Scientific paper of Silliman Univ students ranks fourth in int’l seminar

By Rachelle M. Nessia

Saturday 9th of June 2012

DUMAGUETE CITY, June 9 (PIA) -- A student paper developed by eight students from Silliman University’s (SU) Medical Technology program was shortlisted for the Best Paper Presentation of an international scientific conference.

The research paper discussing the Philippine oysters’ absorptive capacity of sugar effluents at sea was ranked fourth among the top five scientific papers presented during the 2nd International Seminar and 12th Annual Scientific Conference of the Philippine Society for the Study of Nature.

The seminar was hosted by General Santos City from May 22 to 27.

The students bested 25 other entries in the undergraduate category of the Best Paper Presentation with their research entitled: ““Philippine Oyster Crassotrea Iredalei as a potential bioindicator of sugar effluents.”

In their paper, SU students Alfie Calingacion, Lordfrey Atay, Kriza Quiao, Abigail Buot, Justin Griño, Louie Cimafranca, Michael Briones and Giel Estrellado experimented with molasses to stimulate sugar wastes at sea in determining whether oysters can absorb the same, said Mark Raygan Garcia, director of SU’s Office of Information and Publication in a statement.

“Through a process of extraction, they were able to conclude the potential of oysters as indicator species that helps assess the volume of sugar waste and its concentration at sea, specifically in areas near sugarcane mills and plantations,” said Garcia.

Over 200 participants from Indonesia, China, Thailand, United States, and the Philippines attended in the seminar themed: “Crossing Borders for a Sustainable and Health Environment.” (RMN-PIA 7, Negros Oriental)