Assessment of water quality parameters and heavy metals analysis at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Besut Campus Lake

Water is the most crucial element for living organisms as a component for survival. Even water has become the habitat for some organisms. Therefore, assessment of water quality is vital to keep water in good condition. This study aimed to determine the water quality of Besut Campus Lake by assessing the physicochemical parameters. Water Quality Index (WQI) is related to the process of determining the status class of water according to beneficial use, with a higher index value indicate good water quality. National Lake Water Quality Standard (NLWQS) was also applied in determining the category of enclosed water systems like ponds and lakes. Water samples were taken from sampling stations at Besut Campus Lake and undergo in situ and ex–situ analyses involving nine physicochemical parameters. In addition, heavy metal analyses were conducted in the laboratory according to American Public Health Association (APHA) methods. Based on the research conducted, Besut Campus Lake was classified as Class II with an index value of 78.23 from the Malaysia Water Quality Index (MWQI), which means recreational activities can be conducted within the lake area involving body contact. Meanwhile, according to National Lake Water Quality Standard (NLWQS), the water category of Besut Campus Lake can be categorised as Category B, which means recreational activities with secondary body contact. Further in-depth analyses involving other microbiological parameters should be carried out before the water can be recommended for primary contact recreation such as swimming.