Regular monitoring of water quality and phytoplankton diversity

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 123 views

The Relationship Between Iron Heavy Metals (Fe) and Copper (Cu) to the Diversity of Phytoplankton in the Belawan River

Introduction

The Belawan River, located in the Pancur Batu District of North Sumatra, is a vital waterway that supports various community activities, including settlements and industry. However, these activities have the potential to affect the water quality and, subsequently, the diversity of phytoplankton in the river. Phytoplankton diversity is a crucial indicator of the health of aquatic ecosystems, and understanding the relationship between heavy metals and phytoplankton diversity is essential for maintaining environmental sustainability.

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the physicochemical factors of water, heavy metals such as iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), and phytoplankton diversity in the Belawan River. The presence of heavy metals in water can have a significant impact on phytoplankton growth and reproduction, which can, in turn, affect the entire aquatic ecosystem.

Methodology

The sampling method used in this study is "purposive sampling," where sampling is carried out by determining five different stations based on community activities around the Belawan River. Phytoplankton identification was carried out in the Psdal Laboratory, Biology Study Program, University of North Sumatra, while the analysis of physical and chemical factors was carried out at the Medan Environmental and Infectious Disease Health Engineering Center.

Results

The results of research from five stations showed six phytoplankton classes, namely Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Zynematophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Coscinodiscophyceae, which consisted of 21 families and 25 genera. The phytoplankton abundance value ranges from 67.2 to 76.8 mg/L, with the highest value found at Station 5. The highest diversity index (H ') is also obtained at station 5, which is 2.57, which is included in the criteria for moderate diversity. In addition, the highest uniformity index (E) is also obtained at Station 5 with a value of 0.79, which is categorized as high uniformity.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Content

Analysis of heavy metal content shows that the iron content of the five stations ranges from 0.125496 to 0.568673 mg/L, while copper levels range from 0,00037 to 0.055175 mg/L. This finding indicates the strong influence of heavy metals, especially on iron and copper content, on the diversity of phytoplankton in the Belawan River.

The Importance of Understanding this Relationship

Phytoplankton diversity is an important indicator for the health of aquatic ecosystems. Phytoplankton acts as a primary producer in the aquatic food chain and plays a key role in the nutritional cycle. Increased heavy metal levels can interfere with the growth and reproduction of phytoplankton, which in turn can affect the entire aquatic ecosystem.

Heavy metals such as iron and copper can come from industrial waste, agricultural activities, and waste disposal. Therefore, it is essential to carry out periodic monitoring of water quality and phytoplankton diversity in order to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and environmental quality around the river. This study provides valuable insights for the management of water resources and biodiversity conservation in the Belawan River.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between iron heavy metals (Fe) and copper (Cu) to the diversity of phytoplankton in the Belawan River. The results of this study can be a reference for the government and the community to reduce pollution and formulate effective mitigation strategies in maintaining environmental sustainability. Community education about the impact of human activity on water quality is very important in order to reduce the negative impact and maintain river biodiversity.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring of water quality and phytoplankton diversity should be carried out to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and environmental quality around the river.
Community education about the impact of human activity on water quality should be conducted to reduce the negative impact and maintain river biodiversity.
Effective mitigation strategies should be formulated and implemented to reduce pollution and maintain environmental sustainability.
Research and development should be conducted to explore new technologies and methods for reducing heavy metal levels in water and maintaining phytoplankton diversity.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions should focus on:

Investigating the impact of other heavy metals on phytoplankton diversity in the Belawan River.
Developing effective mitigation strategies for reducing heavy metal levels in water and maintaining phytoplankton diversity.
Conducting research and development to explore new technologies and methods for reducing heavy metal levels in water and maintaining phytoplankton diversity.

By understanding the relationship between iron heavy metals (Fe) and copper (Cu) to the diversity of phytoplankton in the Belawan River, we can take steps to maintain environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Iron Heavy Metals (Fe) and Copper (Cu) to the Diversity of Phytoplankton in the Belawan River

Q: What is the significance of phytoplankton diversity in aquatic ecosystems?

A: Phytoplankton diversity is a crucial indicator of the health of aquatic ecosystems. Phytoplankton acts as a primary producer in the aquatic food chain and plays a key role in the nutritional cycle. Increased heavy metal levels can interfere with the growth and reproduction of phytoplankton, which in turn can affect the entire aquatic ecosystem.

Q: What are the sources of heavy metals in the Belawan River?

A: Heavy metals such as iron and copper can come from industrial waste, agricultural activities, and waste disposal. These activities can release heavy metals into the water, which can have a significant impact on phytoplankton growth and reproduction.

Q: What are the effects of heavy metals on phytoplankton diversity?

A: Increased heavy metal levels can interfere with the growth and reproduction of phytoplankton, which can, in turn, affect the entire aquatic ecosystem. Heavy metals can also alter the composition of phytoplankton communities, leading to a decrease in diversity.

Q: How can we reduce the impact of heavy metals on phytoplankton diversity?

A: Regular monitoring of water quality and phytoplankton diversity should be carried out to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and environmental quality around the river. Community education about the impact of human activity on water quality should be conducted to reduce the negative impact and maintain river biodiversity. Effective mitigation strategies should be formulated and implemented to reduce pollution and maintain environmental sustainability.

Q: What are the implications of this study for water resource management and biodiversity conservation?

A: The results of this study can be a reference for the government and the community to reduce pollution and formulate effective mitigation strategies in maintaining environmental sustainability. This study provides valuable insights for the management of water resources and biodiversity conservation in the Belawan River.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research directions should focus on investigating the impact of other heavy metals on phytoplankton diversity in the Belawan River. Developing effective mitigation strategies for reducing heavy metal levels in water and maintaining phytoplankton diversity should also be a priority. Conducting research and development to explore new technologies and methods for reducing heavy metal levels in water and maintaining phytoplankton diversity is also essential.

Q: How can we ensure the sustainability of the Belawan River ecosystem?

Q: What are the benefits of this study for the community?

A: This study provides valuable insights for the management of water resources and biodiversity conservation in the Belawan River. The results of this study can be used to inform policy and decision-making, leading to improved water quality and phytoplankton diversity in the Belawan River.

Q: How can we involve the community in water resource management and biodiversity conservation?

A: Community education about the impact of human activity on water quality should be conducted to reduce the negative impact and maintain river biodiversity. Community participation in water resource management and biodiversity conservation should be encouraged through outreach and engagement activities. Community-led initiatives should be supported to promote sustainable water resource management and biodiversity conservation practices.