1 American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences ISSN (Print) 2313-4410, ISSN (Online) 2313-4402 http://asrjetsjournal.org/ Aquatic Macrophytes Composition and Diversity in Selected Sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines Jeffry M. Saro a* , Kimberly B. Pascual b , Deven P. Coquilla c , Mary Joy P. Araneta d a Research Analyst and Science Teacher, Department of Education, Division of Agusan del Sur, San Rafael, Prosperidad Agusan del Sur 8500, Philippines b Teacher I, Department of Education, Division of Butuan City, Barangay Baan Km. 3, Butuan City Agusan del Norte 8600, Philippines c Teacher I, Department of Education, Division of Agusan del Sur, Tabontabon, Sibagat Agusan del Sur 8503, Philippines d Teacher I, Department of Education, Division of Agusan del Sur, Sta. Irene, Prosperidad Agusan del Sur 8500, Philippines a Email: jeffrysaro123@gmail.com b Email: kimberly.pascual@deped.gov.ph c Email: deven.coquilla@deped.gov.ph d Email: maryjoy.araneta001@deped.gov.ph Abstract The aquatic macrophyte species has a great significant impact to the aquatic ecosystem as they plainly provide shelter for young fishes and other aquatic organisms. This study aimed to assess and evaluate the composition and diversity of macrophyte species in selected sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. The sampling sites were located near the roadway and considered to be swamp area, also it was primarily located along the middle point of Lumbocan River. Nonetheless, the researchers were utilized quadrat sampling as one of the classic tools used in ecology especially determining the diversity of a specific area. A total of 6 species aquatic macrophytes belonging to 6 families and 3 divisions was primarily collected and plainly identified at the study location. The division of Magnoliophyta had three-identified aquatic macrophytes that includes Pistia stratiotes (Araceae), Ipomea pes-caprae (Convolvulaceae), Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae). While, the division of Pteridophyta had 2 species of aquatic macrophytes, this includes Ceratopteris thalictroides (Parkeriaceae) and Salvinia molesta (Salviniaceae). Lastly, the division of Tracheophyta had only 1 aquatic macrophyte, the Euryale ferox (Nymphaeaceae). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Corresponding author. http://asrjetsjournal.org/ American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 2 Overall species diversity of the study sites is also in medium diversity of 1.745 because most likely the macrophyte communities were similar in all transects. Hence, the research study might be used as a baseline for future research, specifically in the context of the ecosystem services, sustainable macrophytes species monitoring and conservation programmes. Keywords: Macrophyte species; Quadrat sampling; Biodiversity. 1. Introduction The aquatic ecosystems are extremely rich in biodiversity (Ansari et.al., 2017). Aquatic plants play a variety of ecological roles and contribute significantly to the structure, function, and service provision of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, an aquatic ecological communities provide an irreplaceable economic and cultural resources to human societies and are presently experiencing more significant loss compared to terrestrial environments, also, dominant aquatic plants have plainly changed from native plants to invasive plants (Xiaolong and his colleagues 2020). Biological diversity, describes as Biodiversity as the variations among all organisms. It has an ecological function in the terrestrial marine and other freshwater ecosystem and the other ecological complexities where they are clearly living such as intraspecific diversity and interspecific diversity in the ecosystems (Sufia and his colleagues 2019). Aquatic macrophytes has a significant impact and very essential component to the aquatic ecosystem as they provide shelter for young fishes and other aquatic organisms (O’Hare and his colleagues 2016). Macrophytes can also be a source of monitoring water quality as, for instance, eutrophication could produce changes in species diversity and its composition. Moreover, the distribution patterns of aquatic macrophytes can be pretentious by many factors such as environmental, topography of the area, physiochemical properties of the water, and climate condition (Brovkin, 2002). Hence, the primary objective is to foretell the spatial and temporal marking in species richness that is indispensable to the protection and contributes significant conservation strategies of the endemic and endangered species in the sites (Ansari and his colleagues 2017). Macrophytes are important elements of aquatic ecosystems that grow in or near water. Their taxonomic composition, species diversity, depth, and density are valuable indicators of environmental health; as such, Macrophytes are used to assess the ecological status of water bodies (Bytyçi and his colleagues 2022; De and his colleagues 2019). Macrophytes are considered as an important component of the aquatic ecosystem as the habitat and food source for aquatic life (Mitu et.al., 2019). Furthermore, macrophyte vegetation is an important component of various types of aquatic ecosystems. Together with phytoplankton species, these autotrophic organisms are the primary producers that provide the conversion of light energy into organic carbon compounds, thereby contributing to the formation of the trophic structure of aquatic ecosystems. During photosynthesis, macrophytes not only synthesize organic substances, but also release oxygen, which is necessary for the respiration of aquatic organisms and decomposition of organic matter. Aquatic macrophyte vegetation is a food resource for a wide range of herbivores, both invertebrates (snails, crayfish, insect larvae) and vertebrates; in addition, many species of aquatic and wetland macrophyte plants are consumed by humans and used for medical purposes (Lesiv and his colleagues 2020). American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 3 Several studies have explicitly analyzed environmental factors associated with the richness and species composition of macrophytes, thus, the composition and distribution of aquatic macrophyte species varies with climate condition, substrate type, and hydrology (Garcia, 2018). According to studies, dominant species or traits drive ecosystem functioning, and positive biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships emerge simply because diverse communities are more likely to include high-functioning species, as explained by the selection effect hypothesis. It is thus necessary to assess how each species contributed to overall diversity and productivity, but our understanding has been limited primarily to non-macrophyte ecosystems, with macrophyte ecosystems, particularly in the Philippines, being overlooked (Pasion and his colleagues 2021). In Lumbocan River, a large number of plant species can be collected because it was widely diverse site. The macrophyte surveys was undertaken at selected sample sites. The method employed should be greatly consistent so that the information obtained can be utilized to check the composition and diversity of macrophytes in selected sites. Though number of techniques and methods have been developed for sampling monitoring of aquatic macrophytes in swamps (Agbogidi, 2000). The purpose of this study is to conduct an assessment of macrophyte composition and diversity in selected sites of Lumbocan river, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Therefore, this study aimed to provides baseline information on the species richness and diversity of aquatic macrophytes living in selected sites of Lumbocan river, Butuan City. *Corresponding authors: Jeffry M. Saro, Teacher and Educational Research Analyst, Division of Agusan del Sur; Kimberly B. Pascual, Teacher I, Division of Butuan City; Deven P. Coquilla, Teacher I, Division of Agusan del Sur; Mary Joy P. Araneta, Teacher I, Division of Agusan del Sur, Department of Education, CARAGA Region, Philippines 1.1 Objectives of the Study The main purpose of this study is to assess and evaluate the macrophytes composition and diversity in selected sites of Lumbocan river, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Specifically, this study also aimed to: a. Assess and identify the composition of aquatic macrophytes in selected sites of Lumbocan River; b. Determine and compare the relative frequency and diversity indices of aquatic macrophytes in the area; c. Determine the distribution and conservation status of aquatic macrophytes living along in the study location. 2. Methodology This research methodology deals with the study area, description of the sampling sites, collection and identification of aquatic macrophytes, and biodiversity indices analysis. 2.1 Study Area The study was conducted along the selected sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. The researchers were explicitly gathered the needed data to assess and determine the macrophyte species composition and diversity indices in the study location. American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 4 Figure1 2.2 Description of the Sampling Sites The Lumbocan River were located at Barangay Lumbocan, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. There are three (3) selected sites focused in this study. The first site is located near the roadway and considered to be swamp area. Whereas, the sites 2 and 3 were primarily located along the middle point of Lumbocan River. Also, these sampling sites were situated far away from the community. 2.3 Collection and identification of Aquatic Macrophytes The researchers were utilized one of the classic tools used in ecology especially determining the diversity of specific area is quadrat sampling. There were three-10m by 10m quadrats established in each study sites of Lumbocan River with an interim of 100 meters. Accordingly, several aquatic macrophytes such as submergent, floating, and floating-leaved were properly collected in selected sampling sites by applying mechanical control utilizing rakes or hand pulling (Helfrich and his colleagues 2009) within the Lumbocan River, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. The submerged macrophytes are aquatic plants that are mainly rooted in an area partially cover with water and its vegetative parts were widely emerged in the water surface. An aquatic macrophyte vegetation is a food resource for a wide range of herbivores, both invertebrates (snails, crayfish, insect larvae) and vertebrates; in addition, many species of aquatic and wetland macrophyte plants are consumed by humans and used for medical purposes (Lesiv and his colleagues 2020). The collected aquatic macrophyte species was properly identified based on the prominent description from the online platform. 2.4 Biodiversity Indices Analysis For the quantitative analysis of the study, the researchers were counted the numbers of different aquatic plants American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 5 species in the quadrat creating the diversity index called the species richness. Also, the researchers were counted the number of aquatic plants per individual species to represent species evenness. Lastly, to calculate and interpret the biodiversity index, the researchers used the Shannon’s diversity index and equitability in Excel which was used to determine if the study’s location has a low, medium, or high diversity of aquatic macrophytes. 2.5 Species richness The species richness was probably the first measure used for assessing biodiversity. Counting the number of taxa in the sample under consideration is always the first step. Wherein, often richness or just an estimate of it is the only measure available for large unexplored locations. 2.6 Species evenness The individuals are not evenly distributed among species. An area containing dozens of species might not be seem particularly diverse if 99.9% of the individuals belong to the same population. With that, evenness is defined as the ratio of observed diversity to maximal possible diversity if all species in a sample were definitely equally abundant. 2.7 Shannon’s diversity index The Shannon diversity index is one of a so-called family of heterogeneity indices. These indices do not particularly take taxa richness into account yet also depend on the relative distribution of individual species. Withal, the logarithm can be taken to any base but taken to these of two gives H a special meaning: bits per species. It is the mean number of binary decisions necessary to determine the exact taxum of an individual species. 3. Results and Discussions The aquatic Macrophytes comprise a taxonomically diverse group of macroscopic plants including representatives of vascular aquatic plants, bryophytes, as well as green macroalgae and charophytes. From a systematic point of view, aquatic macrophytic vegetation encompasses members of different groups, including green macroalgae (Chlorophyta, e.g., Cladophora spp.), charophytes (Charophyceae, e.g., Chara and Nitella spp.) and higher aquatic plants, the latter being represented by both vascular plants (Tracheophyta) and bryophytes (Lesiv and his colleagues 2020). In relation, aquatic macrophytes found along the selected sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan City were shown in Table 1 and Figure 2. A total of six (6) species of aquatic macrophytes belonging to 6 families and 3 divisions were collected and plainly identified at the study location. The division of Magnoliophyta had three-identified aquatic macrophytes that includes Pistia stratiotes (Araceae), Ipomea pes-caprae (Convolvulaceae), Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae). Whereas, the division of Pteridophyta had 2 species of aquatic macrophytes, this includes Ceratopteris thalictroides (Parkeriaceae) and Salvinia molesta (Salviniaceae). Lastly, the division of Tracheophyta had only 1 aquatic macrophyte, the Euryale ferox (Nymphaeaceae). American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 6 Table 1: The Division, Family, Species names of collected aquatic macrophytes in selected sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan City Division Family Species Magnoliophyta Araceae Pistia stratiotes Convolvulaceae Ipomea pes-caprae Pontederiaceae Eichhornia crassipes Pteridophyta Parkeriaceae Ceratopteris thalictroides Salviniaceae Salvinia molesta Tracheophyta Nymphaeaceae Euryale ferox Figure 2: Collected aquatic macrophytes in selected sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan City A total of 208 individual aquatic macrophytes was recognized as present in selected sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. In relation, the relative availability of water related-variables emerged as a major driver in explaining the level of species diversity of aquatic macrophytes observed in Lumbocan River. Hence, scientific reports have shown that habitats or an ecosystem having extended biodiversity have chances to adapt in the new environment and regrow from various ways (Sufia et. al., 2019). As shown in table 2, the population of each aquatic macrophytes has great significant to the ecosystems. The American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 7 Pistia stratiotes, Eichhornia crassipes, Euryale ferox, and Ipomea pes-caprae have higher number of individual species observed in the study location. That means these aquatic macrophytes are most widely diverse species in the area. According to studies, dominant species or traits drive ecosystem functioning, and positive biodiversity ecosystem function relationships emerge simply because diverse communities are more likely to include high- functioning species, as explained by the selection effect hypothesis. It is thus necessary to assess how each species contributed to overall diversity and productivity, but our understanding has been limited primarily to macrophytes systems, particularly in the Philippines, being overlooked (Pasion and his colleagues 2021). Table 2: Types of aquatic macrophytes observed in selected sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan City Types of Aquatic Macrophytes Number of Individual Species Salvinia molesta 25 Pistia stratiotes 39 Eichhornia crassipes 43 Euryale ferox 27 Ipomea pes-caprae 52 Ceratopteris thalictroides 22 Total 208 Table 2 shows the types of aquatic macrophytes observed in selected sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan City. The most consistent observation of this study was the determination of aquatic macrophytes in the said location. Various aquatic macrophytes found in the area, these plant species are Salvinia molesta (25), Pistia stratiotes (39), Eichhornia crassipes (43), Euryale ferox (27), Ipomea pes-caprae (52), and Ceratopteris thalictroides (22). As shown in table 3, the aquatic macrophytes found in Lumbocan River has alike relative frequency. Additionally, several studies have shown the distribution and composition of macrophytes in some lakes or various aquatic ecosystem as a result of the interactions of several environmental variables, including abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors (Minggagud and his colleagues 2013). Moreover, the ecosystems other than forests, such as river ecosystems, were not given much attention in floral assessment studies or any field. Despite the importance of these plants, very few studies on macrophyte diversity have been conducted. Table 3: List of aquatic macrophytes present in Lumbocan River during the study period and their relative frequency Species Family Common Name Life Form Relative frequency (%) Pistia stratiotes Araceae Water lettuce FL 0.19 Ipomea pes-caprae Convolvulaceae Goat’s foot F 0.25 Eichhornia crassipes Pontederiaceae Water hyacinth F 0.21 Ceratopteris thalictroides Parkeriaceae Water sprite S 0.11 Salvinia molesta Salviniaceae Kariba weed F 0.12 Euryale ferox Nymphaeaceae Makhana FL 0.13 American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 8 Note: Abbreviations for life form: F: floating; E: emergent; FL: floating leaved; and S: submerged Acording to the study of Svitok and his colleagues (2016), found that macrophyte diversity showed only a weak or has no relationship with spatial variables on several scales. Furthermore, he explained that the abundance of submerged and floating macrophyte species was not dependent on adjacent land use or on regional phytogeography in the prairie lotic environment (Rosso and his colleagues 2013). In a recent study of Murphy and his colleagues (2019), he stated that aquatic macrophytes were generally have narrow rather than broad world distributions. Figure 3: Graphical illustration showing the contribution of various families in total of aquatic macrophyte species abundance in Lumbocan River The macrophyte survey revealed the occurrence of 6 aquatic macrophyte species belonging to 6 families. Macrophytes were characterized by the dominance of taxa belonging to the families, Convolvulaceae (25%), Pontederiaceae (21%), Araceae (19%), Nymphaeaceae (13%), Salviniaceae (12%), and Parkeriaceae (10%) (Figure 3). Based on the life form, the aquatic macrophytes were represented by 3 floating, 2 floating-leaved, and 1 submerged plant species (Table 3). Additionally, among the selected sites, the site 2 recorded the complete number of species (6 aquatic macrophytes) followed by site 3 (5 species) and site 1 were recorded least macrophyte species (3 species) in the area (Table 5). In table 4, it illustrates the result of diversity index of aquatic macrophytes found in Lumbocan River, Butuan City. It was showed that Lumbocan River has diverse macrophyte species (1.745 medium diversity). Based on the findings, the first site near the roadway has 3 aquatic macrophyte species, namely P. stratiotes, I. pes-caprae and S. molesta. The second site were located at the middle point of the river and this site has the highest number of species (6 aquatic macrophytes). Lastly, the third site has 5 found macrophyte species such as, P. stratiotes, I. pes-caprae, E. crassipes, C. thalictroides, and E. ferox (Table 5). The Shannon’s diversity index is frequently utilized to assess the diversity. Herein, they make no assumptions about the shape and size of the underlying abundance distribution of aquatic macrophyte species in the study 19% 25% 21% 10% 12% 13% Araceae Convolvulaceae Pontederiaceae Parkeriaceae Salviniaceae Nymphaeaceae American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 9 location. As shown on the result, the dominance of the plant species in the area (Lumbocan River), are greatly influenced by the most common species. Accordingly, species identify and well distributed which decorates community composition and affected by the environmental condition and water related-variables (Nsor et. al., 2019). In the same manner, aquatic macrophyte species of different life forms are affected by dissimilar environmental factors (Garcia-Giron et. al., 2014). The results show that the growth and distribution of aquatic macrophytes was inhibited significantly by water depth and related-variables. The researchers identified common conservation priorities among the species population, also, the adaptation of trait considered. Then, the researchers linked the gathered data of aquatic macrophyte species by calculated its diversity index (1.745) (Table 4). Table 4: Shannon’s Diversity index of aquatic macrophytes found in Lumbocan River, Butuan City Species Number (p) pi Ln(pi) pi*Ln(pi) - pi*Ln(pi) Pistia stratiotes 39 0.188 -1.674 -0.314 0.314 Ipomea pes-caprae 52 0.250 -1.386 -0.347 0.347 Eichhornia crassipes 43 0.207 -1.576 -0.326 0.326 Ceratopteris thalictroides 22 0.106 -2.246 -0.238 0.238 Salvinia molesta 25 0.120 -2.119 -0.255 0.255 Euryale ferox 27 0.130 -2.042 -0.265 0.265 1.745 Note: <1.5 = low diversity; 1.5-2.5 = medium diversity; > 2.5 = high diversity Table 5: Diversity of aquatic macrophytes at all the selected sites Species Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Pistia stratiotes + + + Ipomea pes-caprae + + + Eichhornia crassipes - + + Ceratopteris thalictroides - + + Salvinia molesta + + - Euryale ferox - + + Note: Presence (+); Absence (-) In the diagram showing the sampling sites on macrophyte species similarity and abundance during the study period. Along the selected sites fluctuating between 0.50 (site 1) and 0.83 (site 3) (Figure 4). Based on this, the researchers can identify aquatic species that are reliable indicators of changes in river ecosystems and utilize them as a tool to assess the ecological status of rivers (Aznar and his colleagues 2002). American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 10 Figure 4: The diagram showing of sampling sites based on species similarity and abundance during the study period. In Table 6, it was shown that most of the surveyed aquatic macrophyte species were not yet assessed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature due to its abundance in the field (IUCN, 2015). In relation,1 macrophyte species (E. ferox) were regarded as least concern. Hence, the 5 macrophyte species are included to the Red List of Threated Species (IUCN, 2015), these were Pistia stratiotes, Ipomea pes-caprae, Eichhornia crassipes, Ceratopteris thalictroides, and Salvinia molesta. These aquatic macrophytes were distributed from several parts of the world and were not yet assessed due to wide range of distribution which can be harmful to the aquatic ecosystem that might causes a widespread unhealthy condition for cultivation (Madsen, 2004). Accordingly, if there are rare and threatened species in an area or location it requires greatly specific management practices and procedures (Jayatissa and his colleagues 2002). Table 6: The Distribution and Conservation Status of aquatic macrophyte species in Lumbocan River Family Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status Distribution Status Araceae Water lettuce P. stratiotes NYA NE Convolvulaceae Goat's foot I. pes-caprae NYA NE Pontederiaceae Water hyacinth E. crassipes NYA NE Parkeriaceae Water sprite C. thalictroides NYA NE Salviniaceae Kariba weed S. molesta NYA NE Nymphaeaceae Makhana E. ferox LC N *IUCN status: NYA = Not Yet Assessed; NE = Non-Endemic; LC = Least Concern; N = Native American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 11 4. Conclusion The study provides information regarding the aquatic macrophyte composition and diversity in selected sites of Lumbocan River, Butuan city. A total of 6 species aquatic macrophytes belonging to 6 families and 3 divisions were collected and plainly identified at the study location. The division of Magnoliophyta had three-identified aquatic macrophytes that includes Pistia stratiotes (Araceae), Ipomea pes-caprae (Convolvulaceae), Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae). Whereas, the division of Pteridophyta had 2 species of aquatic macrophytes, this includes Ceratopteris thalictroides (Parkeriaceae) and Salvinia molesta (Salviniaceae). Lastly, the division of Tracheophyta had only 1 aquatic macrophyte, the Euryale ferox (Nymphaeaceae). Hence, diversity index of aquatic macrophytes found in Lumbocan River, Butuan City was showed species medium diversity of 1.745 because most likely the macrophyte communities were similar in all transects. Based on the findings, the first site near the roadway has 3 aquatic macrophyte species, namely P. stratiotes, I. pes-caprae and S. molesta. The second site were located at the middle point of the river and this site has the highest number of species (6 aquatic macrophytes). Lastly, the third site has 5 found macrophyte species such as, P. stratiotes, I. pes-caprae, E. crassipes, C. thalictroides, and E. ferox. These macrophyte species were distributed within the selected sampling sites, and human activities such as urbanization and industrialization or might be a road widening were the possible threats that could affect or has an impact to macrophytes community. This study might be used as a baseline for future research, specifically in the context of the ecosystem services, sustainable macrophytes species monitoring and conservation programmes. Acknowledgement The researchers would like to acknowledge their indebtedness and render their warmest thanks to the following individuals whose professional help, guidance and support have contributed to the realization of this research project.  To Mrs. Chennie Solania-Naling, MSc, the researchers’ professor in Advanced Ecology research project for his professional guidance and expert advice which have been valuable throughout all stages of this work.  To the Department of Biology, Caraga State University – Main Campus for having an advanced ecology subject course in the prospectus of Masters of Science Education with specialization in Biological Science (MSciEd-Biology).  To Mr. Jeffry M. Saro, LPT, for lending his expertise in analyzing the data of this research.  To their parents whose love and valuable support and guidance are with them in whatever they pursue.  To their friends for their moral support and constant encouragement.  Above all, to the Almighty Father for giving them knowledge, wisdom and strength and for making all things happen and possible. References [1] Aishan, T., Betz, F., Halik, U., Cyffka, B., Rouzi, A. Biomass Carbon Sequestration Potential by Riparian Forest in the Tarim River Watershed, Northwest China: Implication for the Mitigation of American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2022) Volume 89, No 1, pp 1-14 12 Climate Change Impact. Volume 9, Number 4, 2018. 196. https://doi.org/10.3390/f9040196 [2] Amper, R.A.L., Puno, G.R., Puno, R.C.C. Rapid assessment of the riparian zone habitat of river. Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management. 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