Distribution and Abundance of Plankton in the Downstream of Jeneberang River

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the distribution and abundance of plankton in the downstream area of Jeneberang River. A total of three observation stations were chosen through purposive sampling method on a watershed in the downstream area, which lies between Gowa Twin Bridge and Barombong Bridge, Takalar Regency, and Makassar City. At each station, a sample was taken from the northern (N) and southern (S) part of the river. The collected sample of Plankton was observed using a binocular light microscope and Sedgwick Rafter Counting Cell (SRCC), and then subjected to the identification by using plankton identification book. The result of data analysis showed that phytoplankton and zooplankton could be found in all observation stations, but the abundance and distribution of each group differed one another. Phytoplankton group with the highest to the lowest abundance is the member of Class Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, and Dinophyceae. Meanwhile, the commonly found zooplankton is the member of Protozoa, including Paramecium sp., Chilomonas sp. Besides that, the member of Animalia, including annelid larvae and polychaeta larvae were also found with a lower level of abundance.