WATER QUALITY AT CEMPAKA DIAMOND AND GOLD MINING SOUTH KALIMANTAN INDONESIA

Abstract

The aim of research was to determine the condition and the water quality status and determine the pollution index of activity in the area. Sampling was conducted at three observation stations. Water quality analysis carried out in laboratory. Determination of water quality status and method were conducted using Storet Pollution Index and GRME (Government Regulation of The Ministry of Environment) Republic of Indonesia No. 115/2003. Results showed that water quality an average value of 29.12 °C temperature, TSS = 107.67 mgL-1, TDS = 25 mgL-1, transparency = 21.33 cm, depth = 0.05 m, pH = 5.73, DO = 2.82 mgL-1, NH3 = 1.75 mgL-1, alkalinity = 43.15 mgL-1, BOD = 9.97 mgL-1, Hg of water = 0.566 µgL-1, Hg of sediment = 0.003 mgL-1, Hg of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus Bloch)= 0.0034 mgL-1, Hg of worms (Lumbricus terrestris) = 0.0579 mgL-1and Hg of snails (Pila globosa) = 0.0912 mgL-1. Parameter values of BOD, alkalinity, Hg in fish liver, TSS, Hg in the worm, the level of depth, Ammonia (NH3), Hg in snail, if compared to the classification status of water quality, they were in Class B with a score ranging from 1-5. Water quality at Cempaka diamond and gold mining areas was mildly polluted according to pollution index. The area showed poor in water quality organic and inorganic materials, low pH and poor in O2. High level of NH3 and TSS high turbidity to make climbing perch and other fish hardly found.