Spatial and Temporal Variations of Dissolved Inorganic Nutrients and Relationship with Phytoplankton Density in Coastal Water of Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia ()
ABSTRACT
Coastal areas of Kudat are dominated by fisheries activities. Development of
infrastructure for fishing facilities like jetty, landing centre and other
human activities can increase the loading of nutrients in coastal area. High
load of nutrients accelerates the blooming of phytoplankton and in long run
creates eutrophication. This study was conducted to
determine the temporal and spatial variations of nutrients and relationship of
phytoplankton density in coastal water of Kudat. Five stations were selected
with three replicated in the study area. Phytoplankton samples, water samples
and in situ environmental parameters
were collected from May 2019 to February 2020 (10 months). The highest
concentration of nitrate (NO3) was observed in May 2019, but the
highest concentration of phosphate (PO4) observed in July 2019. On
the other hand, higher concentrations of phosphate (PO4) were
determined than the concentration of nitrate (NO3) in all stations
during study period. The distribution of nutrients is due to monsoonal runoff
from surrounding areas as well due to anthropogenic activities. Among the 21 species three of them are from harmful
algal species and but dominated by diatoms. Poor relationship observed among
the dissolved inorganic nutrients and phytoplankton density, indicates that the relationship does not depend on only nutrients
but with favourable environmental parameters. Anthropogenic activity can lead
to excessive load of nutrients in Kudat coastal water and in long run cause
eutrophication problem in ecosystem with potentially larger economic impacts in
a long run period.
Share and Cite:
Azad, S. , Romin, M. and Saleh, E. (2023) Spatial and Temporal Variations of Dissolved Inorganic Nutrients and Relationship with Phytoplankton Density in Coastal Water of Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia.
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
11, 229-240. doi:
10.4236/gep.2023.1112012.
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