The Jalaur River System was studied for the quality of its water because water quality is a significant and powerful determinant of the health of aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed at investigating the physico-chemical parameters, nutrient load, heavy metal concentrations and pesticide residues of the Jalaur River system. One of the purposes of this study was to develop a database on the seasonal changes in these river characteristics. Quantitative samples of water, sediments, algae and fish were collected and analyzed during the rainy season (July-September 2009) and the dry season (January-March 2010) from five sampling stations representing upstream, midstream and downstream sections of the 123-kilometer long river. Based on the water quality standard and water classification adopted by the DENR, the Jalaur River stretch can be classified as class C and D. Class C water is for propagation and growth of aquatic resources while class D water is for agriculture, irrigation, livestock watering, and industrial cooling and processing. The detected levels of metal contamination, mainly Cr, and Pb, in sediments of Jalaur River were found to exceed the geochemical background or threshold levels. Lead and chromium were also detected in filamentous algae (lumot), Azolla, and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) sampled at Moroboro sampling site. No organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids pesticides were detected at the detection limit of the analyses for both water and sediment samples. The deterioration in the physico-chemical quality and rise in the nutrient levels observed in this study is alarming, and periodic monitoring and preventive measures are required to save the aquatic system of eutrophication. Heavy metal contamination of bottom sediments, algae and fish samples is also a cause for alarm because these heavy metals pose threats to human health. The finidngs have important implications for the development of effective water management strategies and as guide to remediation of efforts for the Jalaur River system....

Rivers are important to civilization because river water can be diverted for agricultural irrigation, industry, hygiene, and related uses. Most rivers have varied hydrological characteristics like water depth, flow rate ...

Background and aims In recent years, Cyperus rotundus has become a problem weed in lowland rice (Oryza sativa) grown in rotation with vegetables in the Philippines. As the growth of C. rotundus is commonly suppressed by prolonged flooding, the ability of the weed to grow vigorously in flooded as well as upland conditions suggests that adapted ecotypes occur in these rotations. Studies were conducted to elucidate the mechanisms that permit C. rotundus to tolerate flooded soil conditions. Methods Upland and lowland ecotypes of C. rotundus were compared in terms of growth habit, carbohydrate reserves and metabolism, and activities of enzymes involved in alcoholic fermentation – alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC). Key Results The lowland ecotype has much larger tubers than the upland ecotype. Prior to germination, the amylase activity and total non-structural carbohydrate content in the form of soluble sugars were greater in the tubers of lowland plants than in those of upland C. rotundus. At 24 h after germination in hypoxic conditions, PDC and ADH activities in the lowland plants increased, before decreasing at 48 h following germination. In contrast, ADH and PDC activities in the upland plants increased from 24 to 48 h after germination. Conclusions Tolerance of lowland C. rotundus of flooding may be attributed to large carbohydrate content and amylase activity, and the ability to maintain high levels of soluble sugars in the tubers during germination and early growth. This is coupled with the modulation of ADH and PDC activities during germination, possibly to control the use of carbohydrate reserves and sustain substrate supply in order to avoid starvation and death of seedlings with prolonged flooding....

The phytochemical constituents, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the ethanolic extract of the marine green alga Ulva pertusa collected from floating fish net cages off the ...

The high drop-out rate is one of the most serious problems in the Philippines. Many local pieces of research have been written and assessed how the present interventions are delivered. However, little efforts were made to ...

Office gastrodiplomacy refers to how food shapes and influences our social relations within organizations, usually in positive ways. Although already a pervasive practice, it is only recently that this concept has received ...

This investigation was conducted to evaluate the medicinal and phytochemical properties of four selected herbal plants: Andrographis paniculata, Cassia obtusifolia, Leonurus japonicus and Pueraria lobata found in both Central China and Western Visayas, Philippines. Mixed method research design was employed, the quantitative on herbals' descriptions and phytochemical analysis, while qualitative on interview of traditional healers. The herbals were identified and authenticated by the research team. The phytochemical analyses used the methods: Extraction of plant parts, Thin Layer Chromatography, UV identification and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The bioactive compounds diterpenoid dehydroangropholide in A. paniculata supports the claim of local healers to treat stomach ache and diabetes; the terpenoid orange cassia and chrysophanol in C. obtusifolia seeds supports the treatment for ulcer, hepatitis or liver associated ailment, ringworm, scabies and psoriasis; the alkaloid leonurine hydrochloride in L. japonicus leaves supports the healing practices in treating menstrual disorders and fever; and the flavonoid puerarin in P. lobata tubers supports the claim of traditional healers in regulating menstruation, diuresis, fever and promotes blood circulation. Most healing practices in both study areas have scientific explanations....