Macrozoobentos diversity data

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 142 views

Macrozoobentos Diversity and Its Relationship with Water Quality in the Bedagai River, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra Province

Introduction

The Bedagai River, located in Serdang Bedagai Regency on the east coast of North Sumatra, is a vital source of life for the surrounding community. However, human activities such as agriculture, washing clothes, and dumping household waste have led to a decrease in water quality in this river. Macrozoobentos, organisms that live in the riverbed, serve as an important indicator for assessing water quality. This study aims to analyze the relationship between macrozoobenthos diversity and the water quality of the Bedagai River, measured through physical and chemical parameters.

Background

The Bedagai River is a significant waterway that supports the livelihoods of the local community. However, the river's water quality has been compromised due to various human activities. The impact of these activities on the river's ecosystem and public health is a pressing concern. Macrozoobentos diversity is a crucial aspect of assessing water quality, as it reflects the overall health of the river's ecosystem.

Methodology

This study was conducted from October to January 2022, with three research stations selected based on differences in activities along the river. Water quality was measured using the Storet index method, pollution index, and Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). Macrozoobentos diversity data were analyzed using the ABC curve, which compares the density and biomass of organisms.

Results

The results showed that the water quality of the Bedagai River was classified as lightly polluted based on the pollution index. However, based on the Storet method, water quality was categorized as severely polluted, while the CCME method showed very poor water quality. Analysis of the ABC curve revealed a moderate level of pollution in the three research stations.

Discussion

It is essential to note that the CCME method has a higher sensitivity compared to the Storet method and pollution index. This indicates that the CCME method is more effective in detecting changes in water quality that may be missed by other methods. The finding suggests that although the water quality of the Bedagai River is generally classified as light, there are indications of significant water quality degradation at some points. This is alarming, as it can have a negative impact on river ecosystems and public health.

Conclusion

To preserve the Bedagai River, comprehensive efforts are needed. These include:

*** Increasing public awareness: **Increasing education about the importance of maintaining river water quality through environmental socialization programs and campaigns. *** Implementing an integrated waste management system: **Regulating the disposal of household waste and industrial waste to prevent pollution of the river. *** Performing regular water quality monitoring: **Conducting routine water quality monitoring to track changes and take appropriate action. *** Applying environmentally friendly technology: **Encouraging the use of environmentally friendly technology in agricultural and industrial activities around the river.

Recommendations

With joint efforts, it is hoped that the quality of the Bedagai River water can continue to improve and provide benefits to the community and the surrounding environment. The implementation of these recommendations will require the collaboration of local authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders. By working together, it is possible to restore the Bedagai River to its former glory and ensure a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for future generations.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Conducting more frequent and comprehensive water quality monitoring to track changes in the river's ecosystem.
Investigating the impact of human activities on the river's ecosystem and public health.
Developing and implementing effective strategies for reducing pollution and improving water quality.
Promoting environmental education and awareness among the local community.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The limited scope of the research stations, which may not be representative of the entire river.
The reliance on a single method for measuring water quality, which may not capture the full range of changes in the river's ecosystem.
The lack of data on the impact of human activities on the river's ecosystem and public health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of macrozoobentos diversity in assessing water quality and the need for comprehensive efforts to preserve the Bedagai River. The implementation of the recommendations outlined in this study will require the collaboration of local authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders. By working together, it is possible to restore the Bedagai River to its former glory and ensure a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Macrozoobentos Diversity and Water Quality in the Bedagai River

Q: What is macrozoobentos diversity, and why is it important?

A: Macrozoobentos diversity refers to the variety of organisms that live in the riverbed, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is an important indicator of water quality, as changes in the diversity of these organisms can reflect changes in the river's ecosystem and water quality.

Q: What are the main causes of water pollution in the Bedagai River?

A: The main causes of water pollution in the Bedagai River are human activities such as agriculture, washing clothes, and dumping household waste. These activities can lead to the release of pollutants into the river, which can harm the ecosystem and public health.

Q: What methods were used to measure water quality in this study?

A: This study used three methods to measure water quality: the Storet index method, pollution index, and Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). Each method provides a different perspective on water quality, and together they provide a more comprehensive understanding of the river's ecosystem.

Q: What were the results of the water quality analysis?

A: The results showed that the water quality of the Bedagai River was classified as lightly polluted based on the pollution index. However, based on the Storet method, water quality was categorized as severely polluted, while the CCME method showed very poor water quality. Analysis of the ABC curve revealed a moderate level of pollution in the three research stations.

Q: Why is the CCME method more sensitive than the other methods?

A: The CCME method is more sensitive because it takes into account a wider range of parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels. This makes it a more effective tool for detecting changes in water quality that may be missed by other methods.

Q: What are the implications of the findings for the local community?

A: The findings suggest that the water quality of the Bedagai River is not as good as it appears, and that there are significant risks to the ecosystem and public health. This highlights the need for comprehensive efforts to preserve the river and protect the local community.

Q: What can be done to improve water quality in the Bedagai River?

A: To improve water quality in the Bedagai River, comprehensive efforts are needed, including increasing public awareness, implementing an integrated waste management system, performing regular water quality monitoring, and applying environmentally friendly technology.

Q: How can the local community get involved in preserving the Bedagai River?

A: The local community can get involved in preserving the Bedagai River by participating in environmental education and awareness programs, supporting initiatives to reduce pollution, and advocating for policies that protect the river and its ecosystem.

Q: What are the long-term benefits of preserving the Bedagai River?

A: The long-term benefits of preserving the Bedagai River include a healthy and sustainable ecosystem, improved water quality, and a range of economic and social benefits for the local community.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include conducting more frequent and comprehensive water quality monitoring, investigating the impact of human activities on the river's ecosystem and public health, and developing and implementing effective strategies for reducing pollution and improving water quality.

Q: How can readers get involved in this research?

A: Readers can get involved in this research by sharing their knowledge and expertise, providing feedback and suggestions, and supporting initiatives to preserve the Bedagai River and its ecosystem.