Organic content and the number of Corbicula fluminea (Muller, 1774) in Lubok Tani Irrigation Canal, Tumpat, Kelantan

Abstract

Corbicula fluminea can be found living in the bottom of lakes, rivers and irrigation canal in Kelantan. C. fluminea usually receives nutrients and food source that are carried along with the runoff and these nutrients are considered pollutants to the water. Plus, the number of C. fluminea present is believed to be influenced by organic content in the sediment. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the concentration of organic matter in the sediment and the number of C. fluminea at Lubok Tani Irrigation Canal, Tumpat, Kelantan. Samples were collected from two points, with six composites sampling of sediment and six samples of C. fluminea. Thus, organic matter in sediment was measured using Loss on Ignition analysis. The results indicated that an average of 55 clams was collected at the left bank, 57 clams at the middle and right bank. The average organic matter at the left bank was recorded at 1.61%, centre at 1.37%, and right bank at 2.42%. The results showed that area with higher organic matter had higher composition and size of C. fluminae. This study also showed that C.fluminae in the study area started to reproduce in May and believed to be matured in August. However, more data collection is required to obtain a significant statistical correlation. In conclusion, organic matter in substrates can influence the composition and size of C. fluminae and the suitable harvest time can be scheduled to ensure the sustainable harvesting.