Expedition finds various microorganisms in Endau-Rompin rich waters

The seminar of the scientific Expedition of Taman Negara Johor Endau-Rompin Trans Selai-Peta 2012 was held on the 18-19 December 2012,at the Taman Negara Johor Gunung Ledang Resort.

This special event’s aim was to collect and summarise the information which had been gathered during the expedition which is from 1-9 July, 2012.

The Citizen Journalist has managed to interview a final year Masters student in Aquatic Biotechnology in Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Dora said that the the microalgae its waters have many potentials such as for the treating of water, and as health supplements like spirulina and chrorella.

The diversity of phytoplankton in the rare temporary aquatic habitat of the Endau-Rompin National Park was also investigated.

Samples were collected in Upeh Guling (which is classified as rare and/or regional type of temporary waters) during the Selai-Peta Endau Rompin , Research Expedition.

A total of 15 species were found.

One of them named Botryococcus sp. is known as source of renewable hydrocarbons, particularly the high octane type which is used to fuel jet engine.

In addition, this particular microalgae which, although not a potential source for human food, also contains high amount of carotenoids, a potential source of highly priced anti-oxidant.

The findings from this study suggests the importance of this rare habitat as source of renewable energy.

This study also provides baseline information on the distribution of phytoplanktons in a rare temporary water habitat of tropical rainforest.