Tahap Kualiti Air Tasik Bekas Lombong Bijih Timah Untuk Aktiviti Rekreasi Air di Bandaraya Ipoh, Perak

Water Quality Level of Former Tin Mining Lakes for Water-based Recreation in the Ipoh City, Perak

Abstract

This study investigated the water quality of tin mining lake for recreational activities in Ipoh involving five lakes namely Gunung Lang, Taman Indah, Kampung Temiang, Lahat and Kampung Tengku Hussein. Observation and water sampling was carried out for 12 months starting September 2015 to August 2016. The parameters measured include pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), suspended solids (SS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3N), E. coli and heavy metals lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As). The water quality parameters were analyzed based on Water Quality Index (WQI) as determined by the Department of Environment (DOE). The findings show that the five former tin mine lake is suitable for the development of water-based recreation activities because the most of IKA are classified as Class II. Value of water quality index as a whole is between 76-92 percent (Lahat), 71-86 percent (Kampung Temiang) and 67-90 percent (Kampung Tengku Hussein), 77-85 percent (Taman Indah) and 83-95 percent (Gunung Lang). Majority of the observations found that all the lakes are polluted with Pb metal. Some observations for Taman Indah and Lahat Lakes also does not met the standards set for As. For Cu, only some observations in Lahat, Kampung Temiang and Kampung Tengku Hussein Lakes met the standards demanded by DOE. Zn was not detected around Lahat and Kampung Temiang Lakes while the other lakes is still at manageable level. Monitoring and management of lake water resources by the Ipoh City Council should be given attention to ensure that water quality is maintained and safe for water recreation activities.