Date of Publication
6-2025
Document Type
Bachelor's Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology
Subject Categories
Aquaculture and Fisheries
College
College of Science
Department/Unit
Biology
Thesis Advisor
Emelina H. Mandia
Erica Silk P. De La Paz
Defense Panel Chair
Christian Jordan O. Dela Rosa
Defense Panel Member
John Paul S. Domingo
Sarah Grace S. Zamudio
Abstract (English)
Lake Taal, one of the Philippines’ vital freshwater aquaculture hubs, faced intensification of aquaculture activities, which affected its water quality and ecosystem. To assess the lake’s condition, the study determined the water quality and plankton richness and abundance of Lake Taal in August 2024, focusing on both inside and outside the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) cages across Agoncillo, Laurel, and San Nicolas, Batangas. A total of 58 phytoplankton genera and 17 zooplankton taxa were documented, with 6 phytoplankton genera and 3 Rotifera recorded for the first time within the tilapia cages of Lake Taal. Agoncillo significantly differed in zooplankton abundance with San Nicolas (p = 0.0004), while phytoplankton abundance was not significantly different across the municipalities and between inside- and outside-cage conditions. Agoncillo and Laurel had varying ranges for DO (2.5–10.06 mg/L), pH (7.9–8.5), TDS (897–930 ppm), and conductivity (1792–1865 μS/mL). Among the municipalities, San Nicolas recorded a higher temperature (30.4–30.7 °C) and NH₃ concentration (0.251–0.885 mg/L). Transparency (17–28.8 cm), PO₄³⁻ (0.2–0.3 mg/L), and NO₃⁻ (0.113–0.301 mg/L) were relatively consistent across the three sites. All municipalities exhibited higher levels than the DENR standard for NH₃ (< 0.06 mg/L), PO₄³⁻ (< 0.025 mg/L), and conductivity (50–1500 μS/mL), while DO (>5.00 mg/L) in Agoncillo fell below its minimum level, indicating high nutrient loading in all sites and oxygen depletion in Agoncillo. Phytoplankton abundance and Cladocera richness were correlated with water quality parameters DO, pH, and transparency, while zooplankton abundance and Rotifera and Copepoda richness were correlated with TDS and conductivity, indicating how varying environmental conditions in aquaculture sites supported phytoplankton and zooplankton populations. Dinoflagellata richness was correlated with NH₃ and NO₃⁻, while the richness of Charophyta, Heterokontophyta, and Chlorophyta was correlated with temperature and phosphate, indicating how water quality in aquaculture sites favored certain phytoplankton groups. These findings provided significant insights into the ecological health of the water in the selected municipalities and guided future strategies for preserving its health and ecosystem.
Abstract Format
html
Abstract (Filipino)
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Abstract Format
html
Language
English
Format
Electronic
Keywords
Plankton--Philippines--Batangas; Tilapia--Philippines--Batangas; Water quality-Philippines--Batangas
Recommended Citation
Cañeso, C. C., Sotelo, R. D., Ong, A. G., & Ong, S. L. (2025). Water quality and plankton richness and abundance in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) aquaculture sites in Lake Taal from selected municipalities in Batangas. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_bio/139
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Embargo Period
8-15-2026
