Characteristics of Four Selected Mangrove Species in Low Saline Environment in Batangas

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Low saline environments like Taal Lake and Pansipit River serve as a home for different endemic species including freshwater sea snake, freshwater sardines, Maliputo and to 80 more species. According to Luistro (2007), however, those environments were deteriorating fast and some of the native fishes were decreasing in number. in connection, mangroves could serve a critical role for spawning, nursery, coastline protection, and serve as a natural wastewater filter as it absorbs pollutants. Hence, the researchers conducted a study to determine the attributes of four mangrove species: Bakawang Lalaki, Putotang Lalaki, Kalapinay and Saging-saging in a low saline environment which can be a basis for future plant in Taal Lake and Pansipit River.

METHODS

In this study, the four Mangroves species were planted into two experimental setups and one controlled setup where mangroves naturally thrive. Moreover, laboratory testing was done to determine the pH and salinity level of the three environments which served as a parameter for the attributes of the selected environments. Characteristics of the root system, the number of leaves sprouted and the length of the stem were the attributes observed in the four selected mangrove species. The pH levels, salinity level, type of substrate were the parameters of the low saline environment needed to be tested while the number of sprouted leaves, stem length, and characteristics of roots were the attributes of mangroves observed for four weeks.

RESULTS

Based on the experiment, Cuta River has 1.91ppt salinity, 8.80 pH level, and muddy soil; Taal Lake contains a salinity of 0.81ppt, 9.14 pH level and Taal Loam soil; while Pansipit River has 0.75ppt salinity, 8.65 pH level and has Taal sandy loam soil. Different growth rates were observed: Kalapinay has the fastest growing rate while Saging-saging has the lowest growth rate among all setups. There is a significant difference in the attributes of each mangrove species before and after being planted in the selected environment which indicates growth after four weeks of observation. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference in the controlled and experimental setup which indicates that mangroves are capable to thrive in a low saline environment.

DISCUSSIONS

The findings of the study suggest that mangroves can grow in a low saline environment which is a good indication of a possible INTRODUCTION in Taal Lake. On the other hand, a longer period of time must be given to fully observe its survival.