Analysis of magnesium content and phosphorus as fertility indicators in the post-tsunami seagrass ecology system in the palu bay coastal area

Abstract

The content of magnesium and phosphorus has been observed and analyzed as fertility indicators in the ecological system (seagrass). Seagrass and sediment samples were taken from the coastal area of Palu Bay in Indonesia. Magnesium mineral analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) while phosphorus mineral analysis used ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrometry. The results showed; (1). The status of abundance and association of seagrass beds affects the magnesium concentration and phosphorus, (2). Magnesium concentration and phosphorus in the seagrass ecosystem were higher in the very abundant abundance status compared to those with the abundant abundance status and the less abundance of seagrass status (3). Seagrass beds associated with mangroves have higher magnesium concentration and phosphorus in their ecosystem, both in sediments and in seagrass plants. The Magnesium concentration and phosphorus in the seagrass ecosystem will be even lower in association with mangroves coral reefs, and (4). Magnesium and phosphorus minerals in seagrass can be bioindicators of the fertility of seagrass beds. It is hoped that efforts to determine essential trace minerals in seagrass plants can be carried out continuously to show that seagrass plants in waters can be an indicator of the fertility of these waters.