In vitro Antioxidant activity and Phytochemical composition of Syringodium isoetifolium

Seagrass are the marine flowering plants found mainly in clear, shallow estuaries and coastal waters. In all temperate and trophical region seagrasses grow both internally and subtidally. One such seagrass namely Syringodium isoetifolium has many medicinal properities. This seagrass have most promising pharmacological activities which may include anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiarrheal, antihaemorrhoidal activities. This study is focussed on the phytochemical evaluation and in vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous, ethanol and hydroalcoholic extract of Syringodium isoetifolium. The qualitative analysis of Syringodium isoetifolium shows the presence of tannin, saponin, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinone, polyphenol and coumarin. In all the three extracts only ethanol shows the high concentration of phytocompounds. Emodins, glycoside and anthocyanin were found to be absent in all the three extracts. Quantitative analysis of total phenol, flavonoid, saponin and tannin were found to be 193.10 ±13.52, 106.11 ± 7.42, 52.96 ± 3.64 and 81.30 ± 5.69. Superoxide anion radical, Nitric oxide and Hydroxy radical scavenging assay showed that Syringodium isoetifolium was an excellent scavenger of these radicals. These results are an indication of the potent antioxidant property of the extract and may be responsible for some of the therapeutic uses of Syringodium isoetifolium.

Studi Komunitas Padang Lamun di Kecamatan Tanggetada, Kabupaten Kolaka, Sulawesi Tenggara

Kecamatan Tanggetada memiliki areal padang lamun yang luas dan sering dimannfaatkan oleh masyarakat. Padang lamun di daerah ini belum terkonfimasi secara ilmiah baik itu dari jenis, kerapatan dan komunitas lamunnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui jenis dan kerapatan lamun di Kecamatan Tanggetada. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah metode transek kuadrat pada areal 100 m2 ditiap stasiun. Lokasi penelitian berada di 3 stasiun yaitu Stasiun 1 di Kelurahan Tanggetada, Stasiun 2 di Desa Palewai dan Stasiun 3 Kecamatan Anaiwoi. Hasil penelitian, ditemukan 6 jenis lamun tersebar di Kecamatan Tanggetada yaitu Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis, Halophila ovalis, dan Syringodium isoetifolium. Kerapatan lamun termasuk dalam kategori rapat dan jarang. Stsiun 1 memiliki kerapatan lamun yang tinggi dengan ketegori rapat yaitu 160.46 ind/m2, kemudian Stasiun 2 dengan kerapatan lamun agak rapat yaitu 117.49 ind/m2 dan Stasiun 3 dengan kerapatan lamun yang rendah dengan kategori jarang yaitu 60.59 ind/m2. Thalassia Hempricii merupakan lamun yang memiliki nilai kerapatan paling tinggi dibandingkan jenis lamun lainnya.

The sustainability of the diversity of marine macrofauna associated with seagrass through ecotourism in The Mandalika Exclusive Economic Zone Lombok Island, Indonesia

Ecotourism activities play an essential role in protecting and managing natural habitats and the species found in the habitat and creating economic benefits for the surrounding community. However, some parties state that ecotourism has a negative effect on the environment if it does not correctly follow the area’s rules and the ecotourism activities are not monitored and appropriately assessed. The objective of this study were : (i) to evaluate the diversity of seagrass and associated macrofauna at the Kuta ecotourism site in the Mandalika area of Lombok Island Indonesia and (ii) to know the response of the surrounding community and stakeholders in terms of the role of ecotourism in supporting the sustainability of the seagrass ecosystem in its function as an important factor in maintaining the diversity of marine macrofauna in the area. Data collection methods related to seagrass diversity and associated biota (Bivalves and Echinoderms) were carried out using the line transect method and the quadrat method. Meanwhile, the perception and response data of the community was obtained through observation and interviews. Data analysis was carried out in a qualitative descriptive manner. The results showed that there were 8 species of seagrass found. Seagrass species Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea rotundata have the highest density of about 18.48 ind/m2, and Enhalus acoroides has the highest area of coverage, which is around 16.41 ind/m2. The highest macrofauna diversity was fish (10 families with 16 species) followed by Echinoderms (7 families with 9 species), and Bivalves (5 families with 7 species). Respondents in the fishermen category showed their understanding that ecotourism in their area plays an important role in supporting the sustainability of seagrass ecosystems, and this condition affects maintaining the diversity of associated marine macrofauna. This is supported by the findings that there has been a transition in the use of marine biota fishing gear, namely from the use of tools/methods that are not environmentally friendly to the use of tools/methods that are environmentally friendly. The most encouraging thing is that the use of bombs has completely stopped after ecotourism started in their area. Thus, it can be concluded that the existence of ecotourism in the Mandalika has had a positive influence on the behavior of fishing communities, especially in maintaining the seagrass ecosystem which is important in supporting the sustainability of marine macrofauna biodiversity in the Mandalika, South Coast of Lombok, Indonesia.

The Status of Seagrass Health: Supporting Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in Misool Marine Protected Area, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Seagrass plays an important role in aquatic resources, such as to support the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries, ensuring the availability of seagrass stocks for generations of local communities to cultivate in a sustainable manner. The purpose of this study is to provide information on the seagrass health status to support sustainable small-scale fisheries in the South Misool Regional Waters Conservation Areas which is located within the Raja Ampat Marine Protected Area of West Papua. The research was conducted in January 2019 in the Yefgag, Yellu and Harapan Jaya island. A total of ten quadratic transects measuring 1x1 m were laid perpendicularly to the coastline adapted from the seagrass watch method to collect the seagrass data, i.e. the species and the frequency of seagrass found, the dominance and the percentage of seagrass cover. Additional data on fish species were collected by interviewing the local fishermen directly. The relationship between seagrass cover and the number of fish species was analyzed. Th results showed that there were eight species of seagrass found in three observation stations, i.e. Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis, Halodule pinifolia, Halophila minor, Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodocea rotundata and Enhalus acoroides. According to the standard criteria for the health status of seagrass beds, the three locations are classified as less rich/less healthy. It because the seagrass coverage was in the range of 30-59%. The relationship between the percentage of seagrass cover and the number of fish species resulted equation of Y = 15,923x + 0,3174 with R2 = 0,763. It means that the percentage of seagrass cover affects the abundance of fish species by 76,3% with the remaining being influenced by other variables, such as water quality.

KAJIAN KOMUNITAS EKOSISTEM LAMUN DI SEMENANJUNG TARABITAN KECAMATAN LIKUPANG BARAT KABUPATEN MINAHASA UTARA

This research was conducted in the waters of Tarabitan Peninsula, West Likupang North Minahasa using quadants transect method. The purpose of this study was to determine the community structure of seagrass found in that waters as initial information for sustainable management seagrass ecosystem . Field observation was conducted to identify the seagrass species, number of individuals/shoots, percent cover for each type of seagrass in those plotting quadrants. The result of this study documented 6 types of seagrass namely, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Syringodium isoetifolium, Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis. The species composition and distribution of seagrass were varied and was dominated by Thalassia hemprichii was the most dominant seagrass species with a relative density of 55.55%, a relative frequency of 33.67%, 39.92% relative cover, an important value index of 129.03%, a diversity index of 1.30 belonging to this condition, moderate, the uniformity index of 0.72 is classified as high and the dominance index of 0.2 is classified as low. Based on Minister of Environment Decree Republic Indonesia No. 200 of 2004 concerning the status of seagrass beds, the condition of the seagrass beds in the waters of Tarabitan Village is classified as rich / healthy with a cover value of ≥ 60. Keywords : Seagrass Community, Species Composition, distribution, Tarabitan Peninsula Penelitian ini dilakukan di perairan Semenanjung Tarabitan Likupang Barat Minahasa Utara dengan menggunakan metode transek kuadran. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui struktur komunitas lamun yang terdapat di perairan tersebut sebagai informasi awal untuk pengelolaan lamun secara berkelanjutan. Pengamatan lapangan dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi jenis lamun, jumlah individu/tegakan, persentase tutupan tiap jenis lamun pada tiap kuadran. Hasil penelitian ini mendokumentasikan 6 jenis lamun yaitu Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Syringodium isoetifolium, Halophila ovalis dan Halodule uninervis. Komposisi jenis dan sebaran lamun bervariasi dan didominasi oleh jenis lamun Thalassia hemprichii merupakan jenis lamun yang paling dominan dengan kerapatan relatif 55,55%, frekuensi relatif 33,67%, tutupan relatif 39,92%, indeks nilai penting 129,03%, indeks keanekaragaman 1,30 tergolong dalam kondisi sedang, indeks keseragaman 0,72 tergolong tinggi dan indeks dominansi 0,2 tergolong rendah. Berdasarkan Keputusan Menteri Lingkungan Hidup Nomor 200 Tahun 2004, kondisi padang lamun di perairan Desa Tarabitan tergolong kaya / sehat dengan nilai tutupan ≥ 60.Kata Kunci: Komunitas Lamun, Komposisi Jenis, Distribusi, Semenanjung Tarabitan

Identification of Bioactive Components in the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Syringodium Isoetifolium and Assessment of its Biological Activity by Gas Chromatography – Masspectrometry

Herbal plants show a growing interest in natural antioxidant, also play an important role in the treatment of muscle pain, stomach problems, wounds etc. About 75 to 80% of the world population uses herbal medicine. One such herb (Marine Plants) used in the treatment of cancer is Syringodium isoetifolium. In a previous study, Syringodium isoetifolium with three different extracts (Aqueous, ethanol and 70% hydroalcohol) proves the presence of phytocompound such as Tannin, Saponin, Flavonoids, Stroids, Terpenoids, coumarin etc and also has high antioxidant activity. The current study aims to identify the bioactive compounds from the hydroalcoholic extract of Syringodium isoetifolium. The photo components present in the hydroalcoholic extract was determined by GC-MS Analysis and the mass spectra of compounds present in the extract were matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology library. 20 different phytocompounds were found to be present in the hydroalcoholic extract of Syringodium isoetifolium using GC-MS analysis. Some of the important phytocompounds are Hexanoic acid, Methyl ester, Octadecanoic acid, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester, 1-Isopropylidene-3-methyl-3-vinylcyclobutane. The study reveals that the identified phytocompounds from the hydroalcoholic extract of Syringodium isoetifolium has essential biological activities such as Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antifouling and Anticancer properties. Further depth of the study will deal with the exact mode of action of the phytocompounds.

Potensi Penyimpanan Karbon Pada Vegetasi Padang Lamun di Perairan Pulau Besar Utara, Sikka, Maumere, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Konsep blue carbon adalah salah satu upaya untuk mengurangi emisi gas karbon pemicu pemanasan global dengan cara memanfaatkan vegetasi pesisir sebagai penyerap karbon. Ekosistem lamun merupakan salah satu ekosistem pesisir yang dapat menyerap karbon dalam jumlah besar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi lamun dan kandungan karbon pada lamun di Perairan Pulau Besar Utara, Maumere, Sikka. Pengamatan lamun menggunakan transek kuadrat 50x50cm menurut panduan LIPI. Sampling lamun dilakukan acak menggunakan seagrass core berdiameter 15 cm di setiap lokasi. Perhitungan kandungan karbon menggunakan metode Loss On Ignition (LOI) yang kemudian dikonversikan dengan nilai biomassa pada setiap titiknya. Jenis lamun yang ditemukan sebanyak 4 spesies yaitu Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii,, Cymodocea rotundata,dan Syringodium isoetifolium. Lokasi pengamatan memiliki tutupan lamun sangat padat. Nilai biomassa dibawah dan diatas substrat pada lokasi pengamatan didapat nilai 424,60 gbk/m2 dan 79,67 gbk/m2. Total kandungan karbon pada lokasi pengamatan adalah 41,95 gC/m2. Kandungan karbon terbesar disimpan pada jaringan lamun (akar dan rhizoma) dengan spesies E. acoroides sebagai penyumbang nilai biomassa dan kandungan karbon tertinggi. Lokasi perairan Pulau Besar Utara, Maumere memiliki kondisi perairan yang baik dengan kerapatan lamun yang tinggi, secara umum kandungan karbon yang terdapat pada perairan tersebut memiliki kandungan yang tinggi. Kondisi lamun yang baik akan memiliki simpanan karbon yang baik dan hal ini merupakan salah satu upaya dalam mitigasi perubahan iklim sekaligus menjaga kelestarian laut. The concept of blue carbon is one of the efforts to reduce carbon gas emissions that trigger global warming by utilizing coastal vegetation as a carbon sink. Seagrass ecosystems are one of the coastal ecosystems that can absorb large amounts of carbon. This study aims to find seagrass conditions and carbon content in seagrasses on the waters of Besar Utara Island, Maumere, Sikka. Seagrass observations used a 50x50cm quadrant transect according to the LIPI guideline, 2017. Seagrass sampling was using seagrass cores with 15cm diameter in each location. Calculation of carbon content using the Loss On Ignition (LOI) method which is then converted to biomass values at each point. Seagrass species found in location sampling were 4 species, namely Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, and Syringodium isoetifolium. The Location has very dense seagrass cover. Biomass values below and above the substrate at location sampling (424.60 gbk / m2 and 79.67 gbk / m2). The total carbon content in location sampling is 41.95 gC / m2. The largest carbon content is stored in seagrass tissues (roots and rhizomes) with E. acoroides as a contributor to the highest biomass and carbon content. The location of Besar North island, Maumere has good water conditions with high seagrass density, in general the carbon storage at the location of Besar North island is high condition. Seagrass with good condition will have good carbon storage and this is one of the efforts in mitigating climate change at once preserving the sea.

The status of seagrass beds in the coastal county of Lamu, Kenya

Biodiversity assessments within seagrass beds were conducted in six sites in Lamu, Kenya; namely, Kiweni, Tauzi, Wange, Ntopate, Manda toto and Ngoi. The objective of the assessment was to collect baseline information of the seagrasses of Lamu County in Kenya. Our findings revealed that nine out of the twelve seagrass species found in Kenya were found in the study sites. The dominant seagrass species Thalassodendron ciliatum was found to occur in deeper subtidal areas, while the pioneering species occurred in intertidal shallower areas. Average shoot densities per site ranged from 2.4 ± 1.7 shoots m-2 of Cymodocea serrulata to 1025.9 ± 139.3 shoots m-2 of Syringodium isoetifolium in Ngoi. Canopy heights ranged from 0.1 ± 0.1 cm of Halodule ovalis in Tauzi to 16.3±1.3.5 cm of Syringodium isoetifolium in Ngoi. Although the seagrass species characteristics were much lower than that found in similar mangrove fringed seagrass beds of Gazi Bay, the majority of the fish found in these seagrass areas were invertivores which indicates that these seagrass sites form a refugia for adult fish populations with nursery grounds being located elsewhere. This study forms the first comprehensive assessment of the seagrasses of Lamu and it provides important baseline information on seagrass beds. Such biodiversity information provides important support for decision-making for coastal areas that are targeted for infrastructural development such as Lamu. Biodiversity information of such critical habitats form a critical data base for marine spatial planning and can be used to effectively guide the integration of biodiversity and coastal livelihoods in the sustainable development of Kenya’s coastal areas.

Blue carbon stock of the seagrass meadows of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay off Coromandel Coast, south India

Blue carbon stock of the seagrass meadows of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, off Coromandel Coast, south India, were computed from the organic carbon content and dry bulk densities of sediment core taken from the seagrass meadows of these two ecosystems. The Gulf of Mannar (GoM) and Palk Bay (PB) harbour 13 seagrass species dominated by Cymodocea serrulata and Syringodium isoetifolium. The soil carbon density of both GoM and PB were higher in subsurface cores. The blue carbon stock of seagrass meadows of the GoM was estimated as 0.001782 Tg and that of PB as 0.043996 Tg. The estimated value of blue carbon stored in seagrass meadows of GoM was 17820 US$ and that of PB was 43,99,682 US$. The results of this study are discussed in the light of climate change mitigation, emphasising the need to conserve these underwater meadows.

GROWTH, BIOMASS AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUND OF SEAGRASS (CASE STUDY: MALANG REGENCY COASTAL)

Seagrass known as Lamun in Bahasa is one of the species that are can live in submerged marine habitats. Seagrasses have an important role in the ecosystems, including as primary producers, living habitats of benthic organisms, stabilize bed sediments and carbon storage in shallow-water coastal. Monospecies community of seagrass was found in Malang, however, only limited number studies of seagrass have been done in the area. This study aimed to determine the growth rate and biomass of the seagrass, as well as the phytochemical compounds. Experiments were conducted during August-November in 2014 and 2015. Measurement of in situ growth and biomass leaf were made using marking techniques in one week also the data of leaf seagrass collected were using a random sampling method. Extracted materials were tested by methanol to get the phytochemical compound. Data were analyzed at the Fisheries and Marine Exploration Laboratory, FPIK-UB. The results of the present study showed that two species of seagrass, Syringodium isoetifolium at Kondang Merak and Thalassia hemprichii at Bale Kambang. The growth rate of the seagrass leaves of the former species had positive values with 0.45±0.19 cm/day, hile the later species had 0.25±0.14 cm/day. Furthermore, the biomass value of the two types seagrass obtained that in the below-ground was higher than the above-ground. Phytochemical tests showed that both of type seagrass contained bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and saponins.