CC BY
0
DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/rjoas.2020-11.17
GROUNDWATER QUALITY MONITORING IN MAGELANG CITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Aji Muhammad Tri*, Jailani Abdul Qadir
Study Program of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tidar,
Magelang, Indonesia *E-mail: triaji@untidar.ac.id
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the impact of detergents during the Covid-19 pandemic on the quality of groundwater in Magelang City. The determination of the research sites for the needs of water sampling was carried out using a purposive sampling method. Water quality parameters analysis can be carried out in situ and ex-situ and will later be compared with the water quality standards following the Government Regulation or Peraturan Pemerintah (PP) No.82 of 2001 and the Ministry of Health Regulation or Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan (Permenkes) No.32 of 2017. The results showed that the physical parameters were still in good condition with an average temperature of 26.1°C, while the TSS (Total Suspended Solid) and TDS (Total Dissolved Solid) values were 3.7 mg/L and 227.95 mg/L. Meanwhile, the pH showed a fairly fluctuating value, and at some stations, the groundwater was acidic with a value below 7. Nitrate values at research stations 1,6,7 and 9 exceeded the established threshold of 10 mg/L. Later on, the BOD's (Biological Oxygen Demand) value should more than 2 mg/L to enter class 1 or safe and hygienic groundwater and the COD's (Chemical Oxygen Demand) value was 10 mg/L at all station research, exceeding the maximum requirement. Therefore, it is categorized as heavy pollution, and the DO (Dissolved Oxygen) tends to vary from 2.51 mg/l to 7.24 mg/l. According to Permenkes No.32 of 2017, the total coliform value exceeding the water quality standard for sanitation hygiene purposes was 50 MPN/100ml. The organoleptic test results showed the same characteristics, namely clear, odorless and tasteless, except for groundwater contaminated by rat carcasses. The detergent content in groundwater is still in good and safe condition because it is <0.002 mg/l. It is intended that the existing aquifer can reduce the detergent content within the groundwater. The quality of groundwater in Magelang City can be used for drinking water, but still must go through a cooking process first.
KEY WORDS
Groundwater quality, Magelang City, COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO has declared Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic. The COVID-19 has spread across regions and countries. Besides, the number of cases and the deaths are now rising every day. This situation is increasingly having an impact on political, economic, social, cultural, defense and security aspects, as well as the welfare of the Indonesian, so a comprehensive strategy and efforts are needed to accelerate the handling of COVID-19. During a pandemic like this, the community is obliged to implement a more clean and healthy lifestyle. It is as recommended by the government in the Decree of Ministry of Health or Keputusan Menteri Kesehatan (KEPMENKES) No.HK.01.07/2020. Such a clean and healthy lifestyle does not escape the use of chemicals (detergents or soap) as a cleanser and water as a rinse.
The people of Magelang City almost entirely use groundwater as the primary raw material for drinking water, cooking activities, and industrial activities. Water for human consumption must be free of microorganisms and chemical substances in large enough concentrations because it can cause environmental imbalances and diseases (Aremu et al., 2011; Shivaraju, 2012). It should be noted that an improper water purification process will lead to the surfactants in clean water. It is because its physicochemical properties (high water solubility and poor degradability), allowing penetrate all-natural and human-made
filtration steps, will potentially cause problems in the provision of drinking water (Norfazrin et al., 2012 in Hanan S., et al., 2014).
Environmental studies show that the use of detergents is proliferating in developing countries and rural communities (Feisthauer et al., 2004). Detergents play a significant role in increasing pollution originating from settlements in the form of household detergents, agricultural runoff in the form of herbicides and insecticides, and from specific industries (Vinod et al., 2012). About 90-97% of detergents can be degraded by bacteria and broken down in small amounts under anaerobic conditions (Yangxin et al., 2008).
This study aimed to determine the current conditions regarding the quality of groundwater in Magelang City during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS OF RESEARCH
This study was conducted on several districts, such as North Magelang, Central Magelang, and South Magelang districts with 10 sampling stations with 2 replications. It was don in July 2020. The determination of the research site for the needs of water sampling was carried out using a purposive sampling method. Parameter analysis can be done in situ and ex-situ. The parameters analyzed were temperature, TSS, TDS, pH, Nitrate, BOD, COD, DO, detergent, Total Colliform, and organoleptic test of groundwater. Furthermore, the data was analyzed descriptively and then compared with PP No. 82 of 2001 and Permenkes No.32 of 2017.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Magelang City, with an area of 18,463,049 m2, has the availability of groundwater with calculations using a hydrogeological map of 8.04 million m3/year (Pratiknyo, 2017). Magelang City is known to have a lithological composition of constituent rocks, namely an old volcanic rock unit that consists of lava and tuff. Based on the type of lithology, the hydraulic conductivity values ranges from 10-3 to 10 m/day (Domenico & Schwartz, 1990). The analysis results of the groundwater quality after sampling at 10 observation stations with 2 repetitions showed varied results.
Physical Parameters. The measurement value of the average groundwater temperature was conducted at 10 different stations in 3 districts, namely North, Central, and South Magelang.
/V-7
U1 U2 U3 U4 T1 T2 T3 S1 S2 S3 Research Station
27,5 27 26,5 26 25,5 25 24,5 24
Figure 1 - Average value of groundwater temperature in Magelang City
Physical parameters of groundwater temperature showed normal results in 2 repetitions with an average of 26oC. The temperature value at the research station did not experience high fluctuation because the weather at the time of sampling was quite sunny. The sampling time was between 06.00 - 09.00 p.m so that the extended sun exposure did not affect an increase in water temperature.
16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2
y = -4,3469x + 123,76... R2 = 0,784
24,5
25 25,5
26 26,5
27 27,5
Suhu (°C)
0
Figure 2 - The relationship between depth and temperature
From the picture above, the R2 value was 0.784, revealing that the depth of the soil source affected the value of water temperature. From the results of the location survey per research station, it was found that the level of groundwater in Magelang City ranged from 310 m.
TDS Value
1500 1000 500 0
13579 Station
TahapI Tahap II Max
Figure 3 - TDS Measurement Value in Magelang City
Based on the TDS calculation results at 10 research stations, the TDS levels in the sample ranged from 190 mg/L to 337 mg/L. If compared to the class I clean water quality standard, qualified for household needs with the maximum allowable TDS value of 1000 mg/L, the TDS level at research stations was still in the normal range. The condition of the station location, generally close to the sewer water, affected the TDS content. Domestic activities such as washing also affected the TDS content in groundwater. It agrees Jatmiko's (2007) opinion that the location of the ditch by < 25 m away will affect the condition of well water, especially for the TDS parameter. This is because sewage water contains a lot of organic, inorganic, sediment and other dissolved solid waste materials.
TSS Value
60
50 — — — — — — — — — — — 40
30
— — Tahap II
10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Station
Figure 4 - TSS Measurement Value in Magelang City
The TSS content analysis also had excellent results below the predetermined threshold value when compared to the two regulations that have been set by the government, namely PP No. 82 Year 2001 and Permenkes No.32 of 2017. From 2 replications, all research locations showed excellent results, namely <3.72161 mg/l.
Chemical Parameters. The degree of acidity or pH is a measure to determine the acidic and alkaline properties of water. pH changes in water significantly affect the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the organisms that live and exist within. The pH value of water is used to express the acidity (hydrogen ion concentration) conditions of wastewater (Ningrum, 2018). Figure 5 indicates the results of pH value measurement at each research station.
pH Value
10 8 6
TahapI
2 Min
0 — — Max
123456789 10 Station
Figure 5 - pH value at each research station
The changes in pH value will have a significant effect on the physical, chemical and biological processes. The pH analysis results from the 10 research locations ranged from 5.4 to 6.9. The pH value showed the high and low level of hydrogen ions in water, where a pH of less than 6.5 or above 9 will cause chemical compounds in the human body to turn into toxins that can interfere with health (Putra, 2019).
Nitrate Value
TahapI Tahap II Max
Station
Figure 6 - Nitrate Value at research station
The content of nitrate levels in groundwater increased quite drastically in the second repetition, while the 1st repetition the nitrate content in the groundwater was quite good and none exceeded the threshold for sanitation hygiene needs, which was below 10 mg/l. However, in repetition 2, there was a relatively high increase in several sampling locations, one of which was at the North Magelang 1 (U1) of 18.402 mg/l. This high concentration of nitrate can be triggered by the relatively high discharge of domestic waste, considering that the location is a densely populated environment. Also, the location of the well is close to the septic tank so that it will undoubtedly produce much organic matter and seep into groundwater. Nitrate (NO 3-) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that not only occurs
naturally but also is released by human activities. These activities include the production and use of fertilizers, combustion of fossil fuels (resulting in atmospheric deposition, henceforth AD), leakage and disposal of industrial and domestic sewage systems, and the alteration of natural vegetation with nitrogen-fixing (N) plants (Gutiérrez et al., 2018; Ward et al., 2018).
Nitrogen compounds (nitrite, nitrate and ammonia) in waters naturally come from the metabolism of aquatic organisms and the decomposition of organic materials by bacteria (Indrayani et. al., 2015). In addition, nitrites and nitrates in nature can be produced naturally or from human activities. The natural source of nitrite and nitrate is the nitrogen cycle, while the source of human activities comes from the use of nitrogen fertilizers, industrial waste, and human organic waste. The formation of nitrites and nitrates in the nitrogen cycle occurs through the process of nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium bacteria, nitrification and nitrification by denitrification Pseudomonas bacteria. Nitrification involves two processes, namely nitritation by Nitrosomonas bacteria and nitratation by Nitrobacter bacteria. In anaerobic conditions, nitrate is a relatively stable form of nitrogen but can be reduced to nitrite through the nitratation process (Rosca et. Al., 2009).
The content of BOD is the need for dissolved oxygen levels used by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in waters (Ningrum, et. al., 2018). The BOD value does not indicate the actual amount of organic matter but only measures the relative amount of oxygen required to oxidize the waste material. If the oxygen consumption is high, the smaller the remaining dissolved oxygen, the higher the waste material content that requires oxygen (Rachmawati, et. Al.2013).
m 4
123456789 10 Stasiun
TahapI Tahap II Max
8
7
6
5
3
2
1
0
Figure 7 - BOD value of groundwater in Magelang City
The results of BOD measurement value at 10 stations with 2 replications exceeded the threshold set by PP no.82 of 2001. The maximum limit is 2 mg/L for class 1, namely water whose designation can be used for drinking water and/or other designations that require the same water quality as the said use. The high BOD value at the research station is thought to be due to the density of people's houses and septic tanks located close to the well, as well as the seepage of pollutants caused by anthropogenic activities. The picture above also illustrates that the water quality standard for the BOD parameter is in class 3 where the water designated for freshwater fish cultivation, livestock, water to irrigate crops, and/or other designations that require the same water with these uses.
COD value is the amount of oxygen (mg O2) needed to oxidize organic substances in 1 litre of water, where oxidizing organic substances are in 1 litre of water (Rachmawati, 2003). The results of the research in Figure 8 showed that the COD content at 10 stations with 2 replications obtained a value that exceeds the threshold in government regulation no.82 of 2001, namely 10 mg/L. Water quality standard with a concentration of COD <5 mg/L is included in very light pollution, cOd 6-9 mg/L in light pollution, COD 10-15 mg/L in moderate pollution, and COD> 16 mg/L in heavy pollution. Based on the comparison of the quality
standard figures, it can be concluded that all research stations in Magelang City have experienced a water pollution level with a heavy pollution category.
COD Value
35 30 25 < 20 £ 15 10 5 0
123456789 10 Station
TahapI Tahap II Max
Figure 8 - COD value of groundwater in Magelang City
The DO content in groundwater in Magelang City has varied results, ranging from 2.16 - 7.40 mg/l and had an average dissolved oxygen content of 4.31 mg/l. The lowest dissolved oxygen content value was in the S3 location in the southern Magelang sub-district. The DO content value of 2.16 mg/l was still in the appropriate category, considering that the water sample come from well water with a depth of ± 5m, resulting in very minimal exposure to direct oxygen diffusion from the air. Although it is very minimal exposure to direct oxygen diffusion from the air, the biological oxidation process continues at that location by looking at the BOD values of 7.09 and 4.15 mg/l at the S3 location.
Coliform
1800 1600 1400 1200 1000
800 Ulangan 1
Ulangan 2
0
600 400
200 Max
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Station
Figure 9 - The total value of groundwater Coliform in Magelang City
The highest value of dissolved oxygen in water is at location S1 of 7.40 mg/l. This high value can be caused by a large amount of oxygen diffusion directly from the air into the water, considering that the well at this location is not too deep. The primary source of oxygen in water comes from a diffusion process from free air and the photosynthesis of organisms living in the water. Oxygen is used by aquatic organisms for the respiration process and breaks down organic substances into inorganic substances by microorganisms. Dissolved oxygen in water comes from air diffusion and the results of photosynthesis of chlorophyll organisms that live in waters and are needed by organisms to oxidize nutrients that enter their bodies (Handayani, 2017). Figure 9 below indicates an overview of the results of further chemical parameter analysis.
Biological Parameters. One of the conditions of groundwater in Magelang City can be seen from the bacteriological parameters of coliform found in groundwater. Of the 10 sampling locations and 2 replications, almost all sampling locations had total coliform values that exceeded the water quality standard for sanitation hygiene purposes following Permenkes No.32 of 2017 by 50 MPN/100ml while the average analysis results showed that all exceed the quality standards required by Permenkes No.32 of 2017. The high content of Coliform can come from the discharge of domestic waste that is too high. It is seen from the close distance between residents' houses and the poor layout of the latrines that are too close to the well. The research results (Khomariyatika and Eram, 2011) showed that microbiological contamination was due to the location of the bucket and the distance of the latrine. Environmental conditions around it will significantly influence the existence of microbes. The distance of latrines and other sources of pollutants close to dug wells will increase contamination and the bucket put in an unclean place will increase the presence of microbes.
Coliform bacteria contamination is caused by the presence of waste both from domestic waste and industrial waste. Organic waste material derived from industrial waste and household waste was generally in the form of waste that can rot or be degraded by microorganisms. Thus, it can result in the development of microorganisms and pathogenic microbes, which cause various diseases (Widiyanto et al., 2015). However, this groundwater would be very suitable for fishery and agricultural activities when viewed from PP.82 of 2001 which has a threshold of 5000 MPN/ml for class 2 water quality standards.
Table 1 - Organoleptic Test Results for Groundwater in Magelang City
Organoleptic Parameter
No. St Odor Taste
Replication 1 Replication 2 Replication 1 Replication 2
1 UI Odorless Odorless Tasteless Tasteless
2 U2 Odorless Smell from rats Tasteless Tasteless
3 U3 Odorless Odorless Tasteless Tasteless
4 U4 Odorless Odorless Tasteless Tasteless
5 T1 Odorless Odorless Tasteless Tasteless
6 T2 Odorless Odorless Tasteless Tasteless
7 T3 Odorless Odorless Tasteless Tasteless
8 S1 Odorless Odorless Tasteless Tasteless
9 S2 Odorless Odorless Tasteless Tasteless
10 S3 Slightly Earthy Slightly Earthy Tasteless Tasteless
Organoleptic Test. Based on the data from the organoleptic test results, the groundwater in Magelang City has almost the same characteristics. According to the smell of water from 10 research locations, there are two different sampling locations, namely at station U2, having a relatively strong odour due to rats in the well. Furthermore, at station S3, there is a slight smell of soil in the water samples. This can be caused by the weathering of soil and rock that occurs in the well. Rotten water contains organic matter decomposed by water microorganisms. This odor is likely due to bacterial activity. Bacteria use iron or sulfur in their life cycle and emit hydrogen and sulfide gases which are the cause of odor (Sari and Huljana, 2019).
The taste of water from all research was the same, namely tasteless. It showed that groundwater in Magelang City, based on Permenkes RI No. 32 of 2017 concerning water needs for sanitation hygiene in groundwater must be odorless and tasteless. Groundwater chemically contains small amounts of natural gases, minerals and organic matter. Odors can be an indirect clue to determine water quality. According to (Effendi, 2003), quality and safe water for consumption is water that has an odorless characteristic when it is smelled from far or from close.
The Value of Groundwater Detergent in Magelang City. The measurement results of the detergent content in groundwater in Magelang City, taken from 10 research sites with 2 replications, showed that the results were <0.002 mg/l. Regarding the maximum standard set by the government based on the Permenkes No. 32 of 2017, the detergent threshold value
for sanitation hygiene is 0.05 mg/l. All study sites showed the same results. Community's behavior during the covid-19 pandemic to use detergents as anticipation and suggestion of a clean and healthy living program movement did not have a real impact on the quality of groundwater in Magelang City. The low detergent content in the groundwater of Magelang City can be caused by the filtering of these harmful substances in the soil layer. Groundwater pollution takes a long time because the waste does not directly enter the groundwater. Waste disposed of through sewers or septic tanks will flow through gaps or parts that have been damaged and will eventually enter groundwater. The soil layer itself is a filter that can filter out all the substances or waste that enter the soil (Priyana, 1991). Therefore, when it reaches the groundwater carrier layer or aquifer, the detergent content has been increasingly degraded.
The aquifer in Magelang City consists of 2 groups, namely: aquifers with a flow system through inter-grain spaces and local through gaps; and aquifers using fractures, fissures, and spaces between grains. Aquifers with a flow system through the inter-grain and local spaces through the distribution gap are in the central to northern part of Magelang City. It occupies about 75% of the total area of Magelang City or about 13,845 km2. Aquifer by means fractures, fissures and spaces between grains; Its distribution is in the southern part of Magelang City with an area of about 25% of the area of Magelang City, or about 4,615 km2 (Pratiknyo, 2017).
CONCLUSION
Physical parameters consisting of temperature, TSS and indicate a good value or following quality standards. Chemical parameters such as nitrate values are still at a safe value for use, while the pH, BOD, and DO parameters show values that exceed the class 1 designation threshold. Even the COD parameter for groundwater in Magelang City is included in the criterion of being heavily polluted. The Total Coliform value falls into the excellent category for class 2 designation. The detergent content in groundwater in Megalang City shows a good value <0.05 mg/l; presumably because the aquifer content can reduce the detergent content.
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