Perspectives on the Use of Algae as Biological Indicators for Monitoring and Protecting Aquatic Environments, with Special Reference to Malaysian Freshwater Ecosystems
Wan Maznah Wan Omar*
School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Abstract: Algal communities possess many attributes as biological indicators of spatial and temporal environmental changes. Algal parameters, especially the community structural and functional variables that have been used in biological monitoring programs, are highlighted in this document. Biological indicators like algae have only recently been included in water quality assessments in some areas of Malaysia. The use of algal parameters in identifying various types of water degradation is essential and complementary to other environmental indicators.
Keywords: Water pollution, Algae, Diatom, Biological monitoring, Biological indicators
Tropical Life Sciences Research, 21(2), 51–67, 2010
