Water and sediment quality of Batang Balui and Bakun Reservoir

• Main Author: Phang, Kong Siew.
• Format: Final Year Project Report
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) 2016
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/23832/2/Phang%20Kong%20Siew.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/23832/

Bakun Dam is the biggest dam in Southeast Asia and it reached its full supply level in 2012. This study is important to keep monitoring water quality after the operation of Bakun Dam. These results of this study conducted showed that the water quality at Bakun Reservoir was mainly affected by stagnant water and decomposition of organic matter. Stratification responsible on the decline of pH and DO in deeper water region. Thermocline at each station were different (between 1-8 m) and a drop of 3.5 °C was recorded. DO at Bakun Reservoir were found to be less than 5 mg/L near subsurface water (0.5 m) into deeper water. Most of the DO values lay in Class III to Class V, the low DO values caused the water not suitable for aquatic organism. During the Trip 2, DO at subsurface of Station 1 and 2 were lie in Class II. BOD ofmost stations complied with Class III during Trip 2 and almost all COD values complied with Class III as well. TSS in deeper water during Trip 2 were found to comply with Class III. Classification ofWQI showed water at 10m and 20 m depth were in Class III, either slightly polluted or polluted. All the stations for both trips were in eutrophic state. Based on SMSs, the OM and TP contained in the sediment do not exceed the limit.