Vertical distribution of phytoplankton based on depths in East Coast of Pananjung Pangandaran, West Java

Abstract

Abstract. Syahbaniati AP, Sunardi. 2019. Vertical distribution of phytoplankton based on depths in East Coast of Pananjung Pangandaran, West Java. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 5: 81-88. Phytoplankton are planktic photoautotrophs and the major producer of the pelagic. Vertical distribution of phytoplankton varies related to the penetration of light entering the water body used for photosynthesis activities. This study aims to determine the distribution of phytoplankton vertically at various depths based on abundance, species richness, and diversity index, and also its relation to the water physicochemical factors in the East Coast of Pananjung Pangandaran. Sampling and measurement of the water physicochemical factors (including brightness, water and air temperature, pH, salinity, DO levels, and BOD) were conducted in two stations. Sampling was conducted vertically in six points at depth of 0 m, 2 m, 4 m, 6 m, 8 m, and 10 m at both stations. The results showed that there were 83 phytoplankton species identified and classified into six different classes. Coscinodiscophyceae class has the highest species richness compared to other classes, and Coscinodiscus sp. dominated all depths at both stations. The results of Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis with a significance level of 0,05, showed that there was no significant correlation between abundance, species richness, and diversity index with depths. Water physicochemical factors measured at various depths in both stations are in the optimum range for the growth of phytoplankton and generally did not have a big effect on the vertical distribution of phytoplankton. The vertical distribution of phytoplankton is affected in a complex way by the penetration of light entering the water body, turbulence, and the availability of nutrients for the growth of phytoplankton which varies at depths in the ocean waters.