Stratification and Water Quality Variations in Three Large Tropical Reservoirs

Zati Sharip

Abstract


A comparative study was performed for three large and deep hydropower reservoirs in Malaysia to understand stratification stability and water quality pattern. Vertical profiling was carried out over 5-8 locations each in Temenggor, Kenyir and Bakun reservoirs. Lake-water quality was assessed following the national Water Quality Index (WQI) while trophic state was evaluated following Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI). Stratification variables and water quality variation were analysed using ANOVA. Marked thermal stratification with significant differences in mixed-layer depth and epilimnetic temperature (p < 0.001) was observed in all reservoirs. Significance differences in surface conductivity, total phosphorus, turbidity and transparency (p < 0.001) was also observed in all reservoirs. The findings on the surface WQI showed that all three reservoirs were still categorized as Clean (Class II), which is suitable for recreational uses with body contact including tourism-based activities. The results on the assessment of TSI (chlorophyll a) indicated all three reservoirs were in mesotrophic state. TSI data based on phosphorus and transparency for Bakun and Kenyir Reservoirs were consistently mesotrophic, while Temenggor Reservoir, which is the oldest amongst the studied reservoirs, showed high TSI (total phosphorus) >53 signifying nutrient-rich environment. Bakun Reservoir, however, showed an increase in total phosphorus values with depth indicating continuing nutrient release from decomposition of freshly drowned vegetation. Ammoniacal nitrogen and total suspended solids increased with depth in all reservoirs.

Keywords


Hydropower Dam; Limnology; Thermocline; Trophic State; Vertical Profile

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