Evaluation of Water Quality in Manila Bay Dolomite Beach

Mylene DG Oliva^ab

Miguel Alessandro DG Oliva^b

Lakan Lawin M. Mabborang^b

Alberto Eduardo Q. Sioson^b

Victor Yshmael T. Toral^b

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^a Enderun Colleges ^b Ateneo de Manila University

Keywords: dolomite beach, water quality, environment

ABSTRACT

The Manila Bay Dolomite Beach, operational for less than a year, has shown positive results in terms of water quality near the shore since its completion. However, it is important to note that dolomite, particularly when ground into sand, can have adverse effects on human health. Inhalation of fine dolomite particles can lead to respiratory diseases, depending on the amount and frequency of exposure. When dolomite sand is introduced into water, it exhibits different characteristics. Application of dolomite sand to beach waters has demonstrated improvements in the overall profile of Manila Bay’s waters. The physico-chemical variables such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH level, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, water conductivity, and nutrient content are significant factors in determining the quality of saltwater. According to research findings, all these parameters meet the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and align with average normal levels observed in various global articles. Moreover, secondary sources, including DENR reports, suggest that biological analysis of fecal coliform or bacteria levels in the water has also improved. However, it is important to consider the potential long-term effects of dolomite on marine biodiversity. Available published articles indicate that the introduction of dolomite sand into the shoreline and subsequently into the depths of the neritic zone may have detrimental impacts. Marine organisms sensitive to changes in dissolved minerals, pH, and salinity are likely to respond negatively to this foreign material in the coastal system.

This study contributes to the existing literature on the current state of Manila Bay by evaluating its water quality in the presence of dolomite sand.