Comparison of Phytoplankton Composition and Abundance (River, Estuary dan Coast) as Potential Water Contamination Bio-Indicators in Tallo Watershed Area

Abstract

This study aims to compare phytoplankton composition and abundance in the Tallo watershed area, evaluate its ecological factors and water quality, and their correlation to particular types of water contamination. The study was performed from June to August 2021 at three stations in the Tallo watershed, including the river (1), estuary (2), and coast (3). The results suggested that the ecological parameters were still within the tolerable limit for the organisms to live. 4 classes of phytoplankton found in the Tallo watershed included Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae, and Chlorophyceae, with a total of 15 genera. No Dinophyceae was found in the river during the high and low tides and there were 9 genera found during the high tide and 10 genera found during the low tide. As many as 3 classes with 12 genera were found in the estuary during the high tide, and 4 classes with 12 genera were found during the low tide. No Chlorophyceae was found on the coast during both the low and high tides. A total of 10 genera were found during the high tide and 9 genera were found during the low tide. Analysis of variance indicated that Phytoplankton Composition there is a difference in phytoplankton abundance in 3 habitats. Phytoplankton abundance on the coast was the highest, followed by the estuary and the river (coast > estuary > river). From the abundance and the composition of phytoplankton in 3 habitats, there was a strong indication of inorganic nitrogen, heavy metal, and microplastic contamination that occurred in the Tallo watershed.