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Economic Activities and Nutrient Loading in Taal Lake and Wawa River
Tributary: Basis for Community-Based Ecological Systems Remediation Project

Conference Paper · February 2016

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 Economic Activities and Nutrient Loading in Taal Lake and Wawa River Tributary:
Basis for Community-Based Ecological Systems Remediation Project
Milano O. Torres1,2, Eden V. Evangelista, PhD3
1Graduate Student, Philippine Normal University, Manila, 2Assistant Professor III, First Asia Institute of
Technology and Humanities, 3Professor, Philippine Normal University, Manila

Introduction. Taal Lake is within the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL), a
protected landscape under RA 7586 or National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
Taal Lake is the third largest lake in the Philippines and has a biodiversity of its own and is also
considered a very important fisheries resource (Aquilino & Tango, 2011). The lake being
economically important for its tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) aquaculture (Aquilino, 2011) and
agriculturally significant because of the presence of commercially important endemic and
indigenous fish species such as the world’s only freshwater sardine, tawilis, Sardinella tawilis,
and a migratory species, maliputo, Caranx ignobilis (Papa, Pagulayan & Pagulayan, 2008;
Agasen, Clemente, Rosana & Kawit, 2006). With such economic productivity and biodiversity
complex, it is quite unfortunate that the lake is facing environmental challenges. This paper
posited on the general issue that economic activities directly influence Taal Lake ecosystem;
hence, this investigation specifically aimed to achieve the following: (1) To describe the present
economic situation within the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape including tourism-related
activities, agri-fishery-aquaculture productivity, and industrial development; (2) To provide
historical and experimental data relative to one of the tributary rivers to the lake, i.e. Wawa River,
eutrophic profile e.g. phosphorus (P) as phosphates and nitrogen (N) as nitrates; and (3) To
recommend pro-active, community-based environmental program to stakeholders toward
ecological systems remediation

Methods. The experimental samples from designated water quality monitoring stations,
were collected. Supplementary data from previous reports prepared and published by Department
of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and Department of
Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) were
also presented. Studies were conducted relative to nutrient loading, waste loading, aquaculture
monitoring of lake, water quality monitoring of tributary rivers and lake eutrophication were
derived. Using DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 34 s. 1990 as standard, water quality
parameters i.e. N and P contents were evaluated. Interviews with key personnel of important
government agencies relative to management and protection of Taal Lake were also conducted.
Wawa River is a river tributary to Taal Lake and is the site of the study. Water samples from the
river and the lake were collected and then analyzed P and N contents. Water sampling was done
last October 30, 2015 and November 27, 2015.

Results and Discussion. There is noted development within the perimeter occupying
North Batangas which is part of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) as evidenced by
tourism growth and industrial/agro-industrial activities. Taal Lake water adjacent to Tanauan City
and the Wawa River are eutrophic as indicated P level is elevated with respect to DENR
Administrative Order No. 34 s. 1990. While DENR parameter for Class B water gives no
recommendation for allowable limit for N, historical and current values for N are revealed, hence,
DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2001-09 which sets Taal Lake as Class B water is challenged.
Nutrient loading in the lake due to aquaculture activities and nutrient discharge via river
tributaries contribute to elevated P and N levels may lead to eutrophication.

Conclusion and Recommendation. Local government units may revisit Unified Rules
and Regulations for Fisheries (URRF) and an ecological systems remediation tool or mechanism
to recycle and utilize nutrients is necessary. Ultimately, a prototype aquaponic system can be
piloted within the fish cage or within communities or areas where nutrient surplus is evident.

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