Limnology, the comprehensive scientific study of inland waters, was recently completed on Lake Buluan in Sultan Kudarat. This was a joint effort of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), and the Australia-based Hydrobiology Environmental Services.
Limnology also focuses on the physical, geographical, and biological features of lakes, ponds, rivers, springs, streams, and wetlands. A baseline limnological study describes preexisting conditions of these bodies of water that will serve as reference for monitoring environmental impacts of projects around or surrounding the said body of inland water.
“We commend those involved in the undertaking of the Lake Buluan study, it shows they care about the lake and the environment here in our province,” said Sultan Kudarat provincial board member Rolando Flrro who also sits as the provincial environment committee chair.
“We are taking note of SMI’s efforts in this undertaking. Being a mining company, it shows its commitment to protecting the environment,” Floro added.
“Lake Buluan is a Class C lake, meaning it is suitable for fishing but not for drinking and bathing,” according to Dr. Helen Pondevida, head of the study and research group from USEP.
“In terms of international classification and based on the results of our study, Lake Buluan is considered euthropic, or very rich. The major health concern with the lake is the presence of a high concentration of fecal bacteria. There was no detected health risk form other inorganic or organic parameters. Consumption of fish from the lake is also safe,” Pondevida said.
Dr. Carmelita Martinez, also of USEP, added that “the study is significant since we now know the physical and chemical characteristics of the lake which impact on fish distribution, fish health, and the quality of other biological resources in Lake Buluan.”
The year-long P2.3 million study was designed to mix research, field observation and stakeholder participation to foster collaboration, capacity building and training. Field surveys covered bathymetry (physical characteristics), water and sediment quality sampling, benthic invertebrate sampling, fish landing surveys, fish parasitology, tissue metal concentration, and water plant survey.
“It is like checking the health status, the medical history, of Lake Buluan”, said Pondevida.
“For us to be able to do that, we needed to support research data with information and observation from those who actually know the lake, the people in the area, which we did through focus group discussions. It was a total community effort,” Pondevida added.
