An investigation of the algal bloom occurrence in the coastal waters of Barangay Kirayan Norte, Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines

Issue Date

3-2006

Abstract

On March 1, 2005, residents of Barangay Kirayan Norte, Miag-ao, Iloilo complained about the foul smelling sea breeze that was emanating from the shore and that caused difficulty in breathing in children, and problems of sleeping at night, skin irritation and itchiness in adults. The smell of the sea breeze was characterized as seaweedy and ammoniacal, with a tint of decay Residents attributed these problems to the occurrence of a dense mat of floating algae in the shorelines. The floating marine algae in the coastal area were harvested and later buried in a make- shift pit; the person who did the job subsequently suffered from swelling of the face and other skin irritations. The causative organism was preliminarily identified as Lyngbya majuscula Proliferation of Lyngbya majuscula may now pose risks to the coastal communities in the near future. It would be best to collect more information about the organism's occurrence and distribution in order to address and appropriately mitigate future incidents of similar nature. Further monitoring and study of this phenomenon is highly recommended.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The (Formerly: The Philippine Agriculturist)

ISSN

0031-7454

Volume

89

Issue

1

Page

97-100

Document Type

Article

Frequency

quarterly

Physical Description

illustrations ; map ; tables ; references

Language

English

Subject

Lyngbya majuscula, harmful algal bloom (HAB), skin irritation, face swelling

En – AGROVOC descriptors

ALGAL BLOOMS; CYANOBACTERIA; TAXONOMY; COASTAL WATERS; SKIN DISEASES; DIAGNOSIS

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