Implementation of the CCME method

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 76 views

Analysis of the Water Quality of the Mencal River in North Sumatra Province and its Relationship with the Diversity of Macrozoobentos

Introduction

The Mencal River in North Sumatra Province is a vital component of the ecosystem and plays a significant role in the lives of the surrounding community. However, the river's water quality has been compromised due to various human activities, such as agriculture and settlements, which have led to the disposal of household waste into the river. This has resulted in a negative impact on the water quality, affecting the diversity of macrozoobentos, which is an essential bioindicator. This study aims to analyze the water quality of the Mencal River and its relationship with the diversity of macrozoobentos.

The Importance of Water Quality and Macrozoobentos Diversity

Water quality is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy ecosystem, and its degradation can have severe consequences on the environment and human health. Macrozoobentos, which includes a wide range of invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, are essential indicators of water quality. They play a vital role in the food chain and are sensitive to changes in water quality, making them an ideal bioindicator.

Research Methodology

This study employed two methods to assess the water quality of the Mencal River: the Pollution Index and the Canadian Council of the Environment (CCME) Index. The Pollution Index is a widely used method for evaluating water quality, while the CCME Index is a more comprehensive method that takes into account various parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The research locations were selected using a purposive random sampling method, which involved three stations based on environmental conditions relevant to the research objectives.

Results of the Analysis

The results of the analysis showed that the water quality at Station I was quite good according to the Pollution Index method, while stations II and III were classified as slightly polluted. However, when using the CCME method, Station I was categorized as very well, while stations II and III were declared quite good. This indicates that the CCME method is more sensitive in detecting changes in water quality.

Analysis of the Relationship between Water Quality and Macrozoobentos Diversity

This study also analyzed the relationship between water quality and macrozoobentos diversity using the main component analysis (PCA) method. The results showed that there was a strong relationship between BOD parameters and pH with significant positive correlation, each with a value of 0.798 and 0.788. This indicates that an increase in BOD and pH is directly related to better water quality.

On the other hand, current velocity and dissolved oxygen (DO) parameters showed a strong relationship with negative correlation, with -0.753 and -0.661 values. This indicates that an increase in flow velocity and dissolved oxygen levels tends to decrease with increasing pollution. Temperature and depth parameters had a moderate relationship with positive correlation, with values of 0.504 and 0.442. Meanwhile, total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS) showed very low to low relationships with negative and positive correlations, each with -0.132 and 0.206.

Conclusion and Implications

From this study, it can be concluded that the CCME method is more sensitive compared to the Pollution Index method in detecting changes in water quality. Good water quality at Station I and slightly polluted quality at stations II and III have a significant impact on the diversity of existing macrozoobentos. The link between the parameters studied gives a clear picture of the condition of the ecosystem in the Mencal River.

The information from this study is essential for environmental managers and stakeholders to take appropriate action in maintaining and improving water quality in the river, as well as to protect the diversity of existing macrozoobentos. Thus, the balance of the ecosystem in the Mencal River can be maintained, providing benefits to the community and the surrounding environment.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Implementation of the CCME method: The CCME method should be implemented as the primary method for assessing water quality in the Mencal River.
Improvement of water quality: Efforts should be made to improve water quality in the river, particularly at stations II and III, which were classified as slightly polluted.
Protection of macrozoobentos diversity: Measures should be taken to protect the diversity of macrozoobentos in the Mencal River, including the creation of habitats and the reduction of pollution.
Community involvement: The community should be involved in the management and conservation of the Mencal River, including the implementation of sustainable practices and the education of residents on the importance of water quality and macrozoobentos diversity.

By implementing these recommendations, the ecosystem in the Mencal River can be maintained, providing benefits to the community and the surrounding environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Analysis of the Water Quality of the Mencal River in North Sumatra Province and its Relationship with the Diversity of Macrozoobentos

Q: What is the significance of the Mencal River in North Sumatra Province?

A: The Mencal River is a vital component of the ecosystem and plays a significant role in the lives of the surrounding community. It provides water for irrigation, drinking, and other domestic uses, as well as supporting aquatic life and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Q: What are the main causes of water pollution in the Mencal River?

A: The main causes of water pollution in the Mencal River are agricultural runoff, domestic waste, and industrial effluent. These pollutants can enter the river through various means, including direct discharge, runoff from agricultural fields, and sewage from households and industries.

Q: What is the role of macrozoobentos in the ecosystem?

A: Macrozoobentos, which includes a wide range of invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, play a vital role in the food chain and are sensitive to changes in water quality. They are essential indicators of water quality and are used to assess the health of the ecosystem.

Q: What are the main parameters used to assess water quality in the Mencal River?

A: The main parameters used to assess water quality in the Mencal River include pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total suspended solids (TSS). These parameters are used to evaluate the water quality and identify areas that require improvement.

Q: What is the difference between the Pollution Index and the Canadian Council of the Environment (CCME) Index?

A: The Pollution Index is a widely used method for evaluating water quality, while the CCME Index is a more comprehensive method that takes into account various parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and BOD. The CCME Index is more sensitive in detecting changes in water quality.

Q: What are the implications of the study for environmental managers and stakeholders?

A: The study provides essential information for environmental managers and stakeholders to take appropriate action in maintaining and improving water quality in the Mencal River, as well as to protect the diversity of existing macrozoobentos. This includes implementing the CCME method, improving water quality, protecting macrozoobentos diversity, and involving the community in the management and conservation of the river.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving water quality and protecting macrozoobentos diversity in the Mencal River?

A: The recommendations include implementing the CCME method, improving water quality, protecting macrozoobentos diversity, and involving the community in the management and conservation of the river. This includes creating habitats, reducing pollution, and educating residents on the importance of water quality and macrozoobentos diversity.

Q: What are the benefits of maintaining the balance of the ecosystem in the Mencal River?

A: Maintaining the balance of the ecosystem in the Mencal River provides benefits to the community and the surrounding environment, including improved water quality, increased biodiversity, and enhanced ecosystem services. This includes supporting aquatic life, maintaining the balance of the food chain, and providing recreational and aesthetic values.

Q: How can the community get involved in the management and conservation of the Mencal River?

A: The community can get involved in the management and conservation of the Mencal River by participating in education and outreach programs, volunteering for river clean-up activities, and supporting conservation efforts. This includes creating habitats, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable practices.