Characteristic of water quality in upstream of Bolango River basin in Gorontalo Province

Abstract

This study aims to find out the characteristics of water quality in the upstream of Bolango River Basin so that it can be utilized by Gorontalo people. The study took place in the upstream of Bolango River Basin of Gorontalo Province. River water samples were taken at five points, namely upstream of Bolango River, Bolango at Bunuo Village, upstream of Mongiilo River, middle part of Mongiilo River and estuary of Mongiilo River. Groundwater samples were taken from one location as a control, namely Kopi Village, in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province. Water quality was analyzed at the Research Center and Industry Standardization Laboratory of Manado. The examined parameters consisted of physical, chemical and biological aspects. Criteria for the characteristics of river water quality referred to the Government Regulation Number 82 of 2001 Class II and Water Pollution Index referred to the Decision of Minister of Environment Number 115 of 2003. Groundwater quality referred to the Regulation of Minister of Health Number 32 of 2017. Data were analyzed using tables and graphs and then interpreted. The study results showed that the analysis of surface water quality for the upstream Bolango River and Bolango River (Bunuo Village) met the requirements of Government Regulation Number 82 of 2001 Class II, except the BOD parameters. Based on Government Regulation 82 of 2001, BOD parameter should not exceed 3 mg/l. The results of the analysis indicated that the BOD concentration in the 5 rivers ranged between 3.5 - 8 mg/L. COD parameter ranged between 17-32 mg/l. It tended to be above the established quality standard. Based on the results, all river water in the Upstream of Bolango Watershed was contaminated by organic materials. Water was evaluated using Water pollution index method in accordance with the Decision of Minister of Environment Number 115 of 2003 so that the water quality of the upstream of Bolango River was in good condition. The water of Bolango River (Bunuo Village), upstream of Mongiilo River, middle part of Mongiilo River, and estuary of Mongiilo River was lightly polluted. The characteristics of shallow groundwater met the requirements of the quality standard stipulated by the Regulation of Minister of Health Number 32 of 2017.