Abundance and Biomass of Tikam (Pyganodon cataracta) in the Rice Paddies of Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province

Authors

  • Lichelyn M. Nasungan

    Science Department, Mountain Province State University, Bontoc 2616, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i3.13049
Received: 20 January 2026 | Revised: 19 March 2026 | Accepted: 24 March 2026 | Published Online: 6 May 2026

Abstract

This study determined the differences in abundance and biomass of freshwater Tikam (Pyganodon cataracta) in Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province, and assessed the soil and water quality between two study sites: (1) spring-fed rice paddies and (2) paddies affected by agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater. Mussels were collected, counted, measured, and analyzed for wet and dry biomass. Mean abundance, biomass, and shell growth of P. cataracta were significantly higher in spring-fed paddies than in runoff-affected paddies. In particular, wet biomass in spring-fed paddies was more than twice that of the polluted site, while mussels there also exhibited larger average shell length and width. Physico-chemical qualities revealed significant differences in soil pH, organic matter content, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen, while water pH showed no significant difference between sites. These findings indicate that higher temperatures, lower dissolved oxygen, and altered soil characteristics in runoff-affected paddies negatively affect mussel populations. The results underscore that P. cataracta can serve as a useful bioindicator of paddy ecosystem health. Beyond ecological significance, the reduced abundance of Tikam in polluted paddies also implies a decline in a traditional food source, highlighting the need for integrated management of rice agroecosystems for both biodiversity conservation and community food security.

Keywords:

Pyganodon cataracta; Physicochemical; Abundance; Biomass; Rice Paddies; Bontoc

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How to Cite

Nasungan, L. M. (2026). Abundance and Biomass of Tikam (Pyganodon cataracta) in the Rice Paddies of Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province. Research in Ecology, 8(3), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i3.13049

Issue

Vol.8, Iss.3 (June 2026)(In Progress)

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2026 Lichelyn M. Nasungan

Creative Commons License

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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