| Summary: | The physicochemical characteristics and microbial loads of water provide valuable information on the quality of water and their impacts on the morphology, physiology, and biodiversity of the organisms living in the body of water. The study aims to determine the physicochemical and microbial characteristics of waters in Samar mussel farms. The study areas are located in Maqueda Bay and Canbatutay Bay where mussel farms in Samar, Philippines, are situated and the major source of marine products in the province. The results revealed that among the six physicochemical parameters tested, four were within the Philippine Standards namely: temperature, pH, conductivity, and total dissolved solids. However, turbidity and total solids suspended exceeded the limit of Fishery Water Class I waters quality standard. Waters in Samar mussel farms are free from lead and cadmium contamination. However, iron and copper content of the seawater samples of both stations exceeded the limit of the Philippine standards. Higher iron content and bacterial loads in seawater sample were found in Station 2. To reduce E. coli, iron, and copper contamination on the mussel farms, municipal ordinances on solid wastes and marine litters must be enforced. Keywords: Heavy metals, Physicochemical properties, Microbial analysis, Mussel farms, Seawater
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