Assessment of the River Water Pollution Levels in Kuantan, Malaysia, Using Ion-Exclusion Chromatographic Data, Water Quality Indices, and Land Usage Patterns

Abstract

Water qualities of three suburban rivers, namely, Kuantan, Belat, and Galing rivers, in Kuantan, Malaysia, were examined effectively by using ion-exclusion/cation-exchange chromatography with water quality indices and land usage data. Specifically, we have focused on evaluating and grasping the effect of sewage/household wastewater discharged from housing areas in the Kuantan district on the river water quality. Based on this study, the following beneficial information were obtained effectively: (1) the pollution levels in the three rivers (Kuantan River: Classes I–III, Belat River: Classes I–III, and Galing River: Classes I–V) are linked with the urbanization level of the river basin area; (2) differences in the biological reactions in the different pollution level rivers are understood; (3) Galing River is among the most polluted rivers not only in Kuantan but also in the Peninsular Malaysia, owing to poor water treatment of the sewage/household wastewater discharged from the river basin area.