Water Quality Assessment at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Outward Bound Campsite Lake

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the water quality parameters in Outward Bound Campsite Lake which is located at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor to evaluate and determine the water quality index through the classification of classes establish by Department of Environment (DOE). Outward Bound Campsite is mostly known for its kayak activity besides being a valuable asset for UTM eco-tourism. It was concerned that the quality of the lake gradually deteriorates due to some unknown factors since the turbidity of the lake was displeasing compared to the other lakes around the same area. Therefore, an assessment of water quality was carried out to determine whether the lake truly exposed with concerning pollution or otherwise. To achieve this aim, Water Quality Index (WQI) was used to assess category of lake. Water samples were collected and tested at FKA Environmental Laboratory apart of the in-situ parameters tested on site. WQI equation utilized the uses of Sub-Index (SI) that considered major parameters such as the saturation percentage of dissolved oxygen and pH value which will be obtained through in-situ testing, biological oxygen demand after five (5) days, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solid, and ammoniacal nitrogen. Five (5) samples were taken on a different date at the same sampling point. Based on the study, the WQI result for the lake of Outward Bound Campsite was determined to be 58.56 which in the range of Class III for both Water Supply and Fishery characteristics. Therefore, the lake was categorized as slightly polluted where the usage should be limited to livestock drinking only.