Spatio-temporal variation in heavy metal concentration near mining sites using Enhalus acoroides as biomonitor

European Chemistry Congress

June 16-18, 2016 Rome, Italy

Jonalyn C Madriaga and Rene N Rollon

University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Chem Sci J

Abstract :

In this study, Enhalus acoroides was used as a proxy in determining the spatial and temporal variations of heavy metal concentrations in Hinadkaban Bay, Claver Surigao del Norte (an area near mining activities). Heavy metal concentration in the leaves and rhizomes of the seagrass and the sediments of the area are quantified. Furthermore, the capability of E. acoroides as biomonitor was evaluated. More importantly, an attempt to reconstruct the levels of heavy metal for the past 10 years using lepidochronology technique was done. Given such, temporal trends can be elucidated. All heavy metal analysis will be performed using Agilent 7500 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy. Results showed that Enhalus acoroides is a good biomonitor. It was found that the levels of heavy metals in tissues of seagrass species in areas near mining discharge points are significantly higher than those that are away from it. The result of this study will give us an information on the condition of the area which could be used to assess whether the efforts of LGU towards Marine and Coastal Protection has been effective. In the given context, it might give an idea whether there is a need to review and/or amend some policy and guidelines with respect to Marine and Coastal Protection and Environmental Monitoring Strategies. The ability to reconstruct past heavy metal concentrations may serve as a quicker and cheaper tool in developing baseline and monitoring information, which serves to be significant in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). jcmadriaga1@gmail.com