Distribution and Diversity of Marine Fungi in Manila Bay, Philippines
Glenn Sia Su *
Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Kevin Dueñas
Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Kevin Roderno
Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Mary Ann Sison
Medical Microbiology Department, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Maria Lilibeth Sia Su
College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Elena Ragragio
Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Teresita De Guzman
Medical Microbiology Department, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Francisco M. Heralde III
College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The aim of our study was to isolate and determine the distribution and diversity of marine fungal species in Manila Bay.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Manila Bay, Philippines, between November 2012 and April 2013.
Methodology: Grab water samples were obtained in the Manila Bay; cultured and fungal species were examined morphologically by both macroscopic and microscopic means. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and total solids) were also determined in all study sites. Distribution and diversity indices were determined per study site. Twenty-nine isolates were obtained in all study sites and were morphologically characterized.
Results: Seven fungal genera were isolated from the Manila Bay, namely, Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., Chrysosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus sp., and yeast species were isolated from the Manila Bay.
Conclusion: Our results provide information on the distribution and diversity of marine fungi in the waters of Manila Bay. This study provides baseline information on the marine microorganisms particularly fungal diversity in the seawaters of Manila Bay’s shores.
Keywords: Fungi, marine, Philippines, biodiversity, habitats