Some aspects on the structure of algal communities in the new fish sanctuary of Taal Lake.

Date

4-2011

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Macrina T. Zafaralla

Abstract

MERILLES, MA. LOURDES D. April 2011. SOME ASPECTS ON THE STRUCTURE OF ALGAL COMMUNITIES IN THE NEW FISH SANCTUARY OF TAAL LAKE. College of Arts and Sciences. University of the Philippines Los Banos. Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Ecology. Major Adviser: Dr. Macrina tamayo-Zafaralla ABSTRACT The potential of the new fish sanctuary of Taal Lake to serve as a grazing ground for fish was examined by determining some aspects on its algal structure within the months of May, August and September. The algal community of the new fish sanctuary can be grouped into two: the periphytic and planktonic algae. The algal periphyton of Vallisneria, collected within a lush bed of aquatic macrophytes during May 2010 showed the presence of seven species of periphytic diatoms number which were also found in the plankton, hence are called tychoplanktonic - organisms that are naturally attached from adjacent habitats but may be introduced to the plankton by chance. Among the most populous periphytic diatoms were Cocconeis, Coscinodiscus, and Melosira. For the sampling months of August and September, phytoplankton was comprised of a total of 23 species; 12 from Class Chlorophyceae, six from Bacillariophyceae, four from Cyanophyceae, and a single species from Dinophyceae. Representative genera for each class included Oocystis, Staurastrum. Chodatella of the Chlorophyceae; Coscinodiscu.s. and Melosira from Bacillariophyceae; Chroococcus from Cyanophyceae; and Ceratium from Dinophyceae. Variations in the species diversity in the phytoplankton between the two sampling periods may have been the direct and indirect effects of water quality changes. This possibility is implied by the observed levels of DO and nitrite-N. Use of the composition of algal communities, phytoplankton trophic indices indicated that the fish sanctuary is eutrophic, a concurrence of what recent studies tend to indicate. There is occurrence of a bloom-forming algae (Microcystis aeruginosa) but there were no algal bloom observed during study. The lush macrophyte bed with a rich periphyton indicates the potential of the fish sanctuary for good grazing ground for fish.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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