Date of Publication

2026

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Life Sciences

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Gliceria B. Ramos

Defense Panel Chair

Patricio Elvin L. Cantiller

Defense Panel Member

Michael B. Ples
Marigold O. Uba

Abstract (English)

This study evaluated the heavy metal concentrations and nutritional composition of Arius manillensis (kanduli) to assess its potential as a safe and nutritive alternative to commercially dominant fish species in the Philippines. Fish samples were collected from three locations along Laguna de Bay in November 2025. A total of seven (7) kanduli samples were collected, with three (3) samples from Calamba City, two (2) samples from Muntinlupa City, and two (2) samples from Taguig City. The samples were sent to SGS Philippines in Makati City for analyses. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and the content of zinc (Zn), crude fat, and crude protein. Heavy metals were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), zinc by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), crude fat by acid hydrolysis and gravimetric analysis, and crude protein by the Kjeldahl method. Results showed that lead and cadmium levels in all samples were below detection limits. The detected lead concentration (< 0.50 mg/kg) was lower than the Philippine maximum permissible limit of 0.30 mg/kg, indicating compliance with current food safety standards for lead. Similarly, the detected cadmium concentration (< 0.25 mg/kg) complied with the maximum permissible limit of 0.50 mg/kg for fish, indicating that the samples met current Philippine food safety standards for cadmium. However, the thresholds for international standards were below the minimum detection limits, so interpretation of its compliance internationally must be done with caution. Zinc concentrations ranged from 17.79 to 19.24 mg/kg, remaining well below the maximum allowable limit of 40 mg/kg while indicating that kanduli may serve as a relatively rich dietary source of zinc. Nutritional analyses also revealed that kanduli is a lean fish species, with crude fat values ranging from 0.33 to 0.76 g/100 g. Crude protein content ranged from 16.68 to 17.29 g/100 g, confirming that kanduli provides a substantial amount of dietary protein comparable to commonly consumed fish species. The results suggest that kanduli possesses a favorable nutritional profile and does not show harmful levels of the tested heavy metals. These values indicate that kanduli has higher dietary zinc and comparable fat and protein levels in comparison to tilapia, bangus, and ayungin.  These findings indicate that kanduli has strong potential to serve as a safe and nutritive alternative to commercially dominant fish species in the Philippines. Further studies are recommended to analyze additional heavy metals, nutritional components, and seasonal variations to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the species.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Sinuri ng pag-aaral na ito ang konsentrasyon ng mga heavy metal at ang komposisyong nutrisyonal ng Arius manillensis (kanduli) upang suriin ang potensyal nito bilang ligtas at masustansyang alternatibo sa mga uri ng isda na nangunguna sa pambansang merkado. Kinolekta ang mga sample mula sa tatlong lokasyon ng Laguna de Bay noong Nobyembre 2025. May kabuuang pitong (7) sample ng kanduli ang nakolekta, tatlo (2) mula sa mga lungsod ng Calamba, dalawa sa (2) Muntinlupa, at dalawa sa (2) Taguig. Ipinadala ang mga ito sa SGS Philippines para sa pagsusuri. Sinuri ang mga heavy metal gamit ang Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), ang zinc gamit ang Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), ang crude fat gamit ang acid hydrolysis at gravimetric analysis, at ang crude protein gamit ang Kjeldahl Method. Ipinakita ng mga resulta na ang antas ng lead at cadmium sa lahat ng sample ay mas mababa sa detection limits. Ang natukoy na konsentrasyon ng lead (

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Arius (Fish)--Philippines; Fishes—Composition; Fishes—Nutrition; Heavy metals

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Embargo Period

8-25-2026

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