Nutrient Dispersion Patterns And Their Applications To Environmental Geology

Rene Juna R. Claveria, Benica Joy D. Pasaporte, Karen Grace C. Ochavo, Kathleen Anne A. Cruz, Jenny Mae D. Perez

Department of Environmental Science
Ateneo De Manila University

Abstract

Environmental Geology encompasses a very broad scope of interrelated fields of study from the fundamentals of earth sciences and geohazards to the utilization of natural resources and the consequential concerns of increasing water, soil and air pollution. This study looks into the various parameters that are significant in assessing the quality of water resources. Such assessments are brought about by the rising concerns on the environmental conditions of various water bodies which may in part be important to the existence of the surrounding communities. The study areas are some selected lakes in San Pablo Laguna and some riparian ecosystems in Indang Cavite, where both bodies of water are considered valuable resources. To trace nutrient dispersion and sourcing, soils and sediments were analyzed. Dispersion trends of sulfates, phosphates, nitrates and organic carbon were studied in the different parts of the lake and river systems. Natural considerations have nutrient concentrations dispersing from inlet rivers to lakes and to outlet rivers. The downstream flow of rivers normally manifest decreasing concentrations of nutrients. In the soils, the nutrient concentrations are notably affected by the topography and vegetation of the study areas. Observations from this study have noted that areas with identified anthropogenic activities have anomalously elevated nutrient concentrations and such activities have definitely influenced the dispersion patterns of nutrients. Eutrophication in bodies of water relates well to outside sourcing and human activities.