STATUS OF HEAVY METALS IN SEA WATER OF APARRI, CAGAYAN, PHILIPPINES AND THE AWARENESS OF STAKEHOLDERS ON HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION AND INTOXICATION
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Abstract
This study aimed to assess the status of heavy metals (Cadmium and Arsenic) in the seawater of Aparri, Cagayan and the awareness of respondents- fisherfolks and implementors (BFAR and DENR personnel)- towards heavy metal contamination and intoxication. The level of Cadmium and Arsenic were measured in seawater samples taken from the seashore and at the fishing area using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Close ended questionnaire was used in assessing the level of awareness of stakeholders towards heavy metal contamination and intoxication. The gathered results revealed that the water samples collected at the seashore and fishing area regardless of tidal status are contaminated with arsenic, while the fishing area is contaminated with cadmium during low tides only. When it comes to the level of awareness of respondents, the results revealed that they have moderate level of awareness when it comes to heavy metal contamination and intoxication. This implies that respondents are aware and can partially describe heavy metal contamination and intoxication. The results also revealed that age, educational attainment, average net monthly income and encumbered appliances have impact on the level of awareness of respondents towards the effects of heavy metal contamination while age, educational attainment, frequency of immersion to seawater, average net income, length of service and encumbered appliances have impact on the level of awareness of respondents towards the remediations on heavy metal contamination. Based from these findings, the researcher concluded that the seawater of Aparri is contaminated with Arsenic regardless of the site of collection and tidal status and Cadmium at the fishing area during low tides only. It was concluded further that respondents have a moderate level of awareness when it comes to heavy metal contamination and intoxication. Considering this, a program plan towards heavy metal contamination and intoxication control program was proposed for the municipality of Aparri, Cagayan. Based from this conclusion, the researcher recommends that implementing agencies shall intensify Information Education Campaign materials towards heavy metal contamination and intoxication and shall consider to continue the testing and monitoring of heavy metal contents of sea water and aquatic commodities.