Salak river water quality identification and classification according to physico-chemical characteristics

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities over the years had adversely affected the environment especially the river and its ecosystem. This paper aims to study the river quality status of Salak River (locally known as Batang Salak) and map the river based on their water classes. 18 samples were collected and tested for physical-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, EC and NH3-N) and heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn). Subsequently, the quality of the river is determined using Water Quality Index (WQI) and classified according to the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS) for Malaysia. The results show that the river has low level of DO (range 2.08-2.34mg/L) and high level of COD (range 645-1044mg/L), and Pb (range 0.01-0.09mg/L). Based on the WQIs and NWQS, the river quality status for Salak River falls under Class IV which indicates that the river is slightly polluted. Further actions should be taken into consideration to further improve the quality of Salak River, hence, promoting a healthier environment to the surrounding communities. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.