Rosli, Nurul Ruhayu Mohd
(2018)
Physico-Chemical Characteristics Of
Pinang River Estuary, Balik Pulau,
Penang.
PhD thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
The Pinang River is located at the north-western of Penang Island. Its length
is approximately 6.5 km, with narrow and shallow upstream, but wider and deeper
downstream. This river supplies freshwater to nearly one-third of Balik Pulau
population. Unfortunately, anthropogenic effluent from agriculture, domestic and
aquaculture are being directly discharge into the river thus, deteriorating the water
quality. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the Pinang River estuarine
processes which involve the mixing of freshwater and seawater that may influence the
river hydrodynamic, biological, physical and chemical aspects. These characteristics
would possibly affect the estuarine water circulation, river transport time scales (i.e.
residence time and flushing time) and pollutants (i.e. nutrient and sediment
concentrations; and its loadings). Net ecosystem metabolism (NEM) status in Pinang
River was also evaluated in terms of ratio between photosynthesis and respiration.
Diurnal studies were carried out for 24 hours at two stations during two tidal cycles at
spring and neap tides and wet and dry season. A secondary data (from October 2007
until October 2008) on river discharge, salinity and volume along Pinang River were
utilised to determine the residence time and flushing time. Pinang River estuarine
system was considered as micro-tidal and partially stratified estuary. The flushing
time did not influence the residence time (R2=0.028) in Pinang River.
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