Correlation between water quality and seagrass distribution along intertidal zone in Sarangani Province, Philippines
Paper Details
Correlation between water quality and seagrass distribution along intertidal zone in Sarangani Province, Philippines
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the correlation between certain properties of water quality and the distribution of seagrasses in the coastal areas of Glan and Maasim, Sarangani Province. Both sites have no previous correlation studies. At each site, three 50m transects were laid perpendicular to the shore with each transect having 11 quadrats at 5m intervals. Six species of seagrass were identified throughout the study. The most dominant species in Glan was Halodule pinifolia while in Maasim, the most dominant was Enhalus acoroides. Water samples were taken in each quadrat using vials. Salinity was measured using Atago refractometer. Temperature and pH were simultaneously measured using a HM Digital pH meter. Turbidity was observed visually. Correlation was analyzed using the statistic tool Pearson’s correlation through PAST software. The correlation analysis in Glan yielded a negative correlation of -0.99915 between salinity and seagrass distribution, implying an unhealthy fluctuation of salinity in the area which can harm seagrass. pH resulted in 0.99916 and temperature in 0.76758. In Maasim, the analysis yielded positive correlations in all physicochemical properties. 0.4342 for pH, 0.4342 for temperature, and 0.93193 for salinity. Overall, the results indicate generally healthy seagrass beds which means they are in a generally healthy marine environment. Researchers strongly recommend a more extensive study on the correlation of physicochemical properties with seagrasses along Sarangani Bay.
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