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Salak River Water Quality Identification and

Classification According to Physico-
Chemical Characteristics

Article in Procedia Engineering January 2012

DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2012.10.009

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Procedia Engineering 50 (2012) 69 77

International Conference on Advances Sciences and Contemporary Engineering 2012

(ICASCE 2012)

Salak River Water Quality Identification and Classification

According to Physico-Chemical Characteristics

Nor Azalina Roslia, Mohd Hafiz Zawawib, Rosmina Ahmad Bustamia

a
Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
b
School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

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 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Bina Nusantara
2012 Elsevier B.V...Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Bin Nusantara University
University.

Keywords: river water quality; WQI; physico-chemical; heavy metals

1. Introduction

In Malaysia, river systems are an integral part of the water resources system. There are more
than 150 river systems in Malaysia, 100 are found in Peninsular Malaysia while the remaining 50 river
systems are found in Sabah and Sarawak. These river systems are estimated to contribute about 97% of
the raw water supply source [1]. Besides, river is important for irrigation, recreation and fisheries

1877-7058 2012 Elsevier B.V...Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Bin Nusantara University
doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2012.10.009
70 Nor Azalina Rosli et al. / Procedia Engineering 50 (2012) 69 77

development [2]. However, the quality of the river basins is degraded due to the indiscriminate disposal
of anthropogenic wastes and leaching of pollutants due to development of an area, which sees an increase
of population, urbanization and industrialization [3]. Thus, it is important to carry out river quality
monitoring in order to detect the changes of the water quality and to identify the pollution sources [4]. At
present, Malaysia has over 1000 manual and automatic river water quality monitoring stations maintained
by Department of Environmental (DOE), excluding other agencies such as Department of Irrigation and
Drainage (DID) as well as the respective state level agencies [5]. There are various water quality
parameters to be measured and considered in order to determine the health of the river water and to
develop a water quality index [6]. These parameters can be categorized as physical, chemical and
biological. Water quality is calculated to identify the classes of water where the classes of water are
determined according to National Water Quality Standard (NWQS) [7]. As reported by DOE (2010), out
of 143 river basins being monitored, 64% (91) are classified as clean, 31% (45) slightly polluted and 5%
(7) are polluted [8]. Sarawak has always been known as the land of many rivers [9]. Figure 1 and 2 shows
the river basins in Sarawak and the river water quality status for the year 2008.

Figure 1: River basins in Sarawak

 Nor Azalina Rosli et al. / Procedia Engineering 50 (2012) 69 77 71

Figure 2: River water quality status for the year 2008

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area and Sampling Points

Salak River is one of the river basins located in Kuching City, spanning about 15.24 km with a
n area of 96.81km2. The river is connected to many small rivers such as Sg. Daun, Sg. Labu, Sg.
Enggong, Sg. Mangkuang and Batang. Semariang. Salak River has become the source of economic and
domestic purposes for the nearby population of Salak Island (locally known as Pulau Salak). Salak Island
is situated at the mouth of Salak River where there is a traditional fishing village called Kampung Salak.
Modesty is the way of life here. Populated by Malay, statistically there are 511 people in Kampung Salak,
reside in 95 houses. The Residents of the island are mostly fishermen as fishing is the main economic
activity for villagers in Salak Island. Some of them fish by the sea, while others go deep-sea fishing.
There are also villagers who are river fishermen. Furthermore, these villagers are not supplied with
treated water for their daily consumption. Therefore, the residents rely on its rainfall, groundwater
resources and the river to cater for their daily needs.
The water quality sampling is carried out along Salak River up to Batang Semariang as shown
in Figure 3. The starting point of sampling is at Pangkalan Ulu Sg. Daun. There are 18 points of sampling
locations identified and the distances between each location are about 2 km including the sample point at
each of the river entering Salak River. The sampling is done in the middle of the river to avoid
inconsistencies. The distances between each point are fixed by using Geographical Positioning System
(GPS).
72 Nor Azalina Rosli et al. / Procedia Engineering 50 (2012) 69 77

Figure 3: Sampling points

2.2. Measurement and Analysis

There are two different measurements carried out in this study which are on site measurement
using Water Analyzer Multiparameter Probe and laboratory testing. On site measurement include
Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Temperature. For laboratory parameters, the
samples were kept in polyethylene bottles and stored at 1-4 C temperature. Biological Oxygen Demand
(BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH3-N), Total Suspended Solids (SS)
and Total Dissolved Solids were analyzed based on APHA standard method. pH was measured using pH
meter while Heavy Metal (As, Cr, Cu, Mn Ni, Pb and Zn) were analyzed using ICP (Inductively Coupled
Plasma). All the data obtained will be used to calculate the water quality index where this water quality
index plays an important role in evaluating the water quality status and classification of the rivers. Six
water quality parameters that involved in the WQI formula (Eq. 1) are DO, BOD, COD, pH, NH3-N and
TSS. Then, from the WQI, the water quality is classified according to National Water Quality Standards
(NWQS) for Malaysia as shown in Table 1.

WQI = [0.22*SIDO] + [0.19*SIBOD] + [0.16*SICOD] + [0.15*SIAN] + [0.16*SISS] + [0.12*SIpH] (Eq. 1)

 Nor Azalina Rosli et al. / Procedia Engineering 50 (2012) 69 77 73

Table 1: River Classification according to National Water Quality Standard (NWQS)

Class Uses
Class I Conservation of natural environment water supply 1 practically no treatment necessary
Fishery 1 very sensitive aquatic species
Class IIA Water Supply II Conventional Treatment required
Fishery II sensitive aquatic species
Class IIB Recreational Use with body contact
Class III Water Supply III Extensive treatment required
Fishery III common, of economic value and tolerant species, livestock drinking
Class IV Irrigation

3. Result and Discussion

3.1. Physical and Chemical Characteristics

Table 2 shows the results obtained from the physico-chemical testing which includes
temperature, pH, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, NH3-N, and EC testing.

Table 2: Physico-chemical results

Parameter / Temp pH EC TSS DO BOD COD TDS NH3-N
Sample C s/cm mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L
R1 28.5 7.37 38700 45 2.12 3.85 680 117.9 0.31
R2 28.5 7.39 39600 56 2.20 4.25 797 156.4 0.42
R3 28.7 7.44 39900 38 2.08 4.60 740 236.1 0.39
R4 28.6 7.49 40700 49 2.12 4.05 768 296.3 0.22
R5 28.4 7.44 39100 47 2.15 3.55 698 309.2 0.35
R6 28.3 7.52 40800 53 2.25 4.10 676 314.3 0.37
R7 28.4 7.51 41000 54 2.21 3.75 805 377.7 0.41
R8 28.4 7.34 38100 55 2.17 3.95 740 398.8 0.22
R9 28.3 7.33 38400 49 2.25 3.10 727 389.3 0.25
R10 28.6 7.25 37800 48 2.34 3.90 746 259.6 0.36
R11 28.3 6.98 37900 45 2.32 4.40 718 175.7 0.40
R12 28.2 7.02 36300 42 2.23 4.45 734 135.5 0.41
R13 28.1 7.09 36400 43 2.25 4.20 691 33.4 0.39
R14 28.3 7.07 36700 50 2.19 3.75 645 32.8 0.36
R15 28.5 7.07 37300 48 2.17 3.90 776 35.8 0.42
R16 28.1 7.04 36000 40 2.17 3.85 772 31.8 0.40
R17 28.4 7.08 36500 45 2.31 3.90 1044 32.8 0.43
R18 28.5 7.05 37100 49 2.12 3.65 716 31.7 0.40
74 Nor Azalina Rosli et al. / Procedia Engineering 50 (2012) 69 77

Temperature for all sampling points is around 28 C and the pH of all river samples was about
neutral and slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.98 to 7.51. pH of these range is classified as Class I
according to NWQS. pH value of water is significant indication of its quality and it is dependent on
carbon-dioxide carbonate-bicarbonate equilibrium. Alkaline pH may be due to the presence of carbonates
of calcium and magnesium [8].
EC is one of the important parameter in water quality as it indicates the amount of dissolved
inorganic ion in water. From this study, the amount of EC in Salak River range from 36000S/cm to
41000S/cm and was found to be higher at points which are nearer to the seawater. According to [10], an
EC value exceeding 1000S/cm indicates that the river is exposed to pollution.
NH3-N ranged from 0.22 to 0.46mg/L where according to NWQS, the concentration of these
recorded NH3-N level falls into Class II.
DO values for the river are quite low, ranging between 2.08 to 2.34 mg/L and it falls under
Class IV. BOD and COD values are indicative of degradable and non-degradable organic and inorganic
pollution in water. The BOD and COD level at Salak River varied from 3.55 to 4.60mg/L and 645 to
1044mg/L respectively, indicating the presence of sludge, ammonia and other waste that are contributed
largely by untreated or partially treated sewage and discharges from agro-based and manufacturing
industries [11]. The level of BOD in this study is categorized as Class II which is considered moderately
clean [12] while COD fall into Class V which is polluted.
TDS of all samples falls in between 31.7 to 398.8 mg/L where they can be classified as non-
saline (<1000mg/L). The concentration of TSS in the studied water samples ranged from 38 to 56mg/L
which fall into Class II. These high values of TSS show that the water is quite turbid and murkier and it is
mostly probably due to the quarry, earthworks and land clearing activities or land erosion that taken place
along the study area [13].
Due to no proper sanitation and waste collection, the villagers tend to dump their rubbish into the
river. These kinds of activities are the major contribution to the river pollution at Salak River besides
rubbish littering from the upstream and quarries activities at the Salak Island itself.

3.2. Heavy Metals

Concentration of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn are also investigated in this study and the
outcome of these are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Heavy Metals Characteristics

Parameter / As Cr Cu Mn Ni Pb Zn
Sample
R1 - 0.0013 0.0029 0.0029 0.0083 - 0.008
R2 - 0.0034 0.0093 0.0034 0.0175 0.090 -
R3 - - 0.0025 0.0010 0.0192 - -
R4 - - 0.0091 0.0027 0.0288 0.054 -
R5 - - 0.0103 0.0042 0.0150 - 0.0019
R6 0.093 - 0.0073 0.0028 0.035 0.036 0.0018
R7 - - 0.0092 0.0009 0.0173 - -
R8 0.0323 0.0051 0.0085 0.0053 0.0214 0.0486 0.0026
R9 - - 0.0056 0.0029 0.0250 - -
R10 0.0453 0.0022 0.0134 0.0094 0.0154 - 0.0052
 Nor Azalina Rosli et al. / Procedia Engineering 50 (2012) 69 77 75

R11 - - 0.0120 0.0033 0.020 0.013 -

R12 - - 0.0044 0.010 0.0195 - 0.0042
R13 0.0825 - 0.0026 0.0073 0.0142 - 0.0451
R14 0.0508 - 0.0062 0.0080 0.0128 - 0.0122
R15 0.0627 - 0.0027 0.0023 0.0195 0.0506 -
R16 - - 0.0017 0.0058 0.0200 - 0.0026
R17 - - 0.0032 0.0055 0.0150 - -
R18 - - 0.0024 0.0034 0.017 0.052 -

Cu, Mn and Ni are found at every sampling points while As, Cr, Pb and Zn were below
detectable limit at certain points. Although Pb is not detected at every points, but it appears to be at a high
level at a few points, which trigger a warning as accumulated Pb is harmful to the environment, aquatic
life and even to the human being. Consequently, metals can accumulate in aquatic environments and
causes toxic effects on aquatic life and increase health risks of drinking water. Besides, these metals can
enter the food chain and humans might consume these metals via aquatic life (fish, crab, prawn, etc).
Health effects of consuming Pb are it inhibits brain cell development in children and exhibit symptoms of
anemia including fatigue and mile headaches [14]. People believe that heavy metals are caused only by
the industry especially in industrial waste discharge. However, it is not the only source of metals
pollution. For an example, Pb might come from batteries, paints, rubber, plastics and gasoline from
vehicles which cause atmospheric pollution and may eventually enters the river via polluted rainfall [15].

3.3. WQI and River Quality Identification

Table 4 summarizes the WQI and degree of pollution at every sampling point. The results
obtained are used to map the Salak River according to its river water quality classification and the degree
of pollution (Figure 4). The results revealed that out of 18 sampling points, only five points are classified
under Class III (Moderate) and these five points represent the small rivers that enter Salak River. The
degree of pollution for these five points is moderate and this might be caused by the location of the rivers
that is away from the anthropogenic activities and still surrounded by flora and fauna. According to
NWQS, Class III water can be used as water supply but it requires an extensive treatment and is suitable
for tolerant species livestock drinking.
On the other hand, the remaining sample points which are obviously along the Batang
Semariang and Salak River are classified under Class IV which is slightly polluted. The major
contribution of the river pollution comes from the daily routine activities either from the upstream or
downstream of the river. Their waste discharge into the river slowly degraded the river quality. Class IV
rivers are only suitable for irrigation, thus they are not fit for recreational, water supply or fisheries
purposes.

Table 4 : Results analysis based on WQI

Sample Point Class of Water Degree of Pollution
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R8, R9,
R10, R13, R15, R17 and R18 Class IV Slightly Polluted

R7, R11, R12, R14 and R16 Class III Moderate

76 Nor Azalina Rosli et al. / Procedia Engineering 50 (2012) 69 77

Class III
Moderate

Class IV
Slightly Polluted

Figure 4 : Salak River Water Quality Identification

4. Conclusion

This study shows that COD appears at high level while DO at lower level at every sampling
points where they fall under Class V and classified as polluted. It indicates that the river is suffering from
the non-degradable organic and inorganic contaminants as well as the untreated or partially treated
sewage and discharge from agro-based and the industries. The reason of the river pollution is due to
surrounding activities such as rubbish littering from upstream and even from the community as well,
quarries and no proper sanitation for the communities. For heavy metals, the value is quite low for some
parameters and even below detectable limits at certain points except for Pb which appears to be high level
at some points. The major concern of this high level of Pb is that it can enter the food chain and excessive
consumption of Pb can lead to health problems. From the WQIs and river mapping, it clearly indicates
that the poor quality of water has already appeared at the upstream of Batang Semariang to Salak River
where the water quality fall under Class IV which is slightly polluted. Hence, the water is not suitable for
drinking consumption, fisheries and recreational activities, which are currently being heavily carried out
by the residents of Salak Island on a daily basis.
 Nor Azalina Rosli et al. / Procedia Engineering 50 (2012) 69 77 77

Acknowledgement

This project is funded by grant L18403/F02/00/OSAKA RESEARCH and supported by Universiti

Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

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