Physical Profile of the Major Rivers in Eastern Samar inside the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP)

The study was conducted to illustrate the physical profile of the three major rivers of Eastern Samar inside the SINP to serve as a reference for the river landscape. Highlights of the profile are river width, depth, water velocity and water flow rate, potential source, river stretch, flood height and flood plain as inputs to development and disaster planning. Data presented here were based on field surveys supported and guided by reference maps. Based on the survey, a potential source of Oras and Ulot-Can-avid Rivers is San Jose de Buan, Samar while Suribao River flows from the closed-canopy forest from Borongan-Maydolong-Llorente (Eastern Samar). Flooding and erosion were observed in the three rivers, but the highest silt deposits and the widest flood plain were in Oras River, with the highest water flow rate in the upstream. Erosion and quarrying were observed in all rivers. Bamboo reforestation is conducted in Suribao River as river bank erosion control measures. Results of the survey revealed the high risk to our rivers and river villagers due to flooding and erosion, in addition to the loss of properties and livelihood, and the ecological conservation of the landscape. Collective rehabilitation measures should be crafted for a unified action to address environmental issues parallel to development plans to promote but sustainably manage our resources and protect our villagers.

Status of Caulerpa J. V. Lamouroux (1809) (Chlorophyta: Bryopsidales) in Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Central Philippines

A descriptive survey was conducted in Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar to describe the status of Caulerpa as the potential for aquaculture. Identification of species with natural populations, species with massive natural populations and the edible species favoured by the local residents were the specific objectives of this study. The observed massive population with 85% cover in 100 sqm was a combination of the nine Caulerpa species, which are C. racemosa, C. lentillifera, C. chemnitzia var. peltata, C. cylindracea, C. brachypus, C. macrophysa, C. microphysa, C. serrulata and C. sertularioides. The majority, 98%, was composed of C. racemosa and C. lentillifera, while other species were observed in one to two feet of stolon length underneath the two species. C. racemosa and C. lentillifera were identified as the most locally consumed species by 100% of the respondents, but C. lentillifera was most preferred by 98% due to its thinner ramuli over C. racemosa. Results revealed that Sulangan is a potential area for Caulerpa aquaculture with reference to the specific location and specifically to C. racemosa and C. lentillifera. Preliminary trials on Caulerpa aquaculture can be initially introduced;however, seasonality should be validated.

Physical Profile of Calbiga River, Samar, Central Philippines

Physical profile is significant reference to in addressing areas at risk due to fluvial processes and in establishing the physiographic maps especially in protected areas. Calbiga is one of the major rivers inside the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). The source of Calbiga river was traced at the foot of Mt. Huraw of San Jose de Buan, Samar. The area is at the center of the Samar Island with an elevation of 850 meter above sea level (MASL). The river stretches 36.4 kilometers, with an average span of 44.57 meters, and average depth of 2.6 meters. The average height of the river bank is 7.67 meters, with rage of 5 - 10 meters. Generally, the substrate was sand. On fluvial dynamics, the average water velocity is 0.20 mps with the average water flow of 18.64 m3/sec. The floodplain ranged from 10 - 15 meters and 5 to 7 meters high. The river control measures are making a positive impact, though it could be reviewed to address the low elevation of the midstream. Rehabilitation measures at the watershed should be considered, parallel to the policy implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) measures.

Microplastics Detection and Identification in the Waters along Coastal Areas of Borongan City

This study detects the presence of microplastics in the coastal areas of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, this specifically implies the microplastics present in the waters along coastal areas of Borongan City. Two (2) sampling areas were identified and selected for the presence of these microcontaminants using density separation, filtration and microscopic identification. Results reveal a total of 35 microplastics observed from the water samples collected, with this the microplastics from Baybay boulevard with an average of 0.79 microplastics per Liter, while the average microplastic contamination in Hilangagan beach resort was calculated at 0.43 microplastics per Liter. This sums up to an average of 0.49 microplastics per Liter for both sampling sites in Borongan City.

Excess Heat Power Registration in High Voltage Electrolysis Cell Experiments

Experimental research of the heat and high-energy processes occurring in the cathode solid medium in the high voltage electric discharge system （electrolysis cell and glow discharge device） is presented. The experiments were carried out： Electrolysis in heavy water with a Pd cathode, electrolysis in light water with Ni and Pd cathodes, the glow discharge in deuterium with a Pd cathode. Excess heat was observed in experiments with high-voltage electrolysis （1,000 V or more）. The experiments showed that the maximum excess heat power values of 5-8 W for glow discharge and 180-280 W for high-voltage electrolysis and heat efficiency up to 170% for glow discharge, and 800% for high-voltage electrolysis. The production of impurity nuclide yield showing a shift of up to a few per cent from natural isotopic abundances was detected by spark mass spectrometry and by secondary ionic mass spectrometry. The authors propose based on these experimental results a phenomenological model for low energy nuclear reaction.