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Influence of Water Quality Parameters on Zooxanthellae Density in Reef-Building Corals from Pahawang Island, Lampung, Indonesia Nanda Rizky Anugerah; Riris Aryawati; Isnaini Isnaini; Tengku Zia Ulqodry; Muhammad Hendri; Yulianto Suteja
Jurnal Biologi Tropis Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026): Januari-Maret
Publisher : Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, University of Mataram, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.29303/jbt.v26i1.11529

Abstract

Despite the ecological and economic significance of coral reefs, quantitative data on how water quality parameters regulate zooxanthellae density in anthropogenically impacted tropical reefs remain limited. This study investigated the influence of water quality parameters on zooxanthellae density in branching corals at Pahawang Island, Lampung, Indonesia, across four stations representing different levels of human disturbance: dock area (Station 1), floating net cages area (Station 2), recreational area (Station 3), and a relatively pristine area (Station 4). Coral fragments were collected by SCUBA diving at 2–5 m depth, and zooxanthellae were extracted by homogenization followed by centrifugation, with cell density quantified using a hemocytometer under light microscopy. Physical and chemical water quality parameters were measured in situ using a CTD profiler, while nutrient concentrations were analyzed according to SNI protocols. Zooxanthellae density ranged from 16,822 to 22,227 cells/cm², indicating a healthy symbiotic status across all stations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified dissolved oxygen (5.5–6.4 mg/L), depth (2.20–4.10 m), and water clarity (2.0–3.0 m) as the primary environmental drivers of zooxanthellae density variation, while temperature, pH, and salinity remained stable and within coral-suitable ranges. Hydrodynamic conditions and oxygen availability, rather than nutrient enrichment, appear to be the dominant regulators of zooxanthellae density at this site. These findings highlight the need for site-specific management strategies that prioritize maintaining dissolved oxygen levels and water circulation, and provide a scientific basis for developing zoning policies in coral ecotourism areas of Pahawang Island to ensure long-term reef ecosystem health.
Co-Authors Afni Zetri Agus Haerudin Agus Mansur, Agus Akmaluddin Akmaluddin Andi Agussalim Andy Irawan Annisa Rilnawati Ardian Ardian Armaini Armaini Arnis En Yulia2 Aslim Rasyad Bimo Rafi Prayogo Deni Martogi Sitinjak DEWI CISELIA Dinda Fikaloka DIRGA OKTA FIANDA Dwi Wiji Lestari Edi Susilo Eka Saputra Elza Zuhry Erningsih Erningsih Erwin Rosadi Euis Laela Evelyn Danielle Wijaya Evi Yuliati Rufaida Fauziah Mayasari Fauziyah Fauziyah Fetmi Silvina Fifi Puspita Fitmawati Fitmawati Fitri Agustriani Fitriani Manurung Gunawan Tabrani Hanna Tabita Hasianna Silitonga Harum Nida'ul Husna Hendrawan Hs Hendrawan Hs humaira humaira Ida Zahara Adibah Imran Maruli Tua Sihombing Indira Xena Salvita Irfaina Rohana Salma Iriansyah Iriansyah Islan Islan Joko Supriadi Juaini Anggraini Lisa Rahmawati M. Duskri Maharani Maharani Mariati Silaban Maulia Indana Zulfa Mayta Novaliza Isda Minarni Wartiningsih Mochammad Prihatna Sobari Muhammad Fikkia Zhari Muhammad Hendri Muhammad Zuhri Mulyadi Mulyadi Nadia Refina Tiurlan Barasa Nanda Rizky Anugerah Nelvia Nelvia Nery Sofiyanti Ni Djoman Juliasih Nila Sari Nilda Elfemi Nuraisyiah Nuraisyiah Nurjannah Nurjannah Oktavia Fitriani Panni Ance Lumbantobing Raden Mohamad Herdian Bhakti Rahmat Sayogo Rahmi Yulianda Fitri Ridwan Arazi Rinaldi Hutapea Riris Aryawati RIZKI AMALIA Rodesia Mustika Roza RR. Ella Evrita Hestiandari Said Munzir Sepriadi Berutu Siska Lian Fitariany SITI AISAH Siti Aisyah Supratman Supratman Supriadi Widodo Syafrinal Syafrinal Tengku Zia Ulqodry Wardati Wardati Yudi Satria Yuhelna . Yulianto Suteja