Nutrient, Macroalgae, and Echinodermata distribution in Northern Ambon coast during 2017 until 2018

Abstract

Abstract Northern Ambon Coast has a unique characteristic in term of biodiversity, including Macroalgae and Echinodermata. This research aims to determine the distribution of nutrients in the territorial waters of North Ambon in 2017 and 2018 and their effects on the distribution of Macroalgae and Echinodermata. Seawater samples were obtained in 26 sampling points in 2017 and 18 sampling points in 2018. Chemical parameters from seawater samples were determined by using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and pH meter. The results of the analysis show that the average concentrations of NO3, PO4, and SiO2 in the study area in 2017 were 0.090 mg/L; 0.042 mg/L; and 0.330 mg/L with an average DO and pH content of 5.83 mg/L and 8.19. The average concentrations of NO3, PO4, and SiO2 in the sampling area in 2018 were 0.028 mg/L; 0.021 mg/L; and 0.129 mg/L with an average DO content and pH of 7.54 mg/L and 7.64 mg/L. The results shows that nutrients concentration on the Northern Ambon coast exceeds the maximum threshold that has been determined by 2004 Decree of the State Minister of the Environment No.51, but still sustains the life of the biota. Decrease concentration of the nutrients leads to the variability of macroalgae and Echinodermata observed in the study area in 2018 when compared to 2017. The Macroalgae classes that can be found in this area are Rhodophyceae, Phaeophyceae, and Chlorophyceae. Furthermore, the Echinodermata classes found in this area are Holothuroidea, Ophiuroidea, Asteroidea and Echinoidea.