Macrozoobentos Diversity As A Bioindicator Of The Sunggal River Water Pollution In Sriguting Village, North Sumatra Province

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Macrozoobentos Diversity as a Bioindicator of the Sunggal River Water Pollution in Sriguting Village, North Sumatra Province

Introduction

The Sunggal River, located in Sriguting Village, North Sumatra Province, is an essential water source for the surrounding community. However, the increasing pollution in the river has raised concerns about its water quality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diversity of macrozoobentos as a bioindicator of the Sunggal River water pollution. Macrozoobentos, organisms that live in the bottom of the waters and can be seen with the naked eye, are effective bioindicators for assessing water quality. The abundance and diversity of macrozoobenthos species can show the condition of the aquatic environment.

Methodology

This research was conducted in May-June 2014 to study the diversity of macrozoobentos as an indicator of the Sunggal River water quality in Sriguting Village, North Sumatra. Samples were taken from three stations with the Purposive Random Sampling method using Surber nets. Sample identification was carried out in the Integrated Laboratory of Water Resources Management Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra.

Results

The results showed that four macrozoobentos classes were found, namely Oligochaeta, Crustacea, Bivalvia, and Gastropods, which consisted of 14 genera. Genera Goniobasis has the highest density index, which is 222.22 IND/m², which was found at the second station, while Brachiora has the lowest density index found at the third station. The highest diversity index (H') was found in the third station with a value of 2.24, while the lowest value was found in the first station with a value of 1.35.

Analysis of Research Results

The analysis using the Storet method shows that water quality parameters such as temperature, light penetration, DO (Dissolved Oxygen), PH, BOD (BioChemical Oxygen Demand), Nitrate, Phosphate, and Organic Substrates still meet water quality standards according to Government Regulation No. 82 of 2001. However, the results also showed that although water quality parameters in the Sunggal River still meet the standards, macrozoobenthos diversity at each station is different. This shows that although in general water quality is still good, there are differences in environmental conditions in each station.

Macrozoobentos as an Indicator of Water Quality

Macrozoobentos are effective bioindicators for assessing water quality. The abundance and diversity of macrozoobenthos species can show the condition of the aquatic environment. The number of individual macrozoobentos can indicate the level of pollution. Macrozoobentos which is tolerant of pollution will be more found in polluted areas. Diversity index shows the diversity of macrozoobenthos species that live in a water. The higher the diversity index, the healthier the aquatic ecosystem.

Recommendation

This study provides important information about the condition of the Sunggal River water quality in Sriguting Village. Here are some recommendations that can be taken:

Periodic Monitoring

Macrozoobentos water quality monitoring and diversity is periodically necessary to monitor changes in environmental conditions in the Sunggal River.

Pollution Control

Efforts to reduce water pollution in the Sunggal River need to be done. This can be done by increasing public awareness of the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness, as well as the application of regulations and sanctions for violators.

Ecosystem Development

Ecosystem Development around the Sunggal River can increase macrozoobenthos diversity. This can be done by planting trees on the river bank to reduce erosion and improve water quality.

Conclusion

This study made an important contribution in understanding the condition of water quality in the Sunggal River, as well as emphasizing the importance of the use of macrozoobentos as a bioindicator. The results of this study can be used as a reference for future research and for the development of strategies to improve the water quality in the Sunggal River.

Future Research Directions

Future research can focus on the following areas:

  • Investigating the impact of pollution on macrozoobentos diversity and abundance
  • Developing a monitoring program for macrozoobentos in the Sunggal River
  • Conducting a study on the effectiveness of ecosystem development in improving macrozoobenthos diversity

Limitations of the Study

This study has some limitations, including:

  • The study was conducted in a limited area and may not be representative of the entire Sunggal River
  • The study only focused on macrozoobentos and did not consider other bioindicators
  • The study did not investigate the impact of human activities on macrozoobentos diversity and abundance

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of using macrozoobentos as a bioindicator of water quality in the Sunggal River. The results of this study can be used as a reference for future research and for the development of strategies to improve the water quality in the Sunggal River.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Macrozoobentos Diversity as a Bioindicator of Sunggal River Water Pollution

Q: What is macrozoobentos?

A: Macrozoobentos are organisms that live in the bottom of the waters and can be seen with the naked eye. They are effective bioindicators for assessing water quality.

Q: Why is macrozoobentos important in assessing water quality?

A: Macrozoobentos are important because they can show the condition of the aquatic environment. The abundance and diversity of macrozoobenthos species can indicate the level of pollution and the health of the aquatic ecosystem.

Q: What are the different types of macrozoobentos?

A: The different types of macrozoobentos include Oligochaeta, Crustacea, Bivalvia, and Gastropods. These organisms can be found in different habitats and can be used as indicators of water quality.

Q: How do you collect macrozoobentos samples?

A: Macrozoobentos samples can be collected using Surber nets or other sampling equipment. The samples are then identified and analyzed in a laboratory.

Q: What is the Storet method?

A: The Storet method is a method used to analyze water quality parameters such as temperature, light penetration, DO (Dissolved Oxygen), PH, BOD (BioChemical Oxygen Demand), Nitrate, Phosphate, and Organic Substrates.

Q: What are the results of the Storet method analysis?

A: The results of the Storet method analysis show that water quality parameters in the Sunggal River still meet the standards according to Government Regulation No. 82 of 2001. However, the results also show that macrozoobenthos diversity at each station is different.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving water quality in the Sunggal River?

A: The recommendations for improving water quality in the Sunggal River include:

  • Periodic monitoring of macrozoobentos water quality and diversity
  • Efforts to reduce water pollution in the Sunggal River
  • Ecosystem development around the Sunggal River to increase macrozoobenthos diversity

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The limitations of the study include:

  • The study was conducted in a limited area and may not be representative of the entire Sunggal River
  • The study only focused on macrozoobentos and did not consider other bioindicators
  • The study did not investigate the impact of human activities on macrozoobentos diversity and abundance

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: The future research directions include:

  • Investigating the impact of pollution on macrozoobentos diversity and abundance
  • Developing a monitoring program for macrozoobentos in the Sunggal River
  • Conducting a study on the effectiveness of ecosystem development in improving macrozoobenthos diversity

Q: What are the implications of the study?

A: The implications of the study are that macrozoobentos can be used as a bioindicator of water quality in the Sunggal River. The study highlights the importance of using macrozoobentos in assessing water quality and in developing strategies to improve water quality in the Sunggal River.

Q: What are the conclusions of the study?

A: The conclusions of the study are that macrozoobentos diversity can be used as a bioindicator of water quality in the Sunggal River. The study provides important information about the condition of the Sunggal River water quality and emphasizes the importance of using macrozoobentos in assessing water quality.