Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Seafloor Northward of Pulau Indah, Klang

An assessment of community of benthic macroinvertebrates in waters northwards of Pulau Indah, Klang was made with the main objective to determine distribution and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates as well as to establish possible correlation between the community’s distributions with environmental parameters. The sediments were obtained via Ponar Grab (0.023 m2 mouth area), followed by filtration (500 μm) and laboratory sorting in order to extract all specimens from sediments. The specimens were identified to the lowest taxonomic hierachy as possible. The physical parameters such as organic carbon (TOC) and grain size distributions were analysed. A total of 775 annelids, 15 arthropods, 12 echinoderms and 32 molluscs individuals were identified and recorded in six stations overall. Family Cirratulidae accounted to the highest numbers of the Annelids (n=358), whilst Cerithidae recorded as highest numbers of Molluscs. Station 5, 6 and 1 recorded the highest diversity index (H’=2.1845), evenness index (J’=0.6316) and richness index (Dmn=22.0454) respectively. Principal Component Analysis indicated sediment particle size as the major connector on all stations, with different station correlated to certain sizes of sediment particle. Pearson correlation analysis showed positive correlations between environmental parameters with eight benthic taxa in this study, with most correlations were on specific sediment particle size. As the study of benthic community is still inadequate in most of Malaysians waters, particularly in highly industrialised area such as waters in Port Klang, this study can serve as a starting point for any future studies concerning ecological disturbance affecting benthic community in Malaysian waters.

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Ecological Roles of Benthic Community in Seafloor Northwards of Pulau Indah, Klang, Malaysia

Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology ◽

10.47836/pjst.29.2.31 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Mohd Sophian Mohd Kasihmuddin ◽

Zaidi Che Cob

Keyword(s):

Particle Size ◽

Particle Size Distribution ◽

Larval Development ◽

Size Distribution ◽

Benthic Community ◽

Body Shape ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Ecological Group ◽

Filtration Method ◽

Starting Point

Trait assessment is an alternative but effective method of biomonitoring benthic community in ecosystem, but it was rarely done in Malaysia. An assessment was done to identify the dominant sub-traits, or modalities, within benthic community in seafloor northwards of Pulau Indah, Klang, Malaysia, and to establish possible correlation between modalities with environmental parameters measured in the area. Sampling was conducted in November 2018, during Northwest Monsoon season. Sediments were obtained by using a Ponar Grab and filtered through 500 μm sieve. Sediments were subjected into Loss of Ignition method to extract organic carbon, and filtration method to determine particle size distribution percentages. 37 taxa were recorded in this study, totalling to 848 individuals. Traits assessment indicated vermiform body shape, direct larval development, deposit feeder, non-motile, asexual reproduction, and second-order opportunistic group as most dominant modalities in the study area. Station 1 recorded highest macrobenthos density (21000 ind./m2), while station 5 recorded highest diversity (H’=2.19). Functional diversity (FD) for reproduction method was highest in station 1 (FD=0.61), ecological group in station 4 (FD=0.73); body shape (FD=0.56) and larval development (FD=0.63) in station 5, and lastly, adult mobility (FD=0.70) and feeding mode (FD=0.66) in station 6. Principal component analysis showed Station 1 has most modalities attributed towards it. Pearson correlation analysis suggested particle size distribution as major connector for most modalities (P=0.05). As BTA study is still new in Malaysian waters, it could serve as a good starting point for future assessment related to ecological functioning of benthic community in Malaysian seafloor.

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