Francis Albert T. Argente, Senona A. Cesar, Danilo T. Dy
Polymesoda erosa is an economically and ecologically important bivalve which thrives in brackish water mangroves or Nypa zones. Unpredictable weather conditions and unregulated anthropogenic activities in mangrove area can lead to high turbidity conditions and possibly affect the filtering capacity of P. erosa. This study will aid in the development of culture technique of this species in the region. Results could also be used to facilitate adequate stock management for potential commercial exploitation in Central Philippines. A laboratory experiment was conductedtodetermine the effects of turbidity concentration and body size on the filtration rate and pseudofaeces production of P. erosa. Filtration rates significantly increased with higher turbidity concentration up to 750 mg/L (p < 0.05). Pseudofaeces production also increased with increasing turbidity concentration (p < 0.05). Body size did not affect the filtration and pseudofaeces production of P. erosa. Results suggested that P. erosa was resilient to highly disturbed turbid environments and therefore, could be a potential candidate species for aquaculture.
Pangasinan State University-Binmaley Campus, Binmaley, Pangasinan, Philippines; Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines; University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
