Author(s): Kok Hou Ku, Tania Golingi, Ching Sin Lim, Yabi Yangkat, Vitalis Moduying
Linked Author(s): Kok Hou Ku
Keywords: Water quality, water pollution, environmental profile, pollution prevention
Abstract: This paper describes a preliminary environmental profile study for the Inanam catchment in Sabah, Malaysia. The study includes the identification an inventory of pollution sources, determination of catchment pollution loads, assessment of ecological and socio-economic sensitive receptors, determination of water quality objectives and assessment of water quality conditions under various conditions. To support the environmental profile study, a water quality model that simulates hydrologic, hydrodynamic and water quality processes is developed and used to assess and establish the existing water quality condition of the relevant reaches of Inanam, Likas and Darau Rivers. The result of the study shows that most of the Inanam River falls within Class II water quality under the National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia, however the downstream areas near the river mouth are Class III. Likas River is presently a Class III river, deteriorating to Class IV in the lower reaches. The water quality in Darau River currently falls within Class III, although nearing Class II. These results reflect the major land use patterns, where the rivers within the forested and undeveloped catchments are in good condition, while conditions deteriorate rapidly downstream as a result of runoff from industrial, commercial and residential areas. Future catchment development scenarios and various action plans for pollution prevention measures are established and tested in the model to assess their effectiveness in terms of a Water Quality Index (WQI). Pollution prevention measures tested include point loads discharge complied with either Standard A or B, together with non-point loads control, connecting domestic waste to sewer and treated, and point sources are treated to Standard B compliance. The modelling result indicates that the compliance to either Standard A or B together with non-point loads control measure shows a significant positive impact on the overall water quality within the study area
Year: 2017