Environmental impacts of mining operations on the riverine ecosystem of Sta. Cruz, Zambales, Philippines / Rowena Remojo Sazon ; Veronica P. Migo, chair, advisory committee.

Date

7-2016

Abstract

The impact of nickel ore mining operations on the riverine ecosystem of Sta. Cruz, Zambales was investigated. Water and sediment quality of Alinsaog River across four stations and sampling periods was assessed using physico-chemical parameters. The river exceeded the limit for Class C water (DAO 34, s.1990) in terms of dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids and chemical oxygen demand. The mean concentration of Ni, Mn, Cr, Sr and Ba in the sediments exceeded the threshold effect level, low effect level and probable effect level prescribed in NOOA guidelines for inorganics while Fe exceeded the probable effect concentration suggesting their possible adverse effects to aquatic biota and the ecosystem. The number of taxa, density and abundance of plankton and benthic macroinvertebrates were relatively low and the identified species could indicate oligotrophic status of the river and metal pollution. The mean thickness of laterite deposit on the rice fields and ponds were 13.9 cm and 62.5 cm, respectively. Ni, Co, Cr and V exceeded the Canadian CCME limits while Fe and Mn did not meet the Eco-screening level for plants and microbes indicating the unsuitability of the soil for agricultural purposes. Metals in mangrove sediments were in the order of Fe>Ca>Cr>Ni>Mn. The metal accumulative capacity of the five mangroves and associated species was also evaluated. Generally, accumulation of metals in all species was in the order of root›stem>leaf. All of the tested species have the capacity to accumulate metals based on bioconcentration factor (BCF). Sonneratia alba tend to immobilize Cr and Ni on its pneumatophores while Rhizophora apiculata and Avicennia sp. also did not translocate Cr to upper plant tissues indicating their potential for remediation of Ni-Cr polluted riverine ecosystem. The magnitude of impact to the environment and on the livelihood of the subsistence farmers and fishermen necessitates that the Mine and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and other agencies should reconsider valuating the social cost and benefits of mineral resource exploitation in Zambales.

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science

College

Graduate School (GS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Veronica P. Migo

Committee Member

Antonio C. Laurena, Nina M. Cadiz, Enrique P. Pacardo, Veronica P. Migo

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 996 2016 E8 S29

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