Ecological study of macrozoobenthos in the mudflat zone of Sembilang National Park, South Sumatra

¹ Department of Marine Science, Sriwijaya University, 30862 Indralaya, Indonesia
² Environmental Management Study Program, Sriwijaya University, 30139 Palembang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: rozirwan@unsri.ac.id

Abstract

Macrozoobenthos is related to certain substrates in accordance with its adaptability and ecological function. The existence of macrozoobenthos on the coast of Sembilang National Park needs to be studied ecologically. The study purpose was to study the ecology and biodiversity of macrozoobenthos and its relationship with the environment in the mudflat zone. Macrozoobenthos sampling used the stratified sampling method at four stations. Each station consisted of three substations based on the supratidal zone, the intertidal zone, and the subtidal zone. Macrozoobenthos was taken from the surface to a depth of 20 cm on quadrant transects. The macrozoobenthos found consisted of 3 classes, 16 species, and 442 individuals. The highest macrozoobenthos composition was the Gastropoda class, with a total of 60%. The highest abundance of individuals was found at station 1 of the subtidal zone with a total of 222 Ind./m², which is the species Cerithidea cingulata in the Gastropoda class. Based on the study results, we were able to conclude that the macrozoobenthos community biodiversity index was closely related to the higher availability of dissolved oxygen and higher sand concentrations along the mudflat zone. This system would affect the macrozoobenthos existence found in the environment, especially in Sembilang National Park.