Phytoplankton Response as Bioindicator of Muara Kuntul Aquatic Environment, Bekasi Regency, Indonesia
Yayuk Sugianti (a*)- Adriani Sri Nastiti (a)- Mujiyanto (a)

a) Research Centre for Conservation of Marine and Inland Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency
*) yayu003[at]brin.go.id

Abstract

Phytoplankton is a primary producer that can be used as an environmental indicator. Muara Gembong Coast is one of the fishing grounds for fishermen to catch fish because it has a mangrove ecosystem that functions as a shelter. In its development, the waters of Muara Gembong face various problems, such as high anthropogenic pressure, abrasion, and sedimentation, which causes ecological pressure on coastal ecosystems. One of the areas in Muara Gembong affected is Muara Kuntul. This study analyzed the diversity and abundance of phytoplankton in the waters of Muara Kuntul. Phytoplankton samples were taken, and several seawater parameters were measured in situ at nine stations. Phytoplankton analyzed include taxonomic composition, abundance and diversity index (H^), evenness (E), dominance (D), and saprobic index. The results showed that 26 species were identified in three classes (Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Dinophyceae) with a phytoplankton abundance range of 19,815-2912951 cells/l. The class Bacillariophyceae dominated the highest percentage of phytoplankton abundance at the nine observation stations. The phytoplankton biological index describes the diversity of phytoplankton in the waters of Muara Kuntul as low, with unstable communities and moderate dominance, thus characterizing the disruption of ecosystems and habitats. Thesaprobic index in Muara Kuntul ranges from 1.0 63-1.296, indicating that the waters are in the B-Mesosaprobic level, namely waters with moderate to heavy pollution levels.

Keywords: phytoplankton- bioindicator- aquatic environment

Topic: Marine Hazard, and Coastal Protection