Interim National Water Quality Standards Research Articles

Spatial and seasonal variations in surface water quality of the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment, Sabah, Malaysia

Surface water quality was examined to determine spatial and seasonal variations in the Lower Kinabatangan River catchment, Sabah, Malaysia between October 2004 and June 2005, during the weak La Niña event. The study sought to distinguish between the quality in surface waters draining from an oil palm plantation (OP), a secondary forest (SF) and an oxbow lake (OB); and to identify its seasonal variability. A total of 45 samples were collected during fieldwork campaigns that spanned over the inter-monsoonal period, wet and dry seasons. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated and analysed based on the Malaysia Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS). Results show that the quality of the river fall into Class II or moderate level. Discriminant analysis (DA) has been employed to classify independent variables into mutually-exclusive groups. Suspended sediment (SS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) parameters were found higher during the wet season. COD was found dominant in stream located within the oil palm plantation, whilst SS was dominant in oxbow lake. Surface water quality variations could be influenced by weak La Niña event in 2005/2006, as precipitation anomalies have been observed during the sampling campaign.

LAKE WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN UNIVERSITI SELANGOR BESTARI JAYA CAMPUS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Water quality study on the main lake of Universiti Selangor (UNISEL) Bestari Jaya Campus was conducted on weekly basis for twelve weeks. The level of pollution in the lake was classified according to Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS) and Water Quality Index (WQI). Three sampling stations were chosen and the concentration of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Ammonia-Nitrogen (AN) were determined. Water samples were analyzed physically and chemically. The physical water quality parameter, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), temperature and pH were measured in situ and the chemical parameter of BOD, COD, TSS and AN were analyzed in the laboratory according to the APHA Method. Throughout the study period, the water temperature was recorded in the range of 28.0 oC to 29.1 oC and pH of the water was recorded at neutral level. Based on INWQS, COD, TSS, pH and AN parameters were classified in Class II. DO parameter was classified in Class III which indicate that the lake was slightly polluted and BOD parameter was classified Class V which is heavily polluted. Analysis of water parameter according to WQI showed the main lake was classified in Class IV. Based on these two water quality standards, this can be concluded that the main lake in UNISEL Bestari Jaya Campus were polluted and further actions need to be taken by the management of the university in order the improved the water quality of the lake.

Water Quality and Phytoplankton Distribution of the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment, Sabah

A study on water quality and phytoplankton distribution was carried out at the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment, Sabah in November 2013, January 2014 and March 2014. The objectives were to study the surface water quality of the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment; to identify the composition of phytoplankton in three different types of land use in Sukau, Kinabatangan; and to determine spatial and temporal variations of water quality in Sukau, Kinabatangan. Three sampling stations were selected to represent different types of land use, consisting of oil palm plantation (OP), secondary forests (SF) and oxbow lake (OB). Based on Interim National Water Quality Standards (INWQS) for Malaysia, the parameters were categorized within Class I to Class IV. Statistical analyses ANOVA one-way, paired sample t-test and discriminant analysis have been carried out to both water quality and total monthly precipitation data sets. The distribution of phytoplankton in Kinabatangan River consisted of 5 divisions: the Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Cryptophyta and Euglenophyta. Chlorophyta recorded the highest diversity, with 10 species recorded out of 17 species found of the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment. Discriminant analysis suggested that UV-visible absorption coefficients at 254 and 340 nm were dominant in samples from OP and SF. Temporal variations showed that parameters suspended sediment, UV-visible absorption coefficients at 254 and 340 nm were dominant in samples from collected in January 2014.

Assessment of Trace Heavy Metals Contamination in the Tissues and Saliva of the Medicinal Leech Hirudinaria manillensis

Concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) in the tissues and saliva extracts of leeches (Hirudinaria manillensis) collected from Cheneh Lake, Terengganu, Malaysia were investigated. Concentrations of HMs like Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn) were revealed by utilising Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Nearly all the examined HMs concentrations in the lake water were noted to be higher compared to the Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL) as per Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (INWQS). Moreover, traces of HMs were discovered in tissues and saliva extracts of leeches. Such quantities may pose a health hazard to the patients upon an instant application of leeches on their skin. In this work, a novel technique was presented to decrease the level of metals in leech saliva by espousing a frequent washing process involving deionized or non-chlorinated water for three weeks. This process was extremely effectual in considerably decreasing HMs concentrations (P<0.05), particularly Cd level (up to 99.7%) in saliva and Pb level (up to 92.38%) in tissues. Thus, a constant washing process might aid in harmless utilization of leeches for different conventional biomedical practices.

Treatment of Taman Beringin landfill leachate using the column technique

Landfill leachate is currently a major environmental concern because it contains high concentrations of organic and inorganic contaminants. Leachate treatment using natural materials, such as aquifer sand, peat, and the commercial material BIRM (Burgess Iron Removal Media), was performed through column experiments. Aquifer sand was taken from Kg Teluk, Kelantan, peat was taken from Peatland Paradise, and BIRM was bought from a supplier. The heavy metals (Fe3+, Cr, Ni, and Cu) from natural leachate were selected for this experiment. The concentrations of Fe, Cr, Ni, and Cu before the experiment were 11, 1.27, 4.535, and 3.293 mg L–1, respectively. The physical and chemical parameters of leachate and surface water at the Taman Beringin Landfill have been studied to understand the impact of pollution in the area. The results show that leachate samples at the bottom of the landfills have the highest pollution. Both the physical and chemical parameters of leachate exceed the limits of Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia. Experimental test results were also analyzed in terms of breakthrough curves and percentage of heavy metal removal. The results show that the BIRM sample has a higher adsorption capacity for heavy metals, including Fe, compared with aquifer sand and peat.

Water Quality Assessment Klang River Water Treatment Plants

The quality of Klang river water is deteriorating dramatically since it is in urban places every day and become one of the major problems. Therefore, the Malaysian government had initiated one river cleaning project named River of Life (ROL) project. This project is for rehabilitating and restoring the Klang river. A series of river water treatment plant (RWTP)s have been operated in Klang river catchment since 2014. Six RWTPs station has been monitored up to eight stations until presents. Eight parameters consisting of physio-chemical types and biological types have been recorded. RWTP effluent discharges are targeted to achieve Malaysia Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS) under Class II B. Since previous RWTP performance only emphasized on local river pollutants and certain conditions, this paper will investigate the effectiveness of full-scale RWTP unit process for river condition. Water quality assessment are involved which are consist of effluent water quality monitoring and pollutant removal efficiency. Most of the major pollutants able to be reduced by more than 50% reduction. Although BOD and AN still not able to achieve standard range gazetted by INWQS Class IIB, there is an improvement of river water quality at Klang River by using IFAS technology adopted in the RWTP system.

Keberkesanan Saliran Berumput dari segi Pembuangan Pencemaran dan Kadar Penyusupan

Swale drainage is a broad and shallow drainage that is able to filter runoff before flowing to the main drain and river. This study is focused on the effectiveness of the swale drainage compared to concrete drainage, in terms of pollutant removal and its relationship with the infiltration rate. The chosen site is at Astaka field, in Selangor.The water quality of the outflow was tested to determine the water quality classes when compared to the Interim National Water Quality Standards (INWQS) for Malaysia. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solid (TSS), ammonia nitrogen, pH and turbidity are the five parameters that were tested in the water quality test. The study of infiltration rate of swale outflow was done by using the Mini Disk Infiltrometer and was compared with that of the field without swale. Swale proved to be effective to remove about 40%-60% TSS, 10-70% COD and 30-80% ammonia nitrogen compared to the regular concrete drain. The water turbidity of the outlet is higher than that of the inlet for both types of drainage. Results show that swale has negligible effects towards the pH value. The pH value obtained shows signs of alkalinity of the water outflow. The water quality of the outflow at swale outlet achieved Class II according to the INWQS for Malaysia. Swale at Astaka field had a rate of infiltration of 1.8-2 cm/hour which indicates a smaller rate than the field without swale.

Effect of Monsoon Flood to Groundwater Quality in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, Malaysia

Evaluation of water sources quality plays an important role during floods especially the groundwater. This study aimed to assess the effect of floods on the quality of groundwater in Kuala Krai. Six sampling stations were selected involving six main parameters, namely dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3N). The assessment was conducted according to the Interim National Water Quality Standards Malaysia (INWQS) and the water quality index (WQI) classification, which has been established by the Department of Environment (DOE). The study found that flooding could affect groundwater quality, especially the DO, pH and BOD parameters. Based on WQI classification, most of well water stations are in Class III which is moderately polluted except the T6 station which is in Class II with clean status. This condition shows that the quality of groundwater in Kuala Krai is in the moderately polluted category and a full treatment is required for drinking water supply, especially during flooding events.

Water quality index assesment around industrial area in Kuantan, Pahang

This study was conducted to determine water quality parameters and measure the Water Quality Index (WQI) based on Interim National Water Quality Standards, Malaysia (INWQS) classification. The sampling was carried out on February 2017 which are Balok River (S1), Pengorak River (S2) and Karang River (S3). The physical and chemical parameters were temperature, DO, pH, TDS, turbidity, BOD, COD, TSS and AN. Results show that base on Malaysian WQI, and the water of S1, S2 and S3 were 70.737, 66.127 and 73.098 respectively. Two-way ANOVA with replication test (P < 0.05) shows that all water quality parameters had significant differences between the sampling stations. In conclusion, S1, S2 and S3 were categorized as a slightly polluted river (WQI) and were classified as Class III. Keywords: Gebeng industrial; water quality; Balok River; Pengorak River; Karang River

Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Raw and After Sand Filtration Water at Lubok Buntar Water Treatment Plant

This study focused on the identification of pathogenic bacteria in raw water intake and after sand filtration for drinking water treatment plant during flood event in 2014. The samples was collected from the Lubok BuntarWater Treatment Plant (WTP) and processed through bacterial isolation using chocolate agar as a media. The isolation process conducted based on serial samples dilution and streaking method prior to DNA extraction.Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction kit was used to get selected bacteria DNA and further analysis using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and electrophoresis to get DNA sequences. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis was employed to identify the species of the isolated bacteria. As a result, Pantoeaagglomerans and Enterobacter sp. were found in raw and filtered water sample and indicating the same family types. It was concluded that bacteria of the same species were found before and after sand filtration and need to be removed by disinfectant process. The findings also indicated that all the physicochemical parameters measured were within the values prescribed by the Interim National Water QualityStandard (INWQS).

The association of Cryptosporidium from three different points of Balok River and Kuantan River by using physico-chemical and heavy metal assessments

Objective: The objectives of this study were to detect the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and to assess the physico-chemical and heavy metal parameters in two main rivers in Kuantan. Methods: Water samples were collected at three sampling points per river (upstream, midstream, downstream) from Kuantan River and Balok River. Samples were filtered using the Continuous Flow Centrifugation (CFC) machine followed by immunomagnetic separation technique to isolate Cryptosporidium oocysts and stained using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) –staining. Cryptosporidium oocysts were examined using fluorescence microscope. Physical parameters were assessed in-situ using Cyber Scan PCD 650 multi-parameter instrument. Both chemical and heavy metal assessment were done in the laboratory following the American Public Health Association (APHA) Standard Method with slight modification. The parameters attained were compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards (INWQS) which is the standard vital parameters used to evaluate the safety level of surface water in Malaysia. Results: All samples were positive with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Results for physical parameters were within the range of Interim National Water Quality Standards (INWQS) in Malaysia. For chemical assessment, results for chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand exceeded the INWQS range in most of the sampling points. Of 23 metal elements assessed, only 9 elements were found. Both Kuantan River and Balok River can be classified under Class III river following INWQS which requires extensive treatment. Conclusions: This study hoped to provide new and updated information on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and its physico-chemical assessment in two main rivers in Kuantan. Future study on molecular identification of Cryptosporidium in rivers needs to be done in order to identify the source of transmission of this waterborne parasite.

Assessment of heavy metals in water, sediment, Anabas testudineus and Eichhornia crassipes in a former mining pond in Perak, Malaysia

ABSTRACTThe concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn were analysed in water, sediment, muscle of climbing perch fish (Anabas testudineus), and tissue of water hyacinth plants (Eichhornia crassipes) collected from a former tin-mining pond in Perak, Malaysia. The monitoring was performed during the minimum and maximum rainfall periods. The concentrations of As, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in water exceeded the permissible limits set by the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (INWQS). The risk index (RI) values determined for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn in sediment presented a low degree of ecological risk. The order of the top three heavy metals measured in fish muscle was Zn > Fe > Al. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of As and Cr exceeded the allowable limits in both rainfall periods. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) values of Zn in water hyacinth were 24.865 and 3.214, respectively. The concentrations of Cu and Zn in the plant tissue were significantly correlated (p < .05) with the concentrations of heavy metals in water. Overall, climbing perch and water hyacinth are excellent bioindicators of environmental impacts on water bodies.

Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Raw and After Sand Filtration Water at Lubok Buntar Water Treatment Plant

This study focused on the identification of pathogenic bacteria in raw water intake and after sand filtration for drinking water treatment plant during flood event in 2014. The samples was collected from the Lubok Buntar Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and processed through bacterial isolation using chocolate agar as a media. The isolation process conducted based on serial samples dilution and streaking method prior to DNA extraction. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction kit was used to get selected bacteria DNA and further analysis using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and electrophoresis to get DNA sequences. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis was employed to identify the species of the isolated bacteria. As a result, Pantoeaagglomerans and Enterobacter sp. were found in raw and filtered water sample and indicating the same family types. It was concluded that bacteria of the same species were found before and after sand filtration and need to be removed by disinfectant process. The findings also indicated that all the physicochemical parameters measured were within the values prescribed by the Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS).

INFLUENCE OF OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH (OPEFB) AGRO-WASTE PROPERTIES AS FILTRATION MEDIUM TO IMPROVE URBAN STORMWATER

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) is recommended as a filtration medium due to its fibrous characteristics and abundance as an agricultural byproduct. OPEFB is utilized to treat urban stormwater using a deep bed filter column. Urban stormwater samples were collected from Sembulan River, which flows through the Kota Kinabalu city area of Sabah, Malaysia. The samples were filtered through single and combination designs of OPEFB and river sand (RS) in mix ratios ranging between 25-75%. Each design’s performance was evaluated in terms of Total Suspended Solid (TSS), turbidity, colour, temperature, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) removal. Single medium designs demonstrated the poorest performance compared to dual mediums design. The optimum mixed design was 50:50 with ability to remove 52% color, 49% turbidity, 44% TSS, 59% COD, 84% BOD, and 94% NH3-N. Further OPEFB water-washing treatment followed by a backwashing process achieved better separation results than a straightforward maintenance process. The optimized dual-filtration of stormwater was able to increase the urban stormwater quality from Class III up to Class I according to the Malaysian Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS), thus classified as suitable for water supply and conservation for natural environment uses.

Monitoring on The Quality and Quantity of DIY Rainwater Harvesting System

Rainwater harvesting is an alternative sources of water supply and can be used for potable and non-potable uses. It could helps to store treated rainwater for more beneficial use and also for flood mitigation. Sustainable approach for flooding problem reduction in urban areas is by slowing down the rate of surface runoff flows at source by providing more storage area/tank. In order to understand the performance of a rainwater harvesting system (RWH), a preliminary monitoring on a ‘do it yourself’ (DIY) RWH model with additional first -flush strategy for water quality treatment was done. The main concept behind first flush diversion is to prevent initial polluted rainwater from entering the storage tank. Based on seven rainfall events observed in Parit Raja, both quality and quantity of the rainfalls were analysed. For rainwater quality, the samples from first flush diverter and storage tank were taken to understand their performance based on pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, total dissolved solid (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) parameters. While for rainwater quantity, hydrograph analysis were done based on the performance of total rainfall and runoff, peak flow of rainfall and runoff; and delayed time parameters. Based on Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS) and National Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS), first flush diverter apparently helps on water quality improvement in storage tanks when pH, DO, TDS, TSS and turbidity were classified as Class I (INWQS) and is allowable for drinking; but BOD and COD parameters were classified as Class III (INWQS). Hence, it has potential to be used as potable usage but will need extensive treatment to reduce its poor microbial quality. Based on the maximum observed rainfall event which had total volume of 3195.5 liter, had peakflow reduction from 0.00071 m3/s to 0.00034 m3/s and delayed runoff between 5 and 10 minutes after rainfall started. It concludes that the performance of water retention could be due to total rainfall and the tank capacity. Therefore, RWH has a potential to be used as potable use and at the same time it also has a potential to reduce local urban flooding.

The efficient role of aquatic plant (water hyacinth) in treating domestic wastewater in continuous system

ABSTRACTIn this study, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was used to treat domestic wastewater. Ten organic and inorganic parameters were monitored in three weeks for water purification. The six chemical, biological and physical parameters included Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH3-N), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and pH were compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards, Malaysia River classification (INWQS) and Water Quality Index (WQI). Between 38% to 96% of reduction was observed and water quality has been improved from class III and IV to class II. Analyses for Electricity Conductivity (EC), Salinity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Ammonium (NH4) were also investigated. In all parameters, removal efficiency was in range of 13–17th day (optimum 14th day) which was higher than 3 weeks except DO. It reveals the optimum growth rate of water hyacinth has great effect on waste water purification efficiency in continuous system and nutrient removal was successfully achieved.

Quality assessment of harvested rainwater from green roofs under tropical climate

AbstractWith respect to the current vulnerable climatic condition, water quality has become a matter of the highest worldwide concern. Rainwater harvesting is the most acceptable solution for overcoming this problem. Among various rainwater harvesting systems, green roof rainwater harvesting is a significant tool for improving the standard of living for rapidly growing populations in the whole world, in terms of both water demand and protecting the environment from pollution. This paper assesses the water quality parameter (dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity, and temperature) of rainwater harvesting from green roofs in humid tropic center under tropical climate conditions. It shows that the values of electric conductivity are always within Class I according to Interim National Water Quality Standards (INWQS) and Water Quality Index (WQI). Depletions of DO and pH values were observed for the green roof runoff, and the runoff quality ranged between Class I and III under INWQS and WQI. Lower value of pH...

Detection of River Pollution Using Water Quality Index: A Case Study of Tropical Rivers in Penang Island, Malaysia

A study on the Water Quality Index (WQI) has been conducted among 11 rivers in Penang Island, Malaysia from October 2012 to January 2013. The water quality status of rivers was classified based on the Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS) for Malaysia. The six water quality parameters used to determine the water quality index are dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solid (TSS), ammonia and pH value. Based on the WQI assessment, among the 11 rivers studied, none of the rivers were considered as clean. The upstream and middle stream of the Pinang River in Balik Pulau (with WQI = 69 and 70 respectively), the upstream and middle stream of the Kongsi River (with WQI = 67 and 72 respectively) and the upstream of the Betong River (with WQI = 63) were slightly polluted, while the rest of the rivers had a WQI of below 60, which were categorized as polluted rivers. Among the 30 sampling stations, 17 stations were classified as Class III (extensive treatment of water supply required; fish for common economic value, species tolerance, and for livestock drinking), and 13 stations were classified as Class IV water status, which was classified as irrigation according to INWQS. From this study, the WQI and river classification system were considered as a tool for assessing the health status of river water quality. Efficient and sustainable management of rivers in Penang Island should be emphasized in order to protect their aesthetic value for future generations.

Effectiveness ofEichhornia crassipesin nutrient removal from domestic wastewater based on its optimal growth rate

AbstractWater hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was used to determine their efficiency in treating domestic wastewater. The wastewater sample was collected from the stabilization pond located at the University Technology Malaysia, and was determined for different parameters like pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphate (), nitrate (), ammonical nitrogen (NH3), total organic carbon (TOC), and biomass growth rate. A batch system fabrication was set up which contained 1 kg of fresh plant (E. crassipes) and the experiment was run for 21 d in order to correlate nutrient uptake and biomass growth rate. All the parameters were determined according to APHA standard and compared with Interim National Water Quality Standards, Malaysia (INWQS).The phytoremediation treatment of wastewater with water hyacinth showed pH ranging in between 5.3 and 6.3. Moreover, a considerable percentage of reduction was observed in most of the parameters used which included COD, TOC, and NH3, when compared to the INWQS standard. The c...

Assessment of radiological health implicat from ambient environment in the Muar district, Johor, Malaysia

This study aims to obtain baseline data of environmental terrestrial radiation and to assess the corresponding health risk in the ambient environment in Muar District, Johor, Malaysia in view of the possible construction of nuclear power plant (NPP) in the future. The external gamma dose rate (GDR), measured using two portable survey meters, was 151nGyh−1. The activity concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K were determined using hyper pure germanium (HPGe) detector. The activity concentrations were varied from 11±1 to 583±18Bqkg−1 for 232Th, 6±1 to 244±9Bqkg−1 for 226Ra, and 13±6 to 830±13Bqkg−1 for 40K. Various types of water samples were analyzed using a Low Background Alpha Beta Series 5 XLB instrument at Nuclear Malaysia (NM). Gross alpha activity concentrations in tap water varied from 3±1mBqL−1 to 34±6mBqL−1 and gross beta activity concentrations varied from 58±5mBqL−1 to 709±39mBqL−1 which were lower than the recommended value by Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (INWQS) and World Health Organization (WHO, 1993). The radiological health which are the annual effective dose equivalent, the collective effective dose, radium equivalent activity and external hazard index 0.220mSv, 0.526×102manSvy−1, 359Bqkg−1 and 0.969, respectively. The results were comparable to internationally recommended values and discussed accordingly.