Monthly samplings were carried out at ten sampling stations within the basin. Six parameters listed in DOE-WQI were measured based on standard methods: pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and ammonical nitrogen (AN). The results indicated the impact of various anthropogenic activities which contribute to high values of BOD, COD, TSS and AN at middle and downstream stations, as compared with the upstream of the basin. The reverses were true for the pH and DO values. The DOE-WQI ranged from 71.5-94.6% (mean 86.9%), which corresponded to a classification status range from slightly polluted to clean. With respect to the Malaysia National Water Quality Standards (NWQS), the level of most of the parameters measured remained at Class I which is suitable for the sustainable conservation of the natural environment, for water supply without treatment and as well as for very sensitive aquatic species. It is suggested that monitoring should be carried out continuously for proper management of this river basin.
This study investigated the spatial variation of nitrogen (N)-based and phosphorus (P)-based nutrients together with water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids) in the Dungun River basin, Terengganu. The Water Quality Index (WQI) of the river was applied according to the Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE-WQI) and classified based on the Malaysian National Water Quality Standard (NWQS). Results showed that the major source of nutrients and water quality deterioration in the basin was most likely due to the effluent discharged from the nearby palm oil factory. The overall WQI mean value obtained was 85.44%, which indicated that the Dungun River basin was in a clean condition and categorised into Class II based on the NWQS classification. The overall mean mass N:P ratio was 19.8:1 which indicated that the algal growth was generally controlled by the P-based nutrients. Based on this study, it is suggested continuous monitoring necessary to be carried out for proper management of this river basin.
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