Abstract
The hydrochemical characteristics and the type of groundwater were identified in order to investigate the elements of major ions of groundwater samples in hydro-meteorology station located in Universiti Tun Hussien Onn Malaysia, UTHM. The objectives of the study were to measure the concentration of major ions and evaluate their chemical compositions . The measured ions were namely sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), bicarbonate (HCO3), sulfate (SO4), heavy metals substance such as zinc (zn), ferum (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). Eight (8) groundwater samples were collected between January 2018 and March 2018 from a tubewell located at the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, Johor followed by laboratory analyses by using Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The concentrations of major cations and anions were determined and the concecutive strength were Na>Mg>K>Ca and Cl>HCO3>SO, respectively. Correlations among various pollutants were also observed. Strong correlations (p<0.01) were found between Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and Electric Conductivity (EC). Both TDS and EC also showed strong positive correlations with Na, Mg, and Cl ions. The dispersal of major ions in groundwater was determined using piper diagram. The major cation and anion found were Na and Cl, respectively. The type of water that predominates in the study area was Na–Cl which indicated the groundwater influence from seawater intrusion. Mean concentrations for heavy metals parameters were also identified. The values milligram per litre (mg/L) were Mn (0.20), Cu (0.01), Fe (0.50) and Zn (0.04), respectively. Overall, the selected heavy metal parameters which were Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn met the Recommended Raw Water Standard by Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
Highlights
Malaysia has abundance of water resources and receives an average of 3000 mm rainfall annually
Physiochemical and heavy metal characteristics of collected groundwater samples at study area are shown in table 1
The groundwater samples gave high values of Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) that ranged between minimum values of 1924 mg/l and maximum values of 6359 mg/l
Summary
Malaysia has abundance of water resources and receives an average of 3000 mm rainfall annually. Despite the general abundance quantities of surface water available to meet the demand, the water shortages have occurred fairly frequent in Malaysia. Population growth, municipal development, industrialization, and irrigation of agriculture as well as climate change strengthen the growing demand and pressure on Malaysian water resources thereby enhancing water pollution [1][2]. Shallow groundwater is much easier to exploit, but it is vulnerable to pollutants such as heavy metal and its quality is influenced by natural water-rock interactions and anthropogenic activities[6]. A small disturbance from human such as mining, or natural processes can modify the chemical constituents and quality of shallow groundwater. The understanding of the hydrogeochemical process and water quality status is a significant component in addressing effective protection measures and implementing sustainable management of shallow groundwater[7]
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