Assesing the impact of rice cultivation on Sungai Dendang in Ketereh, Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Sungai Dendang is a source of "etak" and fresh water fish for local villagers but now the river undergoing poor condition in term of water quality. This study was focused on determining the status of Sungai Dendang water quality quantitatively and qualitatively. The parameters considered in this study were dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3_N), total suspended solid (TSS), pH, nitrate and organochlorine at six identified stations. The parameter for nitrate was measured as fertilizer pollutant and organochlorine as pesticides pollutant. The results of water quality were consistent with the fluctuation between class II and III according to DOE — WQI. WQI for pre — monsoon were class III for all the stations. WQI for monsoon and dry season were class II and III. This could be the consequence of agricultural and settlement activities. The nitrate levels were between 0.0 to 1.8 mg/L during monsoon and dry season. These show that the river water contained no nitrate or at low level. Whereas, organochlorine pesticides analysis showed negative results. This indicated that Sungai Dendang can still support aquatic life and the water can be used for other beneficial uses like livestock consumption and irrigation.