Avila, Marufrance R and Prianes, Katrina Rose S.
Abstract:
The “Environmental Monitoring using Stomata as Indicator of Air Pollution in Naga City” aims to monitor the level of pollution in Naga City through the use of stomatal opening of fringed spider flower (Cleome Rutidosperma), which is a dicot plant found in most tropical countries. Through its epidermal imprints, the researchers have determined the present air quality condition of the specified sites.
The researchers did a pre-laboratory experiment to identify and choose the possible indicator species, and use the best species as indicator to monitor the level of air pollution in Naga City. Out of eight species that the researcher gathered from one pre-laboratory experiment, only two species showed visible of stomata and reacted to the stain; the Dwarf Santan (Ixora coccinea) and the fringed spider flower (Cleome Rutidosperma), but the former species despite its stomata’s good size and visibility, does not clearly shows the details of its epidermal imprint. The researchers decided tp use the latter species, Cleome rutidosperma, as the indicator species.
Diversion Road showed 61.91%, exhibiting a significant level of air pollution with regards to the percentage of closed stomata during the weekday and only a difference of 2% in the weekend, in comparison with Barangay Bagumbayan with 51.71% closure during weekday, 41.58% in the weekend, and Pacol with only 0.15% weekday and weekend, respectively. The result of Chi-square test shows that there is a significant difference with regards to the level of air pollution respectively.
The study concludes that Baranfay Triangulo (Diversion Road) display a higher level of air pollution as compared to Barangay Bagumbayan and Barangay Pacol which also slightly polluted and no significant level of air pollution, respectively.
The researchers recommend a further study with larger scope and time of study. In addition, the researchers recommends the implementation of a proposed management scheme in the Barangay or City Level. And a creation of a written Memorandum of Agreement should be made between the LTO the LGU together with the CENRO-DENR of the City of Naga. Regular implementation of Air Quality Monitoring in the City of Naga should also be done.