Philippine E-Journals

Heavy Metal Concentration in Seawater at Villa Beach, Iloilo City, Philippines

Brian Gil S. Sarinas | Lorna D. Gellada | Jake Kevin M. Alfonsa | Kim Domiquel | Leo Rey J. Gumawa | Jay A. Malan | John Vennard G. Umali

Discipline: Ecology

 

Abstract:

This study was conducted due to the dearth of studies on heavy metals at Villa Beach, Iloilo City. It aimed to determine the presence and quantities of available heavy metals specifically cadmium, chromium and lead in the water column (surface, middle and bottom). Water physiochemical parameters were determined such as pH, salinity and temperature. Five sampling areas were identified in the shores of Villa Beach. One liter was collected in each layer of each sampling area for a total of 15 seawater samples and was immediately transported to the College of Arts and Sciences-Analytical Service Laboratory of the University of the Philippines Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo for the quantification of heavy metals through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS). The pH values range from 7.513-7.933, 10.6-11.566 ppm for salinity and 27.5-

31.233 °C for five sampling areas. Average dissolved chromium and lead were highest at station four with 0.545 mg/L and 0.771 mg/L, respectively. Average cadmium was highest at station one with 0.021 mg/L. The mean of Pb > Cr > Cd < Pb in the water column of the five sampling areas but was not significant. Available cadmium, chromium and lead exceeded the permissive value set by DENR AO No. 34 (1990). This study provides information and awareness to the public about the present available heavy metals in Villa Beach, Iloilo City.