Diversity Assessment of Floral Species and Screening of Potential Nickel Hyperaccumulator in Nickel-Rich Kinalablaban Delta, Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the status of floral diversity and screen plant species that has the potential to accumulate nickel in the nickel-rich Kinalablaban Delta located in Claver, Surigao del Norte. Fifty-nine (59) species of plants belonging to thirty-seven (37) families were found. The most represented families were Poaceae, Moraceae, and Fabaceae. These were families generally encountered anywhere and can be found in areas undergoing ecological succession. Notable species observed were Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum spontaneum in which these species were widely distributed all throughout the delta. Rhizophora sp. was also found since they are intentionally planted by the adjacent mining firm as part their environmental protection and management plan. The diversity, dominance and evenness were low indicating a need to enhance the vegetation in the delta. Out of the 59 species identified, only four species tested positive as potential nickel hyperaccumulator including Ardisia elliptica, Premna odorata, Phyllantus securinegoides and Phyllantus sp. These plant species however, must be tested further if it is indeed a nickel hyperaccumulator.

Keywords: flora, ultramafic, hyperaccumulator, nickel mining