A team of researchers from Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), De La Salle University (DLSU), and Osaka University’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), moves to develop a technology to recover and convert heavy metals from Laguna Lake into reusable nanoparticles.
On February 14, a consultative meeting among the representatives from the aforementioned agencies was held to fine-tune the program proposal that was submitted for funding to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) entitled “Innovative Monitoring and Bioremediation of Pollutants in Laguna Lake: Converting Metal Ions into Nanoparticles for Resource Utilization and Environmental Restoration.”
The proposal passed the initial screening done by the JICA SATREPS in Japan and will be subjected to final evaluation on March 3. The SATREPS or Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development is a Japanese government program that JICA administers to promote international joint research in solving global issues.
This proposed research and development initiative aims to develop a technology for on-site pollution monitoring, decontamination, and recycling of heavy metals using green energy and natural processes. With this innovation, the project promotes resource recovery through sustainable practices ultimately benefiting not only the Laguna Lake but also the surrounding communities.
Repurposing Heavy Metals
Using biomineralization, heavy metals will be converted into tiny reusable materials called nanoparticles. Biomineralization is a process where living organisms such as bacteria, algae, or plants convert minerals into solid forms. For this initiative, biomineralization will help decontaminate the lake by capturing the heavy metals and converting them into usable forms.
Through the support of collaborators like the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc., the recovered metals will be repurposed for industrial applications.
Bioreactors and appropriate equipment will be installed in strategic areas such as along tributaries around the lake and in the middle of the lake to facilitate this process. According to LLDA, around 100 rivers and streams drain into Laguna Lake, including 22 major river systems.
Real-time Monitoring and Assessment
The first two years of the proposed program will focus on environmental assessment to monitor the condition of the lake. Using advanced sensors, real-time monitoring will be conducted to identify pollutants in the lake, particularly heavy metals. While the initial focus is on heavy metals, the study could also expand to include other water quality indicators, such as biochemical oxygen demand, phosphates, and microplastics, among others.
“We continue with the monitoring, but we want monitoring to be coupled with intervention, with action to save the lake,” Dr. Christian Paul P. de La Cruz, Director of the LSPU’s Center for Lakes Sustainable Development (CLSD), emphasized.
Currently, the LLDA monitors only a limited number of heavy metals in the lake. The project aims to broaden the scope and determine other pollutants that contribute to the lake’s deterioration. With this data, potential sources of pollutants could be traced, allowing for targeted interventions to help rehabilitate Laguna Lake.
Community Engagement
The project also eyes to involve the community in its monitoring phase by promoting citizen science.
Local government units and residents, especially the youth, will be trained in using portable devices for water quality monitoring. Eco-camps and workshops will be conducted to raise awareness and foster environmental stewardship.
Dr. Wilfred V. Espulgar of DLSU, the co-program leader, shared: “The idea is that ordinary individuals could conduct their study, use their mobile devices, upload their data to the cloud, and have scientists evaluate their data.” This strategy aims to enhance monitoring efforts and inspire future environmental scientists in the country.
Multi-Sectoral Collaboration
The initiative seeks to pool support from key government agencies, non-government institutions, and private institutions in the country and Japan. These include, but are not limited to, the Laguna Lake Development Authority, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Ban Toxics NGO, Biodevice Technology Ltd., Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd., Mitsubishi Material Technology Ltd., Japan Energy and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), and SEIPI.
Through these concerted efforts, the proposed program hopes to succeed and become a model for resource recovery and lake rehabilitation in the Philippines. Upon approval, the team and its partners will proceed with the implementation, aiming to rehabilitate the lake by 2040.
Present during the meeting were Dr. Robert C. Agatep, the overall program leader and LSPU Vice President for Research Development and Extension; Atty. Rushid Jay S. Sancon, Campus Director of LSPU-Los Baños Campus; Dr. Christian Paul P. de La Cruz, CLSD Director; Prof. Eiichi Tamiya, Prof. Shimazano Yosuke, Prof. Yoshinori Sumimura, and Prof. Hiroshi Aoki from Osaka University; and Dr. Wilfred V. Espulgar, Dr. Edgar Vallar, Dr. Divina M. Amalin, and Dr. Emelina Mandia from DLSU. They were joined by other LSPU and DLSU faculty members and researchers.
The development of Laguna Lake is one of the priorities of the LSPU Research Development and Extension Agenda.
