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ABSTRACT MAPALO, AEZZEN JOICI E. and RIGUA, JHUN R. 2021. Macrofaunal Diversity Assessment of Oaig-Upay-Abulao River in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Undergraduate Thesis. College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development. Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac 2906, Ilocos Norte. 66 pp. Dr. Floramante C. Pastor Adviser: The study was conducted in Oaig-Upay-Abulao River, Paoay, Ilocos Norte during the months of February and March 2021. It aimed to assess macrofaunal diversity using diversity indices and assess the water quality, relate and compare these relative to their spatial locations, and determine the anthropogenic activities within and along the river. Experimental, correlational and descriptive research designs were used in the study. Three designated sampling stations were used in the assessment. A survey questionnaire was also used to determine the anthropogenic activities along and within the river. Results showed that a total of 14 species were identified in the river with Platax orbicularis (bayang-bayang) as the most abundant followed by Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia), and Leiognathus fasciatus (sapsap). Species diversity indices were not significantly influenced by spatial locations of the stations. Diversity index in the three sampling stations are all within the scale of very low diversity. Water quality, assessed by its physical and chemical characteristics, showed significant variations relative to the spatial locations except DO. The pH and DO levels in all the stations are within the desired level for fisheries. TDS, salinity, and EC levels were significantly affected by spatial locations. Their levels are much higher than the normal levels for freshwater which is more indicative to the nature of estuanne waters Water quality indicators like temperature and EC have negligible relationship with richness while the rest of the indicators have low relationship. Evenness had negligible relationship also with temperature, DO, TDS, salinity and EC but have low correlation with depth, width, and pH. Diversity had negligible relationship with depth, temperature, and pH but with low relationship with width, DO, TDS, salinity and EC. Results of these suggest that there were no remarkable relationship of diversity indices and water quality. The most notable anthropogenic activities within the river are fishing and related activities like establishment of fish pens, FADs, net and hook fishing, while farming and livestock raising were the activities along the river. There is no noted disposal of either solid or liquid wastes in the river since this is prohibited. Based on the findings, the study concludes that the very low diversity of the river as indicated by the diversity index implies that it has poor condition Furthermore the species diversity indices are not significantly affected by spatial locations. However, water quality indicators are affected by spatial location except DO. Levels of all the indicators are within the desired level for fisheries except TDS, salinity and EC which are very much higher than the normal level for freshwaters. There are also anthropogenic activities that need consideration. Establishment of fish cages is a common activity within the river while farming and livestock farming are the most predominant activities along the river. These are possible sources of river pollution and thus need attention. |
