Using Phytoplankton as Bioindicators of Tourism Impact and Seasonal Eutrophication in the Andaman Sea (Koh Yaa, Thailand)

Abstract

This study focuses on the diversity of phytoplankton in the Koh Yaa region of Thailand and their relationship with environmental variables, aiming to assess whether human activities (primarily tourism) pose potential threats to the marine ecosystem and provide scientific support for eco-sustainable tourism management decisions in the region. In April, August, and December 2024, corresponding to peak season, off-season, and shoulder season, a total of 156 discrete samples were collected from four coastal sites to analyze water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP), along with plankton diversity and abundance. Statistical analyses including two-way ANOVA with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT), Pearson correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied. The results showed a declining trend in plankton abundance over time, peaking at 1009 × 106 cells/m3 in April and dropping to 281 × 106 cells/m3 by December. A total of 15 types of phytoplankton were identified across four phyla: Bacillariophyta, Cyanobacteria, Dinoflagellata, and Chlorophyta. Notably, Chaetoceros from Bacillariophyta accounted for 47% of phytoplankton, while Oscillatoria from Cyanobacteria made up 29.6%. The diversity index and evenness index improved from 1.34 and 0.46 in April to 1.88 and 0.64 in December, respectively. Environmental factors like pH, temperature, and TP significantly affected phytoplankton abundance (p < 0.01), with TP levels ranging from 0.27 to 0.69 mg/L. These results indicate possible pollution in this region, and changes in phytoplankton abundance were linked to seasonal climate variations—especially during peak tourist seasons—which may exacerbate eutrophication affecting community structures.