A Scientific Journey Along UiTM Dengkil's Waterways
Exploring the physical, chemical, and biological indicators of river ecosystem health
Imagine a natural laboratory flowing right through our campus—this is the reality of the river trail at UiTM Dengkil. Rivers are far more than just water; they are dynamic ecosystems whose health is written in a language of chemical parameters and biological indicators. For students at UiTM Dengkil, the river trail presents a unique opportunity to become citizen scientists, transforming a familiar landscape into a living case study in environmental assessment 8 .
Water quality is not merely an abstract concept; it is a direct measure of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water relative to the requirements of human needs and the survival of other biotic species 7 . Nearly half of a region's rivers can fall into an unsatisfactory ecological condition, driven by excess nutrients from agriculture, urban wastewater, and physical changes to habitats 2 .
This article delves into the science of water quality assessment, exploring the key parameters, a detailed experimental methodology, and the crucial tools needed to uncover the health of our precious water resources.
To understand a river's health, scientists investigate a suite of key parameters, which can be grouped into three major categories.
Physical parameters offer the first visible clues about water condition.
Chemical analysis reveals the invisible composition of water.
A relevant and illuminating example of a local water quality study is the recent assessment of the Klang River, which shares its watershed with the UiTM Dengkil campus. This study provides a powerful model for the kind of scientific inquiry that can be conducted along the river trail.
Researchers employed a rigorous procedure to gather and analyze data :
The findings from the Klang River study offer critical insights :
| Parameter | Description | Environmental Significance |
|---|---|---|
| pH | Measure of water's acidity/basicity | Affects chemical reactions, nutrient availability, and aquatic life survival 7 . |
| Dissolved Oxygen (DO) | Amount of oxygen dissolved in water | Critical for respiration of aquatic organisms; low levels indicate pollution 8 . |
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | Amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms | High BOD indicates high levels of biodegradable organic pollution . |
| Ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH3N) | A form of nitrogen in water | Indicates pollution from sewage, fertilizers, or industrial waste . |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | Total amount of inorganic salts dissolved | High TDS can affect water clarity, taste, and suitability for aquatic life 7 . |
Conducting a robust water quality assessment requires specific tools. Below is a guide to the essential equipment, from basic field kits to advanced sensors.
Measure contaminants like lead, nitrates, and basic parameters. Portable and user-friendly, ideal for initial screening and citizen science projects 3 .
Measures the acidity or alkalinity of water. A digital sensor provides more accurate and reliable readings than traditional litmus paper 6 .
Measures the concentration of oxygen dissolved in water. Crucial for determining the water's ability to support aerobic aquatic life 6 .
Collect and transport water samples. Must be sterile for biological testing to prevent cross-contamination 8 .
Collecting data is only the first step; interpreting it transforms numbers into understanding. For instance, in the Klang River study, the relationship between different parameters was key to diagnosing the river's health.
| Change in Primary Parameter | Impact on Dissolved Oxygen | Overall Ecosystem Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Increase in Temperature | Decreases DO concentration 7 | Can stress oxygen-sensitive species like trout. |
| Increase in Organic Waste (raising BOD) | Decreases DO as microbes decompose waste | Can lead to fish kills and loss of biodiversity. |
| Increase in Nutrient Pollution | Can decrease DO via eutrophication and subsequent algal decay 2 | Causes algal blooms, disrupting light and food webs. |
COD, NH3N, and TDS were identified as the most significant parameters affecting Klang River water quality .
Heavy metal concentration followed As > Ni, with slight elevations at specific locations .
Hazard Index and carcinogenic risk were within acceptable ranges for the population .
The journey of water quality assessment reveals a clear truth: the health of our rivers, like the one gracing the UiTM Dengkil trail, is a delicate balance easily disrupted by human activity. The science provides us with the tools to diagnose problems, track changes, and validate the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
As members of the academic community, we are uniquely positioned to contribute to this vital field. By embracing the role of citizen scientists—whether through structured research projects, class activities, or club initiatives—we can build a continuous record of data that protects this precious resource. The river's story is still being written. Let's ensure it's a story of recovery and health, informed by data and driven by a shared commitment to our environment.
This popular science article was crafted based on international and local scientific sources to serve as an educational resource for the UiTM Dengkil community.