Heavy Metals and Physico-Chemical Changes of Plant Species in Bulacao, Concepcion, Valencia City, Bukidnon

Author: Cababan Mc Arthur L., Casona Girlie S., Catane Gretchen V., Cezar Lloyd P., Dap-og Evangiline R., Binghay Denzil Earl Allien N. and Ejem Lynnette A.

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Abstract

As soils receive increased attention in global policy discussions, the concepts of soil quality and soil health are becoming more widely utilized. This study suggests focusing on soil health by assessing actual soil conditions through a limited set of indicators that reflect favorable rooting conditions along the Cawa River in Concepcion, Valencia City. Soils play a crucial role in supporting ecosystem services, which in turn contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Surprisingly, the Cawa River has been found to contain significant amounts of various heavy metals. This highlights an urgent need for new methods to prevent uncontrolled pollution from agricultural activities, aiming to mitigate further degradation of the river in the coming decades. Additionally, the Cawa River region exhibits greater climatic diversity and higher elevations compared to the Pantaron range, leading to a unique floristic composition and the development of woody vegetation along the slopes. The concept of soil security, emphasizing the networking aspect, was vital in this study. By effectively integrating fieldwork with laboratory analyses, researchers are encouraged to revisit foundational approaches. While basic research remains essential, it should be better integrated with tacit knowledge within a bidirectional knowledge chain. Overall, reshaping the discourse on soil is both necessary and achievable, demanding innovative thinking

Keywords

Biodiversity, Cawa river, Geological features, Soil Analysis

Conclusion

The Cawa River in Concepcion is characterized by forest over sandstone habitats at elevations ranging from 900 to 1500 meters above sea level, resembling the Fernando forest formation over limestone (2008). This habitat type features sparse vegetation with small and occasional large trees dominating the landscape. The mineral composition varies across different sections of the river: the upper stream shows presence of minerals like Geothite, Pyroxene, and Amphibole, which are indicative of favorable conditions. Moving downstream, the middle and lower streams exhibit minerals such as Maghemite, Gibbsite, Quartz, Feldspar, and Kaolins. Quartz and various forms of iron oxides like Geothite and Maghemite are prevalent throughout the river. Analysis of sediment samples collected from the Cawa River indicates alarmingly high concentrations of potentially harmful metals. Interestingly, the Cawa River consistently shows the highest concentrations of nearly all heavy metals compared to other sites where sediments were sampled. This underscores the significant impact of mining activities in the region, contributing to metal contamination in the river ecosystem. To prevent further degradation of the river in the future, urgent measures are needed to control and mitigate pollution from mining activities along the Cawa River. One proposed solution is the construction of an impoundment in the river to serve as a precipitation basin for storing and managing contaminated river waste effectively. This initiative aims to minimize the environmental impact of metal pollution and safeguard the long-term health of the Cawa River ecosystem, ensuring its sustainability for future generations

References

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How to cite this article

Cababan Mc Arthur L., Casona Girlie S., Catane Gretchen V., Cezar Lloyd P., Dap-og Evangiline R., Binghay Denzil Earl Allien N. and Ejem Lynnette A. (2024). Heavy Metals and Physico-Chemical Changes of Plant Species in Bulacao, Concepcion, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(8): 49-58.