Recent developments in water quality and environmental analytical studies in Malaysia
1995
Soo Loong Tong (University of Malaya, 59100 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Dept. of Chemistry)
This paper summarizes Malaysia's experience in water quality criteria development where criteria of over 120 physical/chemical and microbiological parameters have been formulated for the protection of the various beneficial uses of the nation's freshwater resources identified as domestic water supply, fisheries and aquatic life propagation, livestock drinking, recreation and agricultural use. The processes for translating these criteria into standards as a tool in enforcement by the authorities will be described. This involves the division of the ambient water resources into five classes and establishing the water quality requirements (standards) in accordance to their designated or existing use(s) in each class. An integrated river basin approach has evolved leading to the classification of sixteen Malaysian rivers based on these standards. The system allows an effective water management in minimizing the impacts arising from increasing industrialization and development activities. The paper also discusses the choice of reliable and comprehensive databases of the general scientific and health information as well as site specific data which are essential to the criteria and standard formulation and river classification. Furthermore, it discusses the progress on the development of pragmatic approaches in sampling, sample preservation and appropriate analytical methodology in supporting the needs of long-term surveillance and monitoring, and in providing a better understanding of the interactions and linkages between abiotic and biotic factors operating within the aquatic environment
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