Author(s): Xeai Li Chai
Email (s): shailychai94@gmail.com
Institution or organization of origin: Faculty of Forestry and Environment
Country: Malaysia
Abstract
Inland water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, and ponds are crucial natural resources in Malaysia. This study focuses on Subang Lake, an endorheic lake, and is considered sensitive to environmental changes. Urbanization was also observed sprawling around Subang Lake. Hence, this study aims to assess the water quality of Subang Lake, which emphasizes 11 physicochemical parameters. The study area was divided into seven sampling points. The water sample collection was conducted during June, August, and October 2019. Three replicates were measured in situ. Water samples were also collected randomly at each point. For laboratory works, all water samples were kept at approximately ± 4°C to reduce water degradation. All parameters were compared among months and sampling points using repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) for physicochemical parameters among sampling months (except DO, BOD5, NO2N, NH3N, and NO3N) and sampling points (except DO, pH, COD, and NO2N).
Based on National Lake Water Quality Criteria and Standards (NLWQS), the overall physicochemical water parameters were majority fall within Category A, except for the mean value of chemical oxygen demand (COD) (20.7 ± 4.2 mg/L) and the mean value of pH (6.19 ± 0.17) fell into category B and C, respectively. Categories A and B are criteria to lakes for the recreational environment. In contrast, Categories C and D are criteria to the lakes for fisheries production and other economic activities. The water quality of Subang Lake was generally ranged between good to moderate.