Assessing Water Quality of Ciujung River in Lebak Regency by Using Pollution Index

The Ciujung River basin starts at Lebak Regency and located in Banten Province. Ciujung River plays an important role in Lebak Regency, as a source of irrigation and potable water. In term of sustainable water pollution prevention strategies, it is very important to understand and evaluate the trend of river water quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the water quality status of Ciujung River. A preliminary rapid river water quality status was determined by using pollution index. Dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solid (TDS), total biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), orthophosphates as phosphorus (PO4-P), total coliform, fecal coliform and mercury (Hg) was measured in this study. Based on obtained sampling on 6 sites in Ciujung River, all water quality parameters met water quality standard class as stipulated in Government Regulation No 82/2001. Application of water pollution index towards 6 sampling sites showed good water quality status (water quality standard class III and IV) with pollution index started from 0.44 to 0.92 and showed lightly polluted for water quality standard class I and II with pollution index started from 1.16 to 1.85. Based on these pollution indexes, it is concluded that Ciujung River did not meet the requirements of potable water in Lebak Regency.