Regular Water Quality Monitoring

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 126 views

Introduction

Lake Toba, located in Lumban Binanga Village, Laguboti District, is a vital source of life for the local community. The lake is used for various activities, such as fishing, cultivation in floating net cages (KJA), clean water sources, and tourist attractions. However, the presence of floating net cages can affect the water quality around it, leading to changes in the ecosystem and the health of water users. This study aims to assess the quality of water in Lake Toba by comparing it with the quality standards specified in PP No. 82 of 2001 and identify health complaints experienced by people who use water around the floating net cages.

Methodology

The methodology used in this study is descriptive, where sampling is carried out at 8 points, including 7 points around the floating net cages and 1 point from the watershed. To analyze health complaints, interviews were conducted using a questionnaire. The study aims to assess the quality of water in Lake Toba by comparing it with the quality standards specified in PP No. 82 of 2001.

Water Quality Parameters

The results showed that the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) parameters ranged from 2.3 mg/L to 4.3 mg/L. Especially at stations 2, 4, 6, and 8, the BOD value has exceeded the specified quality standard. Furthermore, the total coliform parameter ranges from 2800 MPN/100 ml to 16000 MPN/100 ml, where stations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 also exceed the quality standard threshold. Meanwhile, other parameters such as temperatures (26.1 ° C - 27 ° C), turbidity (1.19 FAU - 4.40 FAU), PH (6.4 - 7.3), Nitrite (0.001 mg/L - 0.009 mg/l), posfat (0.04 mg/l - 0.18 mg/l), and dissolved oxygen (DO) (7.09 mg/l - 7.92 mg/l) is still within the specified limit as a quality standard.

Health Complaints

Of the total 50 respondents, 23 people (46%) claimed to have experienced health complaints due to the use of water around the KJA location. Reported complaints include skin irritation and redness (20 people or 40%), as well as eye irritation, itching, and heat sensation (3 people or 6%). This shows the relationship between decreased water quality and its impact on public health.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the quality of water around the floating net cages has decreased significantly. Not only has an impact on the health of the user, but also causes concern about environmental sustainability and public health. Therefore, there is a need for better prevention and management measures for the use and maintenance of water quality in Lake Toba to remain safe and sustainable for all users.

Recommendations

Regular Water Quality Monitoring: Regular monitoring of water quality parameters is necessary to ensure that the water quality meets the specified standards.
Implementation of Best Management Practices: Best management practices should be implemented to prevent pollution and maintain water quality.
Education and Awareness: Education and awareness programs should be conducted to inform the public about the importance of maintaining water quality and the potential health risks associated with poor water quality.
Collaboration with Stakeholders: Collaboration with stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and private sector organizations, is necessary to ensure that water quality management is a collective responsibility.

Limitations of the Study

Limited Sampling Points: The study only sampled at 8 points, which may not be representative of the entire lake.
Limited Time Frame: The study was conducted over a limited time frame, which may not capture seasonal variations in water quality.
Limited Data: The study only collected data on a limited number of water quality parameters.

Future Research Directions

Long-term Monitoring: Long-term monitoring of water quality parameters is necessary to understand seasonal variations and trends in water quality.
Investigation of Pollution Sources: Investigation of pollution sources and identification of measures to prevent pollution is necessary to maintain water quality.
Development of Water Quality Management Plans: Development of water quality management plans is necessary to ensure that water quality management is a collective responsibility.

References

PP No. 82 of 2001: Water Quality Standards
[Insert other relevant references]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Water Quality and Complaints of Lake Toba Water Users Around Lumban Binanga Laguboti Floating Cages 2018 ===========================================================

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to assess the quality of water in Lake Toba by comparing it with the quality standards specified in PP No. 82 of 2001 and identify health complaints experienced by people who use water around the floating net cages.

Q: What are the water quality parameters that were measured in this study?

A: The water quality parameters that were measured in this study include Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), total coliform, temperature, turbidity, pH, Nitrite, posfat, and dissolved oxygen (DO).

Q: What were the results of the BOD measurements?

A: The results of the BOD measurements showed that the BOD parameters ranged from 2.3 mg/L to 4.3 mg/L. Especially at stations 2, 4, 6, and 8, the BOD value has exceeded the specified quality standard.

Q: What were the results of the total coliform measurements?

A: The results of the total coliform measurements showed that the total coliform parameter ranges from 2800 MPN/100 ml to 16000 MPN/100 ml, where stations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 also exceed the quality standard threshold.

Q: What were the health complaints experienced by people who use water around the floating net cages?

A: The health complaints experienced by people who use water around the floating net cages include skin irritation and redness (20 people or 40%), as well as eye irritation, itching, and heat sensation (3 people or 6%).

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that the quality of water around the floating net cages has decreased significantly, which has an impact on the health of the user and causes concern about environmental sustainability and public health.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are to implement regular water quality monitoring, implement best management practices, conduct education and awareness programs, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that water quality management is a collective responsibility.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it only sampled at 8 points, which may not be representative of the entire lake, and it only collected data on a limited number of water quality parameters.

Q: What are the future research directions of this study?

A: The future research directions of this study are to conduct long-term monitoring of water quality parameters, investigate pollution sources and identify measures to prevent pollution, and develop water quality management plans.

Q: What are the references used in this study?

A: The references used in this study include PP No. 82 of 2001: Water Quality Standards and other relevant references.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: The significance of this study is that it highlights the importance of maintaining water quality and the potential health risks associated with poor water quality, and it provides recommendations for improving water quality management in Lake Toba.