This article discusses the assessment of groundwater quality using a hybrid technique that would aid in the convenience of groundwater (GW) quality monitoring. Twenty eight (28) GW samples representing 62 barangays in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines were analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal (HM) concentrations. The 28 GW samples were collected at suburban sites identified by the coordinates produced by Global Positioning System Montana 680. The analysis of heavy metal concentrations was conducted onsite using portable handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) Spectrometry. Hybrid machine learning—geostatistical interpolation (MLGI) method, specific to neural network particle swarm optimization with Empirical Bayesian Kriging (NN-PSO+EBK), was employed for data integration, GW quality spatial assessment and monitoring. Spatial map of metals concentration was produced using the NN-PSO-EBK. Another, spot map was created for observed metals concentration and was compared to the spatial maps. Results showed that the created maps recorded significant results based on its MSEs with values such as 1.404 × 10−4, 5.42 × 10−5, 6.26 × 10−4, 3.7 × 10−6, 4.141 × 10−4 for Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, respectively. Also, cross-validation of the observed and predicted values resulted to R values range within 0.934–0.994 which means almost accurate. Based on these results, it can be stated that the technique is efficient for groundwater quality monitoring. Utilization of this technique could be useful in regular and efficient GW quality monitoring.

Concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) were assessed in Tilapia spp. from selected communities in Calapan City, Philippines. Eleven (11) inland farmed tilapia samples were collected and analyzed for HMs concentration using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The 11 fish samples were cut into seven pieces, according to the fish body parts, constituting a total of 77 samples. These fish samples were then labeled as bone, fins, head, meat, skin, and viscera. Results showed that the mean concentration of Cd in all parts of tilapia exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) limits. The highest concentration was recorded in the fins, which was sevenfold higher than the limit. The trend of the mean concentration of Cd in different parts of tilapia was fins > viscera > skin > tail > head > meat > bone. The target hazard quotient (THQ) recorded a value less than 1. This means that the population exposed to tilapia, within the area where fish samples originated, were not at risk to non-carcinogens. The concentrations of Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, and Zn in different parts, particularly in skin, fins, and viscera, also exceeded the FAO/WHO limits. The calculated cancer risk (CR) in consuming the fish skin, meat, fins, bone, viscera, and head was higher than the USEPA limit. This indicated a possible carcinogenic risk when consumed regularly. Most of the correlations observed between HMs in various parts of the tilapia had positive (direct) relationships, which were attributed to the HM toxicity target organ characteristics. Results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that most of the dominating HMs recorded in tilapia were attributable to anthropogenic activities and natural weathering within the watershed of agricultural areas. The agriculture area comprises about 86.83% of the overall land area of Calapan City. The identified carcinogenic risks were associated with Cd. Therefore, regular monitoring of HMs in inland fishes, their habitat, and surface water quality shall be carried out. This information is useful in creating strategies in metals concentration monitoring, health risks reduction program, and relevant guidelines that would reduce the accumulation of HM in fish.

Recent researches are geared towards finding alternative sources of renewable energy and solar power seems to be an attractive avenue and currently, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have gained worldwide attention. This study aimed to fabricate DSSC that makes use of an improvised conductive glass, with zinc oxide in nappy cream as photoanode and mangosteen pericarp extract as a sensitizer. It sought to find the effect of DSSC processing on the conductivity and performance in terms of current, voltage, and power density generated, and evaluate its stability. Ordinary 1/8" mirror was made conductive glass by stripping the gray coat with very fine sandpaper then heating to remove the orange coat. Conductivity was good (2.1 ohms) and etching with povidone-iodine provided transparency for the photoanode. The DSSCs were capable of producing a mean current of 0.0007 mA and mean voltage of 2.8670 mV that last for ninety minutes. The present study showed DSSCs could be constructed using indigenous materials. Further research is needed for finding ways to improve its efficiency and lifespan. By knowing the principles of the DSSCs, and enhancing the innovativeness and creativity of the current DSSC, researchers can overcome the lack of expensive materials and equipment for future studies.

Neonatal conjunctivitis is a worldwide problem.  Although global incidence is not known, incidents of 1-24% have been reported from various regions of the world especially those practicing home delivery without standard prophylaxis.  This study was an in-vitro investigation on possible prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) like potassium aluminum sulfate (KAlSO4)2 and povidone iodine (C6H9I2NO) in comparison to tetracycline. A five by three (5x3) factorial experiment in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used in this study.  Factor A was the five-test bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. while Factor B was the experimental variables or the substances to be tested such as alum, povidone iodine and tetracycline.  Aluminum was diluted and subjected to purity test prior to bacteria assay.  The zone of inhibition was measured using a caliper and results were recorded.  Based on the in-vitro analysis, aluminum showed a positive response to the five tested bacteria as it yielded a comparative mean results of growth inhibition.   Among the possible applications of the findings in the study could be the formulation of antiseptic eye drops with the use of alum or Povidone iodine to be used as prophylaxis to guard against neonatal conjunctivitis.