Icthyofaunal species and water quality of Ubihan river Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines/ Angel Borlagdan, Mary Antoinnete J. JIntalan, Threz Zyrene R. Reybuenan, and Ma. Margarita N. Torres .--

Thesis (undergraduate)

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

Includes bibliography:

This study determined the ichthyofaunal species and water quality of the Ubihan River in
Meycauayan, Bulacan. The anthropogenic activities that attribute to the condition of the
river was conducted. Physico-chemical parameters of water that include turbidity,
temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen
demand (BOD), nitrates, and phosphates—and biological properties like total coliform
were analyzed. Based on the results, eight fish species was identified in Ubihan River.
Mayaheros urophthalmus and Sarotherodon melanotheron, both from the Cichlidae
family, were the most abundant, while Eleotris melanosoma from the Gobiidae family was
the least abundant. Statistical analysis revealed significant temporal variations in water
quality parameters, though spatial differences across the sites were less pronounced. High
coliform counts suggest contamination from sewage and runoff, posing risks to human and
aquatic life. The Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’s diversity indices confirmed a diverse
ichthyofaunal species in the Ubihan River, despite the environmental stressors. The
correlation between poor water quality and reduced species diversity underscores the need
for targeted conservation efforts. The research contributes valuable insights into freshwater
biodiversity conservation in the Philippines, emphasizing the urgent need to address
anthropogenic impacts on vulnerable aquatic habitats.