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Polychaetes Diversity Surrounding Pulau Besar, Sungai Terengganu
Estuary
Nur Amni Syasya binti Md Rizal
Supervisor: Dr. Izwandy Idris
Bachelor of Sciences (Marine Biology)
School of Marine and Environmental Sciences
Estuarine polychaetes generally have small-sized body, less mobile than other benthic
organisms and affected by ecological factors. Therefore, a study was conducted to
identify the diversity of polychaetes surrounding Pulau Besar, Sungai Terengganu
estuary and its relationship with environmental parameters including salinity,
temperature, pH, DO, total organic matter (TOM) and sediment sizes. A total of six
sampling stations were chosen surrounding Pulau Besar. Samples were collected using
Ponar Grab; polychaetes were sorted, TOM and sediment size were determined. Other
parameters were measured using probes. A total of seven polychaetes species from
two families (Nereididae and Capitellidae) were identified. Stations that are located far
from human activity and settlement show higher diversity than other stations.
Correlation between diversity of polychaetes with TOM and finer sediments (≤ 1.25
mm) showed positive results. Thus, the study concluded that human activities
influenced diversity of polychaetes at Sungai Terengganu estuary.
1829 | UMT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018