A study on the nutrient distribution in Terengganu river estuary

Abstract

Terengganu River estuary is located at Kuala Terengganu, facing the South China Sea. The major sources of water input of the estuary are Nerus River and Terengganu. Over the past 30 years, Kuala Terengganu has undergone significant development with its rapid industrialization and growing economic activity. Terengganu River breakwater project has started in year 2002 and the project is still on-going for the development of Kuala Terengganu City Centre project (KTCC) under East Coast Economic Region (ECER). This study was conducted to access the nutrient level and distribution in Terengganu River estuary. A total number of ten sampling stations were established in the study area where the physical parameters and nutrient levels of the water were studied. River discharges at three locations were measured too. From the results, the mean concentrations of total dissolved phosphorus, orthophosphate and dissolved organic phosphorus in Terengganu River estuary were 61.74 ± 27.67 µg/L, 28.96 ± 4.99 µg/L and 32.77 ± 25.48 µg/L respectively.