Penggunaan Moluska sebagai Bioindikator Pencemaran Tributyltin (TBT)

Utilization of molluscs as bioindicator of tributyltin (TBT) pollution. Marine environment is often exposed to different anthropogenic pollutants generated by industrial, domestic and agricultural activities. Tributyltin (TBT), an example of toxic chemical substances that are often introduced into the environment, is a part of the natural biogeochemical cycle and is often accumulated in food chains. Biomonitoring is therefore required to identify and quantify the effects of pollutants on the environment. It usually conducted by using environmental bioindicators. The criteria of bioindicators include sedentary life style, abundance and wide distribution, simple procedure of identification and sampling, high tolerance to certain pollutants, population stability and high capacity for accumulating pollutants. In the case of TBT pollution that causes imposex, molluscs are the ideal bioindicator. Many species of molluscs, especially gastropods, have been identified as effective bioindicators of imposex in a number of countries. Recently, concern about environmental quality is growing due to the fact that environmental pollution has resulted in ecosystem’s degradation. Majalah Semi Populer Lonawarta, Vol. XXII, No. 1. Hal. 1-10