Study Of Water Quality And Pollutant–Loaded Capacity Of Kapuas River, Pontianak City, West Kalimantan.

Abstract

The development of West Kalimantan especially in the surrounding area of Kapuas River contributes significantly to the pollution of the river. Some measures have undertake for reducing the pollutant load entering into the river. The objectives of this study are to determine the water quality and to analyze the pollutant – loaded capacity of Kapuas River, Pontianak. Samples were taken from five different stations, along the river in Pontianak City. Results of laboratory analysis were compered to the water quality standard (PP No. 82 /2001). STORET Method was used to determine the water quality status of each sampling station. The result of laboratory analysis showed that concentrations of TDS were approximately 21 – 1233 mg/L, Hg 16.41-27.01 ppb, Ammonia 0.3 – 0.98 mg/L, BOD 3.06 – 3.99 mg/L, COD 15 – 25 mg/L and Fecal Coliform 0.1 – 12 x 105 MPN/100 ml. These results show that the water quality of Kapuas River do not meet the stated water quality standard including physical, chemical and the microbiology parameters. Water of Kapuas River is no longer proper to be used as raw water for drinking water. The study of industrial waste water shows that the waste water is treated and met the waste water standard (KepMenLH No. 51/1991). Other pollutant sources may the cause of the Kapuas River pollution. Local Government Policies should be undertaken immediately to solve the pollution problem of Kapuas River, because the water of the river is nowdays used as raw water of PDAM in Pontianak.