Absorption of nutrients on thallus of Kappaphycus alvarezii which is attached by epiphyte (Enteromorpha clathrata)
Alimusra, Salwiyah, M Kasim*

Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Halu Oleo University

Abstract

Epiphyte attachment can cause competition in the absorption of nutrients for the seaweed thallus. This study aims to determine the relationship between growth rate and absorption of nutrients (N and P) in the thallus of Kappaphycus alvarezii attached by epiphyte (Enteromorpha clathrata). Nutrients have an important role for K. alvarezii. The research method used is data collection, including- daily growth of K. alvarezii, nitrogen uptake by the thallus of K. alvarezii and water quality parameters. Collecting nitrogen absorption data using the Kjedhal method. Environmental parameters were measured at each station together with the collection of K. alvarezii samples. The results showed that the growth of K. alvarezii which was attached by epiphyte (E. clathrata) had the highest value occurring on the 30th day with an average of 2.908-2.943%/day. The growth of the thallus that was not attached by the epiphyte showed the highest growth rate on the 30th day with an average of 3.502-3.522%/day. The total nitrogen uptake of K. alvarezii which was attached to the epiphyte (E. clathrata) reached 1.884% while that which was not attached reached 1.866%. The growth of K. alvarezii which was attached by Epiphyte (E. clathrata) was slow, while the thallus which was not attached by epiphyte experienced very good growth. Nitrogen absorption by K. alvarezi thalus showed no significant difference between the thalus attached and not attached to E. clathrata.

Keywords: seaweed, growth rate, Nitrate, Phosphate

Topic: Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries