PHYTOPLANKTON AS BIOINIDICATOR IN WATER QUALITY, BARRA BEACH,

OPOL, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

SIMON CHEYSSER A. LAYNO

MARCH 2019
PHYTOPLANKTON AS BIOINIDICATOR IN WATER QUALITY, BARRA BEACH,
OPOL, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

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A Research Paper
Presented to the
Faculty of the School of Graduate Studies
Liceo de Cagayan University
Cagayan de Oro City

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In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Subject
Environmental Planning (MMEPM 166)

SIMON CHEYSSER A. LAYNO

MARCH 2019
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

Human industrialization and agricultural implementation give enormous measure leading to

deteriorate of the environment (land and water), which has a direct effect in water bodies (river and

ocean) that is necessity in life. Many studies have found that the development of industry has indeed

brought about increasingly serious environmental pollution, and environmental protection has to some

extent curbed the deterioration of the environment. (Wan et.al 2016).

Water Quality can be defined as the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water,

usually in respect to its suitability for a designated use. As we all know, water has many uses, such

as for recreation, drinking, fisheries, agriculture and industry. Each of these designated uses has

different defined chemical, physical and biological standards necessary to support that us. (Ritabrata,

2012).

Primary productivity may be defined as the amount of organic material produced per unit area

per unit time; or simply as the product of phytoplankton biomass times phytoplankton growth rate

(Cloern et. al, 2014). Marine primary production plays an important role in food web dynamics, in

biogeochemical cycles and in marine fisheries (Passow et.al, 2012). The term plankton, which means

wandering or drifting, generally encompasses three groups: the phytoplankton, the photosynthetic

(plant) component; the

zooplankton, which is the animal component and the ichthyoplankton which comprise the fish larvae.

Phytoplankton also called as the primary producer and can produce organic substances and zooplankton

does not produce organic substances. Zoo plankton uses phytoplankton as a food for survival, in

ecology and fishes. Planktons are also microorganisms that float in water and play a large role as a

determinant for the balance of ecosystem. The presence of phytoplankton is also a key for the survival

of fish.Given the importance of planktons as role for primary producer of aquatic ecosystems ( El-Hady

et. Al 2016). Phytoplankton communities are sensitive to alterations in their habitats, and thereby,

phytoplankton total biomass and many phytoplankton species are utilized as indicators of aquatic

qualifications. Changes in the diversity of species of phytoplankton, including Euglena

clastica, Phacus tortus, and Trachelon anas, indicate the pollution of marine ecosystems (Jain., et.

al. 2015). in the study of ( Pourafrasyabi, 2014). findings suggested that phytoplankton of Sefid Rud

River could be considered as bio-indicators of water quality in several areas subjected to

anthropogenic disturbance.

The advantages of biomonitoring versus physical or chemical monitoring are (1) biomonitoring

reflects overall ecological integrity (i.e., physical, chemical and biological); (2) it provides a holistic

measure of environmental condition by integrating stresses over time; and (3) the public better

understands living organisms as measure of a “healthy” environment. As mention in the study of

(Resende, 2014). Water bodies serve habitat to a

variety of organisms, response to the stressors may vary among the producers and consumers.
This study hopes to contribute the ecology of the water condition in the area. and also to improve the

water quality of the beach through policy making.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework of the study:

Phytoplankton are sensitive to changes in levels of nutrients and other interactions with one another

and its seasonal and spatial distribution is directly affected as such the phytoplankton species can be

good indicators of water quality (Kutama, 2014). Phytoplankton is dependent on many factors, related

both to the type of restoration method used, as well as natural factors specific to a particular waterbody

(Urrutia et.al., 2016). This is especially true for shallow aquatic environment, which are very sensitive

to external factors (Katsiapi., 2013). Thus, it is difficult to construct a universal model to describe

phytoplankton depending on the method of aquatic environment restoration. This is especially so

because there is still not enough long-term data on the variability of phytoplanktonin (Kozak et. Al)

Restoration efforts can have effects on physico-chemical variables of water quality. Such effects lead

to changes in phytoplankton production and community composition.Biomanipulation, for example,

the removal of benthi- and planktivorous fish or stocking of piscivorous fish, could change the

zooplankton community and increase the density of herbivorous zooplankton.(mainly Daphnia).

cryptophytes tend to dominate in systems characterized by high zooplankton grazing. Some

phytoplankton groups may be favored by additions of iron complexes used in the precipitation of P. As

an example, heterocytous cyanobacterial species are promoted by iron (Bakker et.al., 2016). Iron

addition experiments with freshwater green algae showed lower growth rates after additions of Fe

compared to control conditions without iron addition (Keller, et.al., 2017)Also, the water aeration

system has been noticed as changing phytoplankton dynamics, causing a decrease in cyanobacteria
proportion and abundance, and an increase in otherphytoplankton groups, for example, chlorophytes,

diatoms, cryptophytes and chrysophytes, in small waterbodies.

This study accomplishes the assessment of water quality in Barra beach by means of Phytoplankton as

a Bioindicator and other factors affecting the phytoplankton diversity by means of human activities in

relation to water quality.

Dependent Variable
Independent Variable

Water Quality
Phytoplankton of Barra Beach

Figure 1. The Conceptual framework of the study

Statement of the Problem

The Barra beach has been suffered to many problems such as Anthropogenic Pollution from Human

activities, changes in the nutrient level of the water and also the disposition of estuary water from

uptown area are significant threats to the biodiversity and biological resources such as Phytoplankton

community in the marine system.

Objectives

The main objectives of this study is to Assess the water quality of Barra beach with the use of

Phytoplankton as a bio-indicator.

And Specifically to:

1. Determine the water quality of the Barra beach based on Phytoplankton species present in the

area.

2. Compare the physico-chemical with the phytoplankton present in the area

Definition of Terms

Water Quality - refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics

of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic

species and or to any human need or purpose. It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards

against which compliance, generally achieved through treatment of the water, can be assessed. The

most common standards used to assess water quality relate to health of ecosystems, safety of human

contact, and drinking water.

Pollution - is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse

change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or

light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally

occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution. In

2015, pollution killed 9 million people in the world.

Biodiversity - refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. Biodiversity typically measures

variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level.

Bio-indicator - any species (an indicator species) or group of species whose function, population, or

status can reveal the qualitative status of the environment. For example, copepods and other small

water crustaceans that are present in many water bodies can be monitored for changes

(biochemical, physiological, or behavioural) that may indicate a problem within their ecosystem.

Bioindicators can tell us about the cumulative effects of different pollutants in the ecosystem and about

how long a problem may have been present, which physical and chemical testing cannot.
 CHAPTER 3

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Research Setting

Barra Beach is located at Barra diversion road Cagayan de Oro City the coordinates of the area

is 8°30'11"N 124°39'36"E (Beside Seven Seas). The coastal area comprises the Macajalar bay (deep

water bay of the Bohol Sea) located north of the province of Misamis Oriental, The coastal city of

Cagayan de Oro, fronting Macajalar Bay, became a major industrial port and an entry point for new

migrants and settlers.

Research Design

The study engages the descriptive type of research. The water quality is determined through

phytoplankton accumulation present in the area.

Research Protocol

To be more certain of the standard and valid about the findings of research, the researcher

acvhieved the University Research Protocol:

1. The researcher writes a letter of consent from the Adviser and to the Dean of Graduate Studies

for the study

2. The research writes a letter to the Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City informing them regarding the

study and to formally request the required data for research

3. When the Research Paper is done. The researcher finds an approval from the adviser after

assessment and review of the manuscript.

4. The Dean of the Graduate School approved the schedule of defense of the thesis paper after

assessment and review of the thesis

5. When the defense is done, the researchers incorporate all the corrections and suggestions of the

Research Panels. And it is reviewed by the adviser and the panel members.

6. After the final paper is approved by the panel, it be submitted to the Research and Publications

Office for Plagiarism and Grammarly Test.

7. The research forwards the final thesis paper to the assigned editor. After incorporating all the

corrections, the researcher submits the final paper to the adviser and also to the research panel

for signature and approval for binding.

Data Gathering Procedure

The GPS (Global positioning System) is used to identify the coordinates in the study area. And

the Phytoplankton sample is collected by deploying the plankton net in the area randomly in the surface

water (0.10 – 1 m). then the collected sample is poured into a 1 plastic container ( 1 liter) containing

buffered formalin. And the samples is transported to the laboratory using guides by Prescott (1978),

Botes (2003), and Nwankwo (2004) with the aid of a Binocular Microscope.

Three samplings is be conducted on the study area from the whole month of January.

Determining water quality using Water Quality Index. In order to initiate the condition of the

aquatic environment. The Phytoplankton is identified Based on their Morphology and Guides After

identifying the Phytoplankton species, the Water quality index is determined by calculating the sample

mean of the total scores of phytoplankton collected over the total number of phytoplankton species per

sample. The exact average score is referred to the standard water quality indices (Kanjavanit & Tilling,

2000) with its equivalent qualitative description.

Calculating Water Quality Index

Water Quality Index (WQI) = x = ∑x/n

Where x is the score of Phytoplankton species collected

Where n is the total number of Phytoplankton species collected

Standard Water Quakity Index (Kanjavanit & Tilling, 2000)

Score 7.6-10.0 - very clean water

Score 5.1-7.5 - rather clean – clean water

 Score 2.6-5.0 - rather dirty water – average

Score 1.0-2.5 - dirty water

Score 0 - very dirty water

Chapter 4

Results and Discussion

Biological Parameters

There are 12 species of phytoplankton found within the area in the first sampling , 5 of which belonging

to class bracilliophyta which comprises the diatoms and the most abundant species found in the area

followed by the class Chlorophyta 2 species found in the are this comprises the green algae. In the

second sampling 6 species of phyoplankton were found in the area belonging to class bracilliophyta

and also species species of Chlorophyta 2 species found within the area and 1 specie of Cyanbacteria

are also found in the area and the third sampling still bracilliophyta is the dominant species found in

the sampling and followed by only chlorophyta with the same species found in the first and second

sampling.by these the water quality index score of Phytoplankton is around 4.3 and it is stated in the

equivalent qualitative description in water quality by (Kanjavanit & Tilling, 200) the score 4.3 is in the

range of 2.6-5.0 and the score is around average (rather dirty water) since the area is a beach resort

where humans can directly affect the eutriphication of water through garbage disposal and other human

activities which directly affected the water amd according to (Anyinking, 2016) The pollution status

of these sources also varies with different anthropogenic activities.

Bracilliophyceae

Empire: Eukarya

Kingdom: Chromista

Phylum: Bracilliophyta

Class: Bracilliophyceae

Plate 1. Species 1 Plate 2. Species 2

Plate 3. Species 3 Plate 4. Species 4

Plate 5. Species 5 Plate 6 Species 6

Plate 7. Species 7 Plate 8. Species 8

 Plate 9. Species 9

Chlorophyceae

Empire: Eukarya

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Chlorophyta

Class: Chlorophyceae

Plate 10. Species 10 Plate 11. Species 11

 Plate 12. Species 12

Cyanobacteria

Empire: Bactria

Kingdom:Bacteria

Phylum:Cyanobacteria

Plate 13. Species 13

 Phytoplanktons found in the area
10
9
8
7
Axis Title

6
Bracilliophyceae
5
4 Chlorophyceae
3 Cyanobacteria
2
1
0
Axis Title

With 13 species found in the Barra Beach which comprises the Bracilliophyceae, Chlorophyceae and

Cyanobacteria. Braciolliophyceae has the highest number of species and has a total of 9 individuals

found within the area followed by Chlorophyta with 3 individuals and Cyanobacteria comprises 1

individual. Bracilliophyceae is the most diverse group among the 3 classes of phytoplankton mainly

because according to (Abowei, 2012). The Species itself has the highest self-sustaining natural

mechanisms of natural increase usually become dominant.

Physico-Chemical Parameters

Specific Gravity
1.026
1.025
1.024
Axis Title

1.023
1.022
1.021
1.02
1 2 3
Series1 1.025 1.022 1.022

The Physico-chemical parameters of the Barra beach is in normal and less polluted since its specific

gravity of water is within the normal range. In sampling 1 the specific gravity shows 1.025 and followed

by sampling 2 and 3 shows only 1.022.

 Biological oxygen demand
38.5

38

37.5
Axis Title

37

36.5

36

35.5

35
1 2 3
Series1 36 38 38
The

Biological Oxygen Demand of the sample are still in the normal range, at the first sampling the BOD

of the sample is 36 mg/L which is in the normal demand of the organisms inside the sample and same

to the other sample the Oxygen demand of the sample 2 and 3 are the same.
 pH
8.1

7.9

7.8
Axis Title

7.7

7.6

7.5

7.4

7.3

7.2
Sampling 1 Sampling 2 Sampling 3
Series1 7.5 8 8
The

pH of the sample from sampling 1 is 7.5 and sampling 2 and 3 alkso comprises the pH of 8 and still

also within the range of normal pH of the sea, since the normal pH of the sea ranges form 6.5 to 8.5

where, 6.5 below pH indicates that the sample is acidic and 8.5 pH is more basic.
 Temperature
29.2
29
28.8
28.6
Axis Title

28.4
28.2
28
27.8
27.6
27.4
1 2 3
Series1 28 28 29

The temperature of the sample from 1st sample is 28 followed by the other sample which is 29 itindicates

that the temperature of the sea is sufficient for phytoplankton survival.

Dissolve Oxygen
7.15
7.1
7.05
Axis Title

7
6.95
6.9
6.85
6.8
1 2 3
Series1 7.1 7.1 6.9
The

Dissolve Oxygen of the sample ranges 6.9 to 7.1 and it is within the normal range since temperature

and oxygen are correlated. According to (Saffran, 1997). There is a good correlation between DO and

water temperature. It is possible, therefore, that minimum DO could be predicted from maximum water

temperature .

Maximu Minimu Standard

Parameters Mean Median Mode m m Devation Range

Temperature 28.45C 28.33C 28C 29C 28C 0.5 1

Specific
Gravity 1.023 1.022 1.022 1.025 1.022 0.0017 0.003
 pH 7.8 8 8 8 7.5 0.29 0.5
7.1mg/ 7.1mg/ 7.1mg/
DO L L L 7.1mg.L 7.0mg/L 0.05 0.1
37.33
BOD mg/L 36mg/L 36mg/L 38mg/L 36mg/L 1.15 0.2

The Physicochemical parameter values of water quality parameters In the study were shown in the

thable. BOD is the Biological Oxygen Deman (BOD) is the amount of oxygen required for the

organisms to oxidize all the organic matter and indirectly implies the oxygen required for the respiration

of PhytoplanktonThe higher BOD values imply high amounts of decomposition of organic matter in

the water bodies (Sanap et.al. 2006) The BOD shows an inverse relation with the values oof DO owing

to the consumption of dissolved oxygen for the process of decomposition (Mohan and Omana, 2007).

In the results shown in the table the values of the Physico-Chemical parameters were normal and also

it is varied with the phytoplankton species present in the area. According to (Sharma & Singh, 2018).

the distribution of phytoplankton These parameters have significant correlation with the density of

phytoplankton.
 Chapter 5

Conclusion

Out of 13 Phytoplankton species found, 9 of which is in the Class of Bracilliophyceae is the most

abundant in the study followed by Class Chlorophyta which comprises 3 Species and lastly the

Cyanobacteria comprises 1 specie. Bracilliophyceae holds the highest number of species mainly

because the species has the high self sustaining mechanism. The water quality index of the area is 4.3

which is in the score of average or rather dirty water because the area is a resort many anthropogenic

effects in the area.. For the Physico-chemical parameter it is strongly correlated with the

phytoplankton species found in the area .

Recommendation:

The Researcher Recommends more time of sampling in order to identify down to species level

because some of the species of phytoplankton act as indicator for instance dinoflagellates when the

nutrient level of the sea floor is very high the dinoflagellates tend to bloom and it causes red tide.

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