Undergraduate Special Problem
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Item Microbiological assessment and detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria on three areas along the Iloilo RiverCaballo, John Carlo P. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-04)The Iloilo River, which traverses the whole length of Iloilo City, serves as a water source for different human activities hence, subjecting it to a variety of pollutants. Microbial and physico-chemical parameters of the three areas along the Iloilo River (Carpenter’s Bridge, IBRD Bridge, and Dungon Creek) were assessed to in order to provide a quantifiable evaluation of the river’s water quality. The presence of Salmonella spp., Eschericia coli, Streptococcus spp. and Vibrio spp., was also determined. HPC counts indicate very-high to extremely-high levels of bacterial loading (5.31 x 105-l .60 x 106 CFU/lOOmL) among the three sampling areas. Total coliform levels indicated contamination of the river from outside sources, potentially from domestic sewage discharges and run-offs from nearby establishments. The FC: FS ratio suggests contamination mostly came from mixed origins, with the noted exception of Carpenter’s Bridge, which is dominated by human fecal contamination. Minimal variations in physico-chemical parameters were observed for all areas. Significant correlations were found among salinity (p=0.002) and temperature (p=0.042) with TC; between FS with dissolved oxygen (p=0.00), and between FC and temperature (p=0.005). Contamination of the river by organic and fecal matter from animal and human sources provided a suitable habitat for pathogenic bacteria. A considerable quantity of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as; E.coli, Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp. and Vibrio spp., were isolated from each sampling area. Exposure to these pathogens in drinking and recreational waters poses health risks to local inhabitants and to any individual who would consume water from the riverItem The effects of compost produced from rice Oryza sativa straw and sugarcane Saccharum officinarum trash on the growth of pechay Brassica rapaBrizuela, Karlyn G. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2014-03)This study was designed to determine the effects of the application of compost produced from rice Oryza saliva straw and sugarcane Saccharum officinarum trash on the growth of pechay Brassica rapa. Experiments were carried out in a residential lot in Brgy. Punta Taytay, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Four set-ups were made with three replicates each. Each set-up corresponded to one compost treatment: treatment (A) was the rice straw compost, treatment (B) was the sugarcane trash compost, treatment (C) was the combination of rice straw and sugarcane trash compost, and treatment (D) served as the control in which no compost was added. The results of the statistical tests showed that there was a significant increase in the growth of pechay plants treated with the three different types of composts as compared to the pechay plants treated with the control. Among all the treatments, pechay plants treated with the combination of rice straw and sugarcane trash compost showed the highest growth yield in terms of the mean plant height (19.61 cm), mean fresh weight (44.95 g), and mean number of leaves per plant (8.99) at the time of harvest. Results also that showed that there was no significant difference in the mean fresh weight and mean number of leaves per plant at the time of harvest in pechay plants treated with the rice straw compost and the sugarcane trash compost.Item Survival and growth of juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria scabra Jaeger (1833) in shrimp pond sedimentBriones, Jill D. (2012-03)Many high valued sea cucumbers e.g. Holothuria scabra are detritivores and thrive on organic matter and thus are potential bioremediating agents in eutrophic systems e.g. aquaculture ponds. Sea cucumbers cultured in shrimp ponds would act as natural bioremediators and lessen the organic matter content of the sediments hence make the pond environment more favorable for shrimp culture. This study looks at the feasibility of growing sea cucumbers in pond sediments for their bioremediating role and for their economic value. In this study, growth and survival of hatchery-produced H.scabra juveniles in Bare substrate (Treatment 1), Sand from natural habitat (Treatment 2) and Shrimp Pond sediment (Treatment 3) were compared after 5 weeks of culture. This study demonstrates that it is feasible to grow H. scabra juveniles in shrimp pond sediments without compromising their survival (p > 0.05). Results showed that those reared in Pond sediment grew best and significantly better compared to the other treatments (ANOVA, p<0.05). Juveniles grown in Pond sediment increased from mean weight of 3g to 14g while in the other treatments they just grew from mean of 2.7g to 8.7g. The consistently higher organic matter in Pond sediment could have contributed to better growth of sea cucumbers relative to other treatments. The bioremediating role of sea cucumbers was indicated by significant reduction in organic matter content in pond sediment by Week 5.Item Rhizosphere fungal diversity of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza in Mag-aba, Pandan, AntiqueBolivia, Marielle Angeli D. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2019-06)Fungi are popularly known to be both ecologically and economically important but knowledge about its diversity particularly fungi located in the rhizosphere of mangroves is poorly known. Fungal population in rhizosphere are closely linked to plant health and growth, function as decomposers of plant residues, antagonize pathogens, and provider of nutrients. However, few studies have been done on this group in the mangroves. The study aimed to assess the rhizosphere fungal diversity of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza in Mag-aba. Pandan, Antique. Specifically, it aimed to (1) isolate, characterize, identify and classify the fungi collected. (2) determine the overall species composition and (3) quantify fungal load in terms of colony forming units (CFU/g). A total of 16 morphological species were identified belonging to four genera namely Aspergillus, Penicillium, Acremonium, Neosartorya and five unknown species of Hyphomycetes. The frequently occurring species in this study were similar to the findings from previous studies such as Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Fungal load (CFU/g) was quantified using two types of media, Com meal agar and Potato dextrose agar. Both culture media obtained a high fungal load quantify (5.0xl04) which is near the typical fungal load of a healthy fertile soil. Shannon-Weiner, Shannon's equitability and Simpson diversity were 2.20, 0.92 and 0.90, respectively. The results suggest that there is a low diversity consistent with previous reports. Thus, more studies should be conducted in other mangrove areas to have a more comprehensive assessment of the diversity and status of rhizosphere fungi in mangrove ecosystems.Item Investigation of the impact of food and insecurity to the nutritional status of children 6 to 71 months using the Radimer/Cornell Questionnaire among the rural poor in Brgy. Nabitasan, Leganes, IloiloBoncavil, David Allan V.; Chan, Tsarina M.; Erum, Lesley Anne L.; Galas, Caryl E.; Hernandez, Yryka E.; Juele, Sheila Mae A.; Magalonga, April Raye F.; Ogena, Vanessa C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2016-05)One of the main objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to achieve zero hunger through food security. Within the Municipality of Leganes, Barangay Nabitasan has consistently ranked as the barangay with the most cases of undernourished children aged 6-71 months old. Nabitasan is located 5 kilometers away from poblacion and the locals are handicapped by their limited purchasing power and source of water and their lack of alternative source of food. Accordingly, this cross- sectional study investigated the impact of food insecurity to the nutritional status of 159 children aged 6 to 71 months old in Barangay Nabitasan, Leganes, Iloilo. The children’s nutritional status was determined based on their Weight for Age (WFA) while the respondents for the Radimer/Cornell Questionnaire were the respective mothers or guardians of the children. The Radimer/Cornell Hunger Scale was utilized to measure food security in terms of hunger. Additionally, the results of the scale were correlated to the following sociodemographic factors: age of the mother/guardian, annual family income, income allotment for food, household size, number of children, sibling rank, food source, educational attainment of the mother/guardian. Using chi square test it was found that there was a significant relationship between food security and the nutritional status of the children (X2=5.729, df=l, p- value<0.05). Odds ratio showed that a child that belongs to a food secure household is 2.715 times more likely to be normal than a child that belongs to a food insecure household. Furthermore, factors that were associated with food security were identified through logistic regression. 8 covariates were included in the analysis and the generated model identified the covariates that contributed most and were significantly associated with food security. The model tells us that: 1.) Increasing annual family income was associated with an increased likelihood of being food secure 2.) increasing number of children was associated with a decreased likelihood of being food secure and 3.) having both market and alternative food source, compared to those who rely on market alone, increases the likelihood of being food secure. It is significant to note that the model generated by this study correctly predicted 76.1% of the observed food security status of the cases; this may indicate that there are still other important determinants of food security that have not been identified and that further studies should consider including these.Item Toxicity of Chemically Enhanced Water-Accommodated Fraction (CEWAF) of Petron bunker C oil on Asian Sea bass Lates calcarifer (Bloch) fingerlings at different salinity levelsBondoc, Christian Earvin D. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-03)Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer fingerlings were exposed to three CEWAF concentrations (0.3, 0.5 and 1.0%) at 28, 32 and 36%o and the mortality rate among the different treatments were compared. Dunnett t-test (a=0.05) showed that mortality in the CEWAF-exposed treatments differed significantly from that in the control, indicating that the toxicity of CEWAF caused the death of the fingerlings. The general trend of mortality was increasing with increased salinity although the results of Two-Way ANOVA (a=0.05) reveal that salinity did not influence the toxicity of CEWAF significantly. Further analysis with Fisher’s LSD test (a=0.05) showed that mortality only differed significantly between the 28%o and 36%o salinity groups. The differences between the salinity levels used in this experiment were too narrow to cause a significant difference in the interaction between CEWAF concentration and salinity. Sublethal effects of exposure to CEWAF observed in this study included aberrant swimming behavior, arching of the back, loss of buoyancy and loss of pigmentation.Item Diversity and structural complexity of mangrove stands in Barangay Mag-aba, Pandan, AntiqueBolivar, Lucille S. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2019-06)Mangrove forests provide a variety of ecological functions and economic services. However, full realization of these is also hampered by lack of understanding of the structural complexity that brings about a unique ecosystem. There is a need to understand the current status and dynamics of mangroves under threats of both natural and anthropogenic factors. The mangrove forest at Barangay Mag-aba, Pandan, Antique, that is part of the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, is one of the few patches of mangroves in Antique offering good opportunity to study diversity and stand structure. This study provides an important baseline data for conservation efforts and for comparison with other mangrove stands in the region. This study aimed to assess qualitatively and quantitatively the mangrove community structure of the Mag-aba mangrove forest. Specifically, the objectives of this study included (1) determination of selected physical and chemical factors affecting mangroves, (2) identification and classification of true mangrove species in the area and (3) analysis of the community structure. The modified line plot method for community structure survey was applied. A total of 19 true mangrove species from eight families were recorded in the area with Family Acanthaceae being the most represented. The stand basal area of 35.48 m2/ha was indicative of a mature community system. Structure analysis showed that Excoecaria agallocha (31.31%) was the most dominant species and had the highest importance value (81.29) followed by Bruguiera cylindrica, Xylocarpus granatum and Sonneratia alba. Trees made up 50% of the community composition with a density of 2044.44 t/ha. Barangay Mag-aba had a mean species diversity index (H’) of 0.95 indicating a low number of species present and a mean species evenness value (J’) of 0.38 indicative of an unequal species distribution. High complexity and diversity were observed in the upper intertidal zone where soil salinity is low. These results provide important insights to the underlying ecological functions of the mangroves in the area as basis of a more dynamic and intensive conservation action.Item A comparison of the gut contents of two Cardinal Fish, Fowleria vaiulae (Jordan & Seale 1906) and Fowleria variegata (Valenciennes 1832) in seagrass beds of Palompon, LeyteBiantan, Lindsay S. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2015-06)Seagrass ecosystems support much of the Philippines’ coastal marine resources with the presence of a rich diversity of species, including the economically important ones. Understanding the diet composition of fishes through gut content analysis is essential for selecting species for aquaculture. Specimens of Fowleria vaiulae and Fowleria variegata were obtained through a trawl survey in the seagrass beds of Palompon, Leyte from November 2011 to February 2012. A total of 291 guts were analysed in this study. Results showed diet composition of both species is mostly made up of benthic invertebrates. A high percentage of chyme was observed in both species (46-65%), suggesting the consumption of easily digested materials. Also for both Fowleria species, it was observed that smaller size classes consume a higher number of small preys while larger size classes feed on larger preys. Small invertebrates such as tanaids and amphipods were more abundant in the guts of F. vaiulae and large preys of shrimps and crabs dominate the diet of F. variegata. This difference may be due to food partitioning in co-occurring species to avoid competition.Item Abundance, distribution, and composition of macrobenthos in Banate Bay, Iloilo, PhilippinesBernasol, Mylin M. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2015-06)In order to characterize the macrobenthic community in Banate Bay, quarterly sampling was done from December 2012 to December 2013 in nine (9) stations of the study area. Samples were collected using a hand-held mud corer measuring 0.15m in diameter. Samples were sieved in the field using a 0.5mm mesh, preserving all retained organisms in a plastic container containing 10% buffered formalin with Rose Bengal dye. Two (2) replicate samples per station in June and September 2013 were processed in the laboratory. A total of 38 taxa were sorted and identified with overall mean density of 821 ind/m2. Cluster Analysis using the program COMM grouped species according to their abundances and stations based on their relative location from the shore. T-test for 2 sample means showed that densities in June and September did not differ significantly (p=0.42). ANOVA showed that densities per station did differ significantly (p=0.05). Correlations identified salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and organic matter content to have negative effects on macrobenthos density in the Bay. In spite of low density, diversity particularly of polychaetes appeared to be relatively high. This can be attributed to the intensity and fluctuations of the harsh environment in the Bay still being within limits.Item Community structure, biomass productivity and carbon stock assessment of mangroves in Barangay Tabon, Batan Bay, AklanBermeo, Ma. Ramela Angela C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)The study aimed to assess the community structure, biomass productivity, and carbon stock assessment of mangroves in Barangay Tabon, Batan Bay, Aklan using the plot method. Specifically, it aimed to: 1. determine selected physical and chemical factors such as water salinity, water pH, soil temperature and characterization of soil substrates, 2. identify true mangrove species present in the area, 3. describe the community structure in terms of Stand Basal Area, Stems per Hectare, Relative Density, Relative Frequency, Relative Dominance, Importance Value, Shannon-Index of Diversity, Zonation Pattern, Seedling and Sapling Density, 4. assess the biomass productivity (both wood biomass, and litter fall), 5. estimate the amount of carbon stored in the mangrove forest (using allometric equation). A total of twenty-one true mangrove species belonging to 12 families were identified. Family Rhizophoraceae was the most represented with five species namely Bruguiera cylindrica, Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, and R. stylosa. The rest were also well represented namely Family Avicenniaceae- Avicennia alba, A. officinalis, A. marina, and A. rumphiana; Family Combretaceae- Lumnitzera littorea and Limnutzera racemosa; Family Sonneratiaceae- Sonneratia alba, and Sonneratia caseolaris; Family Acanthaceae- Acanthus ebracteatus; Family Bombacaceae- Camptostemon philippinensis; Family Euphorbiaceae- Excoecaria agallocha; Family Meliaceae- Xylocarpus moluccensis; Family Myrsinaceae- Aegiceras corniculatum; Family Myrtaceae- Osbornia octodonta; Family Arecaceae- Nypa fruticans; Family Rubiaceae- Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. Basal area ranged from 0.11m2/ha for Ceriops decandra to 68.78m2/ha for Sonneratia alba. Avicennia marina had the highest stems per hectare with 22,600 stems/ha, while Bruguiera cylindrica had the lowest with 100 stems/ha. Avicennia marina occurred in all plots with 137 trees/ha and had the highest relative density of 38.38% and relative frequency of 38.42%. Sonneratia alba had the highest relative dominance of 48.49% while the lowest was Ceriops decandra with 0.08%. Avicennia alba, Bruguiera cylindrica, and Ceriops decandra had the lowest relative densities and frequencies at 0.3%. The most important species was Avicennia marina (107.6) and the least important species was Ceriops decandra (0.68). The area was considered to be diverse at 0.7206. On per transect basis, the highest index of diversity recorded was in Transect 2, while the lowest was in Transect 1. Avicennia and Sonneratia species occured both in the low intertidal zone (seaward) and mid-intertidal zone (transitional zone). Rhizophora, Nypa, Camptostemon, Osbornia, Lumnitzera, Bruguiera, Ceriops, Exoecaria, and Aegiceras were found in the mid-intertidal zone (transitional zone). Xylocarpus, Scyphiphora, and Acanthus occurred in high intertidal zone (landward). Avicennia rumphiana had the highest seedlings density of 1001 seedlings/ha, whereas Rhizophora mucronata had the highest saplings density of 96 saplings/ha. The lowest seedling and sapling density was Rhizophora apiculata (Iseedling/ha) and Camptostemon philippinensis (lsapling/ha) respectively. The species with the highest computed biomass of 1,287.78 tons/ha and carbon stock of 579.5 tons/ha was Sonneratia alba. The lowest was Ceriops decandra with biomass of 0.06 tons/ha and carbon stock of 0.03 tons/ha. A total of 2,080 tons/ha biomass and 936.34 tons/ha carbon stock was determined. Based on the litter fall, Transect 2 has the highest leaf fall weighing 580.4g. Litter weight was highest in January 2013 and lowest in December 2012 in all sampling sites.