Sains Malaysiana 39(2)(2010): 189–198

Spatial and Temporal Variations of Silica in a Disturbed Tropical River Basin

(Variasi Silika Mengikut Ruang dan Masa di Lembangan Sungai Tropika yang Terganggu)

Nather Khan Ibrahim*

Ecotone Environmental Management Sdn. Bhd., Suite 912, Block A, Kelana Centre Point

Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Firuza Begham Mustafa

Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Received: 8 August 2008 / Accepted: 11 August 2009

ABSTRACT

Spatial and temporal variations in silica concentration were determined at various rivers and tributaries in the Linggi River Basin, which has been highly polluted due to urban, industrial and agricultural wastes. The silica content measured as reactive silicate in the whole Linggi River Basin ranged from 1.4 to 26.3 mg/L. A clear seasonal variation in silica was noted especially in the major rivers with higher concentration during dry months and lower concentration during the wet months. The concentration was found to decrease as the water flooded downstream. The large drainage area with granite dominated lithology and high denudation especially in the upper catchment is attributed for high silica content in the water of Linggi River Basin.

Keywords: Diatoms; Linggi River; silica; tropical river; water quality

ABSTRAK

Kepelbagaian variasi kepekatan silika dalam dimensi ruang dan masa di beberapa sungai dan anak sungai di Lembangan Sungai Linggi telah dikesan tercemar disebabkan oleh pembangunan, aktiviti industri dan sisa pertanian. Silika teraktif yang diukur untuk menentukan kandungan silika di keseluruhan Lembangan Sungai Linggi mempunyai julat antara 1.4 hingga 26.3 mg/L. Variasi silika pada sesuatu musim adalah jelas terutamanya di sungai-sungai utama dan pada musim kering, kepekatan silika adalah tinggi dan kepekatan silika rendah pada musim lembap. Kepekatan silika berkurangan di bahagian hilir. Kawasan perparitan yang besar dengan batuan granit yang meliputi litologi dan penggondolan yang pesat terutamanya di bahagian atas takungan menyumbang kepada kandungan silika yang tinggi di dalam air di Lembangan Sungai Linggi.

Kata kunci: Diatom; kualiti air; silika; Sungai Linggi; sungai tropika

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*Corresponding author: ecotonemalaysia@yahoo.com