Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring of The Tasik Aman and Tasik Harapan Water Bodies of The University Sains Malaysia Using Physiocochemical and Biochemical Assessment Methods
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Abstract
Tasik Aman (TA) and Tasik Harapan (TH) are critical water bodies located within the campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) that serve both ecological and flood management functions. They provide aquatic habitats for diverse species, support biodiversity and contribute to campus recreation and environmental aesthetics. However, these lakes are increasingly impacted by nutrient accumulation, primarily from the Sungai Gambir inflow, leading to algal proliferation and potential eutrophication. This study assessed the current water quality of TA and TH through physiochemical and biochemical parameters, including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrite-nitrogen (NO2-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), chlorophyll-a, orthophosphate and water transparency. Most parameters were within the Malaysian National Water Quality Standard (NWQS), except for TSS, DO and BOD, which fell under Class IIB. Significant spatial variations in temperature, EC, BOD, NH4-N and chlorophyll-a (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the ecological significance of these lakes and underscore the need for sustainable management strategies to maintain water quality, protect aquatic ecosystems and enhance the utility of campus water resources.
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References
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