Sureerat Tang1, Porntep Punnaruk2, Sirithorn Janpoom1, Sirikan Prasertlux1, Bavornlak Khamnamtong1, Mr Wuthiwong Wimolsakcharoen3, Tongchai Thitiphuree2, Chiratthakan Getwech4, Phanachit Dhanasin4, Sirawut Klinbunga1, Padermsak Jarayabhand5
1Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) , Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Thailand, 2Aquatic Resources Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Rd., Pathumwan, Thailand, 3264/118 The Tree Charan 30, Charansanitwong Rd., Ban Chang Loh, Bangkok Noi, Thailand, 4PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited, , Thailand, 5Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Maritime Administration (MARAD), Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Rd., Pathumwan, Thailand
Biography:
Mr. Wuthiwong Wimolsakcharoen earned his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand in 2020. Currently, he is an independent scholar. His research expertise encompasses biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services assessment, and environmental and natural resource management. Since 2021, he has served as the project manager and researcher for the "eDNA for Biodiversity Determination at Petroleum Platforms in the Gulf of Thailand" project.
Abstract:
Biomonitoring and environmental impact assessment of marine ecosystems are important for effective management of petroleum platform activity. Eukaryote biodiversity in water and soil near the petroleum platforms in the Gulf of Thailand was initially surveyed using environmental DNA (eDNA) based on 18S ribosomal DNA variable region 4 (18S rDNA-V4) and the full-length gene (18S rDNA-FL), and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI). Water and soil samples were collected from two central processing platforms and one wellhead platform. The water sample was also collected from a reference site further south where there are not any platforms located and limited human activities. Both 18S rDNA markers outperformed COI. In total, 1144 and 889 species were found in water and soil when analyzed by 18S rDNA-V4 and 519 species were found in soil by 18S rDNA-FL. Only 99 species were identified from water samples by COI. Alpha-diversity indices were significant different in water and but not in soil (P <0.05). Anosim and PERMANOVA analyses revealed differences of beta-diversity between platforms previously analyzed by PCoA and NDMS (P <0.01). Significant species components were also observed between the central processing and wellhead platforms (P <0.05). Species distribution revealed connectivity between eukaryotes from different platforms suggesting the importance of platforms on ecological impacts. Dissolved oxygen seemed to be the most important factor for eukaryote biodiversity and distribution in water (P <0.05). Currently, temporal and spatial scales for the survey of marine biodiversity in the vicinity of the offshore petroleum platforms in the Gulf of Thailand are implemented.