The identification of plankton at Sundak Beach, Gunung Kidul, D.I. Yogyakarta.

The presence of the plankton can be used as an indicator of clean water. It is because plankton could only live-in clean waters. The species abundance of the plankton that can be found in the area is a main diet for other organisms, but it is also a major producer because of its ability to photosynthesise. One of the ecosystems where plankton could be found is in the marine ecosystem. Plankton can be found in the intertidal zone of the beach. This research was conducted during March 2021 at Sundak Beach, Gunungkidul, DI Yogyakarta. This study aims to identify plankton in the coastal area of Sundak Beach. Three stations were randomly selected based on distances, namely 5, 10 and 15 meters from the shoreline. Each station was carried out three times. Sampling used a plankton net with a diameter of 30 cm filtering 25 liters and observed under a microscope with a magnification of 400. Furthermore, plankton samples were identified in the microscopic laboratory, FMIPA UNY. From the sampling location, 6 classes of phytoplankton were found (Bacillariophyceae, Trebuxiophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Dinophyceae, Fragilariophyceae, Mediophyceae) and 2 classes of zooplankton (Hexanauplia and Monogononta). This research is a preliminary study to provide basic data that will be continued for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]