ABSTRACT Title : BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN CULTURED CRABS AND SHRIMPS IN SELECTED PONDS IN SASMUAN, PAMPANGA Researcher : LARISSE G. OBIDENCIO School : Pampanga State Agricultural University Degree : Bachelor of Science in Biology Date Completed -: February 2019 Adviser Evelyn B. Cajucom, MChem Pond water, cultured crabs, and shrimps were collected from three sampling stations in selected fishponds in Sasmuan, Pampanga and analyzed for the levels of cadmium and arsenic using AAS and ICP-OES in the CRL Environmental Corporation in Clark, Pampanga. Levels of arsenic (0.001 ppm) and cadmium (0.008 ppm) in all water samples from the three sampling stations are below 0.05 ppm and 0.01 ppm, respectively set by DENR for class C body of water. Bioaccumulated cadmium levels detected are generally higher in crabs than in the shrimps. Hong Kong had set 2.00 ppm and 1.4 ppm as permitted limit for cadmium and arsenic, respectively for crabs and shrimps. The mean of bioaccumulated cadmium levels detected in crabs are comparable and ranges from 0.83-2.1 ppm and only the samples from station 1 exceeded the 2.00 ppm permitted limit. The mean of bioaccumulated cadmium levels detected in shrimps are significantly different and ranges from 0.56-0.93 ppm. The mean of bioaccumulated arsenic levels detected in crabs are significantly different and ranges from 0.4-1.4 ppm and only the samples from station 3 exceeded the 1.4 ppm permitted limit. The mean of bioaccumulated arsenic levels detected in shrimps are comparable and ranges from 0.8-1.33 ppm. The study confirms the presence of heavy metals cadmium and arsenic in cultured crabs and shrimps of selected fishponds of Sasmuan, Pampanga. The study therefore provides a basis for monitoring aquatic pollution and aquaculture produce in Sasmuan, Pampanga.