Water Quality and Removal Efficiency of Suspended Solids, Copper, Lead, and Oil/Grease in Malihao River, Negros Occidental, Philippines Using Bivalve Shells

Abstract

Malihao river was reported to have a decline in water quality over the years due to the increasing human activities surrounding the river. Various pollutants were present in the river such as suspended and dissolved solids, copper, lead, cadmium, and oil/grease; and their concentration levels are beyond the set limit by the national guidelines. The removal of these compounds was studied using waste bivalve shells is a suggested remedy, as they are locally available and abundant in the region. Total suspended solids were removed using chitosan from Perna viridis up to 81%; copper and lead were removed using Polymesoda erosa in a packed column; and oil/grease was efficiently removed using Crassostrea spp. up to 80-100%. Additional monitoring efforts in the locality should be done to properly manage this body of water to prevent from further deterioration.