Water Quality Analysis and Pollution Load Capacity of The Central of Food Production Zones in Merauke Regency

Abstract

The Maro River and the Kumbe River are the downstream of the drainage system of Semangga District, Tanah Miring District, and Kurik District, the central point of food production in Merauke Regency. The water quality of these rivers is related to the quantity and quality of water from the drainage system, therefore agricultural activities and other local ceremonial determine the water flow in the drainage system. This study aimed to evaluate the water pollution index, the pollution loads, and the pollution load capacity of seven sites at the Maro and Kumbe Rivers. Based on Total Suspend Solid (TSS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) results which did not meet the quality standards, the water quality of these rivers displayed a degradation. The water quality status of these rivers from upstream to downstream is at low pollution level. The pollution load capacity of the Maro River is at site AS-2 (low tide level). Whereas the Kumbe River cannot accommodate pollution load capacity at both high and low tide levels anymore as the pollution load capacity of this river has exceed the quality standard limit in Regulation of Government of Republic of Indonesia No. 22 / 2021 for Class II.