Authors : Asmida Ismail, Nordiana Bakti Mohd Yusoff, Sarah Diyana Mohd Sakia, Ihsan Alwia, Mohd Nizam Mohd Saidb, Mohd Talib Latif, Ahmad Ismail, Faezah Buyong, Siti Aisyah Razli and Amyrul Rafiq Zulkifli
Abstract: Some microalgal species are known to be able to tolerate the presence of atmospheric pollutants. However, this is at the expense of other species. Some species are pollutant tolerant while others are pollutant intolerant. Thus, this study is conducted to understand the relationship between Carbon monoxide (CO) and epiphytic terrestrial algae. The samples of algae was collected from four sites namely Rawang and Pelabuhan Kelang to represent the urban area while Kuala Selangor and Port Dickson represent the rural area. All sites sustained approximately > 10 species of algae. For data feasibility, only algae with density of more than 30×104 cells per cm2 are being counted. Results showed that the urban area recorded slightly higher species richness (4 species) compared to the rural area (3 species). The urban sites which recorded higher concentration of carbon monoxide (11 μ gm–3) compared to the rural sites (2 μ gm–3), support the growth of Desmococcus olivaceus up to 6-fold with algal density of 12390×104 cells/cm2. In the rural area, Desmococcus olivaceus also dominating the area with much lower density at 2985×104cell/cm2. Another algal species that inhabit the urban site is Trebouxia arboricola which also recorded high density at 12120×104cells per cm2. Jaccard Similarity Index showed only 40% similarity between sites of low and high CO concentration. The cosmopolitan species in this study is Trentepohlia umbrina. However, the density of this species belongs to the lower range compared to other species at only 30×104 cell/cm2. The results also showed that the concentration of carbon monoxide and algal density are positively correlated. Carbon monoxide showed a strong positive correlation (R = 0.901). This research concludes that the urban area which contained higher CO ultimately increase the density of algae compared to the rural area.
Asmida Ismail, Nordiana Bakti Mohd Yusoff, Sarah Diyana Mohd Sakia, Ihsan Alwia, Mohd Nizam Mohd Saidb, Mohd Talib Latif, Ahmad Ismail, Faezah Buyong, Siti Aisyah Razli and Amyrul Rafiq Zulkifli, 2015. Carbon Monoxide and its Relation to Species Richness and Density of Epiphytic Terrestrial Microalgae. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 14: 324-329.