Biodiversity study of phytoplankton capable of producing omega-3 in the coastal area of Subang, Indonesia

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Tadris Biology, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Keguruan Sciences, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Indonesia.

2 Bachelor of Pharmacy, STIKes YLPP Cirebon, Indonesia.

3 Postgraduate Programme, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Indonesia.

10.22103/jab.2025.24805.1662

Abstract

Objective
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids known for their numerous health benefits, including cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and support for neural development. These nutrients are predominantly found in marine organisms such as fish and shellfish. However, phytoplankton, as the primary producers at the base of the marine food web, are the original source of Omega-3 fatty acids in aquatic ecosystems. Investigating phytoplankton as a direct and sustainable source of Omega-3 offers promising potential for the biopharmaceutical and aquaculture industries. This study aimed to identify and evaluate phytoplankton species with high Omega-3 content from the coastal waters of Subang, Indonesia, and to assess their potential application in aquaculture, particularly in fish feed production.

Materials and Methods
The research was conducted along the coastal region of Cilamaya Girang in the Blanakan District of Subang Regency. Water samples were collected from five observation stations and analyzed for phytoplankton diversity and abundance using microscopy and the Sedgwick-Rafter Counting Cell method. Chlorophyll-a concentration was measured via spectrophotometry to estimate phytoplankton biomass. Species identification was conducted to determine the phytoplankton composition, and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index was applied to assess species diversity. Selected phytoplankton species were further analyzed for their Omega-3 fatty acid content to evaluate their suitability for aquaculture applications.

Results
Phytoplankton in the study area were classified into three major taxonomic groups: Cyanophyta, Bacillariophyta, and Dinophyta. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index values ranged from 0.07 to 0.16, indicating relatively low species diversity across the sampled sites. Identified genera included Asterionella, Rhizosolenia, Skeletonema, Nitzschia, Pleurosigma, Coscinodiscus, Chaetoceros, and Bacteriastrum, with the Bacillariophyta (diatoms) emerging as the dominant group. Among these, Skeletonema sp. was the most abundant per cubic meter of seawater. However, Chaetoceros sp., another member of Bacillariophyta, exhibited the highest Omega-3 content, highlighting its potential as a valuable source of Omega-3 for aquaculture feed formulations.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the significance of Chaetoceros sp. as a potent contributor to Omega-3 synthesis and its promise as a sustainable ingredient in aquaculture nutrition. The dominant presence of Bacillariophyta and the nutritional potential of specific diatom species suggest that targeted cultivation of such phytoplankton could support environmentally friendly fish farming practices. Further research into the large-scale cultivation and incorporation of these microalgae into aquaculture systems could enhance the sustainability and efficiency of fish feed production.

Keywords


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