HomeIAMURE International Journal of Ecology and Conservationvol. 6 no. 1 (2013)

Heavy Metals in the Water Column of Iloilo-Guimaras Jetty Port (Parola Wharf )

Brian Gil S. Sarinas | Lorna D. Gellada | Melchor M. Magramo | Marlon Terunez | Giancarlo M. Inocencio | Cylin Ed S. Duero | Greg S. Segunla | Felix Kevin J. Cleofas

Discipline: Natural Sciences, Earth Science, Environmental Science

 

Abstract:

Jetty Port (Parola Wharf ) in Iloilo City is a depot of passengers going to Guimaras, Philippines. Considering the dearth of studies on the presence of heavy metals in this area, this study was conducted. It aimed to determine the presence and quantities of available heavy metals specifically lead, cadmium and chromium in the water column (surface, middle and bottom) of Iloilo-Guimaras Jetty Port. In addition, water physicochemical parameters were also measured such as pH, salinity and temperature, in situ. Three sampling areas were identified in the Jetty Port. One liter was collected in the surface, middle and bottom layer of each sampling area for a total of nine seawater samples. The seawater samples were immediately transported to the CAS-Analytical Service Laboratory of UPV, Miag-ao, Iloilo for the quantification of available heavy metals through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric (FAAS) method. Ph values range from 6.0-7.333, 12.0-13.167 ppm for salinity and 27.333-27.567 0C for three sampling areas. Average cadmium, chromium and lead were higher at station 3 with 0.69 mg/L, 0.81 mg/L and 0.339 mg/L, respectively. The results showed that mean of Cr > Pb > Cd < Cr in the water column of the three sampling areas, however is not significant, p>.05. Available cadmium, chromium and lead exceeded the permissive value. This study will give information to the public about the present heavy metal status of the Jetty Port.