Spatial Distribution of Dinoflagellates Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) in Laguimit Bay, Samar, Philippines

Authors

  • Ruel H. Amascual

    College of Industrial Technology, Samar State University, Main Campus, Catbalogan City, Samar 6700, Philippines
  • Andrew M. Gamba

    College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Samar State University, Catbalogan City, Samar 6700, Philippines
  • Edelyn Oliverio-Echapar

    College of Arts and Sciences,  Samar State University, Main Campus, Catbalogan City, Samar 6700, Philippines
  • Rezy V. Mendaňo

    College of Arts and Sciences,  Samar State University, Main Campus, Catbalogan City, Samar 6700, Philippines
  • Ma. Luningning L. Amparado

    College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Samar State University, Catbalogan City, Samar 6700, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i5.8823
Received: 21 February 2025 | Revised: 14 March 2025 | Accepted: 19 March 2025 | Published Online: 15 May 2025

Abstract

Laguimit Bay is among the few areas in the Philippines where green mussels thrive. However, no studies have been conducted on Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) in the area. This study investigates the spatial distribution of dinoflagellates associated with HAB in the surface water of the bay. Multiparameter water quality testers were used to determine the physicochemical characteristics while a plankton net was used to filter the dinoflagellates and counting was carried out in a compound microscope. Based on the results, the surface water temperature is between 27–31 °C while the pH ranges from 8.1–8.2 and dissolved oxygen is 6.3–6.5mg/L at salinity ranges from 30–31ppt. This indicates that the water quality of the Bay is sustainable for farming mussels. Microscopic examination of the samples showed that the only dinoflagellate associated with HAB is Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum which causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning with an average concentration of 22 cells/L. Other non-HAB species were Protoperidinium depressum with an average of 489 cells/L and the rest are Ceratium macroceros, Ceratium furca, Ceratium trichoceros, Ceratium lunula, Dinophysis caudata, Dinophysis miles. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was 1.8723 in station 1 and 1.8406 in station 2 and 1.7439 in station 3 which indicates a low diversity index. The presence of P. bahamanse has the potential for recurrence of HAB formation in Laguimit Bay which could affect the economic livelihood of fisherfolk in the country. Continued monitoring and management are recommended to mitigate potential HAB risks and ensure the sustainability of shellfish resources.

Keywords:

Pyrodinium bahamense; Green Mussel; Biotoxin; Shellfish Red Tide

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How to Cite

Ruel H. Amascual, Andrew M. Gamba, Edelyn Oliverio-Echapar, Rezy V. Mendaňo, & Ma. Luningning L. Amparado. (2025). Spatial Distribution of Dinoflagellates Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) in Laguimit Bay, Samar, Philippines. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 7(5), 507–519. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i5.8823

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 5 (May 2025)

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Copyright © 2025 Ruel H. Amascual, Andrew M. Gamba, Edelyn Oliverio-Echapar, Rezy V. Mendaňo, Ma. Luningning L. Amparado

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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