Analyzing Seasonal Changes in Water Quality Indicators of Sungai Chantek, Pasir Akar Farm: Implications for Environmental Chemistry and Ecosystem Health

Abstract

Water quality is critical for ecosystem health, especially in river systems that support diverse biological and human activities. Seasonal variations can significantly influence water quality by altering key physical, chemical, and biological parameters. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal changes in Sungai Chantek's water quality by analyzing parameters such as Total Suspended Solids (TSS), pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Ammoniacal Nitrogen (AN). Water samples were collected from three stations over four months, covering the rainy and dry seasons. Heavy metals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, boron, and manganese, were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Among these, aluminum showed the highest concentration. The results revealed that during the rainy season, TSS, BOD, and COD levels were significantly higher due to increased runoff, while pH decreased during the dry season, indicating increased acidity. Dissolved oxygen levels were lowest in the dry season, correlating with reduced water flow and higher temperatures. Overall, water quality fluctuated between Class I and II according to the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS), reflecting the influence of seasonal hydrological changes. This study underscores the need for continuous water quality monitoring to ensure sustainable river management in tropical regions.