Secondary Metabolites as Indicators of Copper Mine Tailing Stress in Sonneratia Alba J. Smith in Marinduque Island, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract-Secondary metabolites of Sonneratia alba leaves and stems coming from areas exposed to copper mine tailing contaminated and uncontaminated areas were determined using phytochemical screening tests and thin layer chromatography. The number of secondary metabolites present in the samples from contaminated sites was more (8 to 9) compared to areas that were not contaminated or exposed to copper (5 to 7). Results of the thin layer chromatography for the antioxidant phenols showed that the contaminated site in Marinduque had more bands (2) compared to that only (1) for the other sites. Of interest are the phenols and flavonoids, as these are the secondary metabolites associated with heavy metal stress. Based on the results of the study, there are reasons to believe that the secondary metabolites screened from Sonneratia alba in particular the antioxidant phenols are indicators of heavy metal stress in the environment. The Sonneratia alba stands in Brgy. Ipil, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque continue to experience heavy metal stress even if mining have stopped a long time ago.