Water Quality Monitoring in Urban Area

The objective of the study is to determine the status of water quality in developing area in Pasir Gudang, Johor specifically within Universiti Teknologi Mara Pasir Gudang Campus. Due to rapid urban development especially in commercial sector and housing construction sector, Pasir Gudang is known as one of the most important business hub in Johor. Nevertheless, this inevitably will affect quality and usability of nearby water resources thus determining water quality within the studied area is needed. The method of this study is based on collecting water samples in the area of Universiti Teknologi MARA Pasir Gudang Campus. The water samples are collected at three different locations; at students' college area, academic buildings and administrative buildings. These water samples are then tested in the laboratory to extract the data regarding the status of its water quality. The Water quality tests are carried out according to the standard of Department of Environmental Malaysia (DoE) known as water quality index (WQI). Six water parameters evaluated which are pH, suspended solids, BOD, COD, AN, and DO. These parameters are used to determine WQI as it was prescribed by DoE, stating its suitability to be applied in a tropical country like Malaysia. It has been found that the status of water quality at this studied location is under class III for WQI, which has a moderate water quality. The qualities are similar to the surface raw water with its usage and consumptions limited to agriculture, industrial and commercial activities. This study has also shown that the water at this area was already contaminated and requires further treatment if it is intended for human usage and domestic activities. However the level of contamination was still considered low with less threaten to human health and environment. This study is important in order to monitor the quality of water in developing areas. Further detailed study should be conducted to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the data.