Water Quality Analysis On Neritic Zones Of Manila Bay Dolomite Beach And Its Contribution To Ecosystem Services

Abstract

Manila Bay water quality has been subject to criticism ever since but most especially at the time of dolomite sand pouring in its shores along Baywalk. This study focused on the investigation on whether the quality of water would be suitable for biodiversity in the bay after the dolomite project. Most available data accessible to the public would only be about the presence of coliform forming units (CFU) in the saltwater. This study was able to identify the water quality parameters that meet the set DENR water quality standards for Class SB water, the classification for Manila Bay. It has been found that turbidity, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids met the DENR values at 11.21 NTU, 7.21 mg/L, and approximately 9494.00 ppm, respectively, while pH level and salinity are both low with values 6.72 and 27.96 ppt, and nitrates and phosphates contents are both high at 1.18 mg/L and 12.60 mg/L. Although this study gives a general analysis on the current condition on the artificial beach in Manila Bay, it can impose more accurate findings and wider information. The findings could be used as a baseline data for future reference on the water quality sampling in Manila Bay measured in Turbidity (NTU), Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L), pH Level, Total Dissolved Solids (ppm), Salinity (ppt), and Nutrient Content (nitrates and phosphates). Findings could also be used to improve ecosystem services around the area, strengthen opportunities for economic development, and formulate informed policies on sustainable practices on tourism, recreation, and fisheries.