Identification of Harmfull algae blooms (HABs) species from Demak marine waters

Abstract

The Harmfull algae blooms, or HABs, are a major environmental problem existing in the aquatic environment. Blue-green algae and cyanobacteria are examples of Harmfull algae bloom being able to impact on human health and aquatic ecosystems. Harmfull algae blooms occurred when colonies of algae, living in the sea and freshwater, have grown out of control and produced toxic or harmful effects on people, aquatic environment and birds. The objective of the study is identifying HABs microalgae using an appearance on microscope followed by toxicity measurement. The method that we used in this research is observation through data collection and objects recording. The research found that some of HABs microalgae in Demak waters are from genus Melossira, Thalassiotrix, Navicula, Climacodium, Protoperidinium, Trichodesmium, Halosphaera. The existence of waters phytoplankton has physical and chemical factors such as nitrate, phosphate, current and organic matters. The HABs plankton is going to exist in the waters when the nitrate and phosphate concentration rise to upper levels. It is presumed that the Demak waters have been being supported by environmental factors due to the limited HABs algae.