A Study of Nutrient Distribution in Sediment Layer at Sembrong Dam

Abstract

Reservoir is one of the key sources of water supply as it provides hydroelectric power, domestic usage, agriculture, farming, recreation and provides flood protection. Sedimentation in the reservoir makes the storage of water loss and the sediment sink contain a source of nutrients. Sediment deposition creates habitats for aquatic life but if too much sediment, it can destroy their habitats and even physically alter a waterway. The use of nutrients such as Total Phosphorus (TP) is key to growing plants and animals thus to feed growing populations. An excess of nutrients in the reservoir such as from agricultural activity makes algae growth rapidly and it can affected the water quality in the reservoir. This research was conducted at the Sembrong dam as this dam is a major water source for people in Kluang and parts Batu Pahat and the water quality become decreased because of algae bloom. The main objective of this study is to determine the distribution of nutrient in different location and to determine the nutrient distribution in vertical sediment layer. The study were conducted by taking sediments samples throughout the reservoir by using sediment corer and the sediment have been sliced every 5 cm. The samples were digested using USEPA Method 3050B which is acid digestion for sediments, sludge and soil for TP. The laboratory testing on these nutrients was conducted by following Standard Method for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA, 1999) using spectrophotometer. The highest value of TP obtain is at outlet of the reservoir which is 30.72 mg/l. The results obtained shows that the top of sediment has high number of TP and it decreasing by depth. However, continuous and periodic monitoring should be done to avoid the increasing of the concentration of TP in the sediment to ensure the life of Sembrong dam can be extending for future.