Runoff and sediment load deposition and the present status of the island coastal subsystem in Capul, Northern Samar, Philippines

Issue Date

2011

Abstract

This paper is part of a bigger study that investigated the livelihood strategy of the Abaknons in Capul, Northern Samar and its effects on the conservation of the island ecosystem. Capul, a small island at the northwestern part of Northern Samar, eastern Seagate of the Philippines (124° 10' E and 12°N) needs special attention being ecologically fragile due to increasing population and economic pressures. This study determined the sediment load and runoff in a small-island ecosystem and analyzed its effects on the present status of the coastal subsystem. It specifically (1) measured the sediment load and runoff in the island, (2) analyzed the physicochemical characteristics of the sediment load and runoff, and (3) analyzed the present status of the coastal subsystem through the upper leaf biomass or net primary productivity of seagrass and mollusks species diversity. The low rate of sedimentation and better quality of runoff water increased the seagrass NPP and high mollusk diversity, indicators of efficient islanders' livelihood practices and significantly conserve the coastal subsystem and subsequently the whole island ecosystem. The main threat to the coastal subsystem was exceedingly high coliform count which urges the promulgation of municipal ordinances and programs in relation to environmental health.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Environmental Science and Management

ISSN

0119-1144

Volume

14

Issue

1

Page

24-39

Document Type

Article

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

tables, graphs

Language

English

Subject

Island coastal subsystem status, Run-off, Sediment load deposition

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

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