The Influence of Tidal on Water Quality in Sungai Semerak, Kelantan

Abstract

A study has been done in Sungai Semerak, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan to understand the influence of tidal on river water quality. This study was carried out from June 2022 until March 2023. The main purpose for studying this river is because Sungai Semerak was one of the cleanest downstream rivers in Kelantan and faced various threats along the river. In-situ analyses were performed using YSI Multiparameter and Ex-situ laboratory analysis for total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and ammoniacal nitrogen using HACH methods. This study shows that the Water Quality Index (WQI) for Sungai Semerak was classified as Class IV. Comparing WQI during spring and neap tide, the WQI is also in Class IV. From the result obtained from this study, tidal influenced the water quality during spring tide as the reading was higher compared to neap tide. Other factors that influence the water quality may come from human activities in Sungai Semerak, such as fish farming, runoff from the agricultural site, riverside constructions, supply bases and other factors. Further actions need to be taken, and further research needs to be conducted to assess this location to support the sustainability of Sungai.