Nitrogen distribution in the water of Sungai Como, Tasik Kenyir

Abstract

The distribution of nitrogen and organic nitrogen in Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu was studied during non monsoon and monsoon in order to study the effect of monsoon seasons on the nitrogen distribution in Tasik Kenyir. The sampling stations were visited two times on October and December 2008. Five stations were established and the water samples of these stations were taken at surface, middle and bottom layer. The first sampling were carried out on 23 October 2008. The average of ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, total nitrogen and organic nitrogen were 5.78, 3.08, 14.72, 158.24 and 181.92 μM respectively. The second sampling were conducted on the 18 December 2008. In general the average of ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, total nitrogen and dissolved organic nitrogen were 9.26, 1.35, 30.08, 21.29 and 61.98 μM respectively. The concentration of ammonium and nitrate were higher during monsoon than non monsoon . Whereas nitrite, total nitrogen and dissolved organic nitrogen concentration were lower during monsoon than non monsoon. The major sources of nitrogen in the lake probably derived from aquaculture wastes.