Water Quality Index (WQI) of Sungai Perlis with application of Geographical Information System (GIS)

Abstract

Rivers is one of the sources of water for human, animal and plant. Rivers provide food, energy, recreation, transportation routes, and of course water for irrigation and for drinking. The quality of river has been noted to decrease in certain location throughout the country yet to be decreased over the years. This project was carried out to determine the Water Quality Index (WQI) of Sungai Perlis and compared with National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia classification. The WQI value then is use to map Sungai Perlis using application of Geographical Information System (GIS). Four sampling point have been chosen around Sungai Perlis Basin which is upstream located at Kangar waterfront (zone A), two in the middle stream which is Pengkalan Asam (zone B) and Tebing Tinggi (zone C) and the downstream at Kuala Perlis (zone D). In-situ and ex-situ are used to analyze the sample and the sample is observed once in two weeks for two month period. Six parameters were taken into consideration in calculating WQI that are DO, BOD, NH3-N, TSS, COD and pH.