Environmental parameters of coastal waters in three National Parks of Southern Sarawak

Inefficient and irresponsible anthropogenic discharges from the intensified urbanization and development into water environment have caused severe degradation to aquatic ecosystem. Sarawak’s coastal waters especially are highly exposed to pollutants from aqua-agricultural activities, domestic waste, discharges by shipping vessels leakages and disposal of engine oils, and high sedimentation rate. In long term effects, these would indirectly lead to the depleting of coastal resources and loss of biodiversity. In this study, in-situ and ex-situ water environmental parameters, and heavy metals concentration distribution were measured at Talang-Satang National Park (including Sampadi Island), Maludam National Park and Kuching Wetland National Park from March 2013 to June 2014. Results from the study indicated that water temperature and pH were classified under Class I, ranging from 26 – 30 °C and pH 7 – 8 respectively. Meanwhile, turbidity (0 – 3 NTU), dissolved oxygen (DO) (5 – 9 mg/L) and total suspended solid (TSS) (0.00 – 0.50 mg/L) for all sites were under Class I except for Kuching Wetland National Park’s which were under Class V, and IV (E) respectively. Whereas, nutrients (nitrate and orthophosphate) of all sites fell under Class 3, and nitrite was under Class I. Talang Talang Island showed rather contradicting results in heavy metal levels with Satang Island despite their establishment together as one National Park. Most of Talang Talang Island’s heavy metals (As, Cu, Pb and Zn) were classified under Class 3 while Satang Island’s were within Class 1 and 2. Kuching Wetland National Park and Maludam National Park both bear resemblence in heavy metal levels that most of them were classified under Class 2 and 3 (As, Cu, Pb and Zn). Manganese and Nickel levels of all sites were under Class I and IIA/IIB respectively, except for Nickel of Kuching Wetland National Park (Class I). The unforeseen high heavy metal levels in Talang Talang Island regardless of its protected marine park status was awfully concerning. The land-based anthropogenic input and aqua-agricultural activities within its proximity contributed most of the pollutants and definitely affecting the water quality. On the other hand, an immense population residing alongside both Kuching Wetland National Park and Maludam National Park certainly affected the water quality at respective sites. It can be concluded here how water environment is one fragile ecosytem. Therefore, continuous water environmental parameters study and monitoring is significant as to supply rapid assessments of water quality; prior to detection of pollution influx and indirect manifestation in living organisms. Ergo, an optimization of coastal development and socio-economic growth while sustaining and preserving targeted natural resources is significant, and that it involves various efforts from all parties