Abundance, diversity, and water quality assessment of epilithic diatoms as bioindicator in the Dem River, Glothak Waterfall, Wagir District, Malang Regency

Punjungsari, Tyas Nyonita ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7764-0847 and Ghurry, Muhammad Ainul (2025) Abundance, diversity, and water quality assessment of epilithic diatoms as bioindicator in the Dem River, Glothak Waterfall, Wagir District, Malang Regency. Al-Kauniyah: Jurnal Biologi, 19 (1). pp. 1-217. ISSN 25026720

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Abstract

The Dem River, originating from the Coban Glothak Waterfall, is an important water source for local communities. However, the rapid growth of tourism in the Coban Glothak area raises concerns regarding potential water pollution. To evaluate the river’s ecological condition, this study analyzed biological, physical, and chemical parameters with a focus on epilithic diatoms as bioindicators. An exploratory design was applied across three representative stations, each subdivided into three sampling points. Biological analysis involved measuring abundance, diversity, and dominance of diatoms using PAST software. Physical and chemical parameters included temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemicaloxygen demand (COD), nitrate (NO₃), and phosphate (PO₄). Results showed that epilithic diatom abundance was relatively high at all stations, but a decreasing trend was observed from station 1 to station 3, reflecting spatial variations in environmental conditions. The diversity index consistently exceeded 1.5, indicating a fairly diverse diatom community and suggesting supportive water conditions for aquatic organisms. Low dominance values at all stations revealed no species over-dominance, reflecting balanced ecological conditions. Furthermore, the physical and chemical measurements aligned with class 2 and 3 water quality standards, confirming that the Dem River remains suitable for sustaining aquatic life with reasonable diversity.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	Dem River; Diversity index; Epilithic diatom; Glothak waterfall
Subjects:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0605 Microbiology > 060504 Microbial Ecology 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0605 Microbiology
Divisions:	Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences > Department of Biology
Depositing User:	Tyas Nyonita Punjungsari
Date Deposited:	05 Dec 2025 08:12

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