Turquoise-colored Manila Bay water caused by pollution, scientists confirm

In a blog post, PHL-Microsat, the body behind the launch of the Philippines first satellite Diwata 1, used satellite images from the European Space Agency to confirm the concentration of chlorophyll-a and high water turbidity in the waters of Manila Bay.

According to the blog, the concentration of chlorophyll-a indicates algal abundance while high level of water turbidity suggests high water pollution.

“Relatively high chlorophyll-a and turbidity values were already observed as early as March 23, with turbidity levels doubling up by March 25, suggesting that the change in color of Manila Bay waters could be attributed to high water pollution,” the blog post read.

On March 25, photos of Manila Bay with turquoise-colored water made rounds online after Facebook user Randy Raga shared a video taken from a luxury hotel in the Mall of Asia complex.

The blog post also cleared that the turquoise-colored water “could not be attributed to algal bloom” and suggested that pollutants from Bacoor Bay and Pasig River influenced the discoloration of Manila Bay.

“Pasig River and Bacoor Bay were deemed as the 'hotspots',” the blog post read.

“Depending on the wind direction and water circulation, the waters from these areas possibly influenced the waters of its neighboring Manila Bay.”

The Philippine Coast Guard earlier declared that the discoloration was caused by pollutants or by pool water with chlorine that was discharged in the area.