Publication
Abstract:The world is currently grappling with significant challenges concerning the availability and quality of freshwater resources, which profoundly impact human life. Water-borne diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines. This study assessed the microbiological contamination of the Govantes River in Vigan City, which serves multiple uses, including domestic and agricultural consumption, primary production, transportation, and recreation. Multiple-tube fermentation technique was employed to determine the coliform prevalence, and the Vitek 2 system was used to identify isolated Enterobacteriaceae. The bacteriological analysis revealed that the river is highly contaminated with total and fecal coliforms during the dry and wet seasons. Klebsiella pneumonia (38.10%) was the most prevalent isolate, followed by Providencia stuartii (28.57%), AmpC β-lactamaseproducing Enterobacter cloacae (23.81%), and AmpC β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.52%). The consistently high coliform loads across all sampling stations indicate severe contamination, and the presence of AmpC β-lactamase-producing bacteria is particularly alarming. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to revitalize and restore the river system to protect public health.
Keywords:Waterborne, Pathogen, Contamination, Antibiotic resistance
Abstract:Oyster farming in the Philippines plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of local communities, particularly in rural coastal areas of Ilocos Sur. However, the industry faces environmental degradation, limited market demand, and a prolonged cultivation period, which hinder its profitability and sustainability. This study evaluated the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water in six selected oyster farms using standardized analytical techniques. Surface water samples were collected and analyzed for temperature, pH, turbidity, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms. Physicochemical parameters were measured using the SPARK Science Learning System, while microbial quality was assessed through multiple tube fermentation technique. Results indicate that the temperature range from 28.1 to 30.1°C and pH levels of 7.56 to 7.79 obtained from all farms are within the DENR standards and suitable for oyster culture. However, turbidity in most farms exceeded the permissible level of 5 NTU, which is dangerous for oyster health. More importantly, many of these farms' fecal and total coliform counts are alarming, far higher than the DENR standard of 70 MPN/100 mL. The conditions are generally suitable for oyster farming. However, special attention is required concerning water turbidity and microbial contamination. These factors have related implications for such farms' sustainability and the harvested oysters' safety. Regular water quality monitoring, farm management improvement practices, community education for environmental protection measures, and strict enforcement of regulation measures against potential contamination risks are recommended.
Keywords:oyster farming, water quality, sustainable aquaculture, physicochemical analysis, microbial contamination
Abstract:Oyster mushroom cultivation is a sustainable practice that converts agricultural waste into valuable resources, enhancing food security and economic stability. This research examined oyster mushroom growth and production using peanut hulls and nuts as substrate supplements. The study assessed growth parameters (stipe length and diameter, pileus diameter and thickness) and production parameters (number of mushrooms per cluster, number of clusters harvested, and weight per cluster) on different substrate formulations: sawdust-molasses-limestone (S1), sawdust-molasses-limestone with 2% peanut hull (S2), sawdust-molasses-limestone with 2% nut (S3), and sawdust-molasses-limestone with 2% molasses (S4). Substrates were prepared using a completely randomized design through drying, mixing, and fermentation. The sawdust and molasses substrate produced the longest stipe and largest pileus diameter, while the sawdust and nuts substrate resulted in the largest pileus diameter, highest number of mushrooms per cluster, and greatest cluster weight. ANOVA analysis indicated no statistically significant differences between substrates, suggesting similar effects among the combinations. The study recommends using sawdust and nuts for optimal growth and production, avoiding molasses due to its inhibitory effects on cluster formation. Further research should investigate the nutrient contributions and pH levels of each substrate component to refine recommendations. Mushroom cultivators should monitor substrate pH and incorporate nuts to enhance production, with agricultural extension services providing training on effective substrate optimization.
Keywords:oyster mushroom, substrate supplement, growth and production parameters
Abstract:This study was conducted to develop a worktext in Biophysics for college students. Specifically, it aimed to determine the availability and adequacy of instructional materials in Biophysics; describe the worktext;evaluate the worktext in terms of objectives, format, content, organization, language, and usability; and determine the readability of the worktext. The study used the research and development (R&D) design and the descriptive method of research. The survey respondents were nine Physics faculty members and a university librarian. Six experts in Physics and Biology served as evaluators of the worktext. A survey checklist and the evaluation questionnaire, adopted from Salavaria (2014) were utilized. The development of the worktext was guided by the first three stages (Analysis, Design, and Development) of the ADDIE Model of Instructional Design. The data were analyzed using the mean. Results of the study revealed that 1) there is a need to develop worktextsand other instructional materials in Biophysics, 2) the worktext was described as substantial, clear, simple to understand, stimulating, and loaded with activities, 3) worktext was evaluated as excellent overall and in all criteria; 4) in terms of its readability, the worktext is suitable for college students; and 5) the worktext is highly valid as an instructional material in Biophysics. The worktext is recommended for utilization in the university. The effect of using it on the achievement of students may be measured. Similar studies may be conducted to develop worktexts in other courses using the ADDIE Model.
Keywords:Philippines, Biophysics, worktext, ADDIE Model, tertiary students
Abstract:Insects pose significant ecological threats and act as vectors for pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, insects damage crops, leading to substantial economic losses. Traditionally, chemical insecticides have been employed to manage insect populations; however, their detrimental effects on the environment and human health have raised concerns. The study evaluated the potential of Raphanus sativus as an alternative natural insecticide. Contact toxicity and mortality assays were used to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of R. sativus leaf extract in varying concentrations against D. melanogaster larvae and adults. The insecticidal activity was assessed by measuring percentage mortality at three different time intervals (30, 45, and 60 minutes). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Scheffe's post-hoc tests, were conducted to identify significant differences between treatments. The findings demonstrated that R. sativus leaf extract exhibited insecticidal activity against D. melanogaster larvae after 45 and 60 minutes of exposure. The extract showed promising efficacy against adult D. melanogaster, with insecticidal activity comparable to the chemical insecticide malathion at all exposure times (30, 45, and 60 minutes). These results suggest that R. sativus leaf extract holds potential as an effective and environmentally safer alternative to chemical insecticides in pest management.
Keywords:insecticidal, contact toxicity, mortality test
On-going
- Feasibility Study on the Offering of MS Biology in UNP (E-22-23-c43)
- In Vitro Investigation of the Antioxidant Activity of L. CASEI and Its Anticancer Applications (AFNR-25-4)
- Collection and Identification of Edible Mushrooms in Ilocos Sur (MRDC-24-2)
- Species Diversity and Composition of Mangroves in Ilocos Sur, Philippines (AFNR-22-23-c11)
- Development and Acceptability of Seaweed-Crisps (AMRRDC24-5)
Presentation
- Physicochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Selected Oyster Farms in Ilocos Sur, Philippines (2025)
- Development of a Worktext in Biophysics (2024)
- Physicochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Selected Oyster Farms in Ilocos Sur, Philippines (2024)
- Growth and Production of Oyster Mushroom Using Peanut as Substrate Supplement (2024)
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