philippinensis) were examined for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All extracts were found to be active at least against two of the microorganisms tested. The extract of Siachytarphe/a jamaicensis was found to be active against three out of four microorganisms and found to be the most bioactive. Stachyiarpheta jamaicensis was subjected to bioactivity-guided fractionation using solvents of increasing polarity - hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The hexane extract was considered as the most bioactive fraction. Its chromatogram contained seven spots in which four turned blue violet after spraying with vanillin-H2SO4. The color change exhibited suggests the possible presence of saponins.
Community structure of a ten-year old naturally, regenerating mangrove stand in Baguingin, Tigbauan, Iloilo
Animas, Ruphil May J. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 1999-04)
The structure of the mangrove community in Baguingin, Tigbauan was studied using the transect line plot method with seven plots established. Community structure is described in terms of the following parameters: basal area, stems per hectare, relative density, relative frequency, relative dominance, and importance value of the species and the Shannon Index of Diversity. Variations in these parameters are correlated with certain physico-chemical factors-- air and water temperature, soil pH, water salinity, land elevation- and the degree of human influence. Three true mangrove species were found in the area: Excoecaria agallocha, Avicennia marina, and Avicennia alba. A. marina was found to have the highest relative density of 70.8%. relative dominance of 52.35% and importance value of 169.82. A. marina and A. alba have equal relative frequency of 46.67%. Seedlings and saplings of A. marinadominate the area, indicating that the community is a young and regenerating stand. Basal area significantly increased from sea to land ( 53.68 cm2 to 431.66 cm2) and from creek to land ( 8.83 cm2 to 366.54 cm2). Shannon Index of Diversity gave a result of 0. The very low diversity index means that there is uneven distribution of individual trees among the species, and only a few kinds of species were present and are centered around only two genera, Avicennia species and Excoecaria agallocha.
Bacteriological analysis of seawater from San Salvador to Belen bay areas in Banate Bay, Banate, Iloilo
Abancio, Celyn Ann L. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines in Visayas, 2000-04)
This study was conducted at Banate bay, Banate, Iloilo from a point from Belen to San Salvador. Two samplings were taken one week apart and was analyzed for the Most Probable Number (MPN) per ml coliform count The Multiple fermentation tube technique showed that in Poblacion approximately 100 meters from the shore had the lowest MPN values for both samplings which was >3 MPN per ml. The highest count of greater than or equal to 2400 MPN per ml was obtained in sites Belen-10, Belen-50, and Bularan-10 meters away from the shore. As the distance from the shore increases, the MPN values usually decreases, showing that the area near the shore would exhibit high coliform counts than the are further away from the shore. The tide and the weather may have affected the coliform counts because of the differences of MPN values.
A survey of the catch composition of fyke nets in the Iloilo river
Andrada, Kristina Abelaine D. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2000-04)
A survey of the catch composition of fyke nets in the Iloilo River Estuary during the months of August 1999 and February 2000 show that catches are dominated by Metapenaens crisis and (ilossygobius sp. The 18 species caught are : 9 fish species, 5 shrimp species, and 4 crab species. The index of similarity 0.3 between the monthly samples is low which means that there is minimal degree of similarity between the species composition of the catches. There is no significant difference between the total catch volumes per day for the months of August 1999 and February 2000 which means that the seasons do not affect the volume of the catch.
Proximate analysis and fatty acid profile of Hyopila rosea Williams and Vesicularia reticulata
Anuevo, Gwen M. (Division of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2000-07)
Philippine mosses number about 506 species. Hyophila rosea Williams and Vesicularia reticulata are the two species that are found abundantly in Panay area. Hyophila rosea Williams are medium-sized plants in thin clusters with stems from 1-1.5 cm high. Proximately characterized to contain 17.82% moisture, 5.99% crude protein, 7.69% crude ether extract, 21.42% crude fiber, 18.21% ash, and 46.69% nitrogen-free extract. Fatty acid profiles are composed of twenty-nine (29) analytes, from which twenty (20) were not identified while nine (9) are known, starting from Caproic acid (C1o) to Arachidic (C20). Linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids are the first three analytes comprising higher percentages. Vesicularia reticulata, on the other hand, are dull, yellowish green, and the main stem is about 5 cm long. Proximately characterized to contain 12.73% moisture, 5.96% crude protein, 9.45% crude ether extract, 21.95% crude fiber, 32.67% ash, and 29.96% nitrogen-free extract. Fatty acid profiles are composed of forty-one (41) analytes, from which thirty-two (32) analytes were not identified, while nine (9) analytes are known starting from C1o to C2o.Linoleic, palmitic and linolenic acids are the first three analytes comprising higher percentages.
Chromatographic analysis and antibacterial assay of Avicennia officinalis bark extracts
Janagap, Steve P. (Division of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2003-04)
In this study, the antibacterial activity and the chemical constituents of Avicennia officinalis bark were determined. The antibacterial assay showed that the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction at 1000 ug/mL was most effective against the tested bacteria especially to Staphylococcus aureus. It had a microbial index of 0.97 while the positive control, amoxicillin had 1.00. The aqueous fraction did not show antibacterial activity to the organisms tested. A number of chemical constituents were found to be present in the different fractions obtained from Avicennia officinalis bark: alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins and terpenes. These constituents were determined using thin layer chromatography. The DCM fraction which showed the highest bioactivity, had the most number of components while the aqueous fraction had the least number of components. The DCM fraction was subjected to two-dimensional thin layer chromatography. Nine spots were observed with the first solvent system (ethyl acetate-DCM; 5:3) while eleven spots were observed with the second solvent system (ethyl acetate-n-hexane-DCM; 2:1:1).
Health risks associated with bacteriological quality of bathing waters in Villa Beach, Brgy. Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City
Abad, Sue Ellen T.; Catinan, Mary Joy A.; Hautea, Therese Angelie T.; Mabang, Moctar M.; Narida, Leah Joy S.; Panggat, Kevin Matthew B.; Turija, Maisie Mae L. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-04)
ABSTRACT A special problem submitted to Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo. The study investigated the bacteriological quality, using E. coli, Salmonella spp., and culturable Vibrios as bacterial indicators, of four selected bathing waters in Villa Beach, Brgy. Sto. Nino Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City, as well as the incidence of symptom occurrence associated with these microbes among 33 respondents. This was to determine health risks associated with bacteriological quality of bathing waters in Villa Beach. Conventional and modified laboratory procedures were used in the detection of E. coli, Salmonella spp., and culturable Vibrios, while pre-structured interview schedule was utilized in the epidemiological survey. p-value was used as statistical tool to measure association. All four water samples tested positive for E. coli and culturable Vibrios. Salmonella spp. was negative in all of the water samples. The MPN for E. coli in water sample C was 460 per 100 ml water sample, while in water samples A, B and D it was 240. Obtained MPN were above the DENR MPN standard for fecal coliform for Class SB, which is only 200. There were 52 individual participated in the study but only 33 (63 %) were able to complete the follow up interview done seven days after the actual date of survey. 18 (55 %) of the respondents were females. The mean (SD) age was 19.3 (14.5) years with an age range of 3-56 years. 11 (34 %) respondents came from sampling site C and 32 (97 %) were visitor-swimmers. Only 13 (39 %) of the respondents reported to have experienced symptoms during the follow up, and the most common symptoms reported by 10 (77 %) of the symptomatic respondents were upper respiratory tract symptoms such as colds, cough and sore throat. Among the symptomatic respondents, only four (31 %) were classified as cases. Significant differences were observed only in the case of symptom occurrence relative to MPN and sampling site as indicated by p-values (0.0004 and 0.003, respectively) less than 0.05. The presence of E. coli in significant concentration and culturable Vibrios in all of the four water samples indicated poor bathing water quality of Villa Beach which may pose health risks among swimmers. The incidence of symptom occurrence or health risks was positive as reported by some of the respondents in the follow up survey. Positive relationship was observed only in the case of symptom occurrence with variables sampling site and MPN for E. coli. Symptom occurrence was found out to be more likely relative to the sampling site, and that it increases with E. coli concentration present in water samples.
Geochemical association of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in the sediments of Iloilo River estuary
Arban, John Paul B. (Division of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2005-04)
The geochemical association of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in the sediments of Iloilo River Estuary has been studied using a modified Tessier’s sequential extraction procedure. The results obtained show that most of the metals studied are mostly associated in the residual and organic matter fractions of the sediment samples (Cr: 66.26% - 74.36% in the residual,15.43% - 24.08% in the Fe-Mn oxide fraction, 8.14% - 12.71% in organic matter fraction, and 0.000% - 2.996% in the exchangeable/carbonate fraction; Cu: 39.30% - 46.73% in the residual, 12.00% - 52.18% in the organic fraction, 3.227% - 11.41% in the Fe-Mn fraction, and 0.000% - 17.43% in the exchangeable/carbonate fractions; Ni: 42.75% - 57.02% in the organic matter fraction, 24.93% - 39.33% in the residual, 5.814% - 14.15% in the Fe-Mn fraction, and 5.504% - 13.12% exchangeable/carbonate fraction; and Pb in sample AAA-21: 48.02% in the residual, 38.55% in the organic matter fraction, and 7.33% in the Fe-Mn fraction, and 6.078% in the exchangeable/carbonate fraction). The analysis of the total metal concentrations of the sediment samples taken from Iloilo River are found to be above the reported concentration of uncontaminated sediment except for Pb in sediment sample AAA-21 (Chromium: 102.1 ug/g - 150.5 pg/g; Copper: 62.56 pg/g - 111.7 pg/g; Nickel: 53.40 pg/g - 75.44 pg/g; and Lead in sample AAA-21: 22.21 pg/g). The study shows that about 50% of the total metal concentration in the sediment samples are bioavailable to the aquatic organisms.
Toyang Ermitanya and the consumption of Iloilo City proper-based listeners vis a vis Miagao-based listeners
Abenes, Darren Al B.; Concepcion, Ma. Emilee Anne R.; Paren, Ryan M. (Division of Social Sciences , College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2008-10)
This study sought to study the following: 1) the consumption of listeners from the two groups of respondents from the urban community which is Iloilo City Proper vis a vis the rural community of Miagao, and 2) the way the listeners perceive such radio drama whether as something which convey issues in the society or as something which is purely entertaining. The researchers used two major steps in data gathering: survey and indepth interviews. One hundred respondents who were listeners of such drama participated, half of which came from both groups of respondents who were Iloilo City Proper-based and Miagao-based. The survey revealed that Iloilo City Proper-based respondents have a higher frequency of exposure to such drama compared Miagao-based respondents. It was also revealed that majority of the respondents from each group of respondents perceived Toyang Ermitanya as entertaining however, majority also claimed that they were also learning lessons and insights from it. Moreover, with the results and data collected and analyzed, the research itself revealed three prevailing forms in the consumption of such radio drama by both groups of listeners. First, Toyang Ermitanya as a medium for emotional release. Second, as a form of enjoyment. And third, Toyang Ermitanya as a medium where one could obtain pieces of information and advice from listening to it.
The perceptions and gratifications of Ilonggo Shock Talk-Radio listeners
Abad, Catherine Grace; Francisco, Franz C.; Gador, Fevie Anne (Division of Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2010-04)
Shock Talk Radio Programs are gaining multitudes of listeners within Iloilo. Mama Monyeka and Talk to Papa ,two of the most popular Shock Talk-Radio programs, are the subject of the research. In this study the researchers assessed the different perceptions and gratification sought and obtained by Ilonggo listeners with different educational orientation; Out-of-School Youth, High school, and College. The researchers used descriptive research design and survey questionnaires to gather information. Result showed the OSY are the ones with the most positive perception towards Shock Talk-radio programs, followed by the High School Group and the and lastly the College group. Also the gratification that is mainly sought is entertainment needs among the three groups. Albeit needs such as information, personal identify and social interaction were also identified as needs that the audience seek to satisfy. For gratifications obtained it was shown that only 5% among the total number of the respondent claimed that needs outside entertainment have been met by these programs. The need which was satisfied the most by these programs again is the entertainment need. Using the Theory of Uses and Gratifications it was found out that the audiences' physical environment (in here educational orientation) affects the perception towards a media content (Shock Talk - radio programs) and influences his/her reasons for consumption (gratification sought).Finally media content such as Shock Talk- radio programs answer the audience' needs.
Adaptive capacity of the local government to the impacts of climate change: comparison between Guimbal and Tigbauan
Andal, Jane Desiree F. (Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011)
The paper examined the factors affecting the adaptive capacity of the local government in terms of responsiveness and preparedness to deal with the impacts of climate change. This is focused on three factors namely, organizational learning, collaboration and socio-economic status. The study is conducted by comparing the municipalities of Guimbal and Tigbauan in terms of their organizational learning, collaboration and socio-economic status as well as their responsiveness and preparedness in dealing with typhoons, flooding, and drought as the major impacts considered in this study. The results show that organizational learning enhances the preparedness of the municipality to deal with the impacts while collaboration and socio-economic status enhance both responsiveness and preparedness to deal with the impacts of climate change.
Risk factors and prevalence of dental caries among students at Tubungan Central Elementary School, Iloilo, Philippines
Abalajon, Karl Vincent P.; Caoyonan, Liza Marie D.; Fernandez, Natasha Andrea; Gequinana, Apple Joy F.; Lava, Lara Cristy S.; Millado, Justine Bennette H.; Rivera, Tess Corgette A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-03)
Pulpitis has been the leading cause of morbidity among adults in Tubungan, Iloilo for the past three years. Pulpitis may develop from untreated dental caries as this make the deeper layer of the teeth more susceptible to bacterial colonization. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of and the risk factors associated with dental caries among school age children in Tubungan Central Elementary School. This study will further investigate the possible causes of the high in prevalence of dental caries, and eventually introduce means of decreasing its morbidity in the municipality. One hundred nineteen students from Grades one to six were included in the study. The dental caries status was determined using the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index. The dental caries status was determined using the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index. The nutritional status was assessed using Weight for Age (WFA), Height for Age (HFA), and Weight for Height (WFH) as parameters as parameters. The Oral Hygiene practices, socio-economic status and food intake of the respondents were determined intake of the respondents were determined through an interview schedule. The prevalence of dental caries was 75.6%, with a mean DMFT of 2.97. Grade 2 students had the highest prevalence (95%) and DMFT index (5.9) among the grade levels. The DMFT index of each grade level was found to be significantly different (p=0.000). There was no statistical significance between the DMFT indices between males and females, although the mean DMFT of females was higher than males. There is no significant association between the Socio-Economic status of the family and DMFT index of the respondents. Only food rich in cereals and starches had significant association with the DMFT index. It is recommended that the government should intensify the campaigns on Oral health alongside other forms of health education and dietary and nutrition advice.
Japanese involvements in the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center - Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD)
Abalajon, Ma. Kristel S. (Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-04)
The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center has been acknowledged as one of the leading institutions in aquaculture industry by the scientific community contributing to the development of the fishing industry in the Philippines and in Southeast Asian region as a whole. Its success can be partly attributed to the assistance given by the Japanese. This study entitled — Japanese Involvement in Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) and in the Philippine Fishing Industry was undertaken to support the claim that Japanese assistance to the Aquaculture Department mutually beneficial to Japan and the Philippines and the rest of the SEAFDEC Member Countries. High ranking staffs and scientists were interviewed to counter check the data collected in various publications. Findings revealed that Japanese assistance to the Aquaculture Department were motive driven however benefited Japan, the Philippines and Member Countries of SEAFDEC. It can be concluded that the existence of Japan as a member country greatly influence the operations of AQD.
Optimization of pH, sorbent dose, and contact time in biosorption of Cu, Cd and Pb in sugarcane bagasse in a tri-metal aqueous system
Abetria, Pauline Grace R. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Univsersity of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)
Adsorption is one of the physicochemical treatment processes found to be effective in removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The biosorption of Cu, Cd, and Pb in sugarcane bagasse in a tri-metal aqueous system was optimized for pH, sorbent dose, and contact time using Doehlert design and it was found that the optimal values are pH 5, a sorbent dose of 1.33g sorbent/mg metal, a contact time of 4 hours, and the available sites on the sorbent for metal binding were influenced by pH. Furthermore, the effect of initial metal concentration on the metal uptake of the sorbent was also studied and it was found that at increasing metal concentrations the metal uptake also increased at a fixed (optimum) sorbent dose. The sorbent affinity was observed to be increasing in favor of increasing ionic radius, Cu < Cd < Pb, at relatively low metal concentrations and Cd < Cu < Pb at relatively high metal concentrations. Each metal behaved differently on the sorbent. Copper obeyed the Langmuir isotherm whereas cadmium and lead both obeyed the Freundlich isotherm. Finally, the IR spectrum of the sorbent was elucidated and -OH and -COOH groups were present but complexation was absent. Hence, in a tri-metal aqueous system containing Cu, Cd and Pb, the biosorption process in bagasse is proposed to be by physical adsorption.