Characteristic of Microphyta Distribution of Pager River, Central Kalimantan

Abstract

Environmental damage due to natural resource extraction, especially in watershed areas, seems to be of increasing concern and so far, from the aspect of aquatic and water resources, plankton is commonly used as an indicator of environmental damage. This study explores the distribution of microphyta as a parameter of environmental damage. The research was conducted in Pager watershed, Central Kalimantan and sampled at 2 (two) stations, namely station A (for the right side of the river) and station B (for the left side of the river). The study was conducted 13 sampling times, which began in the period 25 May 2019 ending until 9 November 2019. Laboratory analysis to identify the type and number of microphyta was carried out at the Palangka Raya University Laboratory. The results showed that the number of microphyta taxa at station A (right side of the river) was 12-13 species, more than station B (left side of the river). The number of microphyta taxa at Station B is 8 - 9 species, it is suspected that there is an influence from the gray water settlements around the left side, especially when the water level drops. The distribution characteristics of microphyta in the Pager river are as follows: large number of taxa/species, low abundance and low diversity index. River/peat water environments are vulnerable to change, especially human interference. This research shows the potential use of microphyta as an indicator of environmental damage.