A Comprehensive Analysis on the Dynamics of Biodiversity and Bitan-ag Creek Watershed Interactions: Ecosystem Approach for Rehabilitation

Oliva  P. Canencia,; Chris Rey  M. Lituañas,; Vicenta  V. Ansigbat,; Cordulo  P. Ascaño Ii,; Rogel  O. Tulang,; Sheryl  S. Yañez,

A Comprehensive Analysis on the Dynamics of Biodiversity and Bitan-ag Creek Watershed Interactions: Ecosystem Approach for Rehabilitation

Discipline: Natural Sciences

Abstract:

The study dealt with the dynamics of biodiversity and watershed interactions of Bitan-ag Creek in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines mainly for rehabilitation. Specifically, this study assessed a) the diversity of agroforest species in the watershed and their ecological status and economic importance; b) the composition of phytoplankton species diversity in the watershed as biological indicator for water pollution; and c) the condition of the soil in the upper and middle stream sections in the watershed. Standard protocols were followed in the methodology in measuring diversity of species, phytoplankton species composition and in performing soil tests.

General findings include identification of forty one floral species in the urban landscape and watershed of the Cagayan de Oro City, classified as economically important (e.g. Crysophyllum cainito, Sandoricum koetjape), endemic (e.g. Muntingia calabura, Macaranga bicolor), and rare species (e.g. Lygodium circinnatum, Pneumatopteris nitidula). The phytoplankton communities were dominated by genus Nitzchia and Navicula in the middle stream section, and Microsystin auruginosa and Nitzchia species in the lower stream section. These species are pollution-tolerant and are known to release red-tide causing toxins which are major causes of fish kills. Soil tests showed a very good range of soil pH values (6.8 – 7.36), which are appropriate for agriculture and cash crops. For both the middle and upper stream sections, the Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium (NPK) content was moderately high and appropriate for crops.