Water quality assessment around a coal-fired power plant in southern coast of Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Starting 2014, a coal-fired power plant has been operating in Palabuhanratu Bay, at the southern part of Java Island and adjacent to the estuary of Cimandiri River. Thermal power plants in the coastal area can influence seawater quality through the change of sea current patterns and thermal discharge from the cooling systems, therefore monitoring of seawater quality is required. The monitoring was performed from December 2014 through November 2017. The total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations of seawater inside and around the breakwater were 41–99 mg/l, while TSS concentrations in the estuary were 59–157 mg/l. The breakwater that was constructed alongside the power plant changed the sedimentation pattern in Cimandiri Estuary, therefore it increased the TSS concentration compared to values measured from 1993–2008 before the start of the power plant operation. The sampling location was the determining factor influencing TSS concentration, while season influenced temperature variability in all locations despite the average not changing. While chlorine was observed below the set standards, measurement of chlorine derivative compounds may be required, especially if significant changes occur in marine life.