Habit distribution of Wharf roach (Ligia exotica) and water quality of Ubihan riverine ecosystem, Bulacan, Philippines/ Lucia Marie P. Escartin, Romelyn D. Gabon, and Ryle Jairus C. Tuzon .--

Thesis (undergraduate)

College of Science .-- Bachelor of Science un Environmental Science: Technological University of the Philippines, 2024.

Includes bibliography:

This study aimed to determine the water quality and wharf roach (Ligia sp.)
abundance in Ubihan Riverine Ecosystem, Bulacan, Philippines, during five sampling
months from December 2023 to April 2024. The samples were collected in three sampling
sites: Site 1 (near boat terminal), Site 2 (fishing spot near construction area), and Site 3
(residential area, boat waterway). Grab and composite sampling methods were used in the
collection of water samples. The wharf roach specimens were collected using a handpick
method. A survey questionnaire was used in determining the anthropogenic activities,
water quality awareness, and protection and conservation measures of residents in Ubihan
River. For Class C water body, results showed that pH, biological oxygen demand, and
nitrate levels in Ubihan River were acceptable for all the sampling months based on DENR
standards, while temperature, total coliform, dissolved oxygen, and total reactive
phosphorus did not meet DENR standards. The Water Quality Index in Ubihan River was
unfit and deteriorated in all sampling months and all sampling locations. The abundance of
Ligia sp. was significantly influenced by biological oxygen demand (r=.524, p=.045) in
which they share a moderate positive correlation. Other physicochemical parameters of
water did not exhibit a significant relationship with wharf roach abundance. To better
preserve the ecosystem services of Ubihan River, an improvement in river management
and protection is needed as well as a deeper understanding of the species present in the
riverine ecosystem.