Abstract
Water quality can affect the ecosystem at several trophic levels. It is very important for an ecosystem to have healthy water bodies as lives of aquatic species depend upon them. Taal, with a small lake located in the southern part of Luzon in the Philippines is teeming with aquatic resources, yet it is observed that its water quality is deteriorating. The lake is surrounded by several municipalities with tributaries contributing to its quality. This study evaluated Taal lake ecosystem in six sample sites in terms of physical and chemical attributes utilizing secondary data obtained from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Mean values of pH, temperature and Total Soluble Solids (TSS) were within the standards set by the agency. However, there was a slight increase in Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and a low Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). There is high nitrogen and heavy metal contamination with one highly contaminated site. This was attributed to high municipal and kitchen waste disposal and high amounts of fertilizers used in fields. Taal lake aquatic ecosystem can be classified as severely polluted based on the chemical parameters. Nitrate, phosphate, oil and grease, pH, temperature and DO levels vary significantly from site to site. Levels of arsenic, chromium, TSS and BOD do not show any significant difference among the sites.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
