The impact of road construction on water quality at Kg. Sengkang, Mukim Gerisek, Muar

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the water quality of a water body that may be affected directly from road construction project. This study area is along a new proposed route, from Kg. Sengkang Batu 18 to Kg. Teratai, Mukim Gerisek, Muar, Johor Darul Takzim. A total of 12 water samples were collected from 4 stations and sampling was conducted at three different dates, namely on 8th May 2008, 26th July 2008 and 2nd September 2008. In-situ parameters for the water quality study included pH, temperature, and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). Stream flow as well as depth and width of the river were measured on the sampling day. Physical characteristic parameters such as Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were considered in this study. Laboratory analyses were carried out according to the HACH and APHA methods. Results showed that the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) values were very low, except at Station 1 because it is located upstream. This condition indicates that the water was stagnat and move slowly. The impact of these construction activities could result in environmental damage to the adjacent peat swamp by changing the hydrological characteristics, which in the long term could lead to deterioration in the quality of the peat swamp forest ecosystem. Beside that, the increasing traffic flow through this new roadway also contributes to decreasing water quality for this area.