Phosphorus in Batang Ai reservoir and application of phosphorus models

Lee, Terri Zhuan Ean (2012) Phosphorus in Batang Ai reservoir and application of phosphorus models. [Final Year Project Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

In freshwater lakes and rivers, phosphorus is often found to be the growth-limiting nutrient. It is important to determine the concentration of phosphorus in water system and sediment as eutrophication due to excessive phosphorus will affect the growth of terrestrial plants and fishes. The objectives of this study are to determine the concentrations of different forms of phosphorus and to apply phosphorus models in determination of carrying capacities of Batang Ai Reservoir. In the studies carried out on November 2011 and April 2012, total phosphorus values ranged from 24.500-67.267 µg L-1 , total reactive phosphorus values ranged from 0.700-23.000 µg L-1 , total acid-hydrolyzable phosphorus values ranged from 7.267-30.133 µg L-1 , total organic phosphorus values ranged from 3.300-33.967 µg L-1 , dissolved total phosphorus ranged from 18.600-46.500 µg L-1 , dissolved reactive phosphorus ranged from 0.000-7.167 µg L-1 , dissolved acidhydrolyzable phosphorus ranged from 1.733-31.900 µg L -1 and dissolved organic phosphorus ranged from 3.867-25.367 µg L-1 . Total Phosphorus values in sediment were found higher in non-cage culture area than the cage culture area. Phosphorus model is designed to determine the carrying capacity of phosphorus in a water system. Three models (Vollenweider/Carsen and Mercier Model, OECD model and Dillon and Rigler Phosphorus Budget Model) were used to determine the carrying capacities of Batang Ai Reservoir. The carrying capacities of Batang Ai Reservoir were determined by using phosphorus concentration, phosphorus retention coefficient, areal loading of phosphorus from cage culture, phosphorus content in fish and amount of phosphorus lost to the environment. The carrying capacities were 17381 t y-1 in worst case scenario (dry season) and 32604 t y-1 in wet season based on Vollenweider/Carsen and Mercier Model which is suitable for reservoirs only. Phosphorus retention coefficient, R of Vollenweider/Carsen and Mercier Model generated highest carrying capacity while OECD model generated the lowest carrying capacity.

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