Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Life and Health Sciences

Keywords

Ciliophorans, Bioindicator, Heavy Metals, Laguna de Bay, Bioaccumulation Factor, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

This study investigated the uptake and bioindicator potential of ciliophorans in detecting heavy metal contamination, specifically Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and Cadmium (Cd), in Laguna de Bay, the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines. Water and ciliate samples were collected from three stations representing urban (XV), agricultural (IV), and pristine (XVIII) environments. Heavy metal concentrations were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was calculated to determine the extent of metal uptake in ciliophorans. Results showed that Lead and Zinc were significantly more concentrated in ciliates than in water, with BAF values consistently above 1, especially at the urban site. Conversely, Cadmium and Copper exhibited BAFs below 1, indicating minimal bioaccumulation. Independent samples t-tests revealed significant differences between water and ciliate concentrations for select metals, supporting the ciliophorans’ selective uptake behavior. These findings suggest that ciliophorans are effective short-term bioindicators for monitoring Lead and Zinc contamination in freshwater systems, offering a cost-efficient and responsive tool for environmental assessment and management in ecosystems like Laguna de Bay.

First Advisor

Joseph Bendo

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