KERAPATAN TUMBUHAN Hydrilla Verticilata SEBAGAI BIOINDIKATOR PENCEMARAN DI PERAIRAN DANAU TALAGA KECAMATAN DAMPELAS

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the density of Hydrilla verticillata in Lake Talaga and to evaluate its
potential as a bioindicator of changes in water quality caused by domestic pollution. The study was conducted at
three stations, where physicochemical parameters were measured, including temperature, pH, light intensity,
turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and the heavy metals Pb, Fe, and Cu. The results showed that water temperature
ranged from 26 to 28°C and dissolved oxygen from 8.04 to 8.49 mg/L, indicating conditions that still support aquatic
life. Heavy metal concentrations were below the established water quality standards. However, the pH was
categorized as highly alkaline, and the highest turbidity was recorded at the station located near residential areas,
suggesting environmental pressure associated with domestic activities. The density of Hydrilla verticillata varied
among stations, reaching 607,333.3 ind/ha at Station II (high category), 180,000 ind/ha at Station I (moderate
category), and 6,066 ind/ha at Station III (low category). The high density observed in the residential area indicates
nutrient enrichment that may stimulate excessive growth of aquatic vegetation. This condition suggests symptoms
of eutrophication and indicates that Lake Talaga is experiencing localized light to moderate pollution. Therefore,
the density of Hydrilla verticillata has strong potential to be used as a bioindicator for assessing changes in water
quality.
Keywords: Hydrilla verticillata; bioindicator; pollution; Lake Talaga