Water Quality Assessment of Sarangani Bay: Basis for Sustainable Coastal Management

Abstract

Marine ecosystems are vital for both wildlife and human populations, but their benefits depend on the quality of the water. The study aimed to assess the quality of water in Sarangani Bay for sustainable management. The study employed a descriptive research design to evaluate the quality of water covering General Santos City’s major industrialized coastal regions and Barangays. Various factors such as physical, chemical, and biological parameters, which include dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, nitrate, phosphate, fecal and total coliforms, pH, and temperature, are considered. The research findings reveal that the covered areas had organic pollution, and human activities like tourism, industry, restaurants, agro-industries, commercial establishments, and residential areas caused the variations in values. As a result, the study suggests that the two management zones, SU2 and MU2, responsible for regulation, should intensify their efforts to monitor the concerned areas. They may also consider organizing capacity-building activities through the LGU, reviewing policies on coastal resources, and enforcing environmental policies to improve the situation.