Abstract
Lead Contamination in the Waters of the Port of Mukas, Kolambugan, Philippines
Joshua Marco Jimenez1, Simon Julsz Tagaro1, Joseph E. Tabotabo1, Joeniel L. Catingub1, Charity May Dacayana-Alvarez2
Due to human population increase, industrialization, use of fertilizers in
agriculture and human-made activities, our bodies of water can be polluted
with heavy metals such as lead. The aim of this study was to assess lead
contamination in the waters of the Port of Mukas, Kolambugan, Lanao del
Norte. Three sampling stations were established in the area and collection of
water samples was done in replicates. The presence of lead was determined
using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results showed that the average lead
concentration was 0.18 mg/L which exceeds the allowable limit value of 0.5
mg/L set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for toxic
and deleterious substances in marine waters with beneficial usage. The high
concentration of lead in the area might be due to the salvaging of ships which
uses paints and welding equipment as well as leaded petrol cars and some
discharges from industries and residential houses near the port. The results of
this study may serve as baseline information for developing and implementing
conservation policies or strategies to effectively manage the aquatic
environment of the Port of Mukas and the Panguil Bay at large.
KEYWORDS: industrialization, marine, paints, ships, spectroscopy
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