CONCENTRATIONS OF SILICATE COMPOUNDS IN SURFACE WATER OF SETIU WETLAND

Abstract

The distribution ofsilicate compounds and chlorophyll-a concentrations was determined at Setiu Wetland which is located in the southern part of the South China Sea, Malaysia from July to October 2008. Parameters measured were dissolved inorganic silicate (DISi), dissolved organic silicate (DOSi) and particulate silicate (PSi). The concentrations of DISi, DOSi and PSi in the study area range from 101-529 JLg/L Si, 21-187 JLg/L Si and 114-502 JLg/L Si, respectively with PSi being the most dominant form of silicate. In addition, low concentrations of chlorophyll-a was recorded which ranged from 0.0002-0.0101 JLg/L. It is suggested that the main contribution of this nutrient originated from natural sources.