Evaluation of water quality of Tuaran river according to physico-chemical characteristics / Nur Syifaa Hanis Ghazali

The Tuaran river has catchment area for about 50 km2 and it flows from the Crocker Range and passes through Tuaran town and Tamparuli before reaches sea. Tuaran river is one of the main water resources in Kota Kinabalu region. The water quality of Tuaran river is degraded due to antrophogenic activities like agricultural practices, development of infrastructure and industrial discharges. The aim for this studies is to evaluate the water quality of Tuaran river and ensure the safety of Tuaran river as water resources. The samples were collected from four different stations along the river. Analysis for temperature, pH value, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), turbidity, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and ammoniacal-nitrogen were determined in situ by using multiparameter hydrolab model DS5X meanwhile nitrite concentration was analysed by using DR 2800 machine in laboratory.The results show that average results for the physical parameters were in an acceptable range for INQWS. The water quality index (WQI) showed that the river were in medium class and slightly polluted. Therefore, the river is suitable for recreational activities and safe for body contact.