INTERPLAY OF PHYSICAL AND BIOGEOCHEMICAL FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPOXIA IN TELUK BAHANG, PENANG: A CASE STUDY FROM JULY AUGUST 2024
This study examines the interaction of physical and biogeochemical factors in the development of hypoxia in Teluk Bahang, Penang Island, during July to August 2024. In situ observations analyzed the influence of neap and spring tides on hydrological and biochemical parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, pH, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). Results indicate that neap tides cause significant water stratification with thermocline, halocline, and pycnocline gradients that facilitate phytoplankton production near the pycnocline. In contrast, spring tides enhance nutrient redistribution and surface Chl-a concentration. The tidal dynamics, monsoon changes, and anthropogenic nutrient inputs interact complexly to determine DO distribution, with spring tides promoting vertical mixing and oxygen exchange, while neap tides and monsoon transitions exacerbate hypoxia, especially in deeper waters. Unique features of Teluk Bahang, such as its enclosed bay structure, local nutrient loading, and seasonal monsoon influence, make it highly susceptible to hypoxia. These findings deepen understanding of spatial hypoxia variations in estuarine environments and provide a basis for future three-dimensional modeling and hypoxia forecasting.
Authors
Abstract
This study examines the interaction of physical and biogeochemical factors in the development of hypoxia in Teluk Bahang, Penang Island, during July to August 2024. In situ observations analyzed the influence of neap and spring tides on hydrological and biochemical parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, pH, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). Results indicate that neap tides cause significant water stratification with thermocline, halocline, and pycnocline gradients that facilitate phytoplankton production near the pycnocline. In contrast, spring tides enhance nutrient redistribution and surface Chl-a concentration. The tidal dynamics, monsoon changes, and anthropogenic nutrient inputs interact complexly to determine DO distribution, with spring tides promoting vertical mixing and oxygen exchange, while neap tides and monsoon transitions exacerbate hypoxia, especially in deeper waters. Unique features of Teluk Bahang, such as its enclosed bay structure, local nutrient loading, and seasonal monsoon influence, make it highly susceptible to hypoxia. These findings deepen understanding of spatial hypoxia variations in estuarine environments and provide a basis for future three-dimensional modeling and hypoxia forecasting.
Citation
DR. KHAIRUL ANUAR MOHAMAD. 2024. INTERPLAY OF PHYSICAL AND BIOGEOCHEMICAL FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPOXIA IN TELUK BAHANG, PENANG: A CASE STUDY FROM JULY AUGUST 2024. Digital NAHRIM Publication Repository.