Physicochemical analysis on water quality status of Bertam River in Cameron Highlands,Malaysia

Seasonal variation study of physicochemical analysis in bertam river,cameron highlands was carried out in august-november 2012. the river water quality was studied at six selected stations to represent different localities with varying anthropogenic discharge. physicochemical parameters of the samples were measured ph,temperature,electrical conductivity,total dissolved solids,dissolved oxygen,salinity,ammoniacal nitrogen,biochemical and chemical oxygen demand,suspended solids,nitrate and phosphate following standard methods. the mean values of the measured parameters were compared with malaysian national standard for drinking water quality (nsdwq) and water quality index department of environment (doe wqi). present level concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen,biochemical and chemical oxygen demand were under the categorization of class ii and iii while suspended solids were categorized in class iv in wet season. mean wqi for bertam river in dry season (78 class ii) was slightly better than in wet season (74 class iii). thus it was indicated at meteorological change such as rainfalls having significant negative influence on study site. statistical analysis of one way anova test indicates that all measured parameters are shown significant difference except for ph,do,salinity,cod and ammoniacal nitrogen. in conclusion,present the water quality of bertam river should be extensively monitored since deterioration of water quality was clearly observed. therefore,some sort of integrated river water management and good practice agriculture scheme should be implemented.