Description:
An epilithic benthic algae functions as a primary producer living on rock substrates. The
Autotrofic Index (AI) was measured to understand the level of water pollutions by quantifying
an autotrofy organism. This research determined water quality of Pitap river based on the
autotrofic level of an epilithic benthic algae and to understand the correlation between the
autotrofic level and physicochemical parameters. The measurement of water quality based on
Ash-Free Dry Mass (AFDM), the amount of chlorophyll-a and physicochemical parameters
were taken every month with two repetitions on September and October 2014. Five sampling
sites were selected using a purposive sampling method based on the variety of environmental
conditions around the Pitap river. The results showed that the water quality in the upstream
(Ajung and Langkap villages) were classified non-pollution (dominated by autotrof
compounds) until less pollution (dominated by autotrof-heterotof compounds). Other locations
in downstream (Tebing Tinggi, Sungsum and Juuh villages) were determined pollution of water
quality by dominance of autotrof-heterotrof components to dominance by heterotof
components. Spearman correlation explained that autotrofic index on September 2014 was
closely correlated with water temperature and water velocity with their value are 0,954 and -
0,794 at significantly α=0,01. On October 2014 water temperature was closely correlated with
its value 0,681 at significantly α=0,05.
Keywords: An epilithic benthic algae, Pitap river, the autotrofic index