Mangroves and their Associates in Metal-Rich Soils in Candelaria, Zambales Province, Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines, an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, has a coastline of over 18,000 km. and hosts at least 50 % of the world’s 65 mangrove species. Mangrove ecosystems are vital in mitigating heavy metal pollution; however, their resilience is compromised in environments with excessive heavy metal contamination. The diversity of true mangrove species and their associates in San Vicente River, Candelaria, Zambales, Philippines was determined. With respect to the physico-chemical composition of the water and sediments. Twenty species of true mangroves were recorded belonging to 11 different families indicating moderate diversity, and 11 mangrove-associated species observed from 10 families. Acanthus ebracteatus was the most abundant species, while Osbornia octodonta was the rarest, found only in Station 1 with only 2 individuals. Sediment samples showed heavy metal concentrations exceeding limits for chromium, iron, nickel and copper. The study highlights the impact of heavy metal contamination on mangrove diversity and soil health, disseminating conservation and remediation efforts for mangrove ecosystem in polluted environments.