Distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in Seafloor Northward of Pulau Indah, Klang

An assessment of community of benthic macroinvertebrates in waters northwards of Pulau Indah, Klang was made with the main objective to determine distribution and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates as well as to establish possible correlation between the community’s distributions with environmental parameters. The sediments were obtained via Ponar Grab (0.023 m2 mouth area), followed by filtration (500 µm) and laboratory sorting in order to extract all specimens from sediments. The specimens were identified to the lowest taxonomic hierachy as possible. The physical parameters such as organic carbon (TOC) and grain size distributions were analysed. A total of 775 annelids, 15 arthropods, 12 echinoderms and 32 molluscs individuals were identified and recorded in six stations overall. Family Cirratulidae accounted to the highest numbers of the Annelids (n=358), whilst Cerithidae recorded as highest numbers of Molluscs. Station 5, 6 and 1 recorded the highest diversity index (H’=2.1845), evenness index (J’=0.6316) and richness index (Dmn=22.0454) respectively. Principal Component Analysis indicated sediment particle size as the major connector on all stations, with different station correlated to certain sizes of sediment particle. Pearson correlation analysis showed positive correlations between environmental parameters with eight benthic taxa in this study, with most correlations were on specific sediment particle size. As the study of benthic community is still inadequate in most of Malaysians waters, particularly in highly industrialised area such as waters in Port Klang, this study can serve as a starting point for any future studies concerning ecological disturbance affecting benthic community in Malaysian waters.