Water Quality and Nutrient Loading in the Coastal Waters of Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Central, Philippines

Abstract

This study analyzed the water quality dynamics in the coastal zone of Boracay Island in relation to anthropogenic activities and natural factors. Seven sites were studied where possible sources of nutrient inputs on spatial and temporal basis were identified. Water samples were evaluated using the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regulatory standards. The coastal water quality was generally influenced by nutrient loading coming from untreated and partially treated waste water from households and commercial establishments not connected to the sewerage system of the island. Natural cleansing mechanisms attributed to activities of autotrophs in the coastal water and biogeochemical processes of mangrove swamps are operational. Coastal waters adjacent to mangrove swamp impoverished of mangrove trees showed poor water quality, while coastal water adjacent to mangrove swamp with relatively good mangrove cover exhibited good water quality. The months of February to June with highest number of tourist arrival proved to be the critical periods. Lugotan Cove close to Mangrove Swamp 6 impoverished of trees was the critical area in the Island. Puka Beach close to Mangrove Swamp 1 with good mangrove cover showed the cleanest water quality, followed by Long Beach with most of the commercial establishments connected to the sewerage system.

Investigating the Relationship of Water Quality on Land Cover Change in Boracay Island

“…Its coastline length, approximately 24.36 kilometers (PhilAtlas, n.d.), is noted for its four-kilometer stretch beaches and Long or White Beach (Smith et al, 2011). The island's landmass consists of a thin topsoil layer which covers coralline limestone known as karstic soil, which is a porous substance that allows domestic wastes and effluents to easily penetrate and contaminate both the groundwater and the coastal waters (Limates et al, 2016). Furthermore, Boracay Island can be divided into four zones, as shown in Figure 1, which were derived from the study of Tomoling (2014, unpublished), coinciding with the water quality monitoring stations set by DENR.…”

“…However, the rapid growth of tourism back in the 1970s prompted haphazard practices on infrastructure and tourism management (Varga, n.d.). Additionally, the surge of tourists, unplanned developments, poor sewage system, and improper waste management caused a degenerating effect on the water quality and ecosystem of the island (Limates et al, 2016;Burgos, 2015). By 2018, a survey on the island's sewerage facilities showed that 85% of residential and commercial properties were pumping wastewater directly into the sea resulting in increased levels of coliform bacteria in its waters (DENR, 2019).…”