Line Transect Research Articles

Comparative Assessment of the Effects of two Vegetation Zone Forests on Plant Litter Quantity and Quality in Taraba State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to assess plant litter quantity and quality between montane and high forest zones of Taraba State, Nigeria. Two forest reserves were randomly selected out of the forest zones in Taraba State for this study; the forests were River Amboi and Ngel Yaki forest reserves for high forests and montane forest zones respectively. Two 10 kilometers line transects were established in each of the forest reserves along which 20 m x 20 m plots were laid at 2 kilometers intervals. Plants litter samples were systematically collected from each plot for onward transfer to the laboratory for analysis using standard laboratory procedures. Plant litter was analysed for litter quantity and quality parameters. Student’s t-test and Pearsons correlation coefficient were used to compare and determine the relationship between the plant litter parameters assesed respectively between the two forest zones. There was significant difference in plant litter quantity (P<0.05) between Montane forest (0.6630) and High forest (0.5040). The distribution of litter quality, Mg (0.000) and Na (0.000) showed that montane forest significantly higher than the high forest (p ˂ 0.05). Organic carbon (0.357), Total nitrogen (0.598), available Phosphorus (0.662), K (0.428), Ca (0.531), and S (0.564) show no significant differences (p ˃ 0.05) between the montane and high forest zones. The result showed that in montane forest correlation between Na and Ca were significant (0.684) at (p ˂ 0.05). However, litter quantity and available phosphorus was significantly and negatively correlated (- 0.655) at (p ˂ 0.05). At high forest K and organic carbon was significantly and negatively correlated (- 0.644) at (p ˂ 0.05) litter quantity and TN also showed significantly and negatively correlation (- 0.751) at (p ˂ 0.05). Inclusion montane forest had higher litter quantity and quality than high forest.

COMMUNITY-BASED RAPID BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT: A PRELIMINARY STUDY IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL NATURAL RESOURCES IN KOTA AGUNG UTARA SOCIAL FORESTRY, TANGGAMUS

Community-based rapid biodiversity assessment has been done initially with Gapoktanhut Lestari Sejahtera, a group of coffee farmers practises social forestry in protected forest, Sedayu, Semaka, Tanggamus, under supervision of KPH Kotaagung Utara, Tanggamus. Its aim is to identify potential natural resources in Kotaagung Utara protected forest, Tanggamus, under Kaidenren Nature Conservation Fund, in collaboration with University of Lampung and Rainforest Alliance program. Direct survey and observation were done, kobotoolbox was applied to collect the biodiversity information, the direct and indirect data of plants, animals as well as landscapes. Of 480 data input has been done by transect line from November, 2021 to February, 2022 covering 15 observed areas. The data consists of direct and indirect data of plants, animals as well as landscapes. The finding done is by local names included plants (n=78) mostly understory plant species, orchids, and ferns, small animals (n=40) include amphibians, reptiles, birds, and arthropods, indirect signs (n=11) of food remains, footprints, voices, scraps, wallowing ponds, scratches, nests, insects body remains, eggs and animals’ trail, some fungi, and landscapes. The findings shows that local community is potential citizen research resources, supporting social forestry practice and the initial building of Kota Agung Utara Forest Management Unit database

Babesa Sewage Treatment Plant as a vital artificial wetland habitat for a multitude of avian species

This study aimed to glean basic ecological aspects on diversity and abundance, temporal variation and guild composition of the birds at Babesa Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). The line transect method was used as the sampling technique from November 2021 to October 2022. A total of 80 species belonging to 58 genera, 29 families, and 11 orders were detected, of which three, namely, River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii, Falcated Duck Mareca falcata, and Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, are ‘Near Threatened’ with the remaining being ‘Least Concern’. The highest species richness was recorded in the winter (6.29), the highest species diversity in the spring (2.73), and the highest evenness in the summer (0.76). There was not any statistically significant difference between non-waterbirds and waterbirds, or between feeding guilds. However, based on a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), the bird composition was significantly different among seasons. Subsequently, pairwise comparisons revealed a significant difference between autumn & winter (P = 0.006), autumn & summer (P = 0.006), autumn & spring (P = 0.018), winter & summer (P = 0.006), winter & spring (P = 0.006) as well as spring & summer (P = 0.006). The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) biplot showed most bird species overlap occurred between autumn and spring as well as summer and spring, respectively. Taken together, the present results suggest that the Babesa STP holds significant potential as a habitat for diverse avian populations and underscores the ecological significance of artificial wetlands.

An Ecological Assessment of Tree Species Diversity, Richness and Status in Faculty of Agriculture Shabu-Lafia, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State Nigeria

Trees are very important to mankind in different capacity. This study was carried out to assess the diversity, richness and status of tree species in Faculty of Agriculture Shabu-Lafia Campus Nasarawa State Keffi, Northern Nigeria. The study area was divided in four independent site. A line transect of 1000M were established at each site by passing through the center of the site along which 10 sample plots of 50 m × 50 m in size were established in alternate position along each transect at 80m interval. Species diversity richness were measured using Shannon-Weiner index (H) and Margalef species richness index (D), respectively, percentage relative density was used to measure trees status. Thirty six (36) tree species belonging to twenty one (21) families were recorded. Family Fabaceae had the highest number of species. From the results of the study invasive tree species are the most dominat. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) were 2.74 for total site, 2.18 for site A, 2.10 for site B, 2.24 for site C and 2.29 for site D. The Margalef species richness index (D) values for the species were; total site = 4.89, site A = 2.66, Site B = 2.60, Site C = 2.28 and Site D = 2.50. The result of the status showed that 19.44% of tree species were abundant, 5.55% of the species were occasional, 27.77% of the trees species were rare, and 47.22% were threaten or endanger. In conclusion tree species diversity ranging 1.5-3.5 is in line with standard. The tree species richness is low. Majority of the species were either rare or endanger. The study recommended that, there should be legislation against felling or cutting down of any tree that is ≥ 10cm in diameter be it local or invasive species in the study area. Annual enrichment planting of trees species should be adopted. Awareness on the potential ecological benefits of tree stands on farmlands to the people within and surrounding the study area will play a vital role in conserving the tree species.

KARAKTER DAN KERAGAMAN JENIS POHON SARANG ORANGUTAN SUMATERA (Pongo abelii) DI STASIUN RISET SUAQ BELIMBING TAMAN NASIONAL GUNUNG LEUSER

The Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) is an arboreal primate that spends all its daily activities in the trees. Nest-making activities are carried out daily, selecting trees with certain characteristics to make nests. Much research has been done on the character of orangutan nest trees. However, there needs to be more information about the character of orangutan nest trees at the Suaq Belimbing Research Institute, Gunung Leuser National Park. It is known that Suaq Belimbing is a peat swamp forest ecosystem in Gunung Leuser National Park, precisely in Kluet, South Aceh, with quite diverse vegetation composition. Even so, not all vegetation is used as orangutan nest trees. This study aims to obtain data on the characteristics of orangutan nest trees in the Suaq Belimbing peat swamp forest habitat of Gunung Leuser National Park. Data was collected for three months using the line transect method. The results of the study obtained 65 individual trees used as orangutan nests. 45.15% of the nest tree characters had a height of 11-20 m, and 24.46% had a trunk diameter of 31-40 cm. The most widely used crown shape for making nests was cylindrical.

The estimation of carbon storage in the seagrass meadows of Badi Island

Global warming is becoming increasingly apprehensive day by day, marked by the continued increase in levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in nature. One of the efforts made to reduce the effects of global warming is biosequestration by empowering photosynthetic organisms, one of which is seagrass beds. This study aims to measure the density and percentage of seagrass cover, biomass value, and estimate carbon storage in seagrass biomass in the form of tissue at the top (leaves and upright stems) and tissue at the bottom (roots and rhizomes), as well as estimate carbon storage in sediments. Sampling was carried out using line transect and quadrant plot methods at each station. Calculation seagrass carbon storage using the Loss of Ignition (LOI) method at the Soil Chemistry Laboratory of the Pangkep State Agricultural Polytechnic, a total of 5 species of seagrass were found, namely Enhalus accoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halodule uninervis, Halopila ovalis, and Cymodocea rotundata. The average seagrass carbon storage on Badi Island is 18.92 gC/m2, or 0.189 MgC/ha. The species that act as the largest contributor to carbon storage are Cymodocea rotundata, namely 35.44 gC/m2, and Halopila ovalis, which acts as the lowest contributor to carbon storage, namely 1.92 gC/m2. The average seagrass carbon storage at the bottom of the substrate was three times greater than that at the top of the substrate, namely 14.10 gC/m2 at the bottom and 4.82 gC/m2 at the top. The average carbon storage in sediments is 10.98 gC/m2, or 0.109 MgC/ha.

The mangrove ecosystem in a harbor-impacted city in Dumai, Indonesia: A conservation status

The city of Dumai has mangrove resources in various conditions due to the presence of industry in the area. This study aims to analyze the conservation status of the vegetation structure and to study the spatial variability and the interaction of mangrove vegetation environmental parameters on the coast of the city of Dumai. The study was conducted at ten observation stations, with the study area divided into three parts. Data were obtained by measuring line transects and establishing 10 m × 10 m sample plots, while environmental parameters were measured in situ and ex situ. The mangrove vegetation and structure were examined based on their ecological indices. The comparison between diversity indices was analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mangrove species that were differentiated between sections were analyzed using similarity of percentage (SIMPER), and environmental factors affecting vegetation and mangrove structure were analyzed based on principal component analysis (PCA). The species identification results revealed 13 species, including Avicennia lanata, that are classified as vulnerable globally. Based on the importance value index (IVI), Rhizophora apiculata, Xylocarpus granatum, Sonneratia alba and Avicennia alba were identified as the most important species. The ecological index showed that the mangrove diversity is low (01.06–01.90) with an even distribution (00.41–01.00). The mangrove density varied from 00.79 to 570.87 individuals/ha, and the basal area ranged from 00.00–08.99 m2/ha. The maturity index showed that station VIII had a high maturity level (80.56), followed by Stations X, IX and IV (77.08, 72.22 and 53.70, respectively). Between the north and south and between the south and center, S. alba was the distinguishing species (25.19% and 15.45% dissimilarity), while in the north and central areas, R. apiculata was found to be a differentiating species (22.70% dissimilarity). The environmental condition parameters showed a strong relationship to the density and basal level of the mangrove areas.

Diversitas Burung Di Situ Cihuni

<p class="abstrak">Birds are wild animals that are easy to find in almost every vegetated environment. Its habitat can cover various types of ecosystems, ranging from natural ecosystems to artificial ecosystems, one of which is Situ Cihuni. This research was conducted as an initial step that can be used as a guide for conservation efforts and to determine the balance of aquatic ecosystems. The method used is the field survey method, where the data collected includes the types of birds that are in the transect line and the number of individuals of each bird species found. The results showed that 24 species of birds could be found in Situ Cihuni, with a total encounter of 354 individuals. A diversity index (H') value of 2.23 was obtained, which indicated that the diversity level of bird species in Situ Cihuni was in the moderate category. Then the value of the wealth index (R) is 3.92; the bird with the highest IVI value was the Lonchura punctulata (110.793). Insectivorous bird groups dominate the Situ Cihuni area with a percentage of 46%. The vegetation strata in Situ Cihuni that are most used by birds are strata C and E.</p>

Biodiversity Conservation in Mining Landscapes: a Systematic Review of Assessment Approaches in the Philippines

Mining is an important sector of the Philippine economy, but it often results in negative impacts on biodiversity. To mitigate these impacts, it is crucial to assess biodiversity in mining areas and integrate conservation efforts into mining operations. As part of the national policy guidelines on biodiversity compliance for mining companies, this study has conducted a systematic review to examine the various biodiversity assessment methods, tools, sampling designs, diversity parameters, values, and indices used in the Philippines' mining sites. Search engines and research databases were utilized in identifying diversity assessment-related research. Based on the eligibility criteria, only 25 of the 100 papers downloaded and two project terminal reports were eligible and considered in the review. It was found that authors commonly used transect line and quadrat methods for floral studies and transect line, mist netting, point count, and opportunistic sampling for faunal studies. Species abundance, relative abundance, dominance, frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density, percent cover, and importance value were the most frequently assessed biodiversity parameters, whereas the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson index, species richness, and evenness were the most commonly used indices. Endemism, economic importance, invasiveness, and conservation status were additional factors evaluated. Overall, this review provides an overview of the various biodiversity assessment methods used in the country's mining areas and offers guidance for future assessments in other mining landscapes. The limited number of studies related to biodiversity assessment in mining areas in the Philippines over the last decade highlights the urgent need for more research in this field.

Diversity and abundance of avifauna in the Suba Forest area, central Ethiopia

Birds are one of the best-described taxa, but detailed knowledge about most bird species in Ethiopia remains rare, which hinders the development and evaluation of conservation strategies in the region. In this study, we estimated bird species diversity and abundance in the Suba Forest area (comprising natural forest and adjacent plantation forest and farmland) in central Ethiopia, during the dry and wet seasons in 2021. Bird data were collected using line transects or point counts in each habitat type. Two-way ANOVA was applied to evaluate the effect of habitat and season on bird species richness and abundance. A total of 132 bird species belonging to 51 families were recorded during the study. Of these, 124 are residents, 4 are endemic to Ethiopia, 11 are endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea, and 4 are near endemics (one largely confined to Ethiopia and the others with their core populations in Ethiopia and Eritrea). Habitat type and season both had significant effects on species abundance and richness. Species diversity was highest in natural forest during the wet season, and lowest in farmland during the dry season. Plantation forest and farmland shared similar avian communities, with both being human-altered habitats in close proximity to each other. Native forest supported the highest number of bird species, which confirms the Suba Forest area’s great potential for biodiversity conservation and sustainable wildlife tourism. Continuous monitoring of this area and effective implementation of conservation measures will provide beneficial outcomes for not only avifauna but other taxa.

Large Scale Hevea brasiliensis Plantation Impact on Non-Human Primate and Floral Diversity in Khowai District of Tripura

Over the past three decades, a large proportion of forest area in Khowai district of Tripura has been converted into a rubber plantation (Hevea brasiliensis) area. There is less information about the deleterious effect of such changes on non-human primate populations and plant diversity. To address this deficit, line transect and quadrat sampling programs were carried out in Khowai district of Tripura with the purpose of comparing non-human primate species diversity, number of individual primate species observed and also plant species diversity observed in the rubber plantation area and nearby forest area. Less number of non-human primate was observed in the rubber plantation area than in the forest area and individual numbers of tree, shrub and herb species were found to be maximum in the nearby forest area than in rubber plantation area. In shrub layer Shannon and Simpson diversity index were higher in the forest area, whereas in herb layer, Shannon index was lower and Simpson index was higher in rubber plantation area. From this study it was divulge that, rubber plantation have harmful impact on non-human primate and plant species.

Bioecology study of Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers) in the northern coastal area of Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara

Holothuroidea is one of the marine biotas with crucial economic value in Asia and is usually served fresh or dried in various cuisines. Although it has significant market demand, the potential of sea cucumbers in the northern part of Timor Island has yet to be investigated. This study was carried out to understand existing bioecological conditions and investigate the location’s suitability to support the development of sea cucumber farming in this area. The method employed in the bioecology study followed a line transect and quadrants perpendicular to the beach. Various water quality measurements were applied to quantify the location suitability index. The results observed four species in the Poanboun coastal area: Holothuria leucospilota, H. hilla, Bohadschia argus, and H. atra (the order indicates the highest to lowest density and abundance). The substrate types in the area were a combination of sandy, muddy sand, coral fragments, and surrounded sea grapes macroalgae. The region has a high location suitability index where secluded area, water depth and bed, temperature, salinity, pH, DO, and wave conditions are prime indicators to support the suitability, followed by water clarity and current as secondary (quite supportive indicators).

Vegetation Structure and Composition in the Nusa Gede Panjalu Nature Reserve Area, Ciamis, Indonesia

Vegetation Structure and Composition in the Nusa Gede Panjalu Nature Reserve Area, Ciamis, Indonesia

The diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit species in Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Suwardi AB, Syamsuardi, Mukhtar E, Nurainas. 2023. The diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit species in Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3245-3257. Sumatra Island is recognized as the distribution center of tropical fruit species in Indonesia. However, increased human activity threatens the existence of edible wild fruit plants in nature. The study aims to assess the diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit plant species in Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted in four provinces: West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and Bengkulu. For the sampling, a modified line transect method was used. A total of 331 wild edible fruit plant species at four studied sites in Sumatra consisted of 73 families. The highest number of fruit plant species was recorded in West Sumatra Province, i.e., 176 species, followed by Jambi (172 species), Riau (121 species), and Bengkulu (76 species). The diversity of wild edible fruit plant species was higher in West Sumatra Province (3.85) but lower in Riau Province (3.25). Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr., Baccaurea lanceolata (Miq.) Müll.Arg., Baccaurea macrocarpa (Miq.) Müll.Arg., Baccaurea polyneura Hook.f., Garcinia atroviridis Griff. ex T.Anderson, Garcinia xanthochymus Hook.fil. ex J.Anderson, Mangifera foetida Lour., Mangifera laurina Blume, Mangifera odorata Griff., and Pometia pinnata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. were the most frequently recorded wild fruit plant species in all of the study area. However, 74 wild edible fruit plant species were recorded only in West Sumatra, 45 in Riau, 79 in Jambi, and 9 in Bengkulu. Among the 331 wild edible fruit species in the present study, 1 taxon was classified as endangered (0.30%), 9 taxa (2.72%) as vulnerable, 11 taxa (3.32%) as near threatened, and 139 taxa (41.99%) as least concern, and 171 taxa (51.67%) as Data Deficient.

Identification of Invasive Aliens Plant Species in Cultivated Area of Kamojang Crater at Ibun District, Bandung Regency, West Java

The Cultivated Area in Kamojang Crater, Ibun District, Bandung Regency is part of a single landscape mountain, adjacent to conservated and protected areas which has high biodiversity. This study aims to identify invasive alien plants species in cultivated areas, adjacent to conservation and protected areas. The method used is a descriptive qualitative study with the sampling line transect in 500 meter radius of four location, namely near Nature Reserves (NR), near Nature Tourism Parks (NTP), agriculture (A) and near Protected Forests (PF), and this study has done up at July until November, 2022. The results showed that in the cultivated area in Kamojang Crater, Ibun District, Bandung Regency found 41 families and 96 species of understorey, with the highest number being from the Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae. Diversity of understorey was categorized as high (H'=3.428), evenly distributed (E=0.738), high species richness (R=13.503) and no dominant species (C=0.165). Several understorey, namely 8 orders, 10 families, and 29 species were categorized as invasive aliens plant species, with the highest important values index being Ageratina riparia (99,642%), Imperata cylindrica (72,919%), Paspalum notatum (31,155%), Chromolaena odonata (31,074%), Etlingera elatior (27,905%), Ageratum conyzoides (20,179%), Lantana camara (19,029%), Amaranthus hybridus (18,818%), Pennisetum purpureum (15,120%), Mimosa pudica (15,031%), Crassocephalum crepidioides (14,037%), and Axonopus compresus (10,671%).

Macrozoobenthos Diversity on Mangkoso Beach in Barru Regency

Research on the diversity of Macrozoobenthos on the coast of Mangkoso village, Barru Sub-district in Barru district. The purpose of this research is to determine the diversity of Macrozoobentos. This research uses the purposive sampling method in determining the location of research stations and plot making using the line Transect method. The research station consists of three stations, i.e., Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. The results of the study found 20 species of Macrozoobentos consisting of 13 species from Klas Gastropoda, from Classis Bivalvia 5 species, Polychaeta 1 species and Crustacea 1 species to a total of 20 species (Fillum Mollusca), Cerithium dialeum species, Cerithium sp, Clithon faba, Clithon oualaniense, Clithon sp, Hebra corticata, Hebra sp, Littorina sp, Nassarius bimacularus, Nerita sp, Smaragdia rangiana, Tornatina coarctata, and Vitta sp. Class Bivalvia consists of Anadara sp, Epicodakia sp, Spondylus sp, Tellina mariae, and Tellina sp. While Class Polychaeta, each one species is Naineris and Uca sp. The composition of the species, the population density, the negation, and uniformity of the community macrozoobenthos that the Station 2 is higher than Stations 1 and 3. It is seen on the results of the diversity index (H′) of Macrozoobentos at Station 1 (0.92) and Station 2 (2.55). All three stations indicate that low diversity and environmental quality conditions are in a half-polluted state. The seawater’s quality around the coastal Mangkoso village, Barru District, needs the local government’s attention to reduce environmental pollution.

Composition and feeding guilds bird community in tropical peatland of Orang Kayo Hitam Forest Park buffer area, Jambi, Indonesia

Abstract. Pangestu PG, Iswandaru D, Wulandari C, Novriyanti, Prasetia H. 2023. Composition and feeding guilds bird community in tropical peatland of Orang Kayo Hitam Forest Park buffer area, Jambi, Indonesia. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 13: 57-65. Tropical peat ecosystems are vulnerable to fire damage and conversion, including in the Orang Kayo Hitam (OKH) Forest Park buffer villages, Jambi Province, Indonesia. The peat ecosystem is a habitat for various birds. In the ecosystem, birds act as seed dispersers, pest controllers, and pollinators, so their presence can be used as bioindicators of environmental quality. This study aims to analyze the composition and feed guilds of the bird community. The line transect method is used to explore the path in bird watching. The data were then analyzed using descriptively and qualitatively. In total, 29 species from 18 families comprised five species of waterbirds and 25 species of land birds. The families with the highest number of species were Alcedinidae, with a percentage of 13.79% each (4 species). At the same time, the lowest were Apodidae, Bucerotidae, Hirundinidae, Laniidae, Meropidae, Psittacidae, Rallidae, Cisticolidae, Turnicidae, Ploceidae, and Passeridae, with only one species (3.45%) identified per family. Based on the feed guild, there were nine types of guilds, with the highest rate being granivore (24,14%), while the lowest was insectivore on the forest floor (3.45%). The presence of bird species based on the feed guild indicates that shrubs or weeds dominate the land cover of the buffer village around the OKH Forest Park.

Preliminary study on surface phytoplankton assemblages and physicochemical parameters, off the west and south-west coasts of Sri Lanka

This study evaluates the phytoplankton community structure in relation to physicochemical properties in the western and southwestern coastal waters of Sri Lanka. Phytoplankton and water samples were collected from March to April, 2017 at three transect lines towards offshore in Colombo, Beruwala, and Mirissa, each containing 10 sampling sites. The distance between sampling stations on each transect line was approximately 2 km. Phytoplankton samples were collected towing a net (10 µm mesh) by vertical hauls from known depth (2.5 m) and preserved in Lugol’s solution. The phytoplankton were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and counted under the Sedgwick rafter cell using a light microscope. Water samples were collected at 0.5 m depth using the Ruttner Sampler and analysed for chlorophyll-a, nutrients, and total suspended solids (TSS). This study identified 57 phytoplankton species comprised of diatoms (33 species), dinoflagellates (23 species), and cyanobacteria (1 species). In general, phytoplankton abundance and species diversity decreased towards offshore in the three transects. Total phytoplankton and diatom abundances varied significantly among the three transect lines, and significantly higher abundance was reported at Mirissa and Colombo than at Beruwala (One-way ANOVA; p < 0.05). Total phytoplankton abundance significantly correlated with dinoflagellates, toxic species of dinoflagellates, chlorophyll-a, and nitrate-N (p < 0.01). Ten toxic species of dinoflagellates were reported in the study. Diatoms dominated (60%) in the study area, followed by cyanobacteria (31%) and dinoflagellates (9%). Diatoms of Cerataulina sp. (31%) and Navicula sp. (50%) were dominant in Colombo and Mirissa respectively, while cyanobacteria of Trichodesmium sp. (85%) dominated in Beruwala, indicating the possibility of blooms of this species at study sites when environmental conditions are favourable.

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in gastrointestinal surgery

Background: Prevention of post-operative anastomotic leak (AL) is significant challenge for surgeons, with roughly half of all AL cases linked to insufficient vascular supply, often undetectable during anastomosis. Recently, indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) emerged as promising tool in visceral surgery due to its low cost, ease of use, wide availability, and low toxicity. In gastrointestinal surgery, ICG is primarily used for real-time intraoperative angiography, allowing surgeons to assess anastomotic stumps' perfusion before and after procedure. Objectives: To assess efficacy of ICG as an adjunct in preventing AL. Methods: This descriptive study conducted after ethical approval at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital from 2022 February 15 to 2023 January 30 included 111 patients enrolled via convenience sampling. During operation, surgeon used ICG fluorescence angiography on patients to determine perfusion status, which allowed for evaluation of transection line and post-anastomotic viability. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel sheet 2019 and descriptive analysis done regarding demographic data, changes in the transection line, and post-operative anastomotic leaks. Results: Total 111 patients with age 55.41 ± 13.63 years and male-female ratio of 2:1 participated in this study. ICG use resulted in changes to proximal resection margin for five (4.5%) patients. Clinical judgment and ICG fluorescence imaging showed a difference in bowel transection line of 0.5-1.5 cm. None of the patients who underwent proximal resection margin revision with the assistance of ICG experienced post-operative anastomotic leaks. Conclusion: ICG fluorescence can be used as an adjunct in determining the viability of anastomosis and prevent post-operative anastomosis leak.

Karakteristik Sampah Makroplastik di Pantai Wisata Lamaru Kota Balikpapan

Marine debris is one of the environmental problems in Indonesia's coastal and marine areas, especially macroplastics. One of the coastal areas with macroplastic problems is the tourist beach, which may adversely affect the coastal ecosystem, biota, and reduce the quality of the coastal environment. The purpose of this study was to identify the type and composition, calculate the total weight, and determine the difference in macroplastic density in two different periods. This study was conducted in March and August 2022 at Lamaru tourism beach, Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan. Transect lines and sampling at the research site were determined by following guidelines from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. Sampling was carried out in transect areas with a length of 100 metres parallel to the shoreline and following the width of the beach ridge. All data collected were analysed using Microsoft Office Excel and SPSS software. It was found that the types and composition of macroplastic at Lamaru tourism beach were 12 types such as bottle caps, spoons, food and beverage packaging, plastic bags, toys, cigarette butts, plastic basins, net bags, tarpaulins, rope, raffia, and other plastic materials with a total of 142 items. The total weight of macroplastic waste in period I was 5.6792 gr/m2 and in period II was 4.1874 gr/m2. There was no significant effect (p>0.05) between different periods on the amount, weight and density of microplastics at Lamaru Tourism Beach, Balikpapan City. The dominant source of macroplastic at Lamaru beach comes from human activities on land.