Potential use of nematode-copepod index in assessing pollution thresholds in selected coastal areas of Northern Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

Coastal areas are continuously deteriorating due to unregulated pollution sources from anthropogenic activities. These lead to subsequent loss of marine biodiversity and ecological integrity. The potential use of an index, as a pollution threshold derived from the ratio of nematode and copepods densities, is a promising tool that might be used to formulate effective coastal management strategies. Hence, a study was conducted to obtain an index based on pollution threshold level out of nematode and copepod density ratios. Collection of nematode and copepod specimens was done in selected coastal areas of Northern Mindanao using standard methods of collection and analysis of samples. Results showed that rural coastal areas had an index ranging from 0.53 to 6.07, which is below the pollution threshold level at 10. However, in the urban coastal areas, a three-fold increase of index was observed ranging at 30.53 to 38.79, which are above the pollution threshold level. This observation might be due to differing coastal utilization patterns that contribute various type, degree and magnitude of pollutants released into the coastal areas. The results of the study posed some urgent challenges to policy-makers in particular to actively monitor their coastal areas to sustain its economic and ecological importance for the present and future generations.