Water Quality Dynamics and Water Pollutions of Belawan Estuary, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Ahmad Muhtadi; Rusdi Leidonald; Amanatul  Fadhilah; Rizal  Mukra; Decy M. Carolina Nasution

doi:10.51264/inajl.v6i1.80

Authors

Ahmad Muhtadi Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Rusdi Leidonald Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Amanatul Fadhilah Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
Rizal Mukra Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia
Decy M. Carolina Nasution Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51264/inajl.v6i1.80

Keywords:

Aquatic pollution, Belawan, Estuary, Tide, Water quality

Abstract

The Belawan Estuary is a highly strategic area in Medan, North Sumatra Province. Various utilisation activities such as ports, transportation, industry, fisheries, tourism, and settlements in the Belawan Estuary area have resulted in ecological pressures, particularly water pollution. The aim of this study was to determine the water quality dynamics and pollution status of the Belawan Estuary. The study was conducted in October 2023 in the Belawan Estuary, Medan City, North Sumatra Province. The sampling points consisted of eight locations representing the mouth, middle, and outer parts of the estuary. Sampling was conducted four times following the tidal cycle: full moon, last quarter, new moon, and first quarter. Water pollution status was determined using the pollution index (PI), Malaysian Marine Water Quality Index (MMWQI), and Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) methods. Temperature and pH were the most stable quality parameters. Total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity fluctuated both spatially and temporally. Spatially and temporally, the Belawan Estuary falls into the moderately to heavily polluted category. The sources of pollution in the Belawan Estuary are urban activities, primarily the Terjun landfill. Nutrients and coliform bacteria are the main water quality parameters contributing to Belawan estuary pollution.

Author Biographies

Ahmad Muhtadi, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No. 3 Medan – Indonesia

Rusdi Leidonald, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No. 3 Medan – Indonesia

Amanatul Fadhilah, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No. 3 Medan – Indonesia

Rizal Mukra, Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia

Program Studi Pendidikan Biologi, Jurusan Biologi, Fakultas MIPA, Universitas Negeri Medan, Jl. William Iskandar Ps. V, Kenangan Baru, Kec. Percut Sei Tuan, Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara 20221-Indonesia

Decy M. Carolina Nasution, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No. 3 Medan – Indonesia

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