Microplastic Research
The Microplastic Research focuses on investigating the occurrence, distribution, and ecological impacts of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, encompassing marine and freshwater environments. The group conducts integrated assessments of microplastic contamination in water columns, sediments, and aquatic biota, including fish, bivalves, plankton, and benthic invertebrates. Using a combination of field sampling, laboratory analysis (e.g., density separation, microscopy, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy), and quantitative polymer identification techniques, the team evaluates particle abundance, polymer composition, size distribution, and potential trophic transfer within food webs. This multidisciplinary approach enables a comprehensive understanding of contamination pathways from watershed sources to coastal and inland waters.
In addition to baseline monitoring, the research group examines the ecological and physiological effects of microplastic exposure on aquatic organisms, including ingestion rates, bioaccumulation patterns, histopathological responses, and interactions with co-contaminants such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. The group also integrates spatial analysis, risk assessment frameworks, and environmental modeling to support evidence-based management strategies. Through collaboration with policymakers and local communities, the team aims to contribute to pollution mitigation strategies, sustainable water resource management, and the development of standardized monitoring protocols for both marine and freshwater systems.
Carbon Research
The Blue and Terrestrial Carbon Research focuses on quantifying carbon uptake, storage, and release across coastal and terrestrial ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass meadows, tropical forests, agroforestry and plantation landscapes. The group investigates carbon dynamics through integrated field measurements and laboratory analyses, assessing aboveground biomass, belowground root systems, soil organic carbon stocks, sediment accretion rates, and carbon burial efficiency. Using standardized protocols such as allometric equations, soil coring, eddy covariance systems, and stable isotope analysis, the team evaluates ecosystem productivity, carbon sequestration potential, and long-term carbon storage capacity under varying environmental conditions and land-use regimes.
Beyond carbon stock assessments, the research group examines carbon flux pathways and greenhouse gas emissions, including CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, to better understand ecosystem carbon balance and resilience. Particular emphasis is placed on land-use change, deforestation, restoration initiatives, and management practices in mangrove forests, seagrass ecosystems, tropical rainforests, and plantation areas. By integrating biogeochemical modeling, remote sensing, and spatial analysis, the group supports climate mitigation strategies, blue carbon accounting, and nature-based solutions aligned with national and global climate commitments.
HAB Research
The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) research focuses on investigating the distribution patterns, species diversity, and ecological drivers of HAB, especially in marine ecosystems. The group conducts systematic monitoring of microalgae communities (planktonic or benthic) to identify bloom-forming taxa, including toxin-producing dinoflagellates, diatoms, and cyanobacteria. Using an integrated methodological framework—combining light and electron microscopy, molecular barcoding, and high-throughput metabarcoding—the team assesses species composition, bloom dynamics, and spatial-temporal variability. Environmental parameters such as nutrient concentrations, temperature, salinity, and hydrodynamic conditions are analysed to understand bloom initiation, expansion, and persistence.
Beyond biodiversity assessment, the research group evaluates the ecological and socio-economic implications of HAB events, including toxin production, trophic transfer, and impacts on fisheries, aquaculture, and public health. The team integrates remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and predictive modelling to map bloom distribution and develop early warning systems. The team also develops a species identification of causing species using machine learning and image recognition. By collaborating with environmental agencies and coastal stakeholders, the group aims to improve monitoring protocols, strengthen mitigation strategies, and support science-based management of aquatic ecosystems vulnerable to HAB phenomena especially in Indonesian waters.
Heavy Metal Pollution Research
The Marine Heavy Metal Research focuses on assessing the occurrence, distribution, and bioavailability of heavy metals in coastal and offshore marine environments. The group conducts integrated investigations of metal concentrations in seawater, sediments, benthic organisms (e.g., bivalves, polychaetes, crustaceans), and nektonic species such as fish and cephalopods. Using standardized sampling protocols and advanced analytical techniques—including acid digestion, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures—the team quantifies trace metals such as Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, and As. Sediment fractionation and geochemical indices are applied to evaluate contamination levels, enrichment factors, and potential ecological risks.
Beyond concentration measurements, the research group examines bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and trophic transfer of heavy metals within marine food webs. Ecotoxicological assessments, including biomarker analysis and histopathological studies, are conducted to evaluate sub-lethal and chronic effects on marine organisms. The team also integrates spatial analysis and risk assessment frameworks to identify pollution hotspots and assess implications for seafood safety and public health. Through collaboration with environmental authorities and coastal stakeholders, the group supports evidence-based management strategies aimed at mitigating marine metal contamination and protecting ecosystem integrity.
Avian Ecology and Landscape Research
The Avian Ecology and Landscape Research focuses on studying bird distribution, species diversity, community structure, and functional traits across heterogeneous landscapes, including natural forests, urban environments, and plantation areas. The group conducts systematic field surveys to assess species richness, diversity, habitat associations, and functional traits that affect certain ecosystem services. The team evaluates how land-use change, habitat fragmentation, and landscape configuration influence bird assemblages.
Beyond documenting diversity patterns, the research group examines ecological interactions between birds and their habitats, including pest control, pollination and seed dispersal services, and behavioral adaptations to anthropogenic environments. Particular attention is given to species resilience, functional diversity, and conservation status under varying disturbance regimes. Through long-term monitoring and landscape-level analysis, the group aims to inform biodiversity conservation strategies, urban planning, and sustainable plantation management to enhance habitat connectivity and maintain bird ecosystem services.
