General geology and groundwater quality assessment in and around Kampung Batu Gajah, Tanah Merah district, Kelantan

This research project mainly focused on the general geology near Kampung Batu Gajah area, Tanah Merah, Kelantan which also emphasizes the need to conduct geological mapping in the purposed study area. The data were obtained through series of investigation of geological structure as well as conducting rock sampling from the outcrops available to acquire information regarding the lithology of the study area. From the analysis of data, it can be concluded that the major types of rock found in the study area is igneous rock particularly granite. Thus, a new updated geological map is produced. Besides, a current traverse map is also produced to show an up to date view of road connection near Kampung Batu Gajah area. Groundwater is one of the major sources of water used by villagers in Kampung Batu Gajah for many domestic purposes. Since, it serves primarily as drinking water, a research regarding the quality as well as suitability of groundwater as drinking water is assessed. The objectives of this research include analyzing the concentration of various cations and anions as well as physical parameters in the groundwater samples as well as to conduct the quality assessment of groundwater in the study area using WHO and MHO. The major ion concentrations that are being investigated is sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulphate, nitrate chloride and carbonates. There are various methods that have been conducted to determine the concentration of major ion concentration in the groundwater samples. These methods include analyzing through atomic absorption spectrophotometer, gravimetric method, titration method as well as colorimetric method. From the tabulated results, a series of interpretation is done with the help of diagram such as Piper Trilinear diagram, Surfer 8 diagram, and LL diagram. From the interpreted data, hence, it can be concluded that most groundwater well in the study area are safe for drinking purpose although quite a small amount of ion concentration has surpassed the permissible limit set by WHO and MOH. Few ions that have exceeded the standard permissible limit include sodium ion, potassium ion, nitrate ion in well 2 and bicarbonates ion in well 4. There are few suggestions that have been recommended to improve the groundwater quality in the study area such as closely monitoring and controlling the flow or dissipation of waste such as pesticides, domestic waste and also industrial waste into the aquifer. Besides, a strict regulation should also be brought to conserve the class of groundwater by penalizing individuals who violate the law.