Scenario-based pollution discharge simulations and mapping using integrated QUAL2K-GIS.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Resource Management
• Water Quality Assessment

Background:

• Malaysia's reliance on surface water for raw water supply.
• Vulnerability of surface water to pollution in urban catchments.
• Impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a methodology for temporal water quality index (WQI) analysis.
• Simulate pollutant discharge scenarios using QUAL2K software.
• Create integrated QUAL2K-GIS maps for water quality assessment.

Main Methods:

• Temporal water quality index (WQI) and classification analysis.
• Pollutant discharge scenario simulations using QUAL2K software.
• Integrated QUAL2K-GIS mapping with NH3-N as the core pollutant.

Main Results:

• Most water quality stations classified as Class III (slightly polluted to polluted).
• High NH3-N concentrations observed, particularly during dry conditions.
• 90% pollution control needed to achieve Class II water quality.

Conclusions:

• The integrated QUAL2K-GIS methodology effectively assesses Skudai River water quality.
• Pollution from residential, industrial, and commercial activities significantly impacts water quality.
• The study provides a framework for identifying pollution hotspots and guiding remediation efforts.