Jassen H. Pacheco, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit and Virginia C. Cuevas
Abstract
In 1993 and 1996, agricultural fields in five barangays in Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines were inundated with heavy metal (HM)-rich mine tailings when the tailings dam of Marcopper Mining Corporation burst. Additionally, HM-rich tailings from the abandoned mined-out sites of Consolidated Mines Incorporated (CMI) continued to leach into downstream rice fields. This contamination resulted in crop failures and loss of livelihood for the local residents. An earlier study to mitigate these effects utilized a phytobial remediation approach utilizing Trichoderma microbial inoculant (TMI) and Trichoderma-activated rice straw compost (RSC) as soil ameliorants in the contaminated rice fields in the barangays for six cropping seasons (2018- 2020). This study assessed the socio-environmental effects of using TMI and RSC in the remediation of rice fields affected by copper contamination in Mogpog, seven years after the start of the remediation project. A total of 100 farmer-respondents were interviewed through semi-structured questions to determine their experiences, perceptions, and observed outcomes related to the remediation efforts. Results showed that 100% of respondents observed improved soil fertility and increased rice yield after the application of RSC and TMI, with 87% reporting increased household income. However, only 3% observed improvements in household health and pest control remained a challenge. Persistent challenges among farmers include poor irrigation, climate variability, and lack of manpower. While remediation using RSC and TMI shows promise, its long-term success requires consistent application, stronger institutional support, and further research, especially on other heavy metals that behave differently from copper. Ultimately, sustainable remediation must integrate environmental and socioeconomic improvements to ensure lasting recovery and resilience in farming communities.