Inventory of Pollution Sources for The Lakes of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

Eutrophication affects freshwater systems worldwide. Eutrophication can occur naturally, but man-made causes are also common. Human activities that release phosphorus and nitrogen lead to anthropogenic eutrophication, which increases organic matter production. Lake eutrophication affects surface waters all over the world. Water pollution can be assessed regarding point sources (PS) and non-point sources (NPS). PS is the intentional or unintentional release of pollutants from industrial and wastewater facilities into waterways. Agriculture, urban development, and natural processes in the lake's catchment area can cause NPS pollution. NPS pollution has many causes, including precipitation, airborne deposition, infiltration, drainage, and fluctuations in water flow in the catchment. The pollution inventory was conducted in UTHM lakes such as Tasik Kemajuan, Tasik Teknologi (FKAAB), Tasik Teknologi (FPTV), and Tasik Pembangunan. The PS and NPS in the study area were assessed through an on-site investigation. The UTHM water discharge plan is being analyzed to determine the inflow sources into the lake. The PS pollutant inventory revealed that the cafeteria wastewater, business buildings, and faculty drainage systems pollute all lakes. Tasik Teknologi (FPTV) identified runoff from palm oil plantations as a source of pollutants that can increase the nutrient content of the lake. Leaves, grass clippings, and other garden waste were in the water in all the lakes analysed. The Tasik Kemajuan, the Tasik Teknologi (FKAAB), and the Tasik Teknologi (FPTV) received water discharges from other lakes transporting pollutants. The assessment of pollutant sources revealed that most NPS originate from surface runoff. Road runoff contains several pollutants. Stormwater runoff or surface runoff can carry these pollutants from roads into waterways. Stormwater washes fertilizers into storm drains and lakes. To summarise, all pollutant sources that contributed to the eutrophication of the Tasik Kemajuan, Tasik Teknologi (FKAAB), Tasik Teknologi (FPTV), and Tasik Pembangunan were identified through a pollutant source inventory.