Isolation and identification of free-living amoebae in water at Setiu Wetland, Terengganu

Abstract

The main purposes of this study are to isolate and identify the free-living amoebae species found in water at Setiu Wetland, Terengganu. Setiu Wetland had been chosen in this study because it provides economic value, aquaculture and agriculture, to the local community and also it ecological important. The physico-chemical parameters of water [pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, Total Dissolve Solid (TDS) and total suspended solid (TSS)] were also measured in order to associate with the occurrence of species of free living amoebae at each sampling locations. Eight locations were chosen to collect the water samples, measurement and isolation of amoebae for physico-chemical parameters of water. A membrane filtration unit was used to isolate the amoebae and their identification was done following Key of Page (1988). At least, five amoeba species were successfully isolated and identified.