Peripitone Diversity and Abundance in the Deli River

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 40 views

Introduction

The Deli River in North Sumatra is a vital waterway that supports a diverse range of aquatic life. However, the river's ecosystem is under threat due to pollution from domestic and industrial waste. This study aims to investigate the diversity and abundance of periphyton in the Deli River and evaluate the level of pollution based on physical-chemical parameters.

Peripitone Diversity and Abundance in the Deli River

Periphyton is a microorganism that lives attached to the surface of objects in the aquatic environment, such as stones, plants, and other substrates. The diversity and abundance of periphyton are crucial indicators of the health of the aquatic ecosystem. In this study, we collected samples from five observation stations, each divided into three points (before, during, and after the drain), and analyzed the physical-chemical parameters, including temperature, current velocity, brightness, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), nitrate, phosphate, and iron.

Results

The results showed that periphyton diversity (H ') ranged from 0.803 to 1,099 ind/cm², with varying abundance between 257,280 to 1,185,280 ind/cm². Other physical-chemical parameters indicate that water temperatures range from 27-30 ° C, current speed between 0.68-0.89 m/s, brightness 20.50-23.50 cm, TDS 96.50-142.03 mg /L, TSS 5.33-11.33 mg/L, pH 7.60-8.10, DO 0.90-1.90 mg/L, BOD5 8.99-22.50 mg/L, nitrate 1.69-3.48 mg/L, phosphate 0.11-0.35 mg/L, and Fe content 0.20-3.78 mg/L.

Analysis of Peripitone Diversity and Its Impact

High periphyton diversity shows a healthy ecosystem, but in this study, a lower level of diversity indicates a disruption in the river ecosystem. Various factors such as pollution from domestic and industrial waste can affect periphyton communities. For example, high levels of BOD5 and nitrate indicate the addition of excessive organic and nutrient materials, which can cause eutrophication.

Eutrophication has the potential to change the structure of peripitone community by dominating certain species that are more tolerant of pollution conditions. This phenomenon can interfere with the balance of ecosystems, affect other species, and reduce water quality.

CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

Research on periphyton in the Deli River provides a clear picture of the current condition of the waters. Efforts to reduce pollution must be a priority, including improving waste management and public awareness of the importance of maintaining river cleanliness. Through these actions, it is expected that peripheral diversity and abundance can increase, which in turn will contribute to the health of the overall aquatic ecosystem.

By maintaining and improving the quality of the Deli River waters, we not only protect biodiversity but also ensure better water resources for future generations.

Recommendations for Future Research

Long-term monitoring: Conduct regular monitoring of periphyton diversity and abundance to track changes in the ecosystem over time.
Source identification: Identify the sources of pollution and develop strategies to mitigate their impact on the river ecosystem.
Community engagement: Engage with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining river cleanliness and involve them in efforts to reduce pollution.
Ecological restoration: Restore degraded habitats and ecosystems to promote biodiversity and improve water quality.

Conclusion

Q: What is periphyton and why is it important?

A: Periphyton is a microorganism that lives attached to the surface of objects in the aquatic environment, such as stones, plants, and other substrates. It plays a crucial role in the aquatic ecosystem, serving as a food source for many aquatic animals and helping to maintain water quality.

Q: What are the physical-chemical parameters that were measured in this study?

A: The physical-chemical parameters measured in this study include temperature, current velocity, brightness, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), nitrate, phosphate, and iron.

Q: What were the results of the study in terms of periphyton diversity and abundance?

A: The results showed that periphyton diversity (H ') ranged from 0.803 to 1,099 ind/cm², with varying abundance between 257,280 to 1,185,280 ind/cm².

Q: What does the low level of periphyton diversity indicate?

A: The low level of periphyton diversity indicates a disruption in the river ecosystem, which can be caused by various factors such as pollution from domestic and industrial waste.

Q: What is eutrophication and how does it affect the periphyton community?

A: Eutrophication is a phenomenon where excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, enter the waterbody, leading to an overgrowth of algae and a decrease in water quality. This can affect the periphyton community by dominating certain species that are more tolerant of pollution conditions.

Q: What are the implications of eutrophication for the aquatic ecosystem?

A: Eutrophication can interfere with the balance of ecosystems, affect other species, and reduce water quality.

Q: What are the recommendations for reducing pollution and improving the quality of the Deli River waters?

A: The recommendations include improving waste management, public awareness of the importance of maintaining river cleanliness, and engaging with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining river cleanliness.

Q: What are the long-term implications of this study for the Deli River ecosystem?

A: This study highlights the importance of periphyton diversity and abundance as indicators of the health of the aquatic ecosystem. By reducing pollution and improving waste management, we can promote biodiversity and ensure better water resources for future generations.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include conducting regular monitoring of periphyton diversity and abundance, identifying the sources of pollution, and engaging with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining river cleanliness.

Q: How can the public get involved in efforts to reduce pollution and improve the quality of the Deli River waters?

A: The public can get involved by participating in clean-up events, reducing their use of single-use plastics, and supporting organizations that work to protect the Deli River ecosystem.