Isnihaya Magumpara

Synthesis paper Grade 11

INTRODUCTION

The geography of the Philippines is surrounded by vast amount of water resources which
explains fishing as one of major livelihood of Filipino people. According to (Marangga, 2015), 70
percent of our resources are in the dependence of water which has a huge impact in making Philippines
to have fertile, arable lands, diverse flora and fauna, extensive coastlines, and rich mineral deposits. 65
regions have been a major contributor in the food industry and one of them is Bukidnon (Calalang &
Colinet, 2015). It has been called one of the food baskets of Mindanao (Maigay, 2008). Major crop
companies such as Del Monte and Dole Inc. have already established manufacturing sites in this
province. However, as years passed by, urbanization levels up which pressures up the society especially
Bukidnon in competition economically. Due to that, possibilities of optimizing products especially to
those whose livelihood are natural resources, will for sure find alternatives to boost the production
(Korey, 2017). One of them is excessive land cultivation.

According to (Lambin, 2010), excessive land use results in scarcity of primary sources needed
for crop agriculture due to disregarding the so-called “balance of nature”. Over-cultivation involves
increasing usage of pesticides, soil composition change, land degradation and pollution which has a
secondary effect on the water quality in the Bukidnon. while an initial response to lack of natural
nutrients is to use fertilizers, in the long-term this can increase and worsen the problem. One key reason
for this is that fertilizers and pesticides can pollute local water resources and harm wildlife. It is also
important to note that eroded soil also finds its way into rivers, lakes and coastal areas. Sedimentation
causes serious damage to freshwater and marine habitats, as well as the local communities that depend
on these habitats. Most of agricultural land of Bukidnon resides on the coastal area or near water
sources, so the inflows of excess water from the harvesting land will be collected and stacked up in the
bodies of water near the lands. This collected leftovers from agricultural land changes the water quality
of Bukidnon.

Water quality is fundamental to biogeochemical processes and living organisms as it sustains

ecological processes that support vegetation, wetlands, birdlife especially native fish population and
diversity (Chao , 2008). Over the decades, Bukidnon has an increasing industrial agriculture usage
which may have a negative effect on water quality. The aquatic life is dependent on water quality
especially the fishes which is a major source of livelihood of the people residing in the Bukidnon.
Therefore, assessing the water quality and determining each composition will give an understanding the
relationship of the factors that optimizes water quality and the survival of fishes. In this study, the
researchers investigated the present water quality status, the level of productivity and trophic state of
the three lakes: Lake Napalit, Pulangui, and Apo with relevance to aquaculture. The concept of the
Isnihaya Magumpara
Synthesis paper Grade 11

study will provide a hint in balancing and optimizing both agriculture and aquatic crops of the Bukidnon
residents especially the crop companies in agricultural usage, warning the agriculture and water quality
management, and understanding the importance of the nature balance and each other’s dependence. In
line with that, the knowledge is relevant as basis for future related studies that will be conducted in the
later years.
Isnihaya Magumpara
Synthesis paper Grade 11

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Water quality is a major indicator of environmental condition of the natural waters (Sivakumar
& Karuppasamy, 2008; Basu, Roy, & Barik, 2010). It determines the capability of the water body to
support optimum growth of aquatic organisms (Ehlagbonare & Ogunrinde, 2010). The composition of
water supports the underwater vegetation in shallow coastal waters also supports a wide diversity of
marine creatures by providing spawning, nursery, refuge, and foraging grounds for many species. The
health of submerged aquatic vegetation is an important environmental indicator of overall ocean and
estuary health. For example, seagrasses in bays and lagoons, for instance, are vital to the success of
small invertebrates and fish. These small creatures are a food source for commercial and recreational
fish. Seagrasses also stabilize sediments, generate organic material needed by small invertebrates, and
add oxygen to the surrounding water. A study of (Cuffney, 2000) revealed that all indices of biological
conditions (fish, invertebrates, and algae) decline as degree of environmental impairment associated to
the intensity of agricultural activities increases. Fish assemblages in lakes and reservoirs are greatly
influenced by water quality parameters. Different in the water quality parameter and its relationship
with biodiversity indices are crucial factors to evaluate fish biodiversity in floodplain lakes. Therefore,
investigating the water quality of three different lakes is needed to assess the optimal water quality for
fish population which Bukidnon residents’ livelihood depends on.

Methodology

The researchers examined the Lake Napalit, Pulangui and Apo composition and measurements
based on their sizes, humidity, salinity, temperature, depth, inflows of water etc. About 5 stations or
sites were selected for Lake Napalit, 8 sites in Pulangui and 3 sites in Lake Apo. Measurements of the
lake physicochemical factors were done on July to September 2010 and February-March 2011.
Measurements and sample collection were done between 9:00am to 2:00pm. Determination of
physicochemical parameters involved both in-situ measurements and laboratory sample analysis.
Portable equipment was used for water temperature, transparency, pH, and salinity. An improvised
calibrated rope with a sinker was used to measure water depth. Analysis for hardness, CO2, dissolved
oxygen (D.O.), and total alkalinity followed the standard procedures. These parameters are in the
division of physicochemical factors. Then, the researchers collected a 500-ml water sample from each
different site and sent the samples to College of Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory at the College of
Agriculture for analysis. The lakes’ primary productivity was determined following the light and dark
bottle technique and the conversion to primary production. The potential fish production was estimated
by converting primary production into fish weight using desirable formula. The researchers also
investigated the amount of fish collected or haunted by the fisherman in each different sites. Lastly,
fishermen were done to collect data on the number of fishermen, type of fishing gears, the kind of fish
Isnihaya Magumpara
Synthesis paper Grade 11

in the catch, their daily catch, and other economic activities in the lake. The catch per unit effort (CPUE,
kg/ person/day) of the fishermen was converted to annual fish production for each lake.

Results & Discussion

The findings showed that Lake Apo had the highest transparency (140.63 cm) and the deepest
(7.34 m) among the three, which characterize the lake as oligotrophic. Among the lakes, Pulangui had
the highest mean temperature (28.65 °C), pH (7.13), hardness (71.20 ppm), D.O. (8.05 mg/L), CO2
(2.68 ppm), and total alkalinity (154.05 ppm). The high CaCO3 content of the lake could be due to the
discharge of waste water from the sugar company at the upstream. Lime was used to clean machineries
especially during the off season. Also, a lime was used in whitening or refining sugar. Its higher D.O.
and CO2 content could be due to the higher turbulence produced by the inflow of Pulangui River, which
allows diffusion of these gases to the lake water. The highest transparency in Pulangui was in the
Sanctuary area where fishing is strictly prohibited, and bank is completely lined by trees and shrubs that
hold the soil and surface run-off and clear the water. The deepest part was near the dam. The highest
mean D.O. (11.86 mg/L) was at the center, which could be due to algal photosynthesis and atmospheric
diffusion. The highest CO2 concentration was at the area where houses of fisher folks are located. It
had deep mud, and it was observed that along the banks were deposits of decomposing plant matter and
wastes. There was slow water circulation in this covered area. Thus, decomposition produces CO2. In
chlorophyll and primary production results showed that the chlorophyll a (µg/L) of Pulangui was 12.8,
Napalit was 6.03, and Apo was 2.04. In classifying these lakes using Carlson’s Trophic State Index
(TSI), it was identified that Lake Apo was oligotrophic or less productive; Napalit Lake was
mesotrophic or of average productivity; and Pulangui Lake was eutrophic or highly productive. In the
collection of fishes, the highest fish catch (kg/person/day) was in Pulangui (3-15), followed by Napalit
(3-36-3.90) and the least was Apo (0.1).

Conclusion

In summary, the physico-chemical attributes of the three Bukidnon lakes still fell within values
as reported in literature suitable for aquaculture. Pulangui lake remained eutrophic (highly productive)
and Apo oligotrophic (low productivity). Napalit lake was found mesotrophic (average productivity).
The high fish catch in Pulangui Lake was supported by its high primary production. Water turbulence
that keeps nutrients in the water column was sustained by inflows from Pulangui River and creeks, dam
outflow, and wind blowing the wide surface of the lake. The high organic load from Pulangui River
also provided food sources for omnivorous tilapia, the major fish in the lake. The vegetated islands that
were forming in the lake also provided additional organic matter. Its shoreline herbaceous vegetation
also provided habitats of fishes. Also, the physicochemical characteristics of Pulangui were suited for
fish culture. The thick macrophyte vegetation in majority of the shoreline also contributed to high fish
production as these provide fish habitats and food sources, among others. Much more, the yearly
Isnihaya Magumpara
Synthesis paper Grade 11

seeding of tilapia fingerlings in the lake contributes to the sustained fish production. That is why, there
were a lot of migrants settling around the lake, and some were fishing illegally using the forbidden gears
like drag nets, use of poison, and gill nets. The high estimated potential fish production of the three
lakes may indicate that the lakes’ biophysiochemical resources can still support aquaculture without
feed supplementation. The researchers stated that it is recommended that a regular water quality
monitoring which also includes heavy metals and pesticide residues in the fish and shellfish and fish
diseases be done to assure the health of the consumers.
Isnihaya Magumpara
Synthesis paper Grade 11

WHAT I LEARNED

This study emphasizes that studying and being aware of the land agriculture and aquaculture
has a correlation and dependence of each other in Bukidnon. This dependence shows that each of them
or any changes will therefore have an impact on the either side. This a warning remark about managing
and noting the disregarding of the negative effects used in land crops. I was surprised of these
phenomena that might happen in the both area. The importance of investigating the water quality of
three different lakes is needed to assess the optimal water quality for fish population which Bukidnon
residents’ livelihood depends on. I learned how small changes affect the bigger picture of water quality.
For example, pineapple involves an alteration of land quality which has a secondary effect (increment
of pH) in the water flowing the land. This inflow gets backs to the water and changes the overall
composition of the optimal environment of the aquatic plants. Plants rely on the pH of the water,
nutrients, etc. Once it is disrupted, there is an ongoing domino effect on the fishes as these fishes needs
plants to feed on to survive. I also learned how the water quality can tell the species diversity of fishes
and why it is important to be maintained.

However, personally, alternatives and possibility usage of chemicals and any methods that may
affect in water quality might happen or inevitable due to the pressure of modernity especially for the
economically competitive farmers and companies. Since it is a possibility, forecasting this possibility
and its effect for example using a modelling method that shows the declination of land and water quality
if these scenarios happen like over-cultivation, high usage of chemical pesticide, etc. This is a need for
future policy making to regulate and manage both land and water quality beforehand. Overall, I learned
that the findings of the study will not only focuses in the indication of water quality and the possibility
changes and effects on fish population and diversity but also it gives an awareness on us especially
Bukidnon people whose majority livelihood is from the area. Also, the findings may help in optimizing
or helping Bukidnon farmers and fishermen in targeting sites to collect. By that, we can get a further
understanding of how to make such environment habitual like managing water quality as they play a
major role in cycle of breaking down and helping other aquatic organisms like fishes and leaves to get
nutrients from their environment.
Isnihaya Magumpara
Synthesis paper Grade 11
Isnihaya Magumpara
Synthesis paper Grade 11

REFERENCES

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Calalang, D., & Colinet, G. (2015). Crop production of Northern Mindanao, Philippines: Its
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Chao , M. (2008). NSW Office of Environment and Management . Retrieved from Water
quality: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/water/waterqual.htm

Cuffney, T. (2000). Responses of physical, chemical, and biological indicators of water

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Ehlagbonare, J., & Ogunrinde, Y. (2010). Physico-chemical analysis of fish pond water in
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Korey, M. (2017). Green Tumble. Retrieved from What is Over-Cultivation?:

https://greentumble.com/what-is-over-cultivation/

Lambin, E. (2010). Global land use change, economic globalization, and the looming land
scarcity. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, 2.

Maigay, M. (2008, December 7 ). Philippine Tourism Online. Retrieved from Economy and
Geography of Bukidnon: http://www.bukidnononline.com/economy-and-geography-
of-bukidnon/

Marangga, N. (2015). Hydroelectricity majority sources of power dam in the Philippines.

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Sivakumar, K., & Karuppasamy, R. (2008). Factors affecting productivity of phytoplankton

in a reservoir of Tamilnado, India. . American-Eurasian Journal of Botany, 99-102.