water quality cameron highlands

- Study on river water quality of the Upper Bertam catchment - System Analysis -

R.E.A.C.H. - Saxion University of Applied Science Deventer Institute of Spatial Planning and Environmental Science 1

Study on river water quality of the Upper Bertam catchment

- System Analysis -

‘The ecologist cannot remain a voice crying in the wilderness – if he is to be heard and understood’ M.W. Holdgate (from Cry of the Kalahari)

Authors

Antony van der Ent & Chantal Termeer

Brinchang 2005 – Deventer 2006



Saxion University IJselland Cover: The best and the worst example of water quality of the Upper Bertam

catchment; picture above: perfectly clean water at the tributaries like here near Brinchang, picture below: waste water poured in at sg. Bertam near Brinchang.

Photography: Antony van der Ent, Chantal Termeer and Amran Nazar Khan unless otherwise noted

In order of: R.E.A.C.H. Status: Study on river water quality of the Upper Bertam catchment

- system analysis - Contact: For more information about the content of this report or this study, contact

Anthony van der Ent: Reigerstraat 5, 4005 GV Tiel, The Netherlands. [email protected]

Copyright: Nothing of the contents of this report, with the exception of title inscriptions or small quotations for book reviews or lecture material, may be reproduced, new recorded or multiplied by print, picture or any electronically way without permission on paper of one of the authors of this report. For questions concerning this matter please refer to contact person.

Date: January 2006 © Authors: Antony van der Ent & Chantal Termeer

mailto:[email protected]



Table of contents

Executive summary ___________________________________________________7

1. Introduction ______________________________________________________13

1.1 Situation ____________________________________________________________ 13

1.2 Problem description __________________________________________________ 15

1.3 Inquiry ______________________________________________________________ 15 1.3.1 Problem _________________________________________________________ 15 1.3.2 Research purpose _________________________________________________ 16

1.4 Reading guide _______________________________________________________ 17

2. Area appraisal ____________________________________________________18

2.1 Introduction _________________________________________________________ 18 2.1.1 Water on world scale _______________________________________________ 18 2.1.2 Water in Malaysia __________________________________________________ 18

2.2 Methodology & Strategy _______________________________________________ 20 2.2.1 Literature research _________________________________________________ 20 2.2.2 Fieldwork ________________________________________________________ 20

2.3 Results _____________________________________________________________ 20

2.3.1 Geography _________________________________________________________ 20 2.3.1.1 Elevation and Land use ____________________________________________ 20 2.3.1.2 Morphology _____________________________________________________ 21 2.3.2 Brief History ______________________________________________________ 24 2.3.3 Abiotic Environment ________________________________________________ 24 2.3.3.1 Geology & Soils __________________________________________________ 24 2.3.3.2 Climate_________________________________________________________ 25 2.3.3.3 Water resources _________________________________________________ 26 2.3.4 Land use_________________________________________________________ 27 2.3.4.1 Urban area______________________________________________________ 29 2.3.4.2 Forested land____________________________________________________ 30 2.3.4.3 Agriculture utilization ______________________________________________ 31 2.3.4 Natural Environment________________________________________________ 32 2.3.5 Tourism__________________________________________________________ 35

2.4 Interpretation ________________________________________________________ 37 2.4.1 Rivers ___________________________________________________________ 37 2.4.2 Pollution of rivers __________________________________________________ 37 2.4.3 Illegal tapping and too high slope degree________________________________ 37 2.4.4 Cameron Highland rivers ____________________________________________ 38 2.4.5 Water in the highlands ______________________________________________ 38 2.4.6 Reasons of water pollution in the Cameron Highlands______________________ 38 2.4.7 SWOT Analysis ___________________________________________________ 39



3. Chemical appraisal ________________________________________________41

3.1 Introduction _________________________________________________________ 41

3.2 Background of pollution _______________________________________________ 41 3.2.1 Point source and non-point sources of pollution___________________________ 42 3.2.2 Pollutants entering the river system through groundwater ___________________ 43

3.3 Pollutants ___________________________________________________________ 44 3.3.1 Pesticides ________________________________________________________ 44 3.3.2 (Heavy) metals ____________________________________________________ 45 3.3.3 General analysis and nutrients ________________________________________ 46 3.3.4 Micro-biological contamination ________________________________________ 49 3.3.5 Suspended solids __________________________________________________ 50

3.4 Methodology_________________________________________________________ 51 3.4.1 Introduction_______________________________________________________ 51 3.4.2 Parameter selection ________________________________________________ 51

3.5 Strategy_____________________________________________________________ 53 3.5.1 Sample locations __________________________________________________ 53 3.5.2 Sampling method __________________________________________________ 54 3.5.3 Sampling moment__________________________________________________ 55 3.5.4 Chemical analysis__________________________________________________ 56

3.6 Results _____________________________________________________________ 57 3.6.1 pH, EC and TDS___________________________________________________ 57 3.6.2 Pesticides ________________________________________________________ 59 3.6.3 (Heavy) metals ____________________________________________________ 60 3.6.4 Nutrients _________________________________________________________ 61 3.6.5 Micro-biological____________________________________________________ 62 3.6.6 Suspended Solids__________________________________________________ 62 3.6.7 Individual water quality of sampling points & tributaries_____________________ 63

3.7 Interpretation ________________________________________________________ 68 4. Ecological appraisal________________________________________________71

4.1 Introduction _________________________________________________________ 71

4.2 Macro invertebrate assessments: basic principles _________________________ 76

4.4 Methodology and strategy _____________________________________________ 84

4.4 Methodology and strategy _____________________________________________ 85 4.4.1 Sample stations ___________________________________________________ 85 4.4.2 Sampling moment__________________________________________________ 86 4.4.3 Sampling Method __________________________________________________ 87 4.4.4 Data enumeration __________________________________________________ 89

4.5 Results _____________________________________________________________ 92 4.5.1 Overall water quality Upper-Bertam catchment ___________________________ 92 4.5.2 Sampling stations of the main Bertam river in detail _______________________ 94 4.5.3 Sampling stations of the tributaries of the Bertam river in detail ______________ 99 4.5.4 The reference sampling station ______________________________________ 106



4.6 Interpretation _______________________________________________________ 108 4.6.1 Introduction______________________________________________________ 108 4.6.2 Habitat factor ____________________________________________________ 108 4.6.3 Index values of indicator families _____________________________________ 108 4.6.5 Water quality & biological condition graphically exhibited __________________ 110 4.6.6 Short summary of the findings of the aquatic macro invertebrate assessment __ 114

5. Legislation & policies______________________________________________116

5.1 International conventions _____________________________________________ 116

5.2 Local laws and legislation_____________________________________________ 118

6. Discussion_______________________________________________________119

6.1 Area appraisal ______________________________________________________ 119

6.2 Chemical appraisal __________________________________________________ 119

6.3 Ecological appraisal _________________________________________________ 120

6.4 Simplified error and accuracy assessment chemical parameters ____________ 120

7. Conclusions _____________________________________________________123

7.1 Area appraisal ______________________________________________________ 123



7.4 Legislation & policies ________________________________________________ 126

8. Recommendations ________________________________________________128

8.2 Area appraisal ______________________________________________________ 129



8.5 Legislation & policies ________________________________________________ 131

Glossary __________________________________________________________134

Consulted sources __________________________________________________135

Literature & Reports: _____________________________________________________ 135

Internet sources: ________________________________________________________ 137

Interviews & oral comment: ________________________________________________ 137



Appendix 1: _______________________________________________________138

Appendix 2: satellite map of Upper-Bertam catchment _____________________139

Appendix 3: Map sampling locations ___________________________________140

Appendix 4: Result chemical analysis___________________________________142

Appendix 5: Field records of chemical and Ecological sampling ____________147

Appendix 6: Occurring amphibians in the Cameron Highlands______________148

Appendix 7: fact sheet BMWP of the sampling stations ____________________149

Appendix 8: BMWP Scoring Index System ______________________________150

Appendix 9: Water quality classification with biological indices _____________151

Appendix 10: Vegetation zones on the Mountain Range of Malaysia27 ________152

Appendix 11: Facts: DDT in sg. Burong 09/04/05_________________________153

Appendix 12: Facts: Rehabilitation project Ringlet Reservoir: facts26 _________154



Executive summary In collaboration with R.E.A.C.H., the authors of this report; Antony van der Ent and Chantal Termeer conducted a research project on the chemical and ecological water quality of the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment. This research project was their final training and end-thesis of 2nd February 2005 - 1st July 2005 in which also an Adopt-a-river project was setup as well as some side studies. After an initial phase of fieldwork and literature research a chemical assessment and an aquatic macro-invertebrate assessment was carried-out. Later on in February 2006 the researchers of this project, Antony van der Ent and Chantal Termeer graduated on this project after defending their works for the review-committee of Saxion University of Applied Science. This report consists in cohesion with the research project out of three parts; an Area appraisal, a Chemical appraisal and an Ecological appraisal. Area appraisal Almost 90% of the water supply of Peninsular Malaysia is derived from the highlands; with the Cameron Highlands being one of the major highland areas in Peninsular Malaysia it plays a vital role in this function. The area of Cameron Highlands is drained by eight rivers with Sg. Bertam, Sg. Telom, and Sg. Lemoi being the major ones and 123 tributaries. Forest cover is essential in the function of the Upper-Bertam catchment as an important water catchment, however despite that the Upper Bertam catchment is for 30% covered by agriculture and urban area; with all the resulting consequences. In preventing erosion and runoff in agriculture, the slope gradient must be less then 25° and of a capable soil type, almost 45% of the agricultural land in the Cameron Highlands is indiscriminately used for agricultural purposes, because it exceeds these basic concepts. The Upper-Bertam catchment serves many functions: as an essential supply of drinking water, housing rare aquatic ecology, as a part of the rainforest ecology, supplying an aesthetic view and serve for recreational purposes. The Cameron Highlands are characterized on one hand by undisturbed nature with virgin and original mountain forest streams of (ecological and chemical) outstanding quality. On the other hand intensive agriculture and urbanisation, causing problems in this most vulnerable part of the catchment. Pollution sources are located at the far upstream part of the catchment. Not much attention is driven to the withdraw of agricultural activities in the area; pesticides, fertilizers and in urban area sewage (not treated thoroughly or at places not at all) entering the river system, causes severe water pollution. The (already scarce) drinking water supply is therefore heavily polluted, with several chemicals i.e. pesticides, fertilizers, faecal bacteria (i.e. E.Coli and pathogens causing diseases), organic pollution (sewage, manure & fertilizers), suspended solids (erosion and runoff), solid waste, and is hardly available through lack of management, (illegal) tapping and soil erosion. Of the 123 rivers in the Cameron Highlands only 12 are classified as I & II (clean water; according to INWQS: Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia and Department of Environment classification). Besides the water pollution the Cameron Highlands also faces a lack of water. This shortage of water supply in the highlands is mainly due the fact that intake points for water supply are inevitably located in the upper reaches of the water catchments where the water yield is low. This is worsened by the fact that the same water supplies are used for (illegal) tapping water for irrigation.



The degradation of the Upper-Bertam catchment is caused by: • Agricultural activities; contributing pollutants as sediments, nutrients, pesticides,

pathogens (E.Coli) and organic enrichment (fertilizers & animal manure). • Urban area; pouring in hardly or untreated sewage, which contribute pathogens

(E.Coli), organic enrichment (nutrients), and toxicants. • Others; artificial drainage of streams for agriculture and canalization (habitat

alteration). Degradation of water quality in Upper-Bertam catchment occurs due to:

• Ongoing and increasing water pollution by agriculture due excessive pesticides and fertilizer usage and due urban area with poorly or untreated domestic sewage poured in the river course. This causes severe water pollution with: E.Coli (and other pathogens), pesticides and organic pollution (including inorganic nutrients), siltation and erosion from land clearing, agriculture and construction.

• Lack of enforcement by responsible governmental agencies in preventing and acting on environmental offences.

• 80% of total clean water supply is utilized by agricultural industry and only 20 % is left for drinking water. Most of the water used in agriculture is (illegally) tapped from small mountain streams in the forest that contain the best quality water of the Highlands.

• Most vulnerable part of the catchment lies in urbanized area with pollution sources (agricultural & urban) located at the far upstream part of the catchment.

• Lack of proper wastewater treatment facilities and poor management of water treatment/storage facilities.

• Over-development of urban area as well as agriculture. • Lack of proper multidisciplinary management of river courses by JPS/DID

(= Department of Irrigation and Drainage). • A maximum is set of 6000 hectares for agriculture (according to Structure Plan

Cameron Highlands 1998-2015); and already 5800 hectares is present of which almost 45% has a larger slope gradient than the allowed 25º; causing massive siltation.

• Huge lack of environmental awareness with most citizens as well as governmental institutions.

Besides all these problems the Upper-Bertam still has important values and large potential as:

• A vital source of high quality drinking water; • Aesthetic attractive view for local residents and tourists when it is not polluted; • Excellent fish stock and ecological condition of valley river courses if water quality

improves; • Suitable for (water) recreation if water quality and condition improves.

Chemical appraisal Water pollution sources are classified as Point sources (with sewage and solid waste) and Non-point (diffuse) sources (with agricultural and urban runoff). The water quality of the Upper-Bertam river deteriorates because the huge increase of suspended solids, the high concentrations of Nitrogen and Phosphor compounds (including COD: causing very significant enrichment and Eutrophication), pesticides (including banned types) and the huge presence of E.Coli-bacteria (and other pathogens) causing severe micro-biological contamination. Sources of this water deterioration and pollution are:



• Agricultural activities; causing sedimentation, encroachment of nutrients (COD, Nitrogen and Phosphor compounds) as well as pesticides and micro-biological contamination due the use of chicken manure (E.Coli).

• Urban area; uncontrolled and hardly or untreated treated sewage poured in the river causing; nutrient encroachment COD, Nitrogen and Phosphor compounds) and biological contamination (E.Coli and other pathogens).

Overall organic pollution (mainly domestic sewage) is the biggest pollutant in the Upper-Bertam catchment. It originates from sewage and fertilizers (animal fertilizers as chicken manure), through point sources (hardly or non treated domestic sewage) and non-point sources as agricultural runoff. This organic pollution also causes very severe micro-biological contamination with bacteria and viruses, which can cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and virus infections. After setting-up a sample strategy using the guidelines of the Netherlands Normalisation Institute (NEN) and European guidelines. Designing a specialist sample plan was necessary for the situation of the Upper-Bertam rivers, with a parameter selection, selection of the sample locations and the sampling moment. The samples were analysed by a Malaysian laboratory (E.Coli) and a Dutch Water Board Laboratory (Waterschap Rivierenland). Although banned, pesticides of the persistent organochlorine group (i.e. POP’s: DDT, Heptachlor, Aldrin and Dieldrin) are still used in the Cameron Highlands. On 10th April 2005 the presence of DDT was found (by COSMO! Newspaper & R.E.A.C.H.) before the Sungai Burong drinking water intake (a tributary of the Upper-Bertam) and was detected in a concentration of 1920 µg/l (t-DDT)!!! (almost 20.000 times higher than allowed according to INWQS class II). In this research residue levels of Alfa-Endosulfan, Endosulfan-sulfate and of Alfa-HCH (Lindane) were found in the Sg. Bertam. The presence of measurable pesticide-levels in the rivers is highly undesirable, but the presence of banned pesticides in the rivers is absolutely unacceptable. (Heavy) metals are found in fertilizers, waste dumping and sewage. None of the found concentrations of (heavy) metals were unacceptably high, but the attention is driven from their origin as anthropogenic disturbance; and this should be regarded as significant. Very severe nutrient encroachment occurs due; (hardly or untreated) sewage and agricultural runoff (fertilizers). According to “Recommended Raw Water quality Criteria of the WHO” Nitrogen concentrations are exceeded at almost all sampling points in ranges of 2 to 17 times during both average water flow and high water flow; although during average water flow much lower concentrations were found. The present phosphor concentrations and COD at most sampling points are so high that it causes severe Eutrophication. COD is exceeded (“Recommended Raw Water quality Criteria of the WHO”) at almost all sampling points in ranges of 2 to 50 times during both average water flow and high water flow. Topsoil loss and fertility depletion through runoff and erosion are solved (‘compensated’) in agriculture by excessive surface application of manure and fertilizers. However sewage is by far the biggest pollutant and pollution with sewage is very evident in the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment; causing massive algae growth, sewage fungi, a strong smell of the water and causing health risks regarding micro-biological contamination with E.Coli. Because of the huge lack of appropriate sewage treatment systems almost all the sewage discharged is “raw”. The concentration of nutrients that are found are unacceptably high and do not support aquatic live of any quality, is highly un-aesthetic (algae bloom i.e.) and



causes health risks by (blue) algae bloom and supporting a good environment for pathogenic organisms to sustain and multiply. In the Upper-Bertam the bacterial contamination (E.Coli.) is mainly caused due uncontrolled pouring in of insufficient or non-treated sewage (domestic waste water) and the extensive use of chicken manure as fertilizers in agriculture as well as dumping of organic waste (meat) in or near the river. High levels of E.Coli (and other pathogens) are found in the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment. E.Coli was present in all samples and in levels that often were too high to count (>200 colony forming units). These high levels are unacceptably and do not meet the clean water standards of the World Health Organization (<10 Coliforms and no faecal Coliform for 100 ml of untreated water). Regarding this fact the rivers should be characterized as severe contaminated (a biohazard) and requires extensive treatment for drinking water. Besides the strong pollution with organic compounds, siltation is the most significant source of water quality deterioration. Most important source is agriculture on steep slopes, but also land clearing and construction are important sources. Of the total of 71.218 ha of the Cameron Highlands only 3.292 ha is suitable for agriculture, regarding the slope gradient; less then 25° and the suitable soil type. The use as agricultural land however exceeds 5.890 ha, which implicates that 2.598.3 ha is indiscriminately used for agricultural purposes (almost 45%). The sedimentation in the TNB Ringlet Reservoir (Upper-Bertam is the most important river flowing into the reservoir) has increased 9 times in a period of 25 years. High concentrations of Suspended Solids in the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment cause massive siltation and sedimentation of the TNB Ringlet Reservoir and destroys any present aquatic ecology of some quality. Concentrations of Suspended Solids found were in the ranges of 1800-4100 mg/l (!) during HWF. The Sg. Bertam can be classified as of Class III (according to classification system of Department of Environment & INWQS) at AWF and Class V during HWF. Meaning that the water quality AWF is very low going to HWF extremely low. Some of the tributaries have ‘’reasonable water quality’’ with classes IIA/B and III). The potential for clean water in the polluted rivers is very high, since the original mountain streams in the catchment have shown to hold water of perfect quality. It is sole due pollution caused by anthropogenic influence that the water quality deteriorates from that. Ecological appraisal After exploring fieldwork and literature study a modified system for an aquatic macro-invertebrate assessment was set-up. Designing a detailed sample plan was necessary for the situation of the Upper-Bertam catchment, with a selection of the sample locations, the sampling moment, the sample analysis and the data enumeration based on biological indices. The typical mountainous ecosystem of the Upper-Bertam catchment with fast flowing, cool and very low-nutrient forest streams, holds a vast diversity of rare aquatic macro invertebrates. The upper-reaches of the tributaries and of the Bertam river itself are of the original undisturbed ecological quality, without anthropogenic influence (only tapping). These streams house the typical indicators of fast flowing, oxygen rich, nutrient-poor aquatic habitats on rocky-bottom that is typical for this mountainous part of the catchment. The aquatic macro invertebrate community in these parts was compiled of mainly Stonefly-larvae, Caddisfly-larvae and Mayfly-larvae (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) of many different individual species. Together with these families many other were found including Freshwater Crabs (Decapoda) and Dragonfly-larvae (Odonata). The water quality of these waters is outstanding and perfect. Every other part of the river system, ranges from ecological very poor to ecologically almost dead. The aquatic macro-invertebrate community there was mainly compiled of Leeches, Snails and Red Mosquito-larvae (Hirundinae, Gastropoda and Chironomidae). The water



quality ranged from very heavily polluted to extremely polluted. The addition of the sewage of the town of Brinchang and later the sewage of the town of Tanah Rata is very evident. The invasive fish species Guppy (Gambusia affinis) was extremely abundant. Recommendations The final objectives on the long term for the Upper-Bertam catchment in which this research projects would like to contribute positively is realizing the potentials of the Upper-Bertam catchment as:

• A river system with outstanding river water quality of high ecological, environmental and aesthetic value that is safe for recreation;

• Conserving the rare and important ecosystem with river water of good quality; • Ensuring sufficient water resources of good quality for the use as drinking water and

irrigation as well as for nature.

The most essential recommendation given in this report are: Governmental action:

1. Action plans should be made on the short term by the Land Office to handle the in this report proposed environmental protection actions.

2. Riparian buffer zones of at least 50 meters to the river course should be gazetted and

enforced by the Land Office.

3. The usage, sale and trade of illegal pesticides should be strictly enforced by the Police.

4. The further expansion of agriculture should be controlled strictly to minimize loss of biodiversity and pollution.

5. The responsible governmental agencies (DOE, DOA, DID, Land Office, Police) should

enforce and take legal actions against illegal tapping and discharging of waste water.

6. An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be submitted together with all intended earthworks and the Land Office should strictly enforce this

Point of practical technological action:

7. Governmental sewage treatment facilities should be built and operated for the whole townships of Brinchang and Tanah Rata in which over 90% of the producers of domestic waste water are connected.

Point of communicative action: The in line of this research project designed so-called Adopt-a-river-programme; in which water quality is tested in an interactive manner with the public and volunteers should be set-up as one of the follow-up projects from this research project. The NGO’s W.W.F. and R.E.A.C.H. are partners willing to carry out such a project; help in the form of support (man-power or finance) is much needed from the land Office. A website can be hosted by the website of DOE; supplying direct awareness, creating information on water quality and the water quality in the people’s neighbourhood.



Preface This research project was carried out as the final thesis and practical training of Antony van der Ent and Chantal Termeer for their course Environmental science at Saxion University of Applied Science Deventer, The Netherlands. This research project was set-up in collaboration with R.E.A.C.H. and under supervision of Saxion University of Applied Science Deventer with management officers Mr. Ricardo Cronie and Mr. Hans Hasselt. Contact with R.E.A.C.H. was initially made after meeting Mr. Kaliyannan (a R.E.A.C.H. committee member) in July 2004. After the initial contact, the possibility of a practical training was discussed with Mr. Ramasamy (president R.E.A.C.H.) and the scope of the project was established. After their arrival the researchers started with R.E.A.C.H. the first week of February 2005 and finished their project end of June 2005. Together with other projects of this practical training, including an Adopt-a-river-project, workshops, presentations and leading excursions the project was later on adapted for the final thesis of the course of Antony van der Ent and Chantal Termeer. This paper; the main report is the core of this research project. This ‘’core’’ is made to facilitate the aim of R.E.A.C.H. in setting up an Adopt-a-river-project and creating more public awareness on water pollution and provides background information for doing so. It is a ‘’check-up’’ of the current state of the water pollution in the Upper-Bertam catchment. It is also intended as background information and guidelines for the Adopt-a-river-programme. We would like to take the opportunity at this place to thank a few of the people who contributed to this project and helped us a great deal: Mr. Ramakrishnan Ramasamy and Sanath Kumaran for their generous support, knowledge and their extensive help. Further more we would like to thank all the R.E.A.C.H. (committee) members for their enthusiasm and support. We also would like to thank Ricardo Cronie for his enthusiasm and his dedicated management. Our final assessors Bauke de Vries and Wim de Klerk for their interest and goodwill. At last we want to thank Hans Hasselt for his help with the arrangements that made it possible to complete our project abroad. Deventer/Brinchang, January 20th, 2006, Antony van der Ent & Chantal Termeer



1. Introduction 1.1 Situation The area of the Cameron Highlands is situated in the state of Pahang, with a terrain height varying from 1070 till 2110 meters above sea level it is a mountainous area28 with 75% above 1000 meters16. The Cameron Highlands shares borders with the states Kelantan in the North and Perak in the West16. The Cameron Highlands is the smallest district in the state of Pahang (2% of coverage) and is located in the North-western corner of the state. Covering a total area of 71.000 ha with a population of 30.000 citizens6,29. A British surveyor, William Cameron in 1885, discovered the area. During the colonial times, the British sought a relief, from the oppressive heat and tropical climate of Malaysia, in the tea covered hills. Colonialists came to the Cameron Highlands to enjoy the cool atmosphere with temperatures between 14°and 24° Celsius13. The mountainous terrain is covered with Rainforests, tea plantations, vegetable-, fruit-, and flower plantations.

The Cameron Highlands has three main townships, Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang6. Tanah Rata is the largest township and is the centre of the Cameron Highlands. The area is very suitable for agricultural activities, because of the climate. Nowadays the Cameron Highlands is a region with large areas used for intensive vegetable cultivation13. More than 5890 ha are in use for agricultural purposes13. The agricultural sector enhances vegetables (47%), tea (44%), flowers (7%) and fruit (1%). However the Cameron Highlands are still covered with over 90% with forests5. More than 90% of Peninsular Malaysia’s water supply comes from rivers originating in the mountains and highland forests. Cameron Highlands, in Peninsular Malaysia’s Main Mountain Range, contains the headwaters of the Perak and Pahang rivers.

Malaysia; the mainland of Malaysia on the left and East-Malaysia on the right. Distance Kuala Lumpur- Kuching is 1800 kilometers. The Cameron Highlands are situated 350 kilometers straight North of the capital Kuala Lumpur.



Therefore any negative effects of water pollution in the Cameron Highlands will not only affect the local environment and population but will also ultimately impact on the downstream lowland areas28.

5 Cameron Highlands Structure Plan 1998-2010 6 Dr. Nik & Associates, Government of Pahang, Jabatan Pengairan Dan Saliran Pahang, 2004 13 Hashim, G.M., Wan Yusoff, W.A., 2003 16 Kumaran, S, Ainuddin, A. N., 2004 28 WWF Malaysia, 2001 29 WWF Malaysia, 2001

The state of Pahang, with the Cameron Highlands on the far left hand corner; distance Tanah Rata – Brinchang is 10 kilometers



1.2 Problem description Water quality can be seen as an indicator of environmental quality of an area since deterioration in water quality can be a direct outcome of non-sustainable development. In the last decade the rivers of the Cameron Highlands have become polluted and environmental problems become widespread. The water quality of rivers deteriorated significantly as a result of land clearing for agriculture, excessive usage of pesticides and fertilizers as well as domestic sewage from urban areas poured into the rivers. The rivers in the Cameron Highlands have become heavily siltated because of agriculture on much too steep slopes, land clearing for urban development and road construction. Siltation causes reduction in the drainage capacity of rivers, eventually resulting in the increased possibility of flooding. Flooding has become a common occurrence, in fact, the worst recorded flood in the Cameron Highlands occurred in April 2001 whereby more than 3,000 residents were affected. Siltation and sedimentation also cause a reduced capacity for electric power generation from the hydroelectric scheme in Cameron Highlands. Apart from poor water quality of the rivers, the Cameron Highlands also has water shortage problems, which have escalated over the years. Water shortage is caused by an increased domestic water supply demand. The production has remained the same although the demand only grows. Water shortage worsens during peak holiday seasons with the influx of tourists. In the Cameron Highlands the agriculture is in direct conflict with tourism. By development of their farms and logging forests agricultural industry is destroying the resources that attract the tourists; such as scenic views and natural values. The degradation of water quality as well as other environmental issues in the Cameron Highlands is a major concern of the local community. 1.3 Inquiry In this chapter the approach of this research project is described, the focus, the aims and the goals of this research project as well as a Reading guide of this report. 1.3.1 Problem The Cameron Highlands, a mountainous terrain in central (peninsular) Malaysia, is a tranquil rainforest and agricultural area with a small population; mainly living in villages of Tanah Rata, Brinchang and Ringlet. The Cameron Highlands can be characterized by undisturbed nature on one hand and on the other intensive agricultural use because of the ideal climate for tea and vegetable culture. Unfortunately not much attention is given to the back draw of this agricultural use; pesticides, heavy metals and since sewage is not treated thoroughly (or at places not at all), severe water pollution occurs. The (already scarce) drinking water supply is therefore polluted with several chemicals (i.e. pesticides, fertilizers, faecal bacteria) and is hardly available through lack of management. Of the 123 rivers in the Cameron Highlands only 12 are classified as I & II (according to INWQS: Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia: class II). Most significant problems of water pollution occur due:

• Poorly or untreated treated domestic sewage; • Siltation from land clearing, agriculture and construction; • Surface runoff from agriculture land.



It therefore would be important to research this topic thoroughly to answer the following question (for details regarding the organization and the outline of this research project see the report ‘Research Outline’): 1.3.2 Research purpose In this research the present water quality regarding chemical parameters and biological condition of the Upper Bertam catchment is described, pollution causes are given and recommendations regarding sustainable river water use of the Upper-Bertam river catchment are given. This main core will be interactively communicated by side activities with the general public and with the goal of increasing public awareness on the importance of river water quality. This research project is carried-out in assignment of R.E.A.C.H. Cameron Highlands in course of the practical training 2005 of Chantal Termeer and Antony van der Ent, Saxion University Deventer, The Netherlands. See also the Problem Tree in the Appendices 1.3.2.1 Object of research: The Upper-Bertam river catchment between the source on the slopes of Mount Brinchang and the in flow before entering the Ringlet Reservoir (also see map) as well as the major side streams which directly flow and feed the Bertam river including: sg. Ulung, sg. Batu Pipih, sg. Jasar, sg. Ruil and sg. Burong. 1.3.2.2 Research subject: The chemical and biological quality of the object of this research as well as topics of communication on these findings with the general public. 1.3.2.3 Principle research question What is the present water quality of the Bertam-river catchment, Cameron Highlands, which factors influence this quality and how can the awareness of the importance of river water quality on the general public be increased? 1.3.2.4 Key definitions Present water quality: Chemical characteristics regarding several parameters named in this report of water samples from the Sungai Bertam compared to (inter) national standards for water quality and biological diversity and vitality according to an aquatic invertebrate assessment. Chemical parameters: Chemical substances holding in the water mass; in solution or as particles. Affected in this survey are: selected metals, selected pesticides, COD, pH, EC, totP and totN. Biological condition: a general assessment regarding themes of diversity and species abundance as well as the available (potential) niches and potential of the biological environment. Pollution causes: causes of water pollution by point- or non-point sources. . Sustainable river water use: the use of available water resources in a way that supports the current needs, but assures also the future needs. Interactively communicated: by giving talks and workshops for high school students and adults regarding topics of water quality, sustainable river water use and education on its characteristics, the core of this research project is openly communicated.



Side activities: talks and workshops with the aim of increasing the knowledge, understanding and awareness of the importance of river water quality in the Cameron Highlands (see above). R.E.A.C.H. Cameron Highlands: citizen’s society of Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands. 1.4 Reading guide This report consists of three major parts; an Area appraisal, a Chemical appraisal and an Ecological appraisal. Besides these parts a summary is provided in front. After the three majors, a chapter on Legislation properties follows. A Discussion, Conclusions and Recommendations on the previous chapters and the research outcome are given next. The report is concluded by a glossary and attaches. In the Chapter Area Appraisal, the area of the Cameron Highlands is reviewed, explored and discussed in the light of this research project. First the focus lays on the geological properties of the broad area and later on focusing in on factors influencing water quality in the Cameron Highlands, the chapters start with an Introduction of the area. The used research techniques are discussed in the subchapter Methodology & Strategy. The subchapter Results, consisting of Geography, Brief history, Abiotic environmental, Land use, Natural environment and Tourism, gives a description of relevant data (relevant to better understand and a insight view of the problem of water pollution of the Upper-Bertam catchment). Finally the subchapter Interpretation gives a summary with the most essential data and interpretation of data of the Results. The chapter Chemical Appraisal next gives after a very brief Introduction the pollution sources and pollution compounds regarding the Upper-Bertam catchment in the subchapters; Pollution and the subchapter Pollutants. The chemical research carried-out as part of this research project is then described regarding the project upset and activities in the subchapters Methodology and the subchapter Strategy. Results of this chemical research and analysis are given in the subchapter Results followed by the subchapter Interpretation where the each pollutant is discussed and the interpretation of the results of the chemical analysis is given. The chapter Ecological appraisal starts with a brief introduction and a compiled part on the basics of an aquatic macro-invertebrate assessment in the subchapter Marco-invertebrate assessments: basic principles. An interpretation for the case of the Cameron highlands follows. Then the (sample & analysis) follows in the subchapters Sample locations & sample strategy. The results and the interpretation of the found data are then discussed in the subchapter Interpretation and outcome. The chapter Legislation and policies gives some (international) guidelines & polices and national & local laws relevant to the subject of water pollution in the Cameron Highlands (the Upper-Bertam catchment), environmental protection and ecology. The chapter Discussion gives remarks necessary to understand the scope and the limitations of this research project. This should be kept in mind reading the Conclusions afterwards. In the Conclusions the outcome of this research project is given in relatively short readable terms. A glossary with keywords of this report and attaches finishes the report.



2. Area appraisal Function and place of the chapter ‘Area Appraisal’ in this report This part of the research project was designed to supply in the need of good basic knowledge of the research area regarding its topography, hydrology, morphology, tourism and land use. It is intended to give start-material on the research area as well as a first encounter to the issue of water pollution in the Cameron Highlands. Lay-out and structure of this chapter After an introduction of the subject in the wide scope; the basic hydrology in Malaysia and the highlands in Peninsular Malaysia in general are described. The methodology of this part of the research is discussed in the sub-chapter ‘Methodology and strategy’. The rest of the chapter describes the results resulting from literature research, initial field research and interviews. Finally an ‘interpretation’ is given in which the most essential data for the rest of the research (Chemical and Ecological Appraisal) is given as well as a SWOT-analysis; for ‘setting-the-scene’ regarding water pollution in the Cameron Highlands. 2.1 Introduction In this chapter the area of the Cameron Highlands is reviewed, explored and discussed in the light of this research project. 2.1.1 Water on world scale Fresh water is scarce on earth; 97% of water is salt or undrinkable, and almost 3% is kept in ice caps and glaciers or deep underground, estimation shows that only 0.003% is available for use30 Mountain areas are considered as ‘’natural water towers’’ providing the surrounding lower land with freshwater. The mountains serve as important water catchment areas, providing water for the domestic, agricultural and industrial demands of the more densely populated lowlands. The mountains intercept the circulation of air and force it upwards where it cools and water vapour condenses into clouds, rain then forms. Forests cushion the rain before it gently seeps into the soil16. Some of the water is stored in the soil and vegetation while the rest drains down to the lowlands through soil, streams and rivers, where it is used for water supply. Highland forests control soil erosion, helping to ensure that the water is clean and free from silt and sediment. They also trap moisture from clouds and slowly release it into streams and rivers16. 2.1.2 Water in Malaysia Generally, land above 900 metres above sea level is referred to as ‘mountains’, and land above 300 metres as ‘highlands’ in Malaysia. Less than 5% of Peninsular Malaysia is more than 900 metres above sea level. Although small in area, these mountains are headwaters of valuable surface water resources17. They are also the refuge of many plants and animals, making them valuable to biological diversity. Cloud forest, or montane forest, is the term used to describe forests that are influenced by the frequent presence of cloud or mist. They are usually found at elevations of over 1,500 metres above sea level, and sometimes down to 1,000 metres16. Cloud forests supply additional water to the ecosystem via 'horizontal precipitation': clouds and fog condense to form water droplets on vegetation surfaces. This is an important source of water and contributes to the maintenance of the base flow of a river especially during periods of scarce rainfall16. Due to the wet humid equatorial/monsoonal climate, Malaysia has abundant rainfall, totalling about 2000-5000mm annually, one of the highest in the world. However, the



actual amount of water available for use is reduced because of seasonal droughts, deterioration in water quality, wastage and poor management of water resources.

On average, the Malaysian urbanite uses 526 litres per day, and wastes up to 233 litres per day. Of the 120 river basins in Malaysia, 33 were considered clean in 1998, 71 slightly polluted, and 16 polluted according to the Malaysian Environmental Quality Report, 1998. In 1998, 43% of the 120 river basins were polluted by Ammonia-Nitrogen from livestock wastes and domestic sewage, 34% by SS (Suspended solids) due to earthworks and land-clearing activities, and 21% by BOD (Biochemical oxygen demand) due to discharges from agro-based and manufacturing industries30.

A global diagram of the water cycle (above)



2.2 Methodology & Strategy 2.2.1 Literature research This part of this report is intended to provide with an introduction of the research area, its characteristics, problems and interactions with other environmental compartments. It is based on literature research and own fieldwork. Reports of earlier studies in the area, regarding water pollution, ecology, tourism, sustainable development and others, provided by R.E.A.C.H. and WWF form the basis of the literature research. These reports were written by (national) universities, TNB, DID, DOA, DOE and consulting companies. Most important step after working through all the data is consideration of relevancies. 2.2.2 Fieldwork In order to obtain a clear view of the research area of the Upper-Bertam catchment numerous visits to its river and its tributaries were made. This meant walking the whole river course from the source at Mt. Brinchang to its ending in the Ringlet reservoir as well as following the most significant tributaries in the same way. Photos were made as well as notations on land use and pollution sources. 2.3 Results This chapter describes the results of the literature research and the fieldwork carried-out in course of this research project. The results are categorized according to subject and field. Starting with Geography (enhancing Topography and Morphology), a brief history and then the ‘’Abiotic environment with topics regarding; Geology & Soils, Climate and Water resources follows. Land use describes the land coverage and utilization by means of the topics; Urban area, Forested land and Agricultural utilization. The subchapter Natural environment gives the ecology of the Cameron Highlands and specifically the research area in birds view. The subchapter Tourism describes the interest of tourism and development in the area. The last sub-chapter, Interpretation, is intended to provide with a guideline through this data and summarizes them. 2.3.1 Geography This chapter describes the Cameron Highlands regarding abiotic properties from different scale levels; topography and morphology. 2.3.1.1 Elevation and Land use The area of the Cameron Highlands is situated in Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia which has a coverage of 35.964 km2. The Cameron Highlands shares borders with the states Kelantan in the North and Perak in the West, the entire district of Cameron Highlands is located within the Main Mountain Range16.

Above: the Peninsula of Malaysia



The Main Mountain Range is the largest of the mountain ranges of Malaysia, constituting 60% of the total area of the highlands of Peninsular Malaysia. The general alignment of the mountain ranges is in a North-south direction. The major settlements in Cameron Highlands are Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Habu, Ringlet, Lembah Bertam, Kg. Raja, Kea Farm, Kuala Terla and Tringkap. 2.3.1.2 Morphology Cameron Highlands is located on the Main Range, Peninsular Malaysia’s largest continuous block of highland forest, in the State of Pahang. Topographically, the entire Cameron Highlands district is mountainous with altitude ranging from 1,000m at the river valleys on the eastern boundary to 2,031m on the western boundary28, with 75% above 1000 asl16. The Main Range is the largest, most prominent and continuous mountain range in Peninsular Malaysia. It has an igneous core that was intruded into ancient fold mountain systems28. The Main Range granite batholith forms a massive mountain range stretching in an arc from Thailand in the north to Negeri Sembilan in the south. The elevation bands of the Main Range show that up to 45% of the area of the highland range is between 305 m – 610 m and 28% between 610 m – 914 m28,29. Slopes occur with gradients from 10° to 35°, 66% of the coverage has a gradient of more then 20°13. Around 75% of the coverage is above 1000m. The soils in Cameron Highlands tend to be sandy and highly erodible. The combination of terrain, soil types and high rainfall increases the risk of erosion in the highlands, especially when the forest is cleared. Over 80% of the Cameron Highlands district falls within the high erosion risk zone1. Although the Department of Agriculture guidelines limit vegetable cultivation to land of slope up to 200 only, steeper areas up to 400 slopes are under agricultural use in the Cameron Highlands11. Left: The Cameron Highlands with Brinchang (in the middle),

Tanah Rata (down left), and the roads. Scale 1: 100.000



The Main Range stretches approximately 500 km from the border with Thailand in the North to Negeri Sembilan, where its height decreases and merges into the Malacca coastal plain. The Main Range is about 85 km wide at its widest section in the North (in Perak and Kelantan) and narrows to less than 35 km wide in Negeri Sembilan. The highest mountain ridges vary from about 800 m in the southern end to 2,184 m at Mt. Korbu, which is the highest peak of the Main Range and the second highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia. Mt. Korbu is located 25 km NNW of Cameron Highlands29

Terrain gradient in Cameron Highlands13 (left) and right Terrain gradient (as elevation bands) of the main mountain range of Peninsular Malaysia28

Terrain gradient Percentage of cover on total

0-10° 8.8% 10-20° 31.4% 20-30° 48.7% >30° 9.1%

Elevation band Percentage of cover on total

305-610m 45.1% 610-914m 27.9% 914-1220m 16.1% 1220-1524m 8% 1524-1800m 2.5% >1830m 0.4%

Above: The Cameron Highlands is the largest continuous mountainous area with the Main Mountain Range with the third highest top: Mt. Brinchang (2031m)



2.3.2 Brief History The Cameron Highlands were initially used as highland resort for its cool climate and fresh air, but in the Post-Independent from 1957-1973 huge change appeared when the area seemed to be perfect for agriculture. Then the converting of virgin jungle in tea and vegetable plantations, building routes, housing schemes and resettlement of Orang Asli started. From 1974 to 1990 rapid urbanization, logging and agricultural development took place. From 1990 till today the Cameron Highlands are extensively promoted as a tourist attraction, and in order to realize its potential as tourist resort many hotels, shops and roads were built. At the same time agricultural development has also increased significantly. 2.3.3 Abiotic Environment 2.3.3.1 Geology & Soils The landscape of Peninsular Malaysia is ancient and scarcely disturbed by tectonic changes. The mountain ranges stand up in the Northern half of the Peninsular but headed southwards. The Main Range was formed as a result of the collision between the oceanic Indo-Australian and continental Eurasian tectonic plates28. The convergence forced the heavier oceanic plate below the lighter continental plate. The descending plate upon reaching a depth of 100 km, was melted into magma. The magma, being less dense than the surrounding mantle rocks, slowly rose to intrude into the continental crust. At the surface, the magma cooled and crystallised. Over time, the repetitive effects created a line of mountain peaks that forced themselves through the crust. The Main Range was formed from this mountain building episode and its granite bedrock is derived from such magma28. Generally, two main types of bedrock prevail along the middle section of the Main Range. About 90% of the Main Range is underlain by primarily acidic intrusive Granite rocks formed in the Late Triassic period.

The Granites are over 200 million years old. The depth of bedrock varies considerably from approximately 5m to over 25m. The Granite is classified as being mainly a medium to coarse grained, Porphyritic, Biotite Granite. Other sub-classifications include finer grained micro-Granite and Granite Porphyry, of which the Porphyritic Biotite Granite is the most abundant geologically28.

Two photos of the Upper-Bertam at his source on the slopes of Mt. Brinchang, The river course running through Shales (left) and with Granite boulders (right)



The Main Range is predominantly steep and forested. In many mountain valleys, shallow beds of peat occur, although much of the forest grows in a mat of organic soil with little root penetration below this surface. Large areas are also covered with sandy soil mixed with peat while others are studded with Granite boulders. Others are covered with loamy soils and beds of clay. In some places where Granite is decaying, Quartz fragments occur in a uniform soil but are generally absent in the upper layers. The colour of decaying Granite varies from deep red, yellow to almost white in some places. The weathered overlying soil also varies from deep red, light yellow and even pink. These different colours can easily be seen, especially along fresh road cuttings or logging tracks. The fertility of the soil is generally low28. The Cameron Highlands are forming the highest part of the main Mountain Range and have several cloud forests. Areas were cloud-moister condensates and form very special ecotypes are only found on the highest mountain summits. In the cloud forest zone, peat is virtually continuous, even on steep slopes (for example, 25°). The thickness varies from about 0.3 m to considerably more than 1 m. In the field it is almost invariable wet, with a water content of 80-90 percent. Except in its lowest part the mineral content of the dry matter is low, less than 10 percent, and sometimes less than 1 percent. pH values in the peat are extremely low, often between pH 3.0 and pH 3.5 in water and around pH 2.5 measured in potassium chloride solution. Extreme nutrient deficiency may have something to do with the low stature of upper mountain rain forest. Such soils are normally acidic (pH 4.5–5.5). 2.3.3.2 Climate The higher elevation of the Cameron Highlands results in lower temperatures, higher relative humidity and lower solar radiation3. Temperature is inversely related to altitude, so temperature decrease with increasing altitude. The mean temperature drop is 0.613°C per 100 meters elevation16. One can imagine by this fact, that the temperatures in the Cameron Highlands significantly increased by altitudinal factors when compared with the lowland.

Average water Flow (AWF) at the Robinson Falls (left), High Water Flow (HWF) 2 hours later during rain (right)



The average temperature at Tanah Rata is about 18°C while the mean maximum temperature and mean minimum temperature are about 22°C and 15°C respectively. These temperatures do not fluctuate much throughout the year. Highlands intercept moisture from the atmosphere, resulting in large amounts and high intensities of precipitation. Highland ecosystems are high rainfall areas, generally experiencing typical rainfall averages in excess of 2000mm per year17. In the hill stations, rainfall coincides with the two maxima of April-May and that of October-November. Rainfall is higher during the wettest period towards the end of the year and on the average, two out of three days are raining in the highlands. From elevations of around 1200m upwards, intermittent cloud formation may occur on large mountain ranges and these ‘cloud forests’ on the highlands not only fulfil the protective role, but they also provide additional hydrological benefits. It has been noted that during dry spells and during low rainfall periods, the ‘stripping’ of wind-blown clouds by the montane vegetation becomes particularly important. The highlands are generally cloudier and more humid than the lowlands. In the Cameron Highlands rainfall is quite uniform through the year. The wettest period is from October to November with rainfall of about 350 mm per month, while the relatively drier period occurs between January and February with about 100 mm of rainfall per month13. Other months have about 150-250 mm of rainfall. The rainfall regime is characterized by a large number of intensive rainstorms, especially in the periods April-May and October-November. 2.3.3.3 Water resources The Cameron Highlands are drained by eight rivers (only largest counted) with Sg. Bertam, Sg.Telom, and Sg. Lemoi, being the major ones; as well as Sg. Ringlet, Sg.Habu, Sg. Burong, Sg. Tringkap and Sg. Terla29. These rivers drain Eastwards into the Sg. Pahang9. The 3 main rivers; Sg. Bertam, Sg. Telom and Sg. Lemoi which drain the Northern, middle and Southern parts of the area are fed by the very constant source of clean water from montane forests, even in dryer seasons16. The 3 rivers have a total of over 123 tributaries and play a vital role in fresh water supply, agricultural activities (irrigation) and as source for hydroelectric generation. The highlands are famous as water catchment areas. The highlands and specifically the montane ecosystem form some of the most important water catchment areas in Peninsular Malaysia. Clear drinking water supply is in abundance from the highlands and has tremendous economic value. The montane forests in particular are “water producers”30. The supply of this precious and perhaps most endangered and limited natural resource, both in terms of quantity and quality is dependent on forested water catchment areas in the highlands. Most of the major rivers in the Peninsular have its headwaters in the highlands. Almost 90% of the water supply for Peninsular Malaysia is derived from the highlands30. The Cameron Highlands form the headwater catchment for 2 major rivers of the lowlands; Sungai Pahang and Sungai Perak. An estimated amount of 5.8 million litres a day is abstracted for drinking water supply at several intake points along rivers originating from the montane forests of the Cameron Highlands30. The main drinking water supply for the Cameron Highlands itself is the Sungai Burong intake. The river systems are utilized for drinking water supply, irrigation purposes, waste water disposal (sewage) and hydroelectricity. The two main hydroelectric dams in Cameron Highlands are Sultan Yusuff dam and Habu Dam.



According to Hashim et al. 200313, the main sources of impact on river streams in the Cameron Highlands are agricultural activities as well as construction activities. These activities are causing accelerated sedimentation, increasing run-off peak and increased pollutant load (pesticides and nutrients). As rivers flow down mountain slopes and through forests to the lowlands and the sea, they widen and deepen to become larger. On their way they reflect the state of the land they pass through and carry it with them - a river is like a ‘’moving environmental monitor’’. It reflects everything that took place upstream in the catchment, such as land clearing, urban development, road building, agriculture, and associated problems of runoff, soil erosion and pollution.

2.3.4 Land use In terms of land use, about 90% of the area in the district of Cameron Highlands is still forest while agricultural land constitutes 8%1. Coverage (2003) ha Percentage of

total Forest/water bodies 61.679.83 90.9 Agriculture 5.705.17 8.0 Urban area/road 3833 1.1 total 71.218 100 Cameron Highlands Local Plan Study (Technical Report) 2004

The Upper-Bertam river near Habu (left) and near Brinchang (right)



The Upper-Bertam catchment In pink the main river course of the Sungai Bertam and in blue the tributaries



2.3.4.1 Urban area Tanah Rata is the largest township and is the centre of the Cameron Highlands it functions as the administrative centre of Cameron Highlands besides also serving as one of the main tourism destinations. Brinchang is the tourism centre and the main commercial area in Cameron Highlands. Ringlet is the main gateway to Cameron Highlands. It functions as the third most significant commercial area in Cameron Highlands. Housing is mainly concentrated at Brinchang (17% of total housing), Tanah Rata (32% of total housing) and Ringlet (12% of total housing). An Orang Asli settlement is located at Sungai Ruil (near Brinchang). Based on the Population Census by DOOAA in 1997, there were 26 Orang Asli settlements in Cameron Highlands. The number of households was 825 and the population was 4,868 persons. The two major ethnics groups are Semai and Temiar. The total area of the Cameron Highlands has a population of 30.000 (2003)6, 29.

0

20

40

60

80

100

coverage %

forests/waterbodiesagriculture

urban areaand roads

Above: the town centre of Brinchang seen from the North-East.



2.3.4.2 Forested land Over 95% of the Main Range is forest; most of the forest is under Permanent Forest Estates (PFE) while small patches are state land forests (90.9% of the Cameron Highlands is forest, of the total of 50.778 ha of forest 76% is protected as Permanent Forest Estate and the rest in state-land forest.)16. Most of these forests are in relatively good condition although large patches have been logged. From 1947 to 1977 the forest cover over the upper water catchments of the 3 main rivers of the Cameron Highlands (Sungai Telom, Sungai Bertam and Sungai Lemoi) has dwindled from 95% to 65%.

Above: the Forests of the Upper-Bertam catchment from Gunung Irau



2.3.4.3 Agriculture utilization Because of the relatively low and year-round stabile temperatures, the Cameron Highlands are very suitable for agricultural activities. The Cameron Highlands is a region with large areas that are used for intensive vegetable cultivation. More than 5890 ha are in use for agricultural purposes13 and supplies up to 60% of the vegetable demand in Malaysia13. Although only 8% of the total 71.218 ha is taken in by agriculture, the Cameron Highlands still form the key-area for agriculture in Malaysia29. The agricultural sector enhances vegetables (47%), tea (44%), flowers (7%) and fruit (1%). The total production enhances for vegetables 90.000 metric tons/year (RM 135 million), tea 19.600 metric tons/year (RM 50 million) and flowers (50 million/year)28. Agriculture is the most important socio-economic and land use activity (although the second largest land use after forestry area and tourism being the second highest economic contributor), it is concentrated around Kea farm, Tringkap, Habu, Kg Raja, Kuala Terla, Ringlet and Lembah Bertam. The value of the total annual vegetable production in Cameron Highlands has been estimated at RM 135 million (MARDI-TECH, 1998). Vegetables are the most widely cultivated crop in Cameron Highlands. The most extensively grown vegetables are cabbage, Chinese cabbage, tomato, French beans, sweet pea, leek and lettuce, in total making up little less the 1000 ha of vegetable culture in the Cameron Highlands. The areas planted with each crop vary considerably from year to year. Tea is the oldest crop to be commercially planted in the highlands. At present tea occupies some 2309 ha. The tea plantations in Cameron Highlands are owned by three companies. The tea industry in Cameron Highlands provides employment for some 1,300 workers and produces about 5,000 tons of tea annually. Most of the tea produced is sold within the country. All the tea plantations have been long established28. The cut flower industry grew substantially in the nineties. In 1998 the value had grown to RM198.9 million (MARDI-TECH, 1998). The area under flower production has fluctuated between 250 and 450 ha in the Cameron Highlands. Production systems combine ideas from temperate growers with a strong influence from the vegetable growing experience and cause a heavy use of agrochemicals. The mountainous terrain is a major constraint to agriculture. Only about 40% of the slopes of the area of the Cameron Highlands are below 200. The extent of areas of gentler slopes is proportionately smaller at the higher elevations suitable for temperate vegetables and subtropical fruits1. Of the total of 71.218 ha of the Cameron Highlands only 3.292 ha is suitable for agriculture (because of slope gradient; less then 25° and soil type)1. The use of land for agricultural purposes exceeds 5.890 ha which implicates that 2.598.3 ha is indiscriminately used for agricultural purposes1. This coupled with the steep and long slopes, intensive agriculture and soil characteristics makes this very vulnerable for soil runoff and erosion. It is clear that soil loss, soil runoff and nutrient loss can be reduced if good quality vegetation cover is ensured by good agricultural practice. However topsoil loss and fertility depletion through runoff and erosion are often overcome by the farmer due excessive surface application of manure and fertilizers12. Agriculture is thus the main source of water pollution and soil erosion in the Cameron Highlands. Main areas for contributing to this impact are the agricultural areas near Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Kg Raja, Ringlet, Blue Valley and Bertam Valley. Erosion processes of agricultural areas are responsible for major impact on water quality and environmental,- and ecological conditions of both the head rivers and their tributaries.



Most farmers in Cameron Highlands operate on Temporary Occupancy Licences (TOL) which are renewed annually1. The short term leases are a disincentive to long term investment on the farms. The heavy rains and excessive irrigation tend to wash off nutrients, which are carried into the surface water systems. The recent adoption of rain shelters and the reluctance to reduce fertilizer inputs has led to the accumulation of Phosphorus and cat-ions (Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium), or salination of the soil. To protect the crops and to meet the demand for high cosmetic standards, the farmers rely on large inputs of pesticides. Excessive residues from pesticides (also of banned types) have been detected. Integrated pest management packages and biological pesticides, are available and which are friendlier for the environment have found only limited acceptance. Farmers are often not convinced about the efficiency of the pesticides despite the impressive research results.

2.3.4 Natural Environment The natural ecosystem of the Cameron Highlands is mainly made up by tropical forest, being the predominant ecosystem. Biodiversity, Biological diversity and species occurrence is characterized by altitudinal zones. In the Cameron Highlands the forest ecology is diverted in different types according to altitudinal sequence are the Hill Dipterocarp Forest (300-750m), the Upper Dipterocarp Forest (750-1,200m - lower parts of the Cameron Highlands), the Lower Montane or Oak Laurel Forest (1,200-1,500m - forests in the higher regions for example between Brinchang and Tanah Rata) and the Upper Montane or Montane Ericaceous Forest (1,500m to the tree line - forest as on the ridge tops of the highest mountains of the area i.e. Gunung Irau, Gunung Brinchang and Gunung Perdah)16.The highland forests are known to

Intensive agriculture in the Upper-Bertam catchment. Clockwise: near Habu, along the Ulung tributary, near Robinson Falls and near the Ringlet Reservoir



contain a diverse array of plant species. The mountain flora of Peninsular Malaysia has been estimated to include about 3000 species of vascular plants, including some 2125 species restricted to mountains. 25% of Malaysia’s flowering plant flora is montane and 56% of the fern flora occurs above 1,000m17. Among the orchids, which are richly represented in montane areas, 50% of 850 species in Peninsular Malaysia are endemic to the highlands28. In addition to the rich diversity and endemic species, the Cameron Highlands also harbours rare and endangered species28. In the Cameron Highlands most species are of montane or highland species and are specially adapted to the local circumstance and are not occurring at lower altitudes17. The forests of the Cameron Highlands house over 727 plants species16. An estimated 23.8% of montane or highland species occurring in Peninsular Malaysia is occurring in the Cameron Highlands16. Of the mentioned 727 species over 61% is found strictly in highlands and over 145 species are exclusively endemic to the Cameron Highlands16,17. The fauna profile of the Cameron Highlands counts over 56 mammals, 199 birds, 14 amphibians and 58 reptile species, endemic species of the Cameron Highlands and Malaysia are included28,16. The forests of the Lower and Upper montane zones are able to strip moisture from the clouds. This takes place by condensation of the water on leafs, supplying a reliable and predictable water supply of very clean water. These forests are called or referred to as ‘’cloud-forests’’ or ‘’mossy-forests’’17. Although the Cameron Highlands receive generous amounts of rain water, this cloud interception of montane forests is the source of many rivers in the area. The small forest streams originated by these montane forests are of outstanding quality and house very sensitive aquatic species. Although small in area, these ‘’cloud-forests’’ are headwaters of valuable surface water resources. They trap moisture from clouds and slowly release it into streams and rivers. Cloud forests are usually found at elevations of over 1,500 metres above sea level, and sometimes down to 1,000 metres. Cloud forests supply additional water to the ecosystem through 'horizontal precipitation'- clouds and fog condensation to form water droplets on vegetation surfaces. This is an important source of water and contributes to the maintenance of the base flow of a river especially during periods of scarce rainfall16. The Highland ecology of the Cameron Highlands is environmentally seen extremely sensitive and fragile. It is so sensitive because the unique microclimate, the vulnerable rare flora and fauna, the steepness of the terrain and the intensity of the rainfall17. 1 A study on pollution prevention and water quality improvement program of rivers in Cameron

Highlands, National Seminar, March 2005 6 Dr. Nik & Associates, Government of Pahang, Jabatan Pengairan Dan Saliran Pahang, 2004 9 Hashim, A. Ir, National Seminar, March 2005 11 Hashim, Alias, Ir, 2005 13 Hashim, G.M., Wan Yusoff, W.A., 2003 17 Kumaran, S 28 WWF Malaysia, 2001 29 WWF Malaysia, 2001 30 WWF Malaysia, 2003



Orchids are considered as the indicators of a healthy and diverse natural environment. The forests of the Cameron Highlands are extremely rich in Orchid species. The photos showing Orchids above are taken within the Upper-Bertam catchment area.



2.3.5 Tourism The Cameron Highlands is a world renowned hill station for eco-tourism, established after the BOH tea plantation in 1929 was set. In the ‘30s construction of the main road to Tapah followed and recently the new road to Ipoh is completed. Expected is that Tourism will grow from 515.350 tourists visiting the Cameron Highlands in 2000 to 3.467.170 in 2020 (Government of Malaysia 1996). Major tourist destinations in the Cameron Highlands are attractions as waterfalls, mountains, jungle trails, extensive accommodation facilities, and organised tours to tea plantations, the Rose Garden, Kea Farm, Nurseries and the Sam Poh Buddhist Temple. In addition to eco-tourism and agro tourism products, the Cameron Highlands also has a range of recreational facilities including a golf course. Agricultural development also has provided some opportunities for agro-tourism; most of the ‘’day-tourists’’ in the Cameron Highlands are in fact coming for this agro-tourism; visiting the Strawberry farms, Butterfly Garden, Nurseries, Cactus Valley and many other attractions. The Cameron Highlands are famous among backpackers and nature-enthusiasts for eco-tourism; including jungle trekking offered by guides. The well–known peaks for jungle trekking include Gunung Beremban at 1841 m, Gunung Jasar at 1696 m and Gunung Brinchang at 2032 m. Two popular waterfalls are the Robinson Falls and the Parit Falls. In the Cameron Highlands the agriculture sector is often in direct conflict with the tourism industry. Agriculture, in acquiring forestland and expanding the farms, is destroying the resources that attract the tourists. On the other hand, tourists provide revenue and publicity to the agriculture sector and the economy. Major tourist attractions are in:

• Nature tourism (‘’eco-tourism’’); • Cultural-heritage tourism; • Agricultural tourism (‘’agro-tourism’’).

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 193.955 258.805 290.982 275.106 253.701 305.995

Tourist Arrivals in the Highlands

A new style hotel; the Equatorial (above) and the old style; The Old Smoke House (below). Both in the Township of Brinchang



The major tourist attractions of the Cameron Highlands. Clockwise: The BOH tea estate and factory near Brinchang, The Sam Poh Temple also near Brinchang, a jungle trekking route near Tanah Rata and the Brinchang 18 hole Golf course. All in the Upper-Bertam water catchment



2.4 Interpretation In these final paragraphs of the ‘Area Appraisal’ the interpretation and SWOT-analysis; the most essential data of the Area Appraisal is put conclusively together and with the SWOT-analysis it is meant to ‘set-the-scene’ regarding water pollution in the Cameron Highlands. It thus gives start-material to go further with the Chemical and Ecological Appraisal; this data must be known and understood to start with the next step; the investigation of the actual state of the water pollution of the Upper-Bertam catchment. 2.4.1 Rivers Due to the wet humid equatorial/monsoonal climate, Malaysia has abundant rainfall. In total about 2000-5000mm annually, one of the highest amounts in the world. However, the actual amount of water available for use is reduced because of seasonal droughts, deterioration in water quality, wastage and poor management of water resources. On average, the Malaysian wastes up to 233 litres per day. Of the 120 river basins in Malaysia, 33 were considered clean in 1998, 71 slightly polluted, and 16 polluted according to the Malaysian Environmental Quality Report, 1998. 2.4.2 Pollution of rivers Rivers and streams serve many functions in today’s society including serving as a source of food and water, a recreational and aesthetically pleasing resource for many people. Rivers are also important for nature as part of the ecology. The innumerable functional and aesthetic qualities of rivers and streams create pressures on the resource that are exacerbated by an expanding human population. Water catchments that were once mainly forested have been altered for the social and economic benefit of today’s society. The degradation in Cameron Highlands rivers comes from numerous sources, including sewage from municipal source discharges; agricultural runoff of pesticides, organic matter and sediment; hydrologic alteration from stream canalization, dams, artificial drainage, habitat alteration from agriculture and urban encroachment. The degradation of the Upper-Bertam catchment is caused by:

• Agricultural activities; contributing pollutants as sediments, nutrients, pesticides, pathogens (E.Coli) and organic enrichment (fertilizers & animal manure).

• Urban area; pouring in hardly or untreated sewage, which contribute pathogens (E.Coli), organic enrichment (nutrients), and toxicants.

• Others; artificial drainage of streams for agriculture and canalization (habitat alteration).

2.4.3 Illegal tapping and too high slope degree The upper reaches of the Bertam River basin serves as an important catchment area for water supply. Forest cover is essential in this function, despite that fact the Upper Bertam catchment is for 30% covered by agriculture and urban area. In preventing erosion and runoff in agriculture the slope gradient must be less then 25° and of a capable soil type, almost 45% of the agricultural land in the Cameron Highlands is indiscriminately used for agricultural purposes, because it exceeds these basic concepts. Besides the water pollution; the Cameron Highlands also face a lack of water. This shortage of water supply in the highlands is mainly due to the fact that intake points for water supply are inevitably located in the upper reaches of the water catchments where the water yield is low. This is worsened by the fact that the same water supplies are used for irrigation. Perfectly clean water is therefore (illegally) tapped from the source in the rain forest, before it reaches the valley.



2.4.4 Cameron Highland rivers The Cameron Highlands are characterized by undisturbed nature with virgin and original mountain forest streams of (ecological and chemical) outstanding quality and by intensive agriculture and urbanisation which causes problems. The most vulnerable part of the catchment lies in much urbanized area with intensive agriculture, with pollution sources (agricultural & urban) located at the far upstream part of the catchment. Unfortunately not much attention is given to the back draw of this agricultural use; pesticides, fertilizers and in urban area sewage (not treated thoroughly or at places not at all) entering the river system, causing severe water pollution. The (already scarce) drinking water supply is therefore heavily polluted with several chemicals i.e. pesticides, fertilizers, faecal bacteria (causing diseases), organic pollution (sewage, manure & fertilizers), Suspended solids (erosion and runoff), solid waste and pesticides. Of the 123 rivers in the Cameron Highlands only 12 are classified as I & II (according to INWQS: Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia). 2.4.5 Water in the highlands Almost 90% of the water supply for Peninsular Malaysia is derived from the highlands; with the Cameron Highlands being one of the major highland areas it plays a vital role. Almost all the major rivers originating from the highlands are vital sources of water, not only for domestic needs but also for agriculture and industrial requirements. In the case of the Cameron Highlands it is the Sg. Pahang in the lowlands that is largely fed by this area. The crucial role of the Highlands in supplying water for the lowlands has high demands on protection and management of the highlands for these catchment functions. This is very pertinent because of the water crisis that is faced by states in the lowlands. Of greatest concern is the existence of water intake points that are located downstream of pollution sources in the Highlands from which water is derived for the water supply system to the lowlands. In the worst case water pollution in the (Cameron) Highlands deteriorates water quality at the lowlands intake points beyond levels that can not be treated. 2.4.6 Reasons of water pollution in the Cameron Highlands

• Ongoing and increasing water pollution by agriculture, because of excessive pesticide en fertilizer usage (according to research by Adroit Consulting Engineers in March 20051). Also urban area with poorly or untreated treated domestic sewage poured in the river course contributes to river pollution (according to own observation during the initial field introduction survey).

• Lack of enforcement by Land Office (MDCH), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and Water Board (JBA), thousands offences of public laws are broken everyday, causing pollution of illegal tapping, yet no action is taken (according to R.E.A.C.H. 2005).

• Siltation and erosion from land clearing, agriculture and construction (according to research by Hashim et al. 200513).

• Illegal water tapping. 20% of the water that is left for public is being tapped by farmers even though 80% of the total water supply is already utilized by agricultural industry (according to WWF Malaysia research in 2001 presented on their internet site). Most of the water used in agriculture is (illegally) tapped from small mountain streams in the forest containing the best quality water of the Highlands (According to WWF Malaysia in their 2001 report29).



2.4.7 SWOT Analysis The SWOT-analysis is useful in ‘setting the scene’ with regard to strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in relation to better understanding of aspects of the system of the Upper-Bertam catchment. The idea is that this SWOT analysis helps in the overall strategic planning processes and awareness. It is only targeted in the (water) quality and (potential) condition, pollution and (watershed) management of the Upper-Bertam catchment and based on the initial field survey (thus excluding chemical & biological sampling), interviews and literature research. Strengths

• Virgin and original mountain forest streams of (ecological and chemical) outstanding quality and importance of the ecosystem;

• Forest streams (except from tapping) ecologically healthy; • Steady and reliable supply of good quality drinking water.

Weaknesses

• Most vulnerable part of the catchment lies in urbanized area; • Pollution sources (agricultural & urban) are located at the far upstream part of the

catchment; • Heavily polluted with E.Coli (and pathogens), pesticides, suspended solids and organic

pollution (including inorganic nutrients). Opportunities

• Vital source of high quality drinking water; • Aesthetically attractive view when streams are not polluted with solid waste; • Excellent fish stock and ecological condition of valley river courses if water quality


Threats

• Ongoing and increasing water pollution by agriculture and urban area; • Lack of enforcement by responsible governmental agencies; • Excessive pesticide usage and illegal pesticides by agriculture; • Bad agricultural practices i.e. land cover, usage of pesticides and fertilizers; • Lack of riparian buffer zones along rivers; • Lack of proper waste water treatment facilities and poor management of water

treatment/storage facilities; • Over-development of urban area as well as agriculture; • Lack of proper multidisciplinary management of river courses by JPS/DID; • Forest clearing (catchment above intake points); • Illegal clearing of forests for cultivation/farming; • Lack of environmental awareness; • Large scale illegal water tapping.



(Above) The main stream of the Upper-Bertam. Clockwise: the little forest streams on the slopes of Mt. Brinchang, the main stream just before the Brinchang Golf Course, near de Parit Falls, near Tanah Rata High School and at near Habu.



3. Chemical appraisal Function and place of the chapter ‘Chemical Appraisal’ in this report This part of the research project can be regarded as the most substantial; because it supplies with ‘hard data’ of the research area regarding water pollution. Although with methods of ‘biological analysis’ at least such hard data can be produced; chemical data of concentrations of certain parameters is still considered (with reason) to be conclusive. More over in this research this chemical data was also later on used to couple chemical concentrations to biological indices. Lay-out and structure of this chapter This chapter is split in three. The first part describes pollution source and some background to pollution of rivers and the pollutants are then discussed individually. The second part describes the used methodology for sample selection, parameters selection, sampling strategy and chemical analysis. The final part of this chapter gives the resulting findings of sampling and analysis in this part of the research project; first per parameter-group and then per sampling point or tributary. Finally this chapter ends with an ‘interpretation’’; a short resume of the findings and their place in this research project. 3.1 Introduction Originally the rivers and small streams of the Cameron Highlands can be categorised as fast flowing, cool, clean, clear water with a high oxygen content and supporting sensitive aquatic invertebrates. Urbanisation and agriculture has effects on the chemical water quality. 3.2 Background of pollution The most common way in which pollutants enter the river system is through surface runoff i.e. drains and channels (point source), runoff from roads, construction sites etc (non-point source). The expansion of the urban population within the Upper-Bertam river catchment will increase the input of organic matter to the river system. Overall organic pollutants (mainly domestic sewage) are the largest pollutants in the Upper-Bertam river. It originates from sewage and fertilizers (animal fertilizers as chicken manure), through point sources (hardly treated domestic sewage) and non-point sources as agricultural runoff. In literature an average BOD contribution of 55 g per person per day to the river system is maintaine1. Besides adding to nutrient-content of the water (leading to extreme enrichment of the Upper-Bertam), addition of Nitrogen and Phosphor will increase BOD & COD. This organic pollution causes very severe bio-contamination with bacteria and viruses, which can cause diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and virus infections. Septic tanks are the main method of sewage treatment in the Upper-Bertam catchment. Latrine holes and direct releases into water courses are still practiced. Better treatment facilities such as Imhoff tank systems, oxidation ponds and packaged treatment schemes are used in private housing estates1. No adequate (governmental) sewage treatment plants are operational in the Cameron Highlands. Concluding one can say that domestic sewage causes the most significant problems in water pollution of the Cameron Highlands.



3.2.1 Point source and non-point sources of pollution Water pollutants are classified as 'point' and 'non-point' sources7. Point sources can be identified as all dry weather pollutants that enter the river or stream through pipes or channels. Point source pollutants should easily be observed and pollutant concentrations can be easily measured through in-situ and ex-situ sampling methods7. Non-point pollutant loads result from run-off from a large area at relatively low concentrations. An example of a non-point source include run-off from agricultural lands. Pollutants that enter the stream travel some distance before they are thoroughly mixed throughout the flow. Water upstream of a pipe discharging wastewater is therefore cleaner than after. The water might be extremely degraded at the discharge site or immediately downstream. Further downstream, in the recovery zone, overall quality might improve as pollutants are diluted with more water or are broken down. Far downstream the stream as a whole might be relatively clean again. More impacts are caused by sediments and silt from eroded land and nutrients such as the Nitrogen and Phosphorus found in fertilizers, detergents, and sewage treatment plant discharges. Other leading pollutants include pathogens such as bacteria, pesticides, and organic enrichment that lead to low levels of dissolved oxygen. Regarding the fate and transport of pollutants in the aquatic system of a river; the movement of a chemical/pollutant is more a function of the transport process, with the properties of the transported chemical being minimal. Two considerations have to be made here: first this is in more absolute case true for persistent chemicals as pesticides and heavy metals, which half time is long till infinite. For biodegradable compounds as BOD, COD, bacteria (Pathogens), the high oxygen-concentration and the nature of the streams in the area (fast flowing) have a high ‘’self-cleaning’’ capacity; meaning that most of these compounds are transformed or broken down going downstream. Regarding Nitrogen-compounds; they are broken down to Nitrate-compounds very quickly (high oxygen levels permits nitrification), but much harder to Nitrogen (denitrification), for Phosphate-compounds, they are transferred, taken up and released via the sediment and clay-particles in the water (the rivers in the Cameron Highlands are characterised by a very high turbidity especially during High Water Flow). Last; because of the relative short distance from source to ending in the Ringlet reservoir, the time available for transformation of chemical compounds is minimal. Therefore, when assessing the fate and the movement of a chemical in this aquatic system, one has to consider:

• The environmental compartments; water, groundwater interaction, particulates, sediment i.e.;

• Form and properties of chemical species; (persistent) pesticides, heavy metals or organic compounds;

• Residence time (depending on distance of transport and water speed in the river); • Accumulation or exportation to other compartments i.e. sediment or particulates; • Major routes and rate of transport.



3.2.2 Pollutants entering the river system through groundwater Groundwater aquifers can basically be categorized into contained and uncontained aquifers. Pollutants can either stay trapped in the sub-surface strata prior to entering the groundwater or it may enter the groundwater system and its movement will be determined by the natural movement of groundwater. Once the contaminant plume reaches the water table, the movement of the pollutants, as well as the time taken to reach the river system would depend on the characteristics of the aquifer (in addition to the physical and chemical characteristics of the pollutants), such as:

• Speed and direction of the groundwater towards the river; • Porosity - defines the capacity of the soil-formation to hold and transport water; • Transmissibility of the soil; • Amount and frequency of recharge of the pollutant.

Typical sources of some major pollutants

source Pollution parameters Point source Food processing BOD, solids and fats Non-point source urban runoff & sewage

Metals, BOD, pathogens, litter

construction Suspended Solids agriculture Suspended Solids, Nutrients, Pesticides

Typical point source; solid waste dumpsite near Habu (left) and agricultural runoff a non-point or diffuse pollution source also near Habu (right)



3.3 Pollutants 3.3.1 Pesticides Low levels of some pesticides (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) damage the immune system and these have been linked with hormone problems that may cause some cancers (breast cancer) and damage reproductive systems. Between 1991 and 1993, Malaysia spent an average of RM 227 million on pesticides, making it the highest user of fertilizers in ASEAN (CAP, 1985). Of the 4.1 billion pounds of pesticides used, only 1% is estimated to kill targeted pests leaving the remaining 99% free to contaminate the environment and human health. Pesticides are transported to large distances in surface and river waters, either in solution form or by attaching themselves to particulates. These pollutants are deposited in sediments, which could be taken up by species dwelling at the bottom of the river. Although banned pesticides of the Organochlorine group like DDT, Heptachlor, Aldrin and Dieldrin are illegal (according to the Pesticides Act (1974), these chemicals are prohibited for usage). Great concern exists about the long-term chronic effects of such contamination on human and environmental health. Currently, there is no national or regional monitoring programme designed by the government to investigate pesticide residues in the environment, apart from those intending to evaluate possible risk to the human population. It is very important to notice that pesticides levels fluctuated enormously; high levels will be found just after application and lower later on, a high concentration for a moment is more then enough to kill all aquatic biology however or to get problems drinking it. Pesticides are measured by means of a HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) of GC (Gas Chromatography) in µg/l.

A farmer applying pesticides on his land. Most pesticides are mixed at the spot with a carrier-fluid. Unfortunately not much attention is given in preventing the human-toxicological effects of these substances by wearing protective clothing or masks.



3.3.2 (Heavy) metals Sources of (Heavy) metals are mostly found in fertilizers, waste dumping and sewage. No industry is present in the Cameron Highlands that produces specific metals in their waste water. Farmers are aware of the high erosion rates, when erosion increases the soil fertility will decline (because nutrients are washed away). Farmers solve this by increasing the application of fertilizers. In this way higher concentrations of Potassium (normally in natural situations very low concentrations) and Sodium are present in rivers and groundwater. Because of the wide utilization of organic fertilizers (chicken manure), which usually contain relatively high concentrations heavy metals. Sewage and waste dumping has similar effects. Regarding heavy metals and specifically regarding Sodium and Potassium one can say that these are very good indicators of anthropogenic influence on the river system, since concentrations are very significantly higher found in anthropogenic disturbed waters than in the natural undisturbed environment. (Heavy) metals are measured by means of an ICP-AES (Inductive Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer) with exception of Sodium and Potassium (with colour-metric methods) and Mercury (with MM; mercury-monitor). (Heavy metals are measured in µg/l. 3.3.2.1 Potassium

Present in very low concentrations in the natural undisturbed environment 3.3.2.2 Sodium

Present everywhere, and in higher concentrations than Potassium, especially near saline conditions, concentration in the Cameron Highlands relatively low.

3.3.2.3 Heavy metals

Originating from diverse human source as agriculture (fertilizers are usually polluted with heavy metals), sewage and sold waste dumping. Mercury was detected in fish in the Ringlet Reservoir by an earlier research of the Malaysian government.

Laboratory analytic apparatus for measuring (heavy) metals the ICP-AES (left) and a HPLC for pesticides (right)



3.3.3 General analysis and nutrients In this research project not only the true nutrient fall under the name of ‘’nutrient’’ but also: pH, EC and TDS, this for their apparent response of influence of nutrient content as major subsistent of their values. The origin of nutrients in the water system of the Upper-Bertam is due sewage and due agricultural runoff (fertilizers). Nutrients and then especially Phosphate and Ammoniac-Nitrogen from fertilizers and sewage form problems due their high presence in the Upper-Bertam. Erosion rate in vegetable farms are typically 80-150 ton/ha/year with loss of nutrients in the order of 40kg for N, 2kg for P and 109kg for K12, 13. Although agriculture is a major source of nutrients (N and P as well as BOD/COD) in the rivers, the major source of nutrient encroachment in rivers is sewage form urban area. 3.3.3.1 pH

pH is a term used to indicate the alkalinity or acidity of a substance as ranked on a scale from 1.0 to 14.0. Acidity increases as the pH gets lower. pH affects many chemical and biological processes in the water7. For example, different organisms flourish within different ranges of pH. The largest varieties of aquatic animals prefer a range of 6.5-8.0. pH outside this range reduces the diversity in the stream because it stresses the physiological systems of most organisms and can reduce reproduction. River water that increasingly becomes acidic supports fewer forms of aquatic life. The extreme case appears to involve cropland/farmland, where too much fertiliser may perform the role of acid rain. pH can be analyzed in the field or in the lab.

3.3.3.2 Conductivity and TDS

Conductivity is a measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical current. Conductivity in water is affected by the presence of inorganic dissolved solids such as Chloride, Nitrate, Sulphate and Phosphate anions or Sodium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, and Aluminium cat ions. Conductivity in streams and rivers is affected primarily by the geology of the area7. The Upper-Bertam river runs granite bedrock and has a lower conductivity, because granite-compound (not ionizing in water/inert). Sewage discharges in the river changes the conductivity significantly due the presence of many ions as Sodium and Chloride. Conductivity is useful as a general measure of stream water quality since the undisturbed reaches of the Upper-Bertam have a very low EC (because of their rainwater origin), so every increase in the EC is like to be due anthropogenic disturbance. EC is measured in µS/cm.

3.3.3.3 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

In river water, Total Dissolved Solids or TDS consist of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chlorides, Nitrate, Phosphates, and other ions particles that will pass through a filter with pores of around 2 microns (0.002 cm) in size7. The concentration of total dissolved solids affects the water balance in the cells of aquatic organisms7. High concentrations of TDS are an indicator of pollution since natural highland rivers contain very low concentrations of TDS (because of its origin as rain water). Sources of TDS include Sewage Treatment Plants, fertilizers, road runoff, and soil erosion. TDS is important to measure in areas where there are discharges from sewage treatment plants or extensive agriculture such as in the Cameron Highlands. TDS measurements can be useful as an indicator of the effects of runoff from construction, agricultural practices, logging activities, sewage treatment plant discharges, and other sources. Concentrations often increase sharply during rainfall, especially in urbanized and agricultural water catchment. Total Dissolved Solids



concentration in milligrams per litre (mg/L) can also be calculated by multiplying the conductivity result by a factor between 0.55 and 0.9, which is empirically determined7.

3.3.3.4 Phosphorus

Phosphorus occurs in water in several forms and can be quantified by the totalP7. The 2 main forms in which Phosphor occurs are in dissolved and in particulate forms. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for organism growth. Since Phosphorus is the nutrient in short supply in most fresh waters, even a modest increase in Phosphorus can, under the right conditions, set off a whole chain of undesirable events in a stream including accelerated plant growth, algae blooms, low dissolved oxygen and the death of certain fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic animals. The main sources of Phosphorus are anthropogenic by wastewater treatment plants (sewage) and agricultural runoff (fertilizers). Phosphor as Phosphate is measured in mg/l by means of colour-metric methods, when measuring totalP after destruction.

3.3.3.5 Nitrogen: Nitrate, Ammonium and totalN

Nitrates are a form of Nitrogen, which is found in several different forms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These forms of Nitrogen include Ammonium (NH4+), Nitrates (NO3-), and Nitrites (NO2-). Nitrates are essential plant nutrients, but in large amounts they can cause significant water quality problems. Together with Phosphorus, Nitrates can accelerate Eutrophication, causing dramatic increases in aquatic plant growth (algae-bloom) and changes in the types of plants and animals that live in the stream. This, in turn, affects dissolved oxygen, temperature, and other indicators. The natural level of Ammonium or Nitrate in surface water is typically low (less than 1 mg/L); in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants, it can range up to 30 mg/L7. Nitrates from land sources end up in rivers more quickly than other nutrients like Phosphorus. This is because they dissolve in water more readily than Phosphates, which have an attraction for soil particles. As a result, Nitrates serve as a better indicator of the possibility of a source of sewage or fertilizers during dry weather. Water that is polluted with Nitrogen-rich organic matter might show low Nitrates. Decomposition of the organic matter lowers the dissolved oxygen level, which in turn slows the rate at which Ammonia is oxidized to Nitrite (NO2-) and then to Nitrate (NO3-). Ammonium can be taken up directly by plants — usually through their roots. However, most of the Ammonium produced by decay is converted into Nitrates. This is accomplished in two steps: # Bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas oxidize NH3 to Nitrites (NO2−); # Bacteria of the genus Nitrobacter oxidize the Nitrites to Nitrates (NO3−). Nitrate can be decomposed by other bacteria to N2 (Nitrogen gas) in anaerobic circumstance (thus without oxygen), since the oxygen-levels in the fast flowing Upper-Bertam are quite high, nitrate will be accumulated in the river system. A technique to measure the total amount of Nitrogen compounds in water is through totalN, this uses the Kjeldahl analysis.



3.3.3.6 COD

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) measures the same as BOD; the amount of oxygen required for decomposing organic matter in river water, but is different in the way that not with bacteria but oxidation finds place by chemical means. It therefore gives a higher value than BOD, since much more compounds can be decomposed by chemical means than by bacteria. But it is a much more reliable measurement, since it not depends on uncertain conditions of present bacteria i.e. It is given in mg/l.

The most significant source of nutrients in the Upper-Bertam; sewage.



3.3.4 Micro-biological contamination Water provides a medium for the transmission of a large number of diseases. Water-related diseases are caused by pathogen organisms as bacteria or viruses. Pathogenic organisms come from domestic sewage that is discharged directly or from organic fertilizers like chicken manure as well as organic waste in the riverbed or in the stream. This river water that is micro biological contaminated maybe containing microbes including viruses, bacteria, and intestinal parasites, the protozoan Cryptosporidium and bacteria E. Coli, Giarda, and Salmonella. Deceases caused by contact with contaminated water are: Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Hepatitis, Cholera, Campylobacteriosis, Ascariasis, Leptospirosis, Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, Polio and TuberculosisB. Since water borne pathogens are difficult to detect in the laboratory, water is instead quantitatively and qualitatively tested for more easily measurable “indicators”, the presence of which indicate that water is contaminated with faecal matter. The most commonly used indicator is the micro-organism, Escherichia coli (E.coli), measured in coliform forming unit (cfu) per 100 ml of water7. The test can be further refined to determine whether E.coli is of human or animal origin by making counts of both faecal coliform and faecal streptococcal bacteria (the former is predominant in human wastes and the latter in animal wastes). About 20% of coliform bacteria in water are faecal coliforms. E.coli is abundant in human and animal faeces. The presence of E.coli in water always indicates potentially dangerous contamination requiring immediate attention; these rivers are more likely to be contaminated by E.coli and other pathogens. In the Upper-Bertam the bacterial contamination (Coliforms i.e.) is mainly due the uncontrolled pouring in of insufficient or not treated at all sewage (domestic waste water) and the extensive use of chicken manure as fertilizers in agriculture. Earlier research concluded that levels of Coliforms (both total and faecal) in river water of the Cameron Highlands are unacceptably high and does not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) clean water standards (<10 Coliforms and no faecal Coliform for 100 ml of untreated water)B.

The most important source of micro-bacteriological contamination of the Upper-Bertam is sewage. A domestic waste water drain near Brinchang (left). A very significant source of micro-biological contamination is this waste water from a chicken-butchery. Blood, intestines and left-over meat are poured in the river course here at Brinchang-town (right).



3.3.5 Suspended solids Land erosion is a major contributor of suspended sediments and siltation in the river. Besides the severe pollution with organic compounds, siltation (increase of turbidity of the water) is the most significant actor causing water quality deterioration. Most important source of silt into the river course is agriculture, mostly on extremely steep slopes. Especially the vegetable culture (with partly bare soil) is a major contributor. During High Water Flow siltation is extremely significant; the Upper-Bertam is turned completely brown, with concentrations of silt not rarely exceeding several to tens of GRAMS (!!!!) per litre according to research carried out by Hashim et al.11. When rainfall starts the water level of the Upper-Bertam river rises quickly with a rapid increase in suspended sediment, which usually reaches its peak concentration on the rising limb of the hydrograph. During this rainfall the water turns browns form sediment, but will be clear several hours after the rainfall stops, since these high sediment concentrations are short lived (average of 5-10 hours). Because of the relatively constant rainfall regime in the Cameron Highlands the pattern of sediment yield is quite uniform distributed throughout the year11. As stated major the cause of siltation of the river is agricultural practise; to be precise indiscriminate agricultural practise. Of the total of 71.218 ha of the Cameron Highlands only 3.292 ha is suitable for agriculture (because of slope gradient; less then 25° and soil type), the use as agricultural land however exceeds 5.890 ha which implicates that 2.598.3 ha is indiscriminately used for agricultural purposes1. Couple this with the steep and long slopes, intensive agriculture and soil characteristics and major very soil runoff and erosion appears. Besides agriculture also land clearing and construction works can have a huge effect on the entire river course.

Whereas Shallow concluded the sediment yield of the Bertam river in 1956 as 2.5 tons/ha/year, Baharuddin et al concluded in 1996 a value of 13 to 27 tons/ha/year13. SHMB in 1999 gave values of 200-250 tons/km2/year for temperate vegetable culture in the Highlands and for construction sites 40.000-50.000 tons/km2/year. Regarding the massive expansion off agricultural grounds and the intended construction plans; the graph below will likely only continue to increase further. According Wan Abdullah et al 2004 the sedimentation rate in the Ringlet Reservoir (of which sg. Bertam is the major constraint) has increased 9 times in a period of 25 years! 13

The Upper-Bertam main stream at the Parrit Falls (left) and near the Brinchang Golf course (right). During rain, just after rain, during construction works and during other moments the river course is extremely siltated with Suspended Solid concentrations exceeding grams per liter.



TNB spends 150 million RM on a 2,5 year desiltation-project (removing 2,2 million m3 polluted sediment to a forested area). The yearly inflow of sediment is 550.000 m3/year, which is flowing in at the same time of the project, so 1,5 year after finishing the project, it has to started all over again to remove again 2,2 million m3 of sediment26.

3.4 Methodology 3.4.1 Introduction This chapter discusses the method and different phases of this research project and explains the choice of the used methods. In water sampling for chemical and micro-biological analysis the guidelines of the Netherlands Normalisation Institute (NEN) and European guidelines are used. For the exact methods we refer to these guidelines (named further in this report). For the biological assessment both Malaysian guidelines (mainly in identification of species and species tolerance) and Dutch sampling methods are used. 3.4.2 Parameter selection It is important to understand the relationship between human induced disturbances and their affect on aquatic resources. River-ecology disturbances from urban and agricultural development contribute to an overall decrease in the (biological) integrity of the Upper-Bertam river (e.g., road building/construction activities, stream canalization, alteration of the stream’s riparian zone and water pollution due any of these factors). It is apparent that an assessment of water quality cannot focus on chemical indicators alone, but must instead focus on indicators that integrate the effects of both physical and chemical stressors. Proper management of river and stream systems must be predicated upon a comprehensive monitoring strategy that is able to detect degradation in streams due to human disturbance. Because of the relativity limited resources and apparatus only a few chemical/physical parameters are chosen to be carried out in the course of this research project, instead of that the accent lies on the biological properties i.e. the aquatic macro invertebrates’ assessment and on interactions between the two. In this research project the following parameters are chosen to test; pH, EC and TDS using the Multi-

vegetation Soil erosion as river sediment (ton/ha/year) Forests 0.49 Tea and orchards 9.76 Vegetables 14.65

Year of survey

Sedimentation rate (m3/km2/year)

1965 202 1967 52 1969 114 1970 292 1975 106 1981 595 1984 911 1986 1200 1987 1726 1990 1814

Left: Sedimentation at Ringlet Reservoir (from TNB, cited by Wan Abdullah et al 2001)

Above: Vegetation cover and soil erosion by Shalow 1956, cited from Hashim, G, M and Rahaman, A.H.A, MARDI



meter, and heavy metals, pesticides, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphor and faecal bacterial (E.Coli) by a laboratory. The riversides of the Sungai Bertam and its side streams are in use for agricultural purposes, with the appliance of fertilizers and pesticides the resulting water parameters can be expected:

• Fertilizers: (soluble) Phosphates, (in)organic Nitrogen-compounds, heavy metals, macro-elements like Sodium and Potassium, bacterial infection by the use of chicken faeces;

• Pesticides: i.e. large groups of organochlorine-pesticides (POP’s) and other (persistent) synthetic compounds.

The river Sungai Bertam runs through the towns of Brinchang and Tanah Rata along other smaller villages (kampongs) adding (partly unprocessed) sewage. The following water parameters can be expected:

• Sewage: organic Nitrogen and Phosphates compound increasing BOD/COD, micro-biological infection by bacteria of the thermo-tolerant E.Coli group, pathogens like Cholera and Dysentery and Entero-viruses;

• Solid waste material is also dumped on the riverside and into the riverbed. 3.4.3 Selection of parameters to use in this research project is based on:

• The water quality problems and pollution sources in the case of the Cameron Highlands;

• The costs and availability of equipment and analyses; • The precision and accuracy of available monitoring equipment; • The capabilities and possibilities of the researchers.

3.4.4 Samples are taken from different sampling points. The analysis that are carried out on the samples include:

• Selected pesticides • Thermo tolerant Coliforms (pathogens) • Selected (heavy) metals • General analysis: COD, pH, EC, TDS, totP, and totN,

(Above left): taking a sample for pesticide analysis, (Above right): taking a sample for general and nutrient analysis



3.5 Strategy This chapter describes the methods that are actually used for the selection of the sampling stations and the collecting the samples. At the sample stations chemical as well as biological sampling took place. 3.5.1 Sample locations Samples are taken before addition of a side stream or possible change in water condition i.e. related to land use on riversides or sewage effluent into the river course. The value of each parameter after addition minus before gives the resulting contribution of the land use or stream in the area. It takes a certain length of river course until both watercourses are mixed after a side stream is added to the main stream. This depends on the water rates and riverbed structure of the water streams. Samples are taken in the main watercourse after homogenising the addition of (polluted) sources. Sampling points are specifically chosen on locations of the river course. See map in the Appendices for the topographical location of these sampling locations/stations. Sample location Reason of selection (SP 1) At source, slopes of Mt. Brinchang Clean background concentration sample (SP 2) At Golf course Brinchang After farming, addition of sg. Burong and

sewage inflow of Brinchang town (SP 3) Near MARDI Tanah Rata After addition of sg. Ruil and sg. Jasar, inflow

sewage of Tanah Rata town and farming (SP 4) Just before flowing in Ringlet Reservoir After addition of sg. Ulung and sg. Batu Pipih

and extensive farming (SP A) Sungai Burong, just before joining sg. Bertam

Length, flow and farming & urban use

(SP B) Sungai Ruil, just before joining sg. Bertam

Length, high flow and farming & urban use

(SP C) Sungai Jasar, just before joining sg. Bertam

High flow and inflow Tanah Rata sewage

(SP D) Sungai Ulung, just before joining sg. Bertam

Length, high flow and farming (tea plantations and agriculture)

(SP E) Sungai Batu Pipih, just before joining sg. Bertam

Length, flow and very intensive farming & agriculture use



3.5.2 Sampling method Regarding water sampling for chemical analysis, the samples are taken in course of the NEN-EN-ISO 5667-1,2,3:2004 guidelines. Generally the samples are taken according to the summary below (except for E.Coli; extra hygienic measures are taken):

1. Using bottles supplied by the laboratory; 2. Following the comments and guidelines of the laboratory for sampling tidily; 3. Labelling the bottle with the site number, date, and time; 4. Collecting a water sample mid-way between the surface and the bottom; disturbing as

little bottom sediment as possible. Not collecting water that has sediment from bottom disturbance;

5. Turning the bottle underwater into the current and filling the bottle underwater completely without air;

6. Filling in the bottle number and/or site number on the appropriate field data sheet; 7. Placing the samples in the cooler for transport to the lab. with transport to the

laboratory as soon as possible; At each sampling point the following general visible pollution indicators are also noted:

• Water colour - colourless, transparent or has it a colour (maybe yellow or brown)

• Foam on the surface - might be natural or due to pollution, generally detergents or nutrients

• Water turbidity - cloudy brown due to suspended silt or organic material • Water colour dark brown - might indicate that acids are being released into

the stream due to decaying plants • Oily sheen on the water surface – multi-coloured reflection might indicate oil

floating in the stream, although some sheens are natural • Water odour can be a physical indicator of water pollution; no smell or a

natural odour or strong smell of some kind • Visible sewage - might indicate the release of human waste material • Litter or garbage in the stream-solid waste form urban use may also in clued

(partly) empty pesticide bottles • Fungi on the stream bottom- grey or whitish underwater growing fungi

indicate extremely polluted water, full with sewage • Algae on rocks and gravel-indicating nutrient enrichment of the water, green

algae are better then the slimy brown ones (indicating severe nutrient enrichment)



3.5.3 Sampling moment In dryer periods with a few days of dry weather the river runs with relatively stable water rates. Within these periods riverbed erosion takes place delivering bonded compounds in the riverbed to the water stream (i.e. phosphates and pesticides). During rain or just after raining, the river is relatively unstable with rapidly increasing water rates with surface runoff of the surrounding land(with compounds bonded to the surface layers of i.e. agricultural land) being added to the water stream. The water stream will then be brown of silt and have a water rate which is up to 5 times the original water rate in dryer moments. To gain results of both possible conditions 2 moments are arbitrary chosen; a dry moment with stable river flow (AWF) and a wet moment with high unstable river flow (HWF: High Water Flow; defined as the moment in 3 or more raining days in the catchment).

Left: Robinson waterfall water 10.00AM (1st picture) and 14.00AM (2nd picture) same day after rain in the catchment.



3.5.4 Chemical analysis The chemical analyses were carried-out by the accredited laboratory of Water Board Rivierenland. The chemical analysis are validated according to the accreditation of the Raad voor Accreditatie (formally Sterlab.). The analysis of E.coli samples were carried-out by ERALab Sdn. Bhd., Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

3.5.4.1 Pesticides: • 2 samples on total pesticides package (1 liter green glass bottle) • (1 sampling point (point 4) on 2 runs)

3.5.4.2 Bacteriological: • 8 samples total E.Coli (100ml sterile bottle) • (8 sampling points (point # 2, 3, 4 and A,B,C,D,E) only 1 AWF run)

3.5.4.3 Heavy metals: • 6 samples on standard package HM + K (100ml plastic bottle with preservatives) • (3 sampling points (point # 1, 3, 4) on 2 runs)

3.5.4.4 General analysis: • 8 samples (2 runs) (4 sampling points (point # 1, 2, 3, 4) • + 5 samples (2 runs) point A, B, C, D, E) (500ml plastic bottle) • COD; • TDS; • TSS; • pH; • EC; • totP; • totN.

3.5.4.5 Packaging and transport of samples: • Samples will be packed in the field at the moment of sampling, using the following

sample material: • 2 x 1 liter green glass bottle for pesticides; • 6 x 100 ml plastic bottle with preservatives for HM; • 8 x 100 ml plastic sterile bacteriological samples; • 18 x 500 ml general analysis.

Samples are cooled in the field (icebox) and send by a private courier to laboratory in The Netherlands the same afternoon, where it arrived within 3 days. See also: NEN-EN-ISO 5667-1,2,3:2004 guidelines. The E.Coli samples are taken en brought to ERALab and arrived there within 4 hours.



3.6 Results In this chapter the results of the chemical analysis are given and briefly discussed. Full analysis results are supplied in tables in the appendices. 3.6.1 pH, EC and TDS 3.6.1.1 Introduction pH (acidity), EC (electrical conductivity) and TDS (total dissolved solids) were measured with an Hanna instruments portable multi-parameter instrument in the field during sampling. The full measurement can be found in the appendices, but a graphical presentation is given below in the line graphs. In this graph the 4 sample points along the main river course (sg. Bertam) are displayed.

pH Bertam river

5.65.8

66.26.46.66.8

77.27.47.6

SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4

Sample points

pH (AWF)pH (HWF)

In the graph above the acidity of the river water is displayed along the sampling points during Average Water Flow (AWF) and High Water Flow (HWF). Naturally the river water is lightly acidic because of its origin of rain water and because of tannine and leave acids released from the forest floors. Any increase in the pH is thus likely due anthropogenic influence, since also the host rock (granite) does not support buffering. Visible is the slight increase in pH going downstream, especially the steep increase at SP1 (forest stream) to SP2 after passing through Brinchang town. During High Water Flow (HWF) this picture remains largely the same; except that more dilution of the main course occurs due the addition of the Sg. Batu Pipih and Sg. Ulung rivers; with lower pH. One should also bare in mind that the pH is logarithmic; so going from 6 to 7 is a 10 fold increase, 6 to 8 a 100 fold and so on. The difference between the lowest and the highest found values is pH 0.72; which is thus almost a 10 fold difference! In the graph below the electrical conductivity and the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) are displayed during Average Water Flow (AWF). The undisturbed and unpolluted rivers of the Cameron Highlands flowing through the forests display a very low EC and TDS. This is mainly due the origin of the river water of rain water and due the inert stream bank material (mainly granite). However especially domestic waste water (sewage i.e.) has a very high EC and TDS, so adding of this domestic waste water will cause the EC and TDS to increase. This



process is clearly visible in this graph. Where at SP1, the undisturbed and unpolluted part of the river a very low EC and TDS is found, however after flowing through Brinchang, both values dramatically increase (SP 2 and 3). Although later on the town of Tanah Rata is passed (just before SP3) with addition of its waste water, the EC and TDS slight decrease, this is very likely due the increased flow of the main stream by addition of much cleaner streams as Sg. Ruil and later on Sg. Batu Pipih and Sg. Ulung. Dilution of the salt concentration making up the 2 values of EC and TDS. This last process is even more visible at the High Water Flow (HWF) in the

other graph; whereas this dilution is more significant because of the very increased total flow; however the salt load can increase due agricultural runoff.

EC and TDS Bertam river (HWF)

0102030

40506070

SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4

Sample points

EC µS/cmTDS mg/l

EC and TDS Bertam river (AWF)

0102030

40506070

SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4

Sample points

EC µS/cm TDS mg/l



3.6.2 Pesticides 3.6.2.1 Introduction Higher concentrations of pesticides were expected in HWF because pesticides are typically found as agricultural runoff. They are stored in the surface soil layers and released with rain into the river. Residue levels of Alfa-Endosulfan, Endosulfan-sulfate and of Alfa-HCH were found. At sampling point 4 (near Habu) a concentration of 0.29 µg/l Endosulfan-sulfate and 0.069 µg/ Alfa-Endosulfan was found during HWF. During AWF slightly lower concentrations were found. The total of Alfa-Endosulfan and Endosulfan-sulfate during AWF was 0.23 µg/l and during HWF 0.36 µg/l at this sampling point. A residue level of Alfa-HCH was found at the same sampling point too; with 0.0060 µg/l. Endosulfan is an organochlorine insecticide and acaricide. It belongs to the class of POPs or Persistent Organic pollutant and it is a Organochlorine Pesticide. These compounds are characterized by their high level of persistence in the environment, and their ability to bio-accumulate in animal/human tissue. Endosulfan is moderately persistent in soils with an average half-life of 50 days. Endosulfan is very highly toxic to aquatic fauna. Both vertebrate (fish, amphibians), and invertebrates (mollusks, insects, gastropods) are susceptible with LC 50’s (Lethal Concentration) in the range of 1 ppb for many species. Transport of is most likely to occur if endosulfan is adsorbed to soil particles in surface runoff and then flushed into the river course. In the edition of 10th April 2005 of the COSMO!, a Malaysian newspaper. DDT was detected just before the Sg. Burong drinking water intake (a tributary of the Upper-Bertam). The testing was carried out in cooperation with R.E.A.C.H. The detected concentration was 1920 µg/l (t-DDT) !! That is almost 20.000 times higher than allowed (according to INWQS). (see appendices for fact sheet on this incident). In our analysis α-HCH was detected at trace concentrations (0.0060 μg/l at SP4). This α-HCH is a breakdown product of biodegradation of Lindane (γ-HCH). The fact that α-HCH was detected, even though in low concentration, proves the usage of Lindane in the catchment. Whenever this was recent is difficult to prove. Lindane is very persistent in the environment; with a half-life of approximately 400 days. Lindane is also an organochlorine insecticide and POP. Many other organochlorines which over the years have been linked to major health and environmental problems. Including: aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, DDT and heptachlor which have been banned in many countries. Lindane is also known as gamma-HCH since it is made up of at least 99% of the gamma-isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). Lindane is banned in most countries around the world for its persistent and toxic character. To test the hypothesis that illegal and toxic pesticides are still used and available in the area; samples were taken from a few dealers of pesticides. These samples were brought for chemical analysis to ERAlab in Kuala Lumpur. It was found that these pesticides are sold under hand, in unlabeled bottles or in bottles of legal

Left: especially streams through dense agricultural land like here at Sg. Batu Pipih have the highest risk of pesticide pollution



ordinary pesticides. 3 samples were analysed and it was found that they contained: Clorpyrifos and Carbofuran. Two Organophosphates used as insecticides. These two pesticides are allowed in Malaysia. When looking at the enormous amount of pesticides bottles (and their subscript) the suspicion rises that certainly not all of them are allowed. 3.6.3 (Heavy) metals 3.6.3.1 Introduction Higher concentrations of (heavy) metals were expected in HWF because (heavy) metals are typically found as agricultural runoff. They are stored in the surface soil layers and released with rain into the river. Another source is from sewage; which will react exactly opposite since it will be diluted with rain. Increased concentrations of Arsenic, Cadmium, Chrome, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc and Mercury are found. Most significant differences with the undisturbed (background concentrations SP1) were found for: Arsenic at sampling point 3 and 4 (sg. Bertam) with 13 µg/l respectively 8 µg/l at HWF. At the same sampling points during HWF also: Cadmium with 0.2 µg/l respectively 0.1 µg/l. Chrome with 23 µg/l respectively 17 µg/l, Copper with 15 µg/l respectively 12 µg/l, Lead with 60 µg/l respectively 23 µg/l, Nickel with 7 µg/l respectively 5 µg/l and Zinc with 140 µg/l respectively 60 µg/l. Only the concentrations for Chrome and Lead are apparently high. A 6 fold exceeding of the maximum value for Lead (according to WHO guidelines), a 1.3 fold exceeding for Arsenic (again according to WHO guidelines). Potassium was measured because of its values as a tracer ion for agricultural practises. Potassium is a grow-nutrient and used in fertilizers for plant growth in agriculture. It is ideal because it is rare in nature and because its hydrological character (is very mobile in soil & groundwater). It is important to look at the AWF; because of its mobile character. At the undisturbed sample location of sampling point 1 (sg. Bertam at Mt. Brinchang) no Potassium was found; this is expected because it is a quite rare element in nature. At sampling points 3 and 4 Potassium concentrations of 2000 µg/l respectively 3000 µg/l were detected. Both indicating agricultural practise in the local water catchment and in lesser extent urban waste water.



3.6.4 Nutrients 3.6.4.1 Introduction Higher concentrations of nutrients were expected in HWF because of agricultural runoff. In agricultural runoff; nutrients will be stored in the surface soil layers and released with rain into the river. The concentration of nutrient in AWF is likely to be almost solely of domestic waste water and will be more diluted in HWF. Nitrates are considered better indicators in AWF, since their relatively good solubility and non-reactive behaviour. Phosphate however is tightly bonded in the surface soil layers and to sediment and thus found in higher concentration during HWF. COD is present in higher concentration during HWF; since the origin of both domestic water (of the AWF) and agricultural runoff are present. 3.6.4.2 Total Nitrogen For totalN (as Kjeldahl-Nitrogen) very low concentrations were found at the undisturbed tributaries. High to extremely high concentrations were found at the main stream and at some tributaries. Concentrations of 17 mg/l at sampling point 2 (sg. Bertam) and 9.6 mg/l at sampling point A (sg. Burong) are detected during HWF. The concentrations during AWF are significantly lower. Still also SP3 (sg. Bertam) and SP C (sg. Jasar) show high concentrations and thus severe Eutrophication. According to “Recommended Raw Water quality Criteria of the WHO” Nitrogen concentrations are exceeded at almost all sampling points in ranges of 2 to 17 times during both AWF and HWF. Although during AWF much lower concentration were found. 3.6.4.3 Total Phosphor Concentrations Phosphor (as totP) were equally high (as for totN) at the same sampling points during HWF. Also concentrations totP are significantly higher during HWF than during AWF; especially agricultural runoff is here probably the major cause. The present phosphor concentrations at SP2, 3, 4, A, C and are so high that it causes severe eutrophication. 3.6.4.4 COD Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) showed the same trend as totalN and total P. Sampling points 2 (sg. Bertam), 3 (sg. Bertam) and A (sg. Burong) show particular high BOD with 505 mg/l, 191 mg/l and 570 mg/l respectively during HWF. Again much lower concentrations were detected during AWF. Also the present COD at SP2, 3, 4, A, B, C and D and are so high that it causes severe Eutrophication. According to “Recommended Raw Water quality Criteria of the WHO” COD is exceeded at almost all sampling points in ranges of 2 to 50 times during both AWF and HWF. Although during AWF much lower COD was found.

Left: even during High water Flow, the forest streams like here at SP1 are non-turbid and have very low nutrient yields



3.6.5 Micro-biological E.Coli samples are taken during AWF and with the sample precautions directed by the laboratory; i.e. samples taken in sterile conditions in special containers and cooled transport to the laboratory arriving there within 4 hours after sampling. The found values can be seen in the table below. As can be seen, all sample points show extremely high presence of E.Coli. One would suspect successively increased values along the Sg. Bertam going top wards down, but the addition of Sg. Ulung and Sg. Batu Pipih just before sample point SP4, caused dilution of the E.Coli load as well as some effects of degradation of the bacteria due transport/oxygenation between SP 3 and SP4 (over Robinson Waterfalls). E.Coli and pathogens are typically found in domestic waste water and animal (chicken) manure as applied in agriculture in the area. 3.6.6 Suspended Solids Suspended Solid concentrations are extremely high during HWF and almost neglectable during AWF. It is more sufficient to work with grams (!!!) per litre then with milligrams considering the found concentrations TSS (total Suspended Solids). The highest were at SP 2 (sg. Bertam) with 4.1 g/l (4100 mg/l), at SP 3 (sg. Bertam) 1.8 g/l (1800 mg/l) and at SP A (sg. Burong) 3.9 g/l (3900 mg/l. According to “Recommended Raw Water quality Criteria of the WHO” Suspended Solids levels are exceeded at almost all sampling points in ranges of 2 to 4 times only during HWF.

Sampling point E. Coli (cfu/100ml) APHA 9222 D SP 1 Sg. Bertam - (not measured) SP 2 Sg. Bertam > 200 SP 3 Sg. Bertam > 200 SP 4 Sg. Bertam 86 SP A Sg. Burong 65 SP B Sg. Ruil 52 SP C Sg. Jasar > 200 SP D Sg. Ulung 14 SP E Sg. Batu Pipih 59

Above: siltation is very evident during High Water Flow with very high turbidity like here at SP3 near MARDI, Sg. Bertam.



3.6.7 Individual water quality of sampling points & tributaries In the summary below the most significant values are supplied of each individual sampling points of the sg. Bertam (Sp 1, 2, 3, 4) and of the tributaries, for full details, see the attaches.

SP 1 Sg. Bertam At this point the river just started at its source on Mt. Brinchang and it is still flowing through the forest, with no human influence. The stream has a very low nutrient load (almost no N and P) and a low COD. The present COD is likely to be due organic matter as decomposing plant material etc. Due to the low N and P concentrations; water of excellent biological condition is suspected. Because the river here has its natural flow and intact stream banks, the level Suspended Solids is very low. The level of Suspended Solids is therefore a very good indicator of human influence, and the alteration of the sub catchment; especially of agriculture which is the largest cause. Potassium is also an indicator for agricultural practises in the sub catchment; and again at this sampling point it is very low. When compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia this river is classified as of class IIA/B during AWF and class IIA/B during HWF. SP 2 Sg. Bertam At this sampling point the river has left the forest and has flown through the town of Brinchang; where sewage and drains have polluted it with nutrients. The ratio between N and P (and the high concentration of them) is typical for domestic waste water (sewage). Together with a (extremely) high COD this indicates severe pollution with nutrients; caused by domestic waste water and in minor extent due agricultural runoff. The concentration of organic pollutions (nutrients) is so high that very severe Eutrophication (biological degradation) is suspected. Sewage (and in lesser extent animal manure) also causes very severe microbiological contamination here; with a Colony Forming Unit of E.Coli higher then could be counted (!!!). The level Suspended Solids is extremely significant during HWF with 4100 mg/l or 4.1 g/l (!!!). The causes must be sought in agricultural practises on much too steep slopes and with bare soil in the sub catchment. When compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia this river is classified as of class III during AWF and class V during HWF.

Parameter AWF HWF COD 11 39 totN <0.5 0.6 TotP <0.05 0.07 Potassium <1000 1000 TSS 6.4 67

Parameter (mg/l) AWF HWF COD 10 505 totN 1.8 17 TotP 0.27 14 TSS 13 4100 E.Coli (CFU/100 ml) >200 -



SP 3 Sg. Bertam At this sampling point the river has flown through the towns of Brinchang and Tanah Rata; where sewage has polluted it with nutrients on large scale. Again the ratio between N and P (and the very high concentration of them) is typical for domestic waste water (sewage). Together with a very high COD this indicates severe pollution with nutrients; caused by domestic waste water and in minor extent due agricultural runoff. The concentration of organic pollutions (nutrients) is so high that very severe Eutrophication (biological degradation) is suspected. Sewage (and in lesser extent animal manure) also causes very severe microbiological contamination here; with a Colony Forming Unit of E.Coli higher then could be counted (!!!). The level Suspended Solids is very significant during HWF with 1800 mg/l or 1.8 g/l (!!!). The causes must be sought in agricultural practises on much too steep slopes and with bare soil in the sub catchment. Also increased values for heavy metals were found. Especially concentrations of Mercury, Lead and Chrome are prevalent. When compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia this river is classified as of class III during AWF and class V during HWF. SP 4 Sg. Bertam At this sampling point 4 the river has the whole pollution load of the catchment in itself. It has flown through the towns of Brinchang and Tanah Rata (adding domestic waste water; sewage). It was fed by the rivers of sg. Sg. Burong, Sg. Ruil, Sg. Jasar, Sg.Ulung and Sg. Batu Pipih. Especially the rivers Sg.Ulung and Sg. Batu Pipih run through areas with intensive agriculture adding both pesticides, fertilizers and micro biological contamination. Also here is the ratio between N and P (and the high concentration of them) typical for domestic waste water (sewage). Again together with a high COD this indicates severe pollution with nutrients; caused by domestic wastewater and by agricultural runoff. The concentration of organic pollutions (nutrients) is so high that severe Eutrophication (biological degradation) is suspected. Sewage (and in lesser extent animal manure) also causes very severe microbiological contamination here; with a CFU value for E.Coli of 86 the river at SP 4 can be considered very contaminated. The level Suspended Solids is extremely significant during HWF with 930 mg/l but also very high during AWF (which is worse) with 130 mg/l. The causes must be sought in agricultural practises on much too steep slopes and with bare soil in the sub catchments of Sg. Ullung, Sg. Batu Pipih and also along the main course for instance near Habu. Two pesticides were detected: Endosulfan and Alfa-HCH. For Endosulfan the concentration is relatively high and indicates the recent use of this highly toxic pesticide. It is suspected that concentrations of Endosulfan with diminish 90% in 30-40 weeks in soil. The presence of these concentration (highly diluted) in the main river course leads to the suspicion that it is still used at the present. Alfa-HCH is the breakdown product of Lindane, it was found in trace concentration at this sampling point. Again here it is difficult to state whether or not this concentration is due a historic application. But also regarding the recent detection of high

Parameter AWF HWF COD 12 191 totN 2.0 5.7 TotP 0.23 2.6 E.Coli (CFU/100 ml) >200 - Potassium 2000 3000 TSS 11 1800 As <2 13 Cd <0.05 0.2 Cr <2 23 Cu 2 15 Pb 1 60 Ni <2 7 Zn <9 140 Hg <0.03 0.2



concentrations at Sg. Burong which feeds this main river course it is likely that this pesticide is still applied in the catchment. When compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia this river is classified as of class III during AWF and class V during HWF. SP A Sg. Burong This stream forms the most important drinking water intake of JBA in the catchment. After its origin on the slopes of Mt. Brinchang and the drinking water intake, a Strawberry farm and an apartment complex follows; adding both domestic waste water (sewage), fertilizers and pesticides. It runs through the outer skirts of Brinchang town before joining with the main course of the Upper-Bertam at the Brinchang Golf Course. Again high concentrations N and P are found. Although the COD here is lower when compared to other sampling points, together with the concentrations N and P it still indicates severe pollution with nutrients. Also here caused by domestic waste water and agricultural runoff. Eutrophication (biological degradation) is suspected regarding the levels of N, P and COD. Sewage (and in lesser extent animal manure) also causes severe microbiological contamination here; with a CFU value for E.Coli of 65 the river at this sampling point can be considered as severely contaminated. The level Suspended Solids is also here extremely significant during HWF with 3900 mg/l or 3.9 g/l (!!!). The causes must be sought in agricultural practises on much too steep slopes. When compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia this river is classified as of class IIA/B during AWF and class V during HWF.

Parameter AWF HWF COD 14 53 totN 0.8 2.2 TotP 0.28 1.3 E.Coli (CFU/100 ml) 86 - Potassium 2000 3000 TSS 130 930 Alfa-HCH <0.0020 0.0060 Alfa-Endosulfan 0.071 0.069 Endosulfan-sulfate 0.016 0.29 Total Alfa-Endosulfan + Endosulfan-sulfate

0.23 0.36

As 3.0 8.0 Cd 0.05 0.1 Cr 3 17 Cu 5 12 Pb 5 23 Ni <2 5 Zn 18 60 Hg <0.03 0.05



SP B Sg. Ruil This tributary originates from Mt. Jasar and Mt. Perdah and runs through the Orang Asli village adding domestic waste water (sewage). It joins the main course of the Upper-Bert5am near the Old Smoke House hotel. Relatively low concentrations N and P and COD are found. These values are significantly lower when compared to other sampling points. This stream is therefore mildly polluted with nutrient and it is suspected that almost no Eutrophication (biological degradation) occurs. Sewage (and in lesser extent animal manure) also causes severe microbiological contamination here; with a CFU value for E.Coli of 52 the river at this sampling point can be considered as severely contaminated. Levels Suspended Solids are also very low; especially when compared to other sampling points. This is presumably because of the relatively undisturbed sub catchment. When compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia this river is classified as of class IIA/B during AWF and class IV during HWF. SP C Sg. Jasar This tributary originates at Mt. Jasar and runs through agricultural land (adding fertilizers and pesticides) before entering the Tanah Rata town were domestic waste water (sewage) is added from the houses, stores and a Sewage Treatment Plant before joining the main course of the Upper-Bertam near the Tanah Rata High School. The concentrations N and P are extremely high and their ratio is typical for domestic waste water (sewage) together with the high COD. The concentration of organic pollutions (nutrients especially the values for N and P) are so extremely high that very severe Eutrophication (biological degradation) is suspected to the border of ‘’biologically dead’’ water. Sewage causes very severe microbiological contamination here; with a Colony Forming Unit of E.Coli higher then could be counted (!!!). this stream can be considered as dangerously contaminated. The found concentrations (together with the abundance of sewage fungi and presence E.Coli) indicates that the Sewage Treatment Plant is not working properly and that it is producing almost raw water. The level Suspended Solids is significant during HWF with 870 mg/l gain agriculture in the sub catchment just above Tanah Rata is most likely the cause. When compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia this river is classified as of class IV during AWF and class V during HWF.

Parameter AWF HWF COD 11 17 totN 0.9 1.6 TotP 0.07 0.32 E.Coli (CFU/100 ml) 52 - TSS <2 51

Parameter AWF HWF COD 11 75 totN 0.8 9.6 TotP 0.11 8.7 E.Coli (CFU/100 ml) 65 - TSS 13 3900

Parameter AWF HWF COD 33 96 totN 4.6 2.7 TotP 0.54 1 E.Coli (CFU/100 ml) >200 - TSS 12 870



SP D Sg. Ulung This tributary originates just above the BOH tea-estate, runs through the tea plantation (adding fertilizers and pesticides and sewage from the houses at the tea-estate). After the tea plantation Sg Ulung flows through intensive vegetable culture (adding fertilizers, pesticides and E.Coli) before joining the main course of the Upper-Bertam near Habu. The concentrations N and P are high, but the COD is moderately low (at least compared to the other sampling points). The high concentrations N and (especially) P indicates fertilizers runoff and in lesser extent domestic waste water (sewage). These concentrations are suspected to cause Eutrophication (biological degradation) at this river. Sewage (and in lesser extent animal manure) also causes microbiological contamination here; with a CFU value for E.Coli of 14 (the lowest measured) the river at this sampling point can be considered as mildly contaminated. The concentration Suspended Solids is significant during HWF with 150 mg/l. Intensive agricultural practises in the sub catchment is likely to be the cause. When compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia this river is classified as of class III during AWF and class IV during HWF. SP E Sg. Batu Pipih This tributary drains a huge very intensive agricultural area with vegetable and flower culture, adding fertilizers, pesticides and E.Coli. Also some housing exists along the course (houses of farmers). It joins the main stream of the Upper-Bertam just before flowing into the Ringlet reservoir near Habu. The concentration N is very low and that of P is moderately low, the COD is very low. The increase concentration of P is suspected to cause mild Eutrophication (biological degradation). Fresh water systems are very sensitive to phosphor, concentrations above 0.05 mg/g are suspected to undergo Eutrophication and biological degradation. Sewage (and in lesser extent animal manure) also causes severe microbiological contamination here; with a CFU value for E.Coli of 59 the river at this sampling point can be considered as severely contaminated. The concentration Suspended Solids is significant, but compared to other sampling points relatively low, withy 67 mg/l during HWF. Again agricultural practises in the sub catchment is likely to be the cause. When compared with the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia this river is classified as of class IIA/B during AWF and class III during HWF.

Parameter AWF HWF COD <10 34 totN 0.6 1.5 TotP 0.16 0.55 E.Coli (CFU/100 ml) 14 - TSS 4.8 150

Parameter AWF HWF COD <10 <10 totN <0.5 0.6 TotP 0.11 0.13 E.Coli (CFU/100 ml) 59 - TSS 18 67



3.7 Interpretation Regarding the chemical analysis the results are only indicative, not enough samples (and over a sufficient time-lapse) are taken and analysed to give definitive answers, but the sampling and analysis give an accurate picture of the state of the rivers of the Upper Bertam river catchment at this moment of time. They are meant to give a total picture in bird’s perspective of the present condition of the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment based on the analysis, assessments and literature research. Descriptions of the river water quality trends are based on the river classification system developed by the DOE (INWQS: Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia). The classification system places rivers under specific categories ranging from Class I describing rivers in their pristine conditions, to Class V for rivers which are heavily polluted. Water classes according to “Interim national water quality standards for Malaysia” (INWQS). The rivers that were tested in this research complied with the classes (of pollution) set by the Department of Environment in Malaysia. In the tables below the classification of rivers of the Upper Bertam catchment are given according to the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia.

During SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4 AWF IIA/B III III III HWF IIB/III V V V

Sp 1: The source of Sg. Bertam is class IIA/B. This is mainly because of the low pH and a higher COD. A pH lower than 6.5 is typical for forest streams. Sp 2: At the river course the Sg Bertam is a class III river, during average flow. The main reason of this is the high amount of Phosphorus in the water. During high water flow the Sg. Bertam is a class V river. This is caused by the large amount of COD and TSS. Sp 3: Just before the Robinson fall the Sg. Bertam is a class III river, during average flow. This is mainly caused by the large amount of Phosphorus. Also at this point the river turns into class V during high water flow. The cause of this is mainly the large amount of COD and TSS. Sp 4: The Sg. Bertam is before flowing in the Ringlet Reservoir a class III river, during average flow. This is mainly because of the high amounts of Phosphorus that are present. During high water flow the river turns into a class V river. This is mainly due the increase of the amount of Total Suspended Solids.

During SP A SP B SP C SP D SP E AWF IIA/B IIA/B IV IIA/B IIA/B HWF V IV V IV III



Sp A: The Sg. Burong is during average flow a class IIA/B river and this is mainly due the amount of COD and Total Phosphorus. During high water flow the river turns into class V and this is caused by the large amount of TSS and a high COD. Sp B: During average water flow Sg. Ruil is a class IIA/B river. This is because of the low pH, but is typically for forest streams and the COD that is slightly higher. During high water flow this river is a class IV. This is mainly due the high amounts of Phosphorus. Sp C: Sg. Jasar is a class IV river during AWF and this is mainly caused by the high Phosphorus content in the water. During HWF the river is of class V and this is mainly due the large amount of TSS in the river. Sp D: The Ulung river is of class IIA/B during AWF and class IV during HWF. The main cause of this is the Phosphorus content. Sp E: Sg. Batu Pipih is a IIA/B class river during AWF and this is because of the amount of Phosphorus that is present. During HWF the river turns into a class III river and this is caused by the amount of TSS. Compared with the “Recommended Raw Water quality Criteria of the WHO” the following exceedings for Nitrogen, Suspended Solids and COD were found:

Nitrogen mg/l Acceptable value

AWF Exceeding HWF Exceeding

SP 2 1.0 1.8 1.8 x 17 17 x SP 3 1.0 2.0 2.0 x 5.7 5.7 x SP 4 1.0 0.8 - 2.2 2.2 x SP A 1.0 0.8 - 9.7 9.7 x SP B 1.0 0.9 - 1.6 1.6 x SP C 1.0 4.6 4.6 x 2.7 2.7 x SP D 1.0 0.6 - 1.5 1.5 x

Total Suspended

Solids mg/l Acceptable

value AWF Exceeding HWF Exceeding

SP 2 1000 13 - 4100 4.1 x SP 3 1000 11 - 1800 1.8 x SP A 1000 13 - 3900 3.9 x



Chemical Oxygen

Demand mg/l Acceptable

value AWF Exceeding HWF Exceeding

SP 1 10 11 1.1 x 39 3.9 x SP 2 10 10 - 505 50.5 x SP 3 10 12 1.2 x 191 19.1 x SP 4 10 14 1.4 x 53 5.3 x SP A 10 11 1.1 x 570 57.0 x SP B 10 11 1.1 x 17 1.7 x SP C 10 33 3.3 x 96 9.6 x SP D 10 < 10 - 34 3.4 x

Regarding biological contamination with E.Coli (as Faecal Coliforms); according to the National Drinking Water Standards(Malaysia) the CFU should be 0 in 100ml. According to the “Water intended for Human consumption water standards of the EU” CFU of E.Coli should be 0 in 250ml.



4. Ecological appraisal Function and place of the chapter ‘Ecological Appraisal’ in this report However made up of less ‘hard data’ as with ‘Chemical Appraisal this part of the research project has convincing data with methods used and trusted by many Water Board around Europe and America. These aquatic macro invertebrate assessments are nowadays being used as the instrument of choice for assessing water quality; even more than chemical analysis. This is because instead of providing with the concentration of a specific parameter; macro invertebrate assessment are able to give a ‘global’ state of the water quality; no matter of the exact parameter tested. More over it also gives a ‘state of the water quality in a certain time period’; long after a chemical parameter could be tested. Lay-out and structure of this chapter Again this chapter is split into three intrinsic parts. At first the ecology of the Cameron Highlands and the place of aquatic macro invertebrates in the river system are described. Then the concept of aquatic macro invertebrate assessments is thoroughly described. Because this is the first time this method is used here; and because this method is widely ‘unknown’ it is discussed with relative great detail with the whole general methodology and techniques of such an assessment described thoroughly. Before the exact methodology adapted and designed for this research project is discussed; the aquatic ecosystem of the Upper-Bertam catchment; Cameron Highlands is discussed. The second part of this chapter discussed and describes the methodology of sampling, sample stations and the methods of sampling and the data enumeration. The last part gives the conclusive findings of the assessment in general (in a table), per sampling station or tributary of the main stream, and the interpretation of these finding. Perhaps this last sub-chapter is the most important of the entire research projects and this report; because it couples both chemical and biological data to each other; and in that way validating both. 4.1 Introduction Biodiversity is the sum of all species occurring in the area, the tropics have the most diverse ecosystems and contain the highest variety in the Malaysian region with 55.000 flowering plants (25% of the world’s diversity)2. Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of habitats, biotic communities and ecological processes; regarding diversity of ecosystem. The Cameron Highlands has a very high score, because of the altitudinal zones with different forest types7

that are present. Regarding the ecology of rivers in the Cameron Highlands; one can distinguish; aquatic ecology with underwater living organism like fish and insects, and riparian ecology with organisms living in the river or river at the river banks; like plants and (water) birds. About 200 species of freshwater fish are occurring in Peninsular Malaysia, but head water catchments like the Upper-Bertam in the Cameron Highlands has a lower diversity in fish species than in the low lands2. This is because of the higher altitude of the area. Altitudinal factors are crucial in the occurrence2 of fish. Also a typical trend in the longitudinal distribution of fish species in this region is of influence on fish occurrence in the Upper-Bertam catchment2. Habitat and species occurrence can change due human influence as pollution or civil-technical structures as dams.



In general, the river-ecosystem is made up of two major components, namely, the biotic element and abiotic element. The abiotic component consists of medium materials (water, air and soil), bottom materials (rocks, pebbles, sand, gravel and mud) and materials for metabolism (sunlight, minerals and organic materials). The biotic component consists of plants that produce organic substances through photosynthesis, aquatic fauna such as insects and fishes that feed on the plants; and the micro-organisms that decompose the remains of the

dead organisms. All these components form the ecological, biological, chemical and physical features of a river. All these features are inter-related and inter-dependent. The combination of these features enables the river to adapt to changes as well as providing a good environment for diverse flora and fauna to thrive. Rivers are well known for their resistance to change and can, for example, self-cleanse over time or with distance

downstream if the pollution input is not too high. However, very extensive, concentrated and/or continuous inputs of pollutants overcome even this innate ability. Most river parts of the Upper-Bertam catchment are so called riffles; shallow, turbulent, but swiftly flowing stretches of water that flow over partially or totally submerged rocks7. Besides the river course is the riparian zone; the area of natural vegetation extending outward from the edge of the stream bank. This riparian zone is a buffer to pollutants entering the river from (urban & agricultural) runoff, it controls erosion (and thus prevents siltation of the river), and provides river following habitat7. An ‘’alive’’ system generally has a wide riparian zone. Reductions and impairment of riparian zones occurs when urbanisation or agriculture is developed directly along the river. This not only increases the pollutant load and siltation, but also reduces this natural buffer for these pollutants.

(Above) Mt. Irau in the back and Mt. Brinchang in front, The Sungai Bertram’s headwaters are between the two mountains. Sungai Burong originates at the slopes on the foreground.



Indiscriminate development and environmental mismanagement resulting in water pollution and water shortage through various human activities have brought many changes in the biotic and abiotic elements of the Upper-Bertam catchment. This has not only resulted in disruption of the supply of fresh clean water, but also caused damage to the natural ecosystem. The massive clearing of forest, urban development and agricultural employment of the land in the Upper-Bertam catchment disrupts the water-retaining and filtering capability of the vegetation and soil. This resulting from substantial increase in (urban and agricultural) surface runoff, with the associated problems of sedimentation, pollution, flooding, land erosion and landslides.

It is increasingly apparent that a water quality assessment cannot focus on chemical indicators alone, but must instead focus on indicators that integrate the effects of physical and chemical stressors, so an assessment of the ‘’aliveness’’’ of a river by for example looking at aquatic macro invertebrates. This multi-disciplinary approach results in a more detailed image of the water quality of the Sg. Bertam. For the measuring of the “aliveness” river bio-indicators are used, such as ichthyofauna, phytoplankton, zooplankton and in the case of this research project aquatic macro invertebrates to determine the level of “aliveness” or the ecological health of the river. The current chemical classification of the DOE, which was also used in the Chemical Appraisal in this report is more geared towards measuring the degree of human disturbance, but only focused on single-component parameters. So water quality can be described in terms of physical, chemical and biological characteristics, regarding the last; the biological or biotic element of water quality. Ecologists/biologists have been studying the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on aquatic ecosystems and organisms for decades, but only relatively recently this has been translated into suitable methods for actually ‘’measuring’’ (chemical & physical) water quality by looking at the ‘’aliveness’’ of the river. Anthropogenic disturbance resulting in pollution, siltation or habitat alteration can produce diverse biological effects ranging from the severe (such as a total fish kill) to the subtle (for example changes in enzyme levels or sub-cellular components of organisms)7.

(Left: original undisturbed and clean river in the Upper-Bertam catchment (near Chefoo, Right ‘’habitat alteration’’ in practice, canalization of the riverbed near Brinchang.



Changes like these indicate that the aquatic ecosystem and its associated organisms are under stress and that the ecosystem has been disturbed. As a result there could be possible implications for the intended uses of the water such as supply of clean fresh water for drinking and even possible risks to human health. The responses of biological communities, or of individual organisms (species), can be measured in a variety of ways to indicate these disturbing effects on the aquatic ecosystem. The co-existence and abundance of certain species at particular sample locations/stations can indicate, for example, whether that habitat has been adversely altered; by for instance canalization of the riverbed. The reaction of individual organisms (species), by presence or absence and by abundance at particular sample locations/stations can also indicate the presence of contaminants of which organic pollution (sewage) is the major constraint. Organic enrichment of the aquatic ecosystem is very accurate to measure, because aquatic organisms are very sensitive for the trophic level of the system and saprobic increase of it. Aquatic macro invertebrates are well known indicators of water quality. Some families such as that of the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (so-called EPT-taxa) are especially sensitive to pollutants and are commonly used as indicators of water qualityE. The usage of these aquatic macro invertebrates as biological indicator to assess water quality is possible, because they are able to reflect water quality by changes of their assemblages caused by changes in water quality and habitat. These assemblages or organization structure of occurring aquatic macro

invertebrates can be calculated to scores and assignment of grades for water quality. There are numerous advantages to use aquatic macro invertebrates in a water quality assessment. While most water quality assessments and standards focus on chemical data, but these measures only reflect the conditions at the moment the sample is taken. Aquatic macro-invertebrates, however, possess a life cycle of at least one year or more, do not move great distances and are more or less confined to the area of stream that is being sampled. Therefore, their diversity and abundance will exhibit the long-range effects of pollution to the aquatic ecosystem. The aquatic macro invertebrate community of a stream lives with the stresses and changes that occur in the aquatic ecosystem. Aquatic macro invertebrate assessments have been an instrument of choice in assessing and monitoring the impacts of anthropogenic stress in aquatic systems for a long time. Aquatic macro invertebrates include insect larvae, Snails, Aquatic worms and Leeches. They are also called benthic macro invertebrates or benthos. Aquatic Macro invertebrates are organisms that are large (macro) enough to be seen with the naked eye and have a lack of backbone (invertebrate). Aquatic invertebrates are found in all types of surface waters, including large rivers & small streams and lakes. They are most commonly found living on submerged substrates such as aquatic vegetation, woody debris, or rocks and cobbles, but are also found

(Above) nymph of Dragonfly (Odonata-family) and right the adult.



living freely in the water column. Not every aquatic macro invertebrate can live in every type of water quality: some species need extremely clean water (water with the quality of drinking water) others can live perfectly well in polluted water with lots of sewage. Aquatic macro invertebrates are good indicators of stream quality because:

• They are affected by the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the stream; • They can not escape from pollution and show the effects of short- and long term

pollution events; • They may show the cumulative impacts of pollution; • They may show the impacts from habitat loss not detected by traditional water quality

assessments; • They are a critical part of the stream's food web; • Some are very intolerant of pollution; • They are relatively easy to sample and identify.

Aquatic macro invertebrates are a very diverse group of organisms, displaying a wide range of sizes, habitat requirements, life histories, and sensitivities to water quality impairment. Some are sensitive to changes in substrate composition and others are sensitive to fluctuations in dissolved oxygen. Some require cold water temperatures, while others can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. This wide range of living requirements makes aquatic macro invertebrates excellent indicators of anthropogenic stress (pollution and habitat alteration) on aquatic systemsE. Because aquatic macro invertebrates are stationary (and thus cannot escape from pollution) and are sensitive to different degrees of pollution, changes in their abundance and diversity indicates the impact pollution or habitat alteration is having on the river. Characteristics of aquatic macro invertebrates which makes them especially useful for assessing water quality include: 1) long life cycles which may reflect conditions for an extended period of time; 2) low motility; various ranges of tolerance to varying environmental conditions; and 4) occupancy of central positions in aquatic food chains. Aquatic ecosystems support an extraordinary diversity species of fauna. As compared to the fish fauna, the aquatic macro invertebrate species diversity in Malaysia, particularly in the highlands as that of the Upper-Bertram catchment, is hardly known. This lack of knowledge is caused by their great diversity, their abundance and the difficulties identifying then. When their habitats deteriorates it is very well possible that species of aquatic macro invertebrates are lost; some without ever being discovered and made known to science. The presence of aquatic macro invertebrates in the river and their ‘’aliveness’’ is an environmental impact that a wide segment of society can relate to.



4.2 Macro invertebrate assessments: basic principles Biological monitoring, the study of biological organisms and their responses, is used to determine environmental conditions. One type of biological monitoring, aquatic macro invertebrate assessment, is described in this chapter. The aquatic macro invertebrate assessment involves collecting, processing, and analyzing aquatic organisms to determine the health of the biological community in a stream. Aquatic macro invertebrates are an important part of the community of life found in and around a river. Aquatic macro-invertebrates are a link in the aquatic food chain. In most rivers, the energy stored by plants is available to animal life either in the form of leaves that fall in the water or in the form of algae that grows on the stream bottom. The algae and leaves are eaten by aquatic macro invertebrates. Aquatic macro invertebrates are a source of energy for larger animals such as fish, which in turn, are a source of energy for amphibians, birds, water snakes, and even human beings. Quite frequently, aquatic macro invertebrates are used as biological indicators in the assessment of water quality. Biotic indices are able to reflect water quality at respective sampling locations/ stations though calculation of scores and assignment of grades. High scores and grades are indications of low pollution levels and vice versa. The basic principle behind the study of aquatic macro invertebrates is that some are more sensitive to pollution than others. Most aquatic macro invertebrates cannot survive in polluted water. Others can survive or even thrive in polluted water. In a non-polluted stream, the aquatic macro invertebrate community will include a variety of pollution-sensitive aquatic macro invertebrates. In a polluted stream, there may be only a few types of non-sensitive and tolerant aquatic macro invertebrates present. Therefore, if a stream site is inhabited by organisms that can tolerate pollution and the more pollution sensitive organisms are missing, a pollution problem is likely. For example, Stonefly larvae are aquatic insects that are very sensitive to most pollutants and cannot survive if the dissolved oxygen of stream falls below a certain level. Habitat can be defined as the space occupied by living organisms. In a river, habitat for aquatic macro invertebrates includes the rocks and sediments of the river bottom, the plants in and around the river, leaf litter and other decomposing organic material that falls into the river, submerged logs, sticks, and woody debris. Aquatic macro invertebrates need shelter and food. These habitats provide and tend to congregate in areas that provide the best shelter, highest amount of food and the maximum of dissolved oxygen. Most of the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment are so-called rocky-bottom streams; with bottoms made up of gravel, cobbles, and boulders in any combination and they consist mostly of riffle areas. Riffle areas are fairly well oxygenated and are therefore prime habitats for benthic aquatic macro invertebrates7. The main river course of the Upper-Bertam (especially between Brinchang and Tanah Rata) has a muddy and sandy bottom and lacks of riffles. It is much slower moving, because of the relative low-gradient. In this transect the aquatic macro invertebrates are found between overhanging plants, roots, logs, submerged vegetation and stream substrate, where organic particles are trapped. In clean rivers, food sources are usually from within the natural stream system, including leaf litter from trees in the riparian corridor of the river. In more organically-polluted rivers, food might be supplied by other than natural sources, such as nutrients input as fertilizers through agricultural runoff, but mainly organic matter from sewage discharge. Increased nutrients will also stimulate plant and algal growth within the river, offering yet another food source for aquatic macro invertebrates in polluted streams.



Pollution of water causes a decrease of aquatic macro invertebrate diversity, which is an "indicator" of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. When an organic effluent is discharged into a stream, the numbers of species decline, with an increase in the population of the tolerant or insensitive organisms that can handle the stress. Each aquatic organism has particular requirements with respect to the physical, chemical and biological condition of its habitat. Changes in these conditions can result in reduction in species numbers, a change in species dominance or total loss of sensitive species by death or migration. The presence or absence of certain species in relation to particular water quality characteristics has been exploited in the development of ecological methods based on “indicator species”. These methods are frequently referred to as biotic indices and require a good knowledge of the organisms in the specific environments to which the methods are applied. Information on the physical and chemical status of the aquatic habitats, in which these methods are used, is also essential in order to determine whether certain species could survive there, even under undisturbed conditions (this is assured in this research project by taking a ‘’zero-sample’’ for comparison with the undisturbed situation). The fluctuations in diversity and numerical abundance of species have also been developed into a variety of community structure indices. These methods often require a less detailed knowledge of the species in a particular habitat and have, as a result, been rather widely applied without adequate investigation into their biological relevance. They are, nevertheless, very useful while a (possibly) more sensitive method is being developed or tested. Aquatic macro invertebrates are particularly suitable for both approaches. Aquatic macro invertebrates provide information about the quality of a stream over long periods of time. It may be difficult to identify stream pollution with water analysis, which can only provide information for the time of sampling. Even the presence of fish may not provide information about pollution problems, because fishes are mobile and can move away to avoid polluted water and return when the condition improves. However, most aquatic macro invertebrates cannot escape and move to avoid pollution. An aquatic macro invertebrate sample provides information about pollution that is not present at the time of sampling. Aquatic macro invertebrates assessments are most carried out to establish the degradation of water quality due to organic pollution arising from sewage discharges. It is thereby helpful that aquatic macro invertebrates are relatively easy to collect. Useful data is easy to collect without expensive equipment. The information provided by aquatic macro invertebrate assessments can be used for many purposes:

• To identify the impact of pollution and of pollution control activities. Because aquatic macro invertebrates are stationary and are sensitive to different degrees of pollution, changes in their abundance and variety vividly illustrate the impact pollution is having on the river. Similarly, when a pollution control activity takes place an aquatic macro invertebrate assessment may show that the sensitive aquatic macro invertebrates have returned.

• To determine the severity of the pollution problem and to rank stream sites. To use

biological data properly, water resource analysts generally compare the results from the stream sites under study to those of sites in ideal or nearly ideal condition (called a reference condition). Individual stream sites can then be ranked from best to worst, and priorities can be set for their improvement.



• To identify water quality trends. In any given site, biological data can be used to identify water quality trends (increasing or decreasing) over several years.

Positive points of an aquatic macro invertebrate assessment:

• Diversity of some form and habits; • Many sedimentary species can indicate effects at the sampling location; • Whole communities can respond top change; • Long-lived species can indicate integrated pollution effects over time; • Qualitative sampling easy; • Simple sampling equipment; • Good taxonomic keys.

Negative points of an aquatic macro invertebrate assessment:

• Quantitative sampling difficult; • Substrate important when sampling; • Species my drift in moving waters; • Knowledge of life cycles necessary for interpretation of absence of species; • Some groups difficult to identify.

The pollution tolerances of the various aquatic macro invertebrates are based upon the aquatic macro invertebrates' tolerance to dissolved oxygen concentrations in water. Organisms are separated into 3 categories of pollution tolerance: Sensitive or intolerant (class I), Facultative or somewhat sensitive (class II) and Tolerant (class III) to pollution. In a river with good water quality aquatic macro invertebrates sensitive and tolerant macro invertebrates are found. No particular group or types of organisms will dominate the aquatic macro invertebrate population of the stream. With increased organic pollution (from nutrients found in fertilizers, sewage, and other sources) dissolved oxygen levels within the stream are expected to fluctuate more extremely and less pollution sensitive organisms will be found. Aquatic macro invertebrates that can tolerate lower oxygen levels will become more prevalent. As organic pollution continues to increase, some pollution tolerant aquatic macro invertebrates will become dominant and will be able to support large populations within the stream, while pollution sensitive or semi-sensitive organisms will be unable to survive. Tolerant organisms grow and develop in a wide range of environmental conditions and are often found in water with a poor quality. They are generally insensitive to a variety of environmental stresses and may increase in density in an organically polluted stream. The growth and development of Intolerant species however depends on a narrow range of environmental conditions. They are rarely found in areas with amounts of organic matter. Intolerant organisms cannot adapt to adverse situations and if the environmental quality is degraded, they are replaced by less sensitive organisms. Facultative (or somewhat sensitive) organisms are able to survive over a wide range of environmental conditions. Although they may survive moderate organic enrichment, they cannot tolerate severe environmental stress.



Summarizing: • In a healthy stream, the aquatic macro invertebrate community will include a variety of

pollution-sensitive aquatic macro invertebrates (high diversity). In a polluted river there may be only a few types of Tolerant (class III) aquatic macro invertebrates present (but usually in high numbers: high abundance);

• Aquatic macro invertebrate assessments provide information about the quality of a stream over long periods of time. It may be difficult to identify stream pollution with water analysis, which can only provide information for the time of sampling. Even the presence of fish may not provide information about a pollution problem because fishes are mobile can move away to avoid polluted water and then return when conditions improve. However, most stream-bottom aquatic macro invertebrates cannot escape and move to avoid pollution. An aquatic macro invertebrate assessment may thus provide information about pollution that is not present at the time of sample collection;

Aquatic macro invertebrates can be dived in 3 groups: Class I Organisms Intolerant or sensitive: The aquatic macro invertebrates of this group will immediately suffer, stress, die and disappear due to commencing of lowering water quality in slightly polluted water. This group includes pollution- sensitive organisms such as Mayflies, Stoneflies, and non net-spinning Caddisflies, which are typically found in good-quality water. Class II Organisms Facultative or somewhat sensitive: The aquatic macro invertebrates of this group will present in low number individuals because of intermediate water quality in mild polluted water and have the capability to live under varying conditions. This group includes somewhat pollution-tolerant organisms such as net-spinning Caddisflies, Crayfish, Sowbugs, and Clams, found in fair-quality water. Class III Organisms Not sensitive/Tolerant: The aquatic macro invertebrates of this group will survive, dominant and high in number of individuals in very low water quality and severe polluted water. This group includes pollution-tolerant organisms such as worms, leeches, and midges, found in poor-quality water.



Figure above; relationship between diversity and abundance. On the vertical axis ‘number’ and on the horizontal axis ‘pollution (= organic/inorganic nutrient content). With good water quality; one will find a high diversity but low abundance of occurring species; those two are inverse related to each other. When water quality deteriorates; diversity lowers (fewer species are found) but many individuals are occurring of each species. When water quality deteriorates even more; even the species abundance lowers (but relative diversity increases; since there are ‘less of each species’). Then measures are taken and water quality improves; higher diversity, with lower abundance. One has to note however that in very clean water the diversity is extremely high, but abundance is extremely low…ending in a stable climax stage with the straight horizontal line on the right of the graph. One should read this graph thus as a ‘pollution-event’: left starting a pollution source contaminating the river, becoming more severe to the right, then remediation actions are taken, and the water quality improves further going to the right. Regarding the life cycle of aquatic macro invertebrates; this ‘whole scheme’ can take years to complete (from right to left) or when no actions were taken will stay for a very long time in the middle ‘pollution-zone’.

Non-Polluted Non-Polluted

Diversity

Species abundance

Polluted Non-Polluted



Basic tolerance classes of aquatic macro invertebrates



Simplified table of the tolerance classes of aquatic macro invertebrates

Detailed table based on the BMWP index tables

CLASS INDEX GROUP I Sensitive Stonefly-larvae,

Mayfly-larvae, Caddis flies

II Facultative Dragonfly-larvae, Damselfly-larvae

III Intolerant Snails, leeches, Midgefly-larvae

Class Group Index Orde LAT Orde EN I Very

sensitive or intolerant

Ephemeroptera Trichoptera Plecoptera

Mayflies Caddisflies Stoneflies

II Facultative Coleoptera Odonata Megaloptera Hemiptera Collembola Polydesmida Decapoda Cladoceran Isopoda Amphipoda Mollusca

Water beetles Dragonflies & Damselflies Dobsonflies & Alderflies Water Strider, Water Boatsman & Backswimmer Freshwater Springtails Millipede Crayfish Seed Shrimp Aquatic Sowbugs Scuds Snails

III Insensitive or intolorant

Neuroptera Acariformes Lepidoptera Diptera Phyllum-Platyhelminthes Phyllum-Annelida Phyllum-Nermertea

Spongillaflies Water mites Moth larvae True Flies Flatt worms Leeches & Aquatic earth worms Proboscis worms



4.3 The Cameron Highlands The macro invertebrate community of the fast flowing rivers of the Cameron Highlands consists mainly of insects in undistributed river parts and of Snails and Leeches in the polluted parts. Then assemblages of taxa are considered as that typical of the aquatic macro invertebrate fauna in tropical rivers. These are Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Trichoptera and Diptera. All the upper parts of the rivers (still in the forests) have excellent water quality with mainly aquatic macro invertebrates of the group of aquatic insects namely Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera , this group is also called the sensitive EPT group. Especially these fast running small forest streams contain a very diverse macro invertebrate fauna of Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Coleoptera and species of the Odonata family. Most of them are the larvae/nymphs of forest insects. Lower on the slopes, where the river becomes deeper and slower running (and where organic pollution of sewage decreases the dissolved oxygen level) these species are replaced by others from of the Gastropoda and Hirundinae groups. For the Cameron Highlands generally no native fish species are found above 1000m. Earlier studies indicate an almost absence of fish occurrence above 1300m (because of altitudinal influences)2. The Common Carp and the Guppy are two introduced fish species very common in the Upper-Bertam river however26. These introduced fish species are very insensitive for water pollution and can live in very polluted water. Residents however tell of fish occurrences at the Parrit Falls and Robinson Falls stretch in the past (over 20 years ago) besides Gambusia affinis almost no fish is occurring here at the present. This altitudinal zones also affects the occurrence of aquatic macro invertebrates in that less species occur and a less diversity of species in the rivers of the Cameron Highlands are found, than in the lowlands. Besides that fact species of the EPT taxa (Stoneflies) are naturally more abundant than in the lowlands, because the fast flowing and cool rivers of the region.

Only three common Malaysian fishes are found on the somewhat lower regions of the Cameron Highlands. The mountain and hill rivers of the Cameron Highlands are ideal for Salmo trutta, but they require very clean and oxygen rich water. A population of Salmo trutta occurred at the BOH Tea Estate, where it occurred abundantly after it was introducedV.

Fish species Status Anabas testudineus - Oreochromis mossambicus Exotic Clarias gariepinus Exotic Aristichthys nobilis Exotic Ctenopharyngodon idellus Exotic Cyprinus carpio Exotic Parachela cf. oxygastroides

-

Poropuntius cf. deauratus - Gambusia affinis Exotic

The very common pollutant-indicator Gambusia affinis (left)

Fish occurrence at Ringlet Reservoir (above)26



(Above) occurring aquatic macro invertebrates of unpolluted waters found during this research project in the Upper-Bertam catchement. (First row) a member of the taxon, Odonata, Plecoptera, (second row) Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, (last row) Plecoptera and Coleoptera.



4.4 Methodology and strategy 4.4.1 Sample stations Sampling transects are chosen in the Sungai Bertam river catchment; regarding the land use around the stream; i.e. virgin forest, urban and agricultural area, in the main stream (sg. Bertam) as well as several adjoining side streams. For the aquatic macro invertebrate assessment the same sample locations/stations were chosen as for the Chemical Appraisal, also with same caudation (SP 1 to SP 4 + A, B, C, D, E). By choosing the same station a comparison could be made of chemical parameters with biological indices. See map in the Appendices for a topographical situation of these sampling stations. The 9 + 1 sampling locations/stations: Sungai Bertam Sample location Habitat description (SP 1) At source, slopes of Mt. Brinchang Sample location: covered by canopy, water:

fast flowing and clear, Sediment: stony and sandy

Sungai Bertam Sample location Habitat description (SP 2) At Golf course Brinchang Sample location: fast flowing, with boulders

and rocks in the stream. Sediment sandy with no natural watersheds.

Sungai Bertam Sample location Habitat description (SP 3) Tanah Rata, near the small bridge at the start of jungle trail 9 starts.

Sample location: wide stream with at this part natural watersheds and sandy sediment.

Sungai Bertam Sample location Habitat description (SP 4) Just before flowing in Ringlet Reservoir Sample location: Stream is very wide and fast

flowing. Sediment is sandy and stony. Natural watersheds are present.

Sungai Burong Sample location Habitat description (SP A) Sungai Burong, just before joining sg. Bertam

Sample location: fast flowing. Sediment is stony and sandy.

Sungai Ruil Sample location Habitat description (SP B) Sungai Ruil, just before joining sg. Bertam

Sample location: water: fast flowing and clear, Sediment: stony and sandy.



Sungai Jasar Sample location Habitat description (SP C) Sungai Jasar, just before joining sg. Bertam

Sample location: small and channelled stream

Sungai Ulung Sample location Habitat description (SP D) Sungai Ulung, just before joining sg. Bertam

Sample location: small stream and is fast flowing. Sediment: stony and sandy. Some parts are channelled, because of the water cress farms.

Sungai Batu-Pipih Sample location Habitat description (SP E) Sungai Batu Pipih, just before joining sg. Bertam

Sample location: wide stream with a moderate water flow. Sediment: stony and sandy.

Besides these sampling stations an undisturbed location (near MARDI, Tanah Rata) was chosen as a reference site (or ‘’zero-sample’’). A sample run was carried out here to establish the aquatic macro invertebrate potential of the Upper-Bertam catchment in undisturbed condition and to eliminate the ‘’Habitat factor’’ largely (see therefore 4.5 Results). 4.4.2 Sampling moment In dryer periods with a few days of dry weather the river runs with relatively stable water rates, during rain or just after raining, the river is relatively unstable with rapidly increasing water rates, the water stream will then be brown of silt and have a water rate, which can be up to 10 times the original water rate in dryer moments. The period of time when it this has a high flow is called HWF or High Water Flow, the period with a stable ‘normal’ flow; AWF or Average Water Flow. The aquatic macro invertebrate assessments of this research are carried out during the normal or AWF; this is important because after a period of heavy rain most invertebrates living in the water will be disturbed or ‘’washed away’’. It takes a little time for them to recover to the average circumstance; and this is when the assessment should be carried out in order to get a clear and honest picture. These flood and drought events can have strong effects on macro invertebrate community structure; therefore streams were sampled under stable, base flow (AWF) conditions. Sampling was delayed in streams following high flow events until stable conditions returned. It is important to remember that aquatic macro invertebrate populations can fluctuate seasonally and that these natural fluctuations can affect the results.



4.4.3 Sampling Method Most rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment (especially the smaller ones in the forest) are generally fast flowing, not much aquatic plants and bottoms made up of gravel, cobbles, and boulders in any combination and usually have definite riffle areas. Riffle areas are fairly well oxygenated and are therefore prime habitats for aquatic macro invertebrates. The wider streams, for instance, near the town of Tanah Rata and the Parit Falls have silty & sandy bottoms and are slower moving with a low-gradient (i.e., streams that flow along relatively flat terrain). In these parts of the river course aquatic macro invertebrates generally attach themselves to overhanging plants, roots, logs, submerged vegetation and stream substrate where organic particles are trapped. It is important to collect a representative sample of the river. A qualitative multi-habitat (QMH) sample was collected at each site to characterize the overall macro invertebrate diversity of the sample. The goal is to sample the most productive habitats available and look for the widest variety of organisms. A D-frame dip net was the only equipment required for this sampling method. Transects of 35 times the river width, riverside and bottom are sampled with this invertebrate-net; sampling each of the major habitat types present within the reach in equal proportion. Determination of major habitat types was made prior to sampling by qualitatively evaluating the sample reach. During this evaluation only five habitats were considered: 1) riffles or shallow, fast flowing runs, 2) undercut banks and overhanging vegetation, 3) submerged or emergent aquatic macrophytes, 4) snags and woody debris, and 5) leaf packs. The sample is collected in a qualitative manner. This means that a thoroughly search at each station and the collecting of as many different organisms as possible took place. Each sampling effort consisted of placing the dip net on the substrate and disturbing the area directly upstream of the net opening equal to the square of the net width. When flow in the sample reach was negligible, the net was swept repeatedly in the upstream direction or water was flushed through the net by hand. These techniques were used to ensure that as many invertebrates as possible were collected for each area sampled. Following is a description of each habitat and how it was sampled:

• Riffles - This category is intended to cover rocky substrates with fast flowing water. Riffles were sampled by placing the dip net firmly and squarely on the substrate downstream of the area to be sampled. If the water was shallow enough, the area directly in front of the net was disturbed with the hands, taking care to wash large rocks off directly into the net. Picking up any large rocks in the sampling area; mostly Stonefly- and Mayfly larvae hide under rocks in fast flowing streams, these were sampled by washed them of the stone surface and under stones by placing the net in the current and wash by hand.

• Aquatic Macrophytes - Any vegetation found at or below the water surface was

included in this category. Emergent vegetation was included because all emergent plants have stems that extend below the water surface, serving as suitable substrate for aquatic macro invertebrates. The emergent portion of these plants was not sampled. Submerged plants were sampled with an upward sweep of the net. If the net became filled with weeds, they were hand washed vigorously or jostled in the net for a few moments and then discarded. Emergent plants were sampled with horizontal and vertical sweeps of the net until it was felt that the area being swept had been adequately sampled.

• Undercut Banks - This category is meant to cover shaded, in-bank or near-

bank habitats, away from the main channel that typically are buffered from high water velocities. Undercut banks often appeared to extend further under



the bank than they actually did. For this reason, undercut banks were thoroughly prodded to determine if there was enough habitat to warrant sampling. Sampling consisted of upward thrusts of the net, beating the undercut portion of the bank or overhanging vegetation so as to dislodge any clinging organisms.

The size of the sample is very important for the reliability of an aquatic macro invertebrate assessment and depends on the ecological method and the statistical techniques applied to the data. Qualitative multi-habitat (QMH) sampling requires that several samples (sample units) are taken in different habitats from the sample area and pooled to create the representative sample. Qualitative collections are also made by examining rocks, wood debris, leaf debris and other microhabitats in the river. This is the most effective sampling method in rivers which contain a diversity of microhabitats. All debris collected by the sampling efforts was put in a sieve bucket. At the end of the session a half-full 5.5 l mineral water bottle with material and the organisms was filled for transport to the workplace. At the workplace the invertebrate holding mass of debris was washed, sieved and selected. The aquatic macro invertebrates are selected to taxonomic group. The sampling, transport and selecting/preserving of invertebrates took place at the same day over several sampling runs. Due to the large volume of sample material, the samples are divided using a griddled screen tray. The sample material was spread evenly across this grid and organisms were picked from randomly selected grid squares. Following this, any large and/or rare organisms were removed from the remaining sample material on the grid. The sample material was placed in plastic pans and sorted from debris by hand. All organisms were identified to the family level if possible, using various taxonomic keys. Physicochemical conditions at each station were also measured at each sampling station/location. These parameters included pH, EC, TDS, totN and totP. A worksheet was also filled in for each sampling point/station; see appendices.

Sampling in action at the main Upper-Bertam river stretch near Tanah Rata (left) and at Cheffoo, near Brichang.



4.4.4 Data enumeration Metrics are used to analyze and for the interpretation of biological data by condensing lists of organisms into relevant biological information. In order to be useful, metrics must be proven to respond in predictable ways to various types and intensities of stream impacts. Community structure methods are based on the numerical abundance of each species rather than relying on particular indicator species. These community structure indices can be used to compare sites with similar natural physical and chemical features. Species diversity indices have been used to analyze community structure of aquatic macro invertebrates. Although knowledge of taxonomy is required to sort and count samples of organisms, the indices can be useful to non-specialists as an indicator of whether environmental conditions are changing. In this research a multimetric approach is chosen that combines several metrics. A great number of metrics can be used to calculate water quality using aquatic macro invertebrates. In this research we used 7 basic metrics (1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance, (2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups, (3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent Abundance of EPT, (4) EPT/Chironimidae, (5) BMWP indice, (6) ASPT indice and the (7) Lincoln Quality Index). These metrics have been selected as most suitable due their level of identification of taxonomical level and suitability for species occurrence in the Cameron Highlands. The used metrics are so-called Taxa Richness and Composition Metrics as well as Population Attributes Metrics. The family of the Chirononimadae species track ecological conditions (e.g. organic pollution) closely and their distributions have long been used to assess water quality; that is why they are enclosed in the EPT/Chironimadae index. This family is widely used as bio-indicators of water quality. The group of aquatic insects namely Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera are referred to as the sensitive EPT group; this group is very sensitive to pollution. This group is used in the indices EPT taxa richness, Percentage abundance of EPT and in the BMWP (and related ASPT and Lincoln) indices. The term taxa (plural for taxon), used below, refers to the specific taxonomic groupings to which organisms have been identified. Unlike biological families, they can be at any level of organisation. For these aquatic macro invertebrate assessments, organisms are identified to the taxon of the family. 1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of individuals and the total number of taxa found in the sample. It is a count of the number of taxa (e.g. families) found in the sample. A high diversity or variety is good. 2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups The percent of the sample that is comprised of individuals in each of the selected major groups in this research project: EPT-taxa (Stonefly,- Mayfly,- and Caddisfly-larvae), Decapoda (fresh water Crabs), Gastropoda (Snails), Chironimidae (Mosquito larvae) and Hirundinae (Leeches). 3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT This measure compares the number of organisms in the EPT orders to the total number of organisms in the sample. (The number of organisms in the EPT orders is divided by the total number of organisms in the sample to calculate a percent abundance.) A high percent abundance of EPT orders is good. This measure is also a count of the number of taxa in each of three generally pollution-sensitive orders: Ephemeroptera (Mayflies), Plecoptera (Stoneflies), and Trichoptera (Caddisflies). A high diversity or variety is good.



4) EPT/Chironomidae This is a measure of the ratio of the abundance of the intolerant EPT orders to very tolerant Diptera family Chironomidae. The number (abundance) of individuals from the orders Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Plecoptera (EPT) divided by the by the number of Chironomidae individuals. The Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP), the Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) Indices and the Lincoln Quality Index are biotic indices established to determine pollution effects in rivers particularly from organic pollutants based on aquatic macro invertebrate populations. In BMWP, indicator organisms are assigned scores based on tolerance to pollution (pollution intolerant families have high scores). Scores are accumulated to indicate levels of pollution in a water body. ASPT is derived from BMWP and is able to distinguish sites with similar scores but different physics-chemical characteristics. These measures; BMWP score taxa present and the average pollution sensitivity of the macro invertebrate community as described by the Average Score per Taxon (ASPT), which is derived from the community biotic score divided by the number of taxa represented. In general, the higher the number of taxa present, the better the biological quality of the reach, especially where the ASPT values are high (greater than 5.5) For the BMWP scores for each family identified are totalled, which is the BMWP score. This figure is then divided by the number of taxa, (each specific organism is a taxon), to give the Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT). The ASPT is independent of sample size and perhaps less influenced by season than the BMWP score. It provides an additional more consistent index. 5) BMWP indice Indicator organisms are assigned scores based on tolerance to pollution (pollution intolerant families have high scores). Scores are accumulated to indicate levels of pollution in a water body. The BMWP Biotic Index is calculated by summation of scores assigned to each family found to be present. The Biological Monitoring Working Party score (BMWP) has been standardised by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It can be used to reflect the impact of organic pollution, such as results from sewage discharge. Each group or family is allocated a score between 1 and 10, according to their sensitivity to environmental disturbance. The most sensitive organisms, such as Stoneflies, score 10 and the least sensitive, such as Oligochaete worms, score 1. This method of data collation separates invertebrate groups or taxa on the basis of their relative sensitivity to pollution with the more pollution sensitive taxa being allocated higher scores and the more pollution tolerant taxa lower scores. The overall community is described by the sum of the individual taxon scores. In general, higher total biotic scores describe better quality invertebrate communities reflecting the better end of the water quality spectrum. The scores for each family represented in the sample are then summed to give the BMWP score. Dividing the BMWP score by the total number of groups present to give a mean value – the ASPT (Average Score Per Taxon). A BMWP score higher as 66 (adopted value), together with an ASPT value higher as 4, generally indicates good water quality. For the situation of the Cameron Highlands the BMWP score is adopted to this situation. By altitudinal zones it is expect and found that less species occur and less diversity of species in the rivers of the Cameron Highlands, than in the lowlands. Besides that fact species of the EPT taxa (Stoneflies) are naturally more abundant than in the lowlands, because the fast flowing and cool rivers of the region. By surveying the diversity of occurring taxa in the Cameron Highlands in streams that are proven non-pollutant (as part of the total sampling and identification) a theoretical maximum BMWP score was calculated at a score of 66. The reference sample was taken in a proven non-pollutant stream and was compliant with this adopted scoring.



Procedure BMWP • Sorting the aquatic macro invertebrates present into the groups listed in the BMWP

table; • Ticking off the groups present on a sample record sheet. Even if more than one

species occurs for a particular group that particular group is only recorded once; • Adding the scores for all groups ticked on the record sheet to give the BMWP score; • Add up the total number of groups occurring in the sample; • Divide the BMWP score by the total number of groups present to give the ASPT.

6) ASPT indice ASPT indice or Average score per taxon (ASPT) is calculated by dividing the score of the BMWP by the number of scoring taxa. It is thus derived from the BMWP but able to distinguish sites with similar scores but different physical-chemical characteristics. It is used in order to reduce the effects of sample size, sampling effort and sampling efficiency on the results. The number of taxa present is indicative of the diversity of the community, therefore the ASPT avoids problems arising when poor habitat restricts the diversity of families. For the ASPT the original scoring was maintained and proven adequate (by comparing chemical pollution grade and scoring results of analysis). For instance; ASPT Biotic Score = BMWP Score/Total family = 31/5 = 6.2 7) Lincoln Quality Index The Lincoln Quality Index combines BMWP and ASPT biotic indices using an Overall Quality Rating method to assign categories of quality to water bodies Lincoln Quality Index (LQI), the equivalent of the Overall Quality Ratings (OQR). The LQI proved to be accurate in this project by comparing chemical pollution grades and calculated scores. It is calculated as: LQI = (X + Y)/2 Where: X = Rating based on BMWP Biotic Index Y = Rating based on ASPT Biotic Index For instance when using the sample example the following is found: BMWP Score = 31 => X = 3 ASPT Value = 6.2 => Y = 7 OQR = (3+7) / 2 = 5



Water quality classification based on BMWP index (adopted for Cameron Highlands) and ASPT index: Biotic Index Range of Scores Water Quality BMWP (Armitage et. al., 1983, but adopted for the situation of the Cameron Highlands i.e. altitudinal zones of species occurrence))

> 66 49 - 65 33 – 49 17 – 33 0 - 16

Very good Good Moderately good Bad Very bad

ASPT (Average Score Per Taxon; original scoring)

0 – 2.9 – 4.9 5.0 – 5.9 6.0 – 7.9 8.0 – 10.0

Very polluted Polluted Moderately polluted Moderately clean Clean Very clean

Adopted BMWP values for the Cameron Highlands by a survey of species diversity and occurrence at proven non-pollutant sites. For ASPT the original values as given above were used. 4.5 Results Water pollution by anthropogenic pollutants is mainly due agriculture (fertilizers & pesticides), and by urban pollution (organic pollution: sewage). These pollutants reduce the species occurrence dramatically or reduce the diversity in occurring species (by selection of more tolerant species). The degree of reduction of species occurrence or diversity depends largely on the pollution and the chemical properties of pollutants. Both processes are very evident in the Cameron Highlands. The fast running small forest streams contain a diverse aquatic macro invertebrate fauna of Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Coleoptera, Decapoda and species of the Odonata family. Most of them are the larvae/nymphs of forest insects except for the Decapoda (Fresh Water Crabs). Especially evident are the Stoneflies (Plecoptera) they prefer cool, oxygen-rich streams and are generally very intolerant of stream pollution. They are the perfect indicator of clean, unpolluted streams in the Cameron Highlands. Lower on the slopes, where the river becomes deeper and slower running (and where organic pollution of sewage decreases the dissolved oxygen level) these species are replaced by others mainly from the Gastropoda, Chironimidae and Hirundinae families. 4.5.1 Overall water quality Upper-Bertam catchment The macro invertebrate community of the fast flowing rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment consists mainly of insects. All the upper parts of the rivers (still in the forest) surveyed demonstrated excellent water quality. Then assemblages of taxa encountered at the sampling locations/stations are considered as that typical of the aquatic macro invertebrate fauna in tropical rivers. These are Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Decapoda, Coleoptera (Elmidae), Trichoptera and Diptera (Tipulidae). The main river course of the Upper-Bertam was dominated with Gastropoda, Chironimidae and Hirundinae. The cleaner tributaries, the ‘’source of the main river course (SP1)’’ and the ‘’zero-sample’’ shows an extraordinary diversity in species; mainly EPT-taxa, but also Decapoda (Fresh water Crabs), Elmidae (Riffle Beetle larvae) and Tipulidae (Cranefly larvae). All these macro invertebrates are indicating a high potential for the rivers within the Upper-Bertam catchment. Not only to hold water of excellent quality, but also a superb diversity of sensitive aquatic macro invertebrates. All the samples together fell into 11 taxa totally: Coleoptera, Diptera, Empheroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Gastropoda, Trichoptera, Hirundinae, Oligochaeta and Decapoda.



In this research 10 sampling points/stations were chosen. After the sampling, identifying the species in the sample and carrying out the data enumeration, the following outcome was found: Overall water quality reference of the sampling stations

Sample location Quick water quality reference (SP 1) At source, slopes of Mt. Brinchang Excellent water quality, EPT-taxa abundant (SP2) At Golf course Brinchang Poor water quality, low diversity;

Chironimidae and Hirundinae abundant (SP 3) Near MARDI Tanah Rata Severe water pollution very low diversity;

Gastropoda and Hirundinae very abundant (Sp 4) Just before flowing in Ringlet Reservoir Severe water pollution, very low diversity,

Chironimidae, Hirundinae and Gastropoda abundant

(SP A) Sungai Burong, just before joining sg. Bertam

Good water quality, relatively diverse with EPT-taxa

(SP B) Sungai Ruil, just before joining sg. Bertam

Good water quality, relatively diverse with EPT-taxa

(SP C) Sungai Jasar, just before joining sg. Bertam

Very severe water pollution, almost ‘’biological dead’’ with only some Chironimidae and Hirundinae

(SP D) Sungai Ulung, just before joining sg. Bertam

Severe water pollution, low diversity; Chironimidae and Hirundinae abundant

(SP E) Sungai Batu Pipih, just before joining sg. Bertam

Severe water pollution, low diversity; Chironimidae and Hirundinae abundant

Zero-sample/reference sample Excellent water quality, EPT-taxa abundant

Left: cases of different members of the Trichoptera taxon, found in moderate to clean waters of the Upper-Bertam catchment



4.5.2 Sampling stations of the main Bertam river in detail Per sampling station the following more detailed information was found: Sungai Bertam SP 1

1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of taxa and thus the diversity of this sampling point/station is with 11 different taxa high. The abundance and thus the total amount of organisms in the sample however was average and equally distributed among the taxa with 57 individuals. This figure; high diversity equally distributed among the taxa is typical for undisturbed and non-polluted rivers with excellent water quality and high oxygen concentrations. 2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure below the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. For all sampling

stations of the Upper-Bertam catchment the groups: EPT-taxa, Decapoda, Gastropoda, Chironimidae and Hirundinae were the most suitable to use for this purpose. In green the organisms from class I (Sensitive of Intolerant class) and in red the organisms of class III (tolerant or insensitive class). As can be seen clearly the green or the organisms of class I dominate in the pie-chart; with predominantly EPT-taxa. This indicates excellent water quality with very low organic matter and high oxygen yields.

3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT The diversity of EPT taxa at this sampling point/station was 4 taxa, which resembles a high diversity and thus indicates low nutrient concentrations and low organic matter yields. The percentage indication of EPT percentile

abundances is very high, with 27 % indicating the same as the above: excellent water quality, low organic matter concentrations and high oxygen concentrations. 4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 13, which indicates excellent water quality.

Sample point 1

32%

68%

0%0%0% EPT-taxa 32%Decapoda 68%Gastropada 0%Chironimidae 0%Hirundinae 0%



5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 61 for this sampling point/station, which is very high and thus indicates clean water of excellent quality.

6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 5.5 for this sampling point/station, which moderately high and thus indicates clean water of good quality. The fact that this sampling station is much shaded influences the species diversity (less grazers and more carnivores like Plecoptera), despite its excellent water quality, the scoring is lower than one would expect by this ‘’habitat factor’’.

7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 6.5 for this sampling point/station, which indicates clean water of excellent quality. It was given the A++ index notation for clean and non-polluted waters.

Left: Decapoda or Fresh Water Crabs and left members of the Odonata family; occurring at this sampling location

Left: Typical sample of the main Upper-Bertam river in forested area; many individuals of the EPT-taxa



Sungai Bertam SP 2 1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of taxa and thus the diversity of this sampling point/station is with 6 different taxa low. The abundance in the sample was high with 270 individuals. This figure; low diversity and high abundance is typical for severe water pollution, with high concentrations organic matter and low oxygen concentrations. 2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure below the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. As can be seen clearly the red or the organisms of class III dominate in the pie-chart with especially Gastropda in this case. This

indicates severe water pollution with organic matter and low oxygen yields.

3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT No EPT taxa were found at this sampling point/station this indicates severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution with (organic) matter. The percentage indication of EPT percentile abundances is very low, with 0%

(absent) indicating the same as the above: severe water pollution with organic matter and low oxygen concentrations. 4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 0 (because of absence EPT taxa), which indicates very severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution.

5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 22 for this sampling point/station, which indicates severe polluted water of poor water quality.

Sample point 2

0%0% 11%

85%

4%

EPT-taxa 0%

Decapoda 0%

Gastropada 11%

Chironimidae85%Hirundinae 4%

Left: Chironimidae, Gastropoda and sewage fungi dominating the sample taken from this location



6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 3.6 for this sampling point/station, which indicates severe polluted water of poor water quality. 7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 3 for this sampling point/station, which indicates moderately polluted water of poor water quality. It was given the E index notation for badly polluted water. Sungai Bertam SP 3

1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of taxa and thus the diversity of this sampling point/station is with 5 different taxa very low. The abundance in the sample was very high with 359 individuals. This figure; low diversity and high abundance is typical for severe water pollution, with high concentrations organic matter and low oxygen concentrations. 2) Percent abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure below the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. As can be seen clearly the red or the organisms of class III dominate in the pie-chart, with in this a very high abundance of

Chironimidae, Gastropoda and Hirundinae. This indicates very severe water pollution with organic matter and low oxygen yields.

3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT No EPT taxa were found at this sampling point/station this indicates severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution with (organic) matter. The percentage indication of EPT percentile abundances is very low, with 0%

(absent) indicating the same as the above: severe water pollution with organic matter and low oxygen concentrations. 4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 0 (because of absence EPT taxa), which indicates very severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution. 5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 14 for this sampling point/station, which indicates very severe polluted water of poor water quality.

Sample point 3

0%0%29%

60%

11%EPT-taxa 0%

Decapoda 0%

Gastropada 29%




6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 2.8 or this sampling point/station, which indicates very severe polluted water of poor water quality. 7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 2 for this sampling point/station, which indicates severe polluted water of poor water quality. It was given the G index notation for badly polluted water.

Sungai Bertam SP4 1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of taxa and thus the diversity of this sampling point/station is with 4 different taxa very low. The abundance of the sample was very high with 106 individuals. This figure; very low diversity and high abundance is typical for severe water pollution, with high concentrations organic matter and low oxygen concentrations. 2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure below the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. As can be seen clearly the red or the organisms of class III dominate in the

pie-chart. This indicates severe water pollution with organic matter and low oxygen yields.

3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT No EPT taxa were found at this sampling point/station this indicates severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution with (organic) matter. The percentage

indication of EPT percentile abundances is very low, with 0% (absent) indicating the same as the above: severe water pollution with organic matter and low oxygen concentrations.

Left: Typical sample of the main Upper-Bertam river between the towns of Brinchang and Tanah Rata; full with Gastropoda and Hirundinae

Sample point 4

0%

0%

50%

28%

22% EPT-taxa 0%

Decapoda 0%

Gastropada 50%




4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 0 (because of absence EPT taxa), which indicates severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution. 5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 9 for this sampling point/station, which indicates severe polluted water of poor water quality. 6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 2.3 for this sampling point/station, which indicates severe polluted water of poor water quality. 7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 1 for this sampling point/station, which indicates severe polluted water of poor water quality. It was given the I index notation for very polluted water. 4.5.3 Sampling stations of the tributaries of the Bertam river in detail Sungai Burong SP A

1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of taxa and thus the diversity of this sampling point/station is with 7 different taxa not very high. The abundance in the sample was evenly distributed among the taxa with 55 individuals. This figure; not very high diversity and abundance evenly among the taxa are typical for water of moderate quality, with relatively moderate concentrations of organic matter and but

general high oxygen concentrations. 2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure below the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. As can be seen clearly the green or the organisms of class I dominate in the pie-chart. This indicates water of relatively good quality, low pollution with organic matter and high oxygen yields.



3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT The diversity of EPT taxa at this sampling point/station was 2 taxa, which resembles a moderate low diversity and indicates relatively low nutrient levels and water of moderate pollution. The percentage indication of EPT percentile

abundances is however quite high, with 16% indicating the same as the above: water of moderate polluted quality with relatively low organic matter concentrations and but still high oxygen concentrations. 4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 0.64, which is moderate low and indicates relatively low nutrient concentrations and water of moderately polluted quality. 5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 32 for this sampling point/station, which indicates relatively non-polluted water of moderate water quality. 6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 4.6 for this sampling point/station, which indicates relatively non-polluted water of moderate water quality. 7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 4 for this sampling point/station, which indicates relatively non-polluted water of good water quality. It was given the C index notation for good quality water. Sungai Ruil SP B

1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of taxa and thus the diversity of this sampling point/station is with 10 different taxa relatively high. The abundance in the sample was a bit too high with 391 individuals. This figure; relatively high diversity and bit too high abundance is typical for mildly water pollution, with increased concentrations organic matter, but high oxygen concentrations, and thus of good tot moderate quality.

Sample point A

8% 0%

38%

24%

30%

EPT-taxa 8%

Decapoda 0%

Gastropada 38%




2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure below the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. As can be seen clearly the red or the organisms of class III dominates a bit over the green in the pie-chart. This indicates mild water pollution with organic matter and low oxygen yields.

3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT The diversity of EPT taxa at this sampling point/station was 5 taxa, which resembles a relatively high diversity and indicates low nutrient concentrations and mild water pollution with (organic) matter. The percentage indication of EPT percentile abundances is high, with 45 % indicating the same as the above: mild water pollution with mild increased concentrations of organic matter, but high oxygen concentrations. 4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 13.5, which is very high and indicates water of good quality with low nutrient concentrations & high oxygen concentrations.

5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 46 for this sampling point/station, which indicates mild polluted water of moderate to good water quality. 6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 4.6 for this sampling point/station, which indicates (mild) polluted water of average water quality. 7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 4.5 for this sampling point/station, which indicates polluted water of average water quality. It was given the B index notation for mildly polluted water.

Sample point B

45%

0%41%

5% 9% EPT-taxa 45%Decapoda 0%Gastropada 41%Chironimidae 5%Hirundinae 9%

(Above left) especially members of the Trichoptera and Odonata taxa were very abundant at this sampling point



Sungai Jasar SP C 1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of taxa and thus the diversity of this sampling point/station is with only 1 taxon extremely low. The abundance in the sample was also low with 314 individuals (all Chironimidae). This figure; extremely low diversity and low occurrence of the same species indicates ‘’biological dead’’ water and very severe water pollution, with very high

concentrations organic matter and very low oxygen concentrations. The occurrence of massive layers of ‘sewage fungi’ also indicates the source: sewage discharge.

2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure on the right the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. As can be seen clearly the red or the organisms of class III dominates the pie-chart in total This indicates very severe water pollution with very high organic matter concentrations

and very low oxygen yields. 3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT EPT taxa were totally absent and thus indicating very severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution with (organic) matter. The percentage indication of EPT percentile abundances is of course very low, with 0% (again absent) indicating the same as the above: very severe water pollution with organic matter and very low oxygen concentrations. 4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 0 (because of absence EPT taxa), which indicates very severe nutrient enrichment and very severe water pollution. 5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 2 for this sampling point/station, which indicates very severe polluted water of very bad water quality. 6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 2 for this sampling point/station, which indicates very severe polluted water of very bad water quality.

Sample point C

0%0%0%

100%

0%EPT-taxa 0%

Decapoda 0%

Gastropada 0%




7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 1 for this sampling point/station, which indicates severe very severe polluted water of very bad water quality. It was given the I index notation for very polluted water.

Sungai Ulung SP D

1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of taxa and thus the diversity of this sampling point/station is with 5 different taxa average, but low. The abundance in the sample was a much too high with 513 individuals. This figure; average diversity and to high abundance is typical for severe water pollution, with increased concentrations of organic matter and low oxygen concentrations. 2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure below the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. For all sampling stations of the Upper-Bertam catchment the groups: EPT-

taxa, Decapoda, Gastropoda, Chironimidae and Hirundinae were the most suitable to use for this purpose. In green the organisms from class I (sensitive of intolerant class) and in red the organisms of class III (tolerant or insensitive class). As can be seen clearly the red or the organisms of class III dominates a bit over the green in the pie-chart. This indicates mild water pollution with organic matter and low oxygen yields.

(Above) general sample overview, totally dominant with Chironimidae and with sewage fungi, left in situ



3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT No EPT taxa were found at this sampling point/station this indicates severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution with (organic) matter. The percentage indication of EPT percentile abundances 0% because absent indicating the

same as the above: severe water pollution with increased concentrations of organic matter and low oxygen concentrations. 4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 0 (because of absence EPT taxa), which indicates severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution. 5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 21 for this sampling point/station, which indicates polluted water of bad water quality. 6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 4.2 for this sampling point/station, which indicates polluted water of bad water quality. 7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 3 for this sampling point/station, which indicates polluted water of average water quality. It was given the E index notation for moderate polluted water. Sungai Batu Pipih SP E

1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The total number of taxa and thus the diversity of this sampling point/station is with 5 different taxa average, but low. The abundance in the sample however was a bit too high with 26 individuals. This figure; average diversity and to high abundance is typical for mildly water pollution, with increased concentrations organic matter and low oxygen concentrations. 2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure below the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. As can be seen clearly the red or the organisms of class III dominates a bit over the green in the pie-chart.

Sample point D

0%0% 5%

91%

4%

EPT-taxa 0%

Decapoda 0%

Gastropada 5%




This indicates mild water pollution with organic matter and low oxygen yields. 3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT No EPT taxa were found at this sampling point/station this indicates severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution with (organic) matter. The percentage indication of EPT percentile abundances is again

0% because absent indicating the same as the above: severe water pollution with increased concentrations of organic matter and low oxygen concentrations. 4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 0 (because of absence EPT taxa), which indicates severe nutrient enrichment and water pollution. 5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 14 for this sampling point/station, which indicates severe polluted water of very bad water quality. 6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 2.8 for this sampling point/station, which indicates very severe polluted water of bad water quality. 7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 2 for this sampling point/station, which indicates polluted water of bad water quality. It was given the G index notation for polluted water.

Sample point E

0%0% 9%

55%

36%

EPT-taxa 0%

Decapoda 0%

Gastropada 9%




4.5.4 The reference sampling station The reference sample or zero sample was taken to deal with the ‘’habitat factor. By taking a sample at a sampling point that is example for the entire sample area, but is undisturbed (not polluted), the habitat factor can largely be excluded and comparison of the undisturbed location and thus the potential of the disturbed sampling locations can be made. For this purpose the largest clean stream of the Upper-Bertam; near MARDI, Tanah Rata was sampled. This sample location was chosen because of its similarity with most of the other sampling locations regarding to width, depth, velocity and flow and bottom substrate. It lies in the centre of the research area of the Upper-Bertam catchment. This reference sample is also used to test the adapted BMWP scoring for the Cameron Highlands, which was adopted in this research project to deal with altitudinal zones and species occurrence. It was found to be compliant with this scoring system. 1) Total Number of Taxa and organism Density Per Sample (total abundance) The diversity of this sampling point/station is with 11 different taxa extremely high. The abundance s in the sample was average and equally distributed among the taxa with 120 individuals. This figure; high diversity equally distributed among the taxa is typical for undisturbed and non-polluted rivers with excellent water quality and high oxygen concentrations.

2) Percent Abundance of the Major Abundant Groups In the figure right the most significant occurring aquatic macro invertebrate families are shown. As can be seen clearly the green or the organisms of class I dominate in the pie-chart; with predominantly EPT-taxa. This indicates excellent water quality with very low organic

matter and high oxygen yields. 3) Number of EPT taxa (EPT richness) and Percent abundance of EPT The diversity of EPT taxa at this sampling point/station was 9 taxa, which resembles a very high diversity and thus indicates very low nutrient concentrations and low organic matter yields. The percentage indication of EPT percentile abundances is very high, with 53% indicating the same as the above: excellent water quality, low organic matter concentrations and high oxygen concentrations.

Sample point Reference

46%

0%

0%

51%

3%EPT-taxa 46%

Decapoda 0%

Gastropada 0%




4) EPT/Chironimidae The ratio of EPT taxa and Chironimidae at this sampling point/location was 2.1, which indicates excellent water quality. 5) BMWP indice The score for BMWP is 67 for this sampling point/station, which very high and thus indicates clean water of excellent quality. 6) ASPT indice The score for ASPT is 6.0 for this sampling point/station, which very high and thus indicates clean water of excellent quality. 7) Lincoln Quality Index The LQI is 7 for this sampling point/station, which indicates clean water of excellent quality. It was given the A++ index notation for clean and non-polluted waters.

(Above) the main ‘’quality’’ of this sampling point is the occurrence of very diverse taxa and their abundance is more or less spread evenly among the taxa; ecological niches are thus filled and the community reflects a ‘’healthy’’ environment. From left to right; Odonata, Coleoptera, Plecoptera and again Odonata.



4.6 Interpretation 4.6.1 Introduction The pollution tolerances of the various aquatic macro invertebrates are based upon the aquatic macro invertebrates' tolerance to dissolved oxygen concentrations in water. Organisms are separated into 3 categories of pollution tolerance: Sensitive (Class I), Facultative or somewhat sensitive (Class II) and Tolerant or insensitive (Class III) to pollution. It is expected that in a river with good water quality, aquatic macro invertebrates that are sensitive and tolerant for pollution will be found. No particular group or types of organisms will dominate the aquatic macro invertebrate population of the river. With increased organic pollution (from nutrients found in fertilizers, sewage, and other sources) the dissolved oxygen levels are expected to fluctuate more extremely in the stream. Aquatic macro invertebrates that can tolerate lower oxygen levels will become more prevalent and the sensitive organisms will disappear. As organic pollution continues to increase, some pollution tolerant macro invertebrates will become dominant and will be able to support large populations within the stream. The increase of organic pollution causes death to the sensitive and facultive organisms. A shift in macro invertebrates' food sources is expected with changes in amount of organic pollution in a stream. In clean streams, food sources are usually from within the natural stream system, including leaf litter from trees in the riparian corridor of the stream. In more organically-polluted streams, food might be supplied by other than natural sources, such as nutrients input as sewage discharge on the river. Increased nutrients will also stimulate plant and algal growth within a stream, offering yet another food source for macro invertebrates in polluted streams. A reduced number of taxa and abundance is observed when organic pollutant level increases. 4.6.2 Habitat factor While biotic indices as the BMWP and the ASPT will reflect conditions of stress on the aquatic community, it will also reflect the diversity or lack of diversity of the habitat of various sampling locations/stations. For example, the riffle communities of a stream are generally more diverse in invertebrate forms than still standing water in ponds. Samples taken in a pond will be naturally less diverse and possess other "pond-like" biota than samples collected in the riffle of a stream. Also, the type of substrate of the stream will affect the index. For instance those sampling locations/points that possess bedrock as a substrate tend to be less diverse in invertebrate forms than those containing gravel and boulders. 4.6.3 Index values of indicator families One of the inherent dangers of the "indicator organism" concept or classification, which the BMWP and ASPT utilizes, is that the occurrence of a Class III organism exhibits pollution. This is not true. Even clean aquatic communities will have air-breathing Snails (Gastropoda) and Leeches (Hirundinae). The indices are therefore based on presence and not on absence. This means that the presence of Stonefly larvae much more says then the absence of this specie. If only Class III forms can be found, severe degradation of water quality is evident. The indices are based on diversity and abundance which is mostly found in a reverse principle; in polluted locations/stations usually a high abundance of only a few species (low diversity) is found. So the clean fast-flowing upstream rivers support high varieties of organisms (high diversity) while the polluted downstream stretches support fewer species (low diversity) but in higher densities (high abundance). The presence of sensitive taxa like the EPT-taxa in the fast-flowing small forest streams is indicative that the habitat is unpolluted; while the presence of Chironimidae in high densities is indicative for pollution.



A few examples of reaction of the aquatic macro invertebrate community on water pollution effects are: Nutrient enrichment

• Increased ratio of Aquatic Worms (oligochaetes) to aquatic insects. • Increased ratio of Midges (chironomids) to other aquatic insects. • Increase of herbivorous Mayflies (ephemeropterans) and Midges.

Low dissolved oxygen • Increased ratio of Aquatic Worms to aquatic insects. • Increased ratio of Midges to other aquatic insects.

Sedimentation • Decrease in Mayflies and Midges.

4.6.4 A few examples of specific families reacting on water pollution:

• Stoneflies (Plecoptera) prefer cool, oxygen-rich streams and are generally intolerant or very sensitive water pollution.

• Leeches (Hirundinae) and Snails (Gastropoda) live generally in nutrient rich water with plants growing on the riverbanks

Besides this individual reactions on water deterioration, the use of biological indices as BMWP and ASPT are easier to use and provide a qualitative calculation and enumeration in pollution classes.

Above: very high abundance (few thousand per square meter of sampling) but very low diversity (only Gastropda and Hirundinae). Not only this figure; low diversity & high abundance of species indicates severe water pollution also the classification of both groups in the intolerant or insensitive class III supports this.



4.6.5 Water quality & biological condition graphically exhibited In the line graphs below three biological indices (BMWP, ASPT and Lincoln Index) are displayed of the 4 sampling sites of the main river course of the Sg. Bertam. At sampling site SP 1 very high scores; indicating good water quality were found. The river is still in the forest and undisturbed by human influence and thus unpolluted at this point. At sampling site SP 2 the main river course has flown through the town of Brinchang, were sewage is added to the river as well as influences from agricultural runoff; resulting in lower scores for the three indices. At sampling site SP 3 (after addition of sewage of the town of Tanah Rata) and SP 4 (after addition of runoff of intensive agricultural area) the score decreases and so does the associated water quality. Going from upstream (Sp 1) to down stream (via SP 2 to SP 3) and ending at SP 4 the water quality strongly deteriorates. Notice that the individual indices follow the same trend; with the Lincoln index giving scores between BMWP and ASPT. Note also the comparative differences in the biological indices.

A lower family and species diversity causes a lower BMWP score at SP 2, SP 3 and SP 4. Because of the higher abundance of the individual families however the scores for ASPT are higher. This indicates biological degradation as a result of bad water quality. In these cases a high abundance of tolerant species is found.

Biological scores Sg. Bertam

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4

Sample points

BMWP (1:10)ASPTLincoln index

Biological scores of the tributaries

00.5

11.5

22.5

33.5

44.5

5

A B C D E

Sample points

BMWP (1:10)ASPTLincoln index



In the bar graph the different biological indices (BMWP, ASPT and Lincoln Index) are displayed to the individual sampling sites of the tributaries. The relative high scores (and thus good water quality) of SP A (Sg. Burong) and SP B (Sg. Ruil) is prevalent. As well as the exceptionally low score (and thus severe water pollution) for SP C (Sg. Jasar). Although The ASPT score of SP A and SP B are very similar it is clear that the BMWP score at SP B is much higher. This is explained by the fact that the diversity in species occurrence at SP B is much higher. This also results in a higher Lincoln Index. Especially the last is a more ‘’honest’’ figure; since a high diversity (scores high on BMWP) equally distributed among the occurring species represents the most ‘’healthy’’ ecological community and thus the better habitat & water quality. Concluding; the water quality of SP B is better because of a higher diversity, and that of SP A lower because relative abundance of fewer species of the tolerant classes. The same figure is visible at SP D (Sg. Ulung) and SP E (Sg. Batu Pipih) whereas SP E scores much higher on BMWP (indicating higher family and species diversity) resulting in a much higher Lincoln Index at SP D, indicating a (much) better water quality. In the table below the relationship between chemical analysis of nutrients (COD, N and P) and biological Indices is given in a line graph. No relationship exists between the individual sampling sites/points (except for SP 1, 2, 3, and which are all of the Sg. Bertram). The intention is to give an overview of the nutrient trend and scores for water quality according to biological Indices. When comparing biological indices with nutrient concentrations (COD, N and P) the relationship becomes apparent. Biological indices as the BMWP, ASPT and Lincoln Index are designed to display a decrease in water quality based on organic pollution, oxygen concentration (which for an important part depends on BOD and COD) and associated total nutrient concentration. Especially Phosphor is an important parameter since fresh water ecology is very sensitive to it regarding the effect of Eutropication. Essentially Eutrophication means in this case biological degradation of the water quality. The more sensitive classes of EPT-taxa are replaced by tolerant classes of Gastropoda, Chironimidae and Hirundinae. The total diversity diminishes in this process and individual species abundance increases.



In the line graph above the relationship of all sampling points/stations to the concentration COD, N and P is displayed. Again; ignore the individual relationship between sampling points and focus on the blue line for BMWP. Apparent is that COD, N and P show the same trend and in this the BMWP score acts reverse to the nutrients all together. So when COD, N, and P rises, the BMWP score lowers. A high score for the biological indicates a healthy biological environment and thus good water quality. With nutrients (COD, N, P) this is exact the other way around. A higher concentration of these values means pollution and a decrease in water quality. The same figure as for the BMWP is found for ASPT. However the ASPT acts more predicable and more balanced because also the species abundance it taken in account in its formula. The result is a “clearer” figure and the reverse relationship becomes even more apparent. Although reverse in numbers; the outcome is the same: high levels nutrients = low score biological indice. Interesting is to know what exactly that relationship is; which concentration COD, N or P causes which biological score on BMWP, ASPT or Lincoln Index. Because aquatic macro invertebrates are living things sensitive for multi-parameters (for instance presence pesticides, oxygen concentration and habitat) this can not be answered easily. When looking at the “distance” between the lines of COD, N and P, and the indice (meaning interrelationship

Relation BMWP and Nutrients

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

1 2 3 4 A B C D E

Sample points

COD (1:100)totN (1:10)totPBMWP (1:100)

Relation ASPT and Nutrients

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

1 2 3 4 A B C D E

Sample Points

COD (1:100)totN (1:10)totPASPT (1:10)



between indice score and concentration in milligrams per litre) it comes prevalent that especially Phosphor acts predicable. A certain concentration Phosphor seems to have a strict relationship with indice score, although the exact relating concentration is not always the same. It is not possible to draw conclusions from this, other than saying that a “clear reverse relationship exists between Phosphor concentration and indice score”. Meaning that Phosphor acts degradating on water quality and biological integrity. Again also multiple other parameters have their influence on the macro invertebrate community. Above the same relationship is shown, but now for the Lincoln Index. The Lincoln acts even more strong than the ASPT index which is logic when comparing its formula consisting of the BMWP and ASPT in fixed corresponding empiric numbers. The figure however remains the same. Empiric analysis could be carried out to exactly distinguish its higher value in this case. In the smaller line graph above and below the relationship of nutrient concentration and a biological indice (BMWP) and the interrelationship of the sampling points is shown. The sampling points SP 1, SP 2, SP 3 and SP 4 are all of the same river: Sg. Bertam. With SP 1 at the source, going downstream to SP2, SP 3 and SP 4. Clear is that the water quality according to the BMWP indice is decreasing going from upstream to downstream. It is also visible that the concentration of nutrients increases going from upstream to downstream, which makes perfectly sense considering the described relationship above.Especially the Nitrogen concentration going from SP 3 to SP 4 is reacting differently.

Relation Lincoln Index and Nutrients

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

1 2 3 4 A B C D E

Sample points

COD (1:100)totN (1:10)totPLincoln index (1:10)

Relation BMWP and Nutrients

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4

Sample points

COD (1:100)totN (1:10)totPBMWP (1:100)



An explanation may be the already high concentrations Phosphor (which is more restricting in fresh water ecology than Nitrogen). The Phosphor concentration thus is predicable as always; following exact the same (reverse) trend as the nutrient concentrations. The BMWP again proves that it acts strongly on nutrient concentrations, showing very strong correlationship with nutrient concentrations and its ability to predict water quality based on COD, N and P concentration with aquatic macro invertebrates. 4.6.6 Short summary of the findings of the aquatic macro invertebrate assessment The typical mountainous ecosystem of the Upper-Bertam catchment with fast flowing, cool and very low-nutrient forest streams, holds a vast diversity of aquatic macro invertebrates. The upper-reaches of the tributaries (‘i.e. ’reference sample’’) and of the Bertam river itself are of the original undisturbed ecological quality. These streams house the typical indicators of fast flowing, oxygen rich, nutrient-poor aquatic habitats on a rocky-bottom that is typical for this mountainous part of the catchment. The aquatic macro invertebrate community in these parts was compiled of mainly Stonefly-larvae, Caddisfly-larvae and Mayfly-larvae (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera or EPT-taxa) of many different individual species, but also Fresh water Crabs (Decapoda), Cranefly larvae (Tipulidae) and Riffle Beetle Larvae (Elmidae). Every other part of the main stream and all the other streams range from ecological very poor (SP 2,

3 and 4 Bertam river) to ecologically almost dead (SP C Sungai Jasar). Only SP A (Sg. Burong) and SP B (Sg. Ruil) were of reasonable and moderate ecological quality. The aquatic macro invertebrate community of the sampling points SP 2, 3, and 4 and of SP C, D, and E were mainly compiled of Leeches, Snails and Red Mosquito-larvae (Hirundiae, Gastropoda and Chironimidae). The water quality ranged from very badly polluted to extremely polluted, with mainly organic pollutants of domestic waste water origin (sewage). The addition of first the sewage of the town of Brinchang and later the sewage of the town of Tanah Rata was very evident on the macro invertebrate community with a scope from sensitive EPT taxa to the tolerant Chironimidae taxa.

Left: the water quality of the upper-reaches and some of the tributaries is excellent. Besides that they are also without any exception tapped for agricultural purposes. This water of drinking water quality is therefore used for irrigation of crop-land. At this photo (near Brinchang) water is running through the pipes instead of flowing through the riverbed.



The two extremes: source and river course in urbanized area Excellent water quality

Extremely polluted with organic

pollutants

Stonefly-larvae (Plecoptera)

Leeches (Hirundinae) in total abundance

Damselfly-larvae (Odonata)

Gastropoda (Snails) dominating the sample

Perfectly clean forest stream at the source of the Bertam River (upper reaches)

Part of the river polluted with sewage, fertilizers, pesticides and lots of solid waste



5. Legislation & policies Function and place of the chapter ‘Legislation & policies’ in this report This part of the research project forms the ‘backbone’ for the implementation of (part of the) administrative solutions to water pollution in the area. Spatial legislation gives protection to a certain designated land cover; for instance a water catchment. It provides with a whole set of laws for allowed practices in this designated area. Protection and Quality Acts as well as regulations (though less ‘strict’) apply on certain topics; for instance water quality. Methodology This part of the research was mainly carried-out by literature research as well as interviews. The law-books of Malaysian Law were studied; using a list complied by WWF Malaysia. Interviews were held with members of REACH, employees of the Department of Environment (DOE) and with local farmers. Lay-out and structure of this chapter The first paragraph discusses international conventions and the second local laws and legislation applying to (the quality) of rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment; Cameron Highlands. 5.1 International conventions Among the main international conventions and priorities that are relevant to this research project and to the sustainable development of the Upper-Bertam catchment are:

• Agenda 21; • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Agenda 21 is a comprehensive global programme on sustainable development adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992. Principles of the Rio Declaration define the rights of people to develop and their responsibilities to safeguard the common environment. The most important of the Rio Declaration principles with respect to the environment and development is Principle No 4: In order to achieve sustainable development, environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of the development process and cannot be considered in isolation from it. This research, in its involvement of local communities (i.e. with R.E.A.C.H.) in safeguarding their environment and advocating sustainable development for the Cameron Highlands, reflects these Agenda 21 principles. The most important chapters of Agenda 21 that are relevant to this research and the issues of the Upper-Bertam catchment are:

• Chapter 13 "Managing fragile ecosystems: sustainable mountain development", which recognises that mountain environments are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem and are a key issue in the global debate on environment and development. The principles of improving coordination of regional efforts to protect fragile mountain ecosystems, and diversifying mountain economies (e.g. agro-tourism) in accordance with integrated management of mountain areas.

• Chapter 7, which relates to promoting sustainable human settlement development by improving the social, economic and environmental quality of human settlements and the living and working environment of all people.



• Chapter 8, which relates to integrating environment and development in decision making so that consideration of socio-economic and environmental issues is fully integrated and a broader range of public participation is fully assured.

• Chapter 15, which considers conservation of biological diversity. • Chapter 18, which considers protection of the quality and supply of freshwater

resources to ensure that the freshwater needs of the country are satisfied. As a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Malaysia has an international obligation to conserve natural biodiversity within its borders. Malaysia is one of the world’s 12 mega diversity countries and the highlands of the Main Range (within which Cameron Highlands is located) is the largest remaining continuous forest tract in Peninsular Malaysia. Of particular relevance to this project is Article 10: Sustainable use of components of biological diversity by integrating consideration of the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources into national decision-making and supporting local populations to develop and implement remedial action in degraded areas where biological diversity has been reduced. Also in the international context, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2002 as the International Year of Mountains in recognition of the crucial role they play in our lives. The aim was to "ensure the well-being of mountain and lowland communities by promoting the conservation and sustainable development of mountain regions." The UN General Assembly has also declared 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater. It encourages governments and other organisations to take advantage of the Year to increase awareness of the importance of sustainable freshwater use, management and protection. The UN General Assembly has declared 2002 as the International Year of Mountains (IYM 2002). It aims to increase international awareness of the global importance of mountain ecosystems. The International Year of Mountains represents an important step in the long-term process initiated by the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The major outcome of this conference was Agenda 21, a global blueprint for sustainable development into the 21st century. Agenda 21's Chapter 13 "Managing fragile ecosystems: sustainable mountain development", placed mountains on an equal footing with climate change, tropical deforestation and desertification as a key issue in the global debate on environment and development. “Mountains are an important source of water, energy and biological diversity. Furthermore, they are a source of such key resources as minerals, forest, agricultural products and recreation. As a major ecosystem representing the complex and interrelated ecology of our planet, mountain environments are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem.” Agenda 21, Chapter 13



5.2 Local laws and legislation 5.2.1 Laws involving protection and regulation of the national rivers in Malaysia are:

• Environmental Quality Act (EQA) 1974; • Environmental Quality (Licensing) Regulations 1974 ; • Environmental Quality (Sewage and Industrial Effluents) Regulations 1979; • Sewerage services Act & Regulations 2002; • Pesticides Act 1974 • Water Acts.

5.2.2 Environmental Quality Act 1974 This Act is meant to prevent deterioration of the environment, it supplies protection and prevents pollution. The most important government institute working with this legislation is the Department of Environment (DOE). This Act requires all prescribed premises to be licensed and states requirements to operation. There are also restrictions on pollution of rivers which prohibits any discharge of any waste unless licensed into any river, drains or lakes. 5.2.3 National Forestry Act 1984 This Act, together with the supporting Forestry Rules 1986, provide for a legal basis for the protection of the Forest for many purposes. It also designates areas for Water Catchment preservation. 5.2.4 Riparian buffer zones Department of Irrigation and Drainage's manual (DID, 1961) recommends that there must be a protection zone of 46 m width alongside riverbanks. Within this zone, no damage to riverbanks or vegetation would be allowed; neither should there be any buildings. 5.2.5 Protection of water catchment areas Water catchment areas upstream of drinking water intakes should officially be gazetted under section 10(e) of the National Forestry Act 1984.



6. Discussion This chapter discusses the results, information and data provided in this report regarding credibility, liability and data reproduction. 6.1 Area appraisal 6.1.1 Data collection Data collection was limited by the available resources. It is impossible to cover all data present on the topic and to be completely exhaustive. In the process of collection the position within R.E.A.C.H. and the resources available from there were the limited factors. Professional and personal choices were made in selecting certain reports and data for this research project. 6.1.2 Information reproduction Professional and personal choices were made in information presentation. Choices are made in information liability and relevance of information and data. 6.1.3 Interpretation Interpretation and ‘’colouration’’ of information and data is a question of professional interests, occupation and personal philosophy. Since this project is carried-out in assignment of R.E.A.C.H., it was important to keep their goals and objectives regarding the subject. 6.2 Chemical appraisal 6.2.1 Parameter selection The selection of parameters for analysis in this research project was a choice based on the Area appraisal regarding the problems in water quality of the Upper-Bertam and their sources. 6.2.2 Sample locations Sample locations were first chosen on the map, after that checked in the field. In some cases the sample stations were moved after visiting the sample locations, because of the accessibility. 6.2.3 Sample strategy Samples were taken considering the NEN-EN-ISO 5667-1,2,3:2004 guidelines, own professional experience and adopted to the local circumstances. The comments and advice of the analytical laboratory were strictly used in taking samples, storing samples and transportation of samples. 6.2.4 Results The results of the chemical analysis provided by the analytical laboratory were exported to graphics and tables. The original forms are kept in the archive of R.E.A.C.H. for consultation. 6.2.5 Interpretation The results of the chemical analysis; the data is compared with several guidelines including Malaysia’s INWQS and the standards of the WHO. These values/data are also compared with



relatively undisturbed parts of the catchment for evaluation of pollution and natural background concentrations. 6.3 Ecological appraisal 6.3 1 Sample locations Sample locations for the Ecological appraisal are the same as for the Chemical appraisal. This made it possible to compare chemical/physical data with the found aquatic macro invertebrate occurrence at the sample location. 6.3.2 Sample strategy and methodology The sample strategy and methodology for sampling, transportation, identification and working of the sample are adopted from several sources listed in the Consulted sources as well as professional experience for carrying out these assessments. Because this was one of the first attempts in Malaysia of an aquatic macro invertebrate assessment for chemical water quality typing: most of the methodology was adapted and rewritten & reinvented for the specific case of the Cameron Highlands & Upper Bertam catchment. 6.3.3 Data enumeration Working with the data of abundance, diversity and occurrence of species in the samples are adopted and transformed to local conditions. 6.4 Simplified error and accuracy assessment chemical parameters 6.4.1 Introduction In the chapter 3.5 strategy of this report the methodology of sampling is explained. The sub-chapter 3.5.2 Sampling method gives an insight view in the method of sampling used and refers to the NEN-EN-ISO 5667-1,2,3:2004 guidelines which were used for quality assurance. Finally the chapter 3.5.3 Sampling moment discussed the influence of the moment of sampling on the results of analysis. In this chapter the reliability of the given values is discussed. The accuracy of the analysis of the accredited laboratory of Waterschap Rivierenland is not taken in account. 6.4.2 Broad spectrum analysis on pesticides package Pesticides are broken down in time; by bacteriological activity and reliant on for instance concentration oxygen and temperature. Some pesticides are volatile; also decreasing the concentration in the sample. In all the actual concentrations will always be higher than the given values by analysis. 6.4.3 Total thermo-tolerant E.Coli The concentration E.Coli is dependent on the concentration oxygen in the water (and sampling bottle), de amount of UV-radiation on the water surface (time of day) among others; lowering the concentration given by analysis. The method of sampling is also of importance especially regarding contamination of material. In this the official guidelines of the laboratory were followed; including a 4 hour maximum time between sampling and analysis; and cooled



transportation. Given the method of sampling (in sterile circumstance) the actual concentration will always be higher than the measured concentration by analysis; and is representative for the moment and place of sampling. 6.4.4 Standard package heavy metal and Potassium The concentration is dependent on among others the amount of TSS; as discussed earlier. Since heavy metals are not broken down or are volatile (except mercury) time between sampling and analysis is not a causing any differences in found concentration. The given concentration of heavy metals and Potassium can therefore be regarded as accurate for the time and place of sampling. 6.4.5 Chemical Oxygen Demand BOD-analysis was not chosen for analysis because of the lack of oxygen-measurement equipment; and because of the relative long time between sampling and analysis; making this analysis unreliable in this case. Instead the COD was chosen because it’s higher value; especially on more stable oxygen demanding compounds. Of course a part of the easily broken down compounds is gone after a few hours; this can only be as much as the maximum concentration oxygen in the water (since the bottle were airtight sealed); which is 8 mg/l. 6.4.6 Total Dissolved Solids Especially the time of sampling (place in hydrograph) is of importance for TDS; since high concentrations is partly a result of surface run-off and inflow from excess ground water (although diluted by the higher flow). The given value is dependent on the instrument used (with a given accuracy after calibration of +/- 0.05 mg/l). 6.4.7 Total Suspended Solids Especially the place of sampling is of importance when sampling TSS; the sampling should be in the middle of the water way (both horizontal as vertical); in this way the samples were also taken. The time of sampling; the place in the hydrograph is of huge importance too. Transportation of sample for analyses has no effect on final analysis results. So the final given values are exact for the place and time of sampling; with no significant discrepancies for the actual values. However it remains important to realize that the time (High water flow or average water flow; place in hydrograph and possible incidents at the time being) of sampling is most restricting for the usability of these values. Therefore long term values are given in this report based on extensive earlier studies. 6.4.8 Acidity The acidity is mostly dependent on dilution processes (with rain) and is not stable for laboratory analysis; and should thus be measured in the field. The measurements were carried-out in the field. The given value is dependent on the instrument used (with a given accuracy after calibration of +/- 0.02 mg/l). 6.4.9 Electrical Conductivity Especially the time of sampling (place in hydrograph) is of importance for EC; since high concentrations of salts (and thus high value EC) is partly a result of surface run-off and inflow from excess ground water (although diluted by the higher flow). The given value is dependent on the instrument used (with a given accuracy after calibration of +/- 100 µS).



6.4.10 Total Phosphor The concentration P is partly a result of surface run-off and inflow from excess ground water (although diluted by the higher flow) with High water flow. Since P is stable; sample transport has no effect on the final results. However since total P is measured (with particle P as well as other soluble orthophosphates) riverbed erosion is important; occurring during HWF. 6.4.11 Total Nitrogen Nitrogen is not stable and by denitrification-processes in anaerobic environments (such as in the sample bottle) the concentration Nitrogen between sampling and analysis decreases. In all the actual concentrations will always be higher than the given values by analysis.



7. Conclusions 7.1 Area appraisal 7.1.1 Causes of water pollution in the catchment: In preventing erosion and runoff in agriculture the slope gradient must be less then 25° and of a capable soil type, almost 45% of the agricultural land in the Cameron Highlands is indiscriminately used for agricultural purposes, because it exceeds these basic concepts. The shortage of water supply in the highlands is mainly to the fact that intake points for water supply are inevitably located in the upper reaches of the water catchments, where the water yield is low. This is worsened by the fact that 80% of the same water supply is tapped for agricultural irrigation. The Upper-Bertam catchment serves many functions: as an essential supply of drinking water, for aquatic ecology, a part of rainforest ecology, aesthetic view and recreational purposes. The degradation of the river water quality Upper-Bertam catchment is caused by:

• Agricultural activities; contributing pollutants as sediments, nutrients, pesticides, pathogens (E.Coli) and organic enrichment (fertilizers & animal manure).

• Urban area; pouring in hardly or untreated sewage, which contributes pathogens (E.Coli), organic enrichment (nutrients) and toxicants.

• Others; artificial drainage of streams for agriculture and canalization (habitat alteration).

7.1.2 Problems occurring at the Upper-Bertam catchment are:

• Ongoing and increasing water pollution by agriculture due excessive pesticides and fertilizer usage and due urban area with poorly or untreated treated domestic sewage poured in the river course. This causes severe water pollution with: E.Coli (and other pathogens), pesticides and organic pollution (including inorganic nutrients), siltation and erosion from land clearing, agriculture and construction.

• The (already scarce) drinking water supply is heavily polluted with several chemicals i.e. pesticides, fertilizers, faecal bacteria (causing diseases), organic pollution (sewage, manure & fertilizers), suspended solids (erosion and runoff), solid waste and pesticides. Drinking water is hardly available through lack of management, (illegal) tapping and soil erosion.

• Lack of enforcement by responsible governmental agencies in preventing and enforcing environmental offences.

• 80% of total clean water supply is utilized by agricultural industry and only 20 % is left for drinking water. Most of the water used in agriculture is (illegally) tapped from small mountain streams in the forest that contain the best quality water of the Highlands.

• Most vulnerable part of the catchment lies in urbanized area with pollution sources (agricultural & urban) located at the far upstream part of the catchment.

• Lack of proper wastewater treatment facilities and poor management of water treatment/storage facilities.

• Over development of urban area as well as agriculture; • Lack of proper multidisciplinary management of river courses by DID (= Department of

Irrigation and Drainage) • A maximum is set of 6000 hectares for agriculture (according to Structure Plan

Cameron Highlands 1998-2015); and already 5800 hectares is present of which almost 45% has a larger slope gradient than the allowed 25º; causing massive siltation.



• Huge lack of environmental awareness with most citizens as well as governmental institutions.

7.1.3 Besides all these problems the Upper-Bertam still has important values and large potential as:

• A vital source of high quality drinking water; • Aesthetic attractive view for local residents and tourists when it is not polluted; • Excellent fish stock and ecological condition of valley river courses if water quality


7.2 Chemical appraisal 7.2.1 Causes of water pollution: The water quality of the Upper-Bertam river deteriorates because the huge increase of suspended solids, the high concentrations of Nitrogen and Phosphor compounds (including COD: causing very significant enrichment and Eutrophication), pesticides (including banned types) and the huge presence of E.Coli-bacteria (and other pathogens) causing severe micro-biological contamination.

• Agricultural activities; causing sedimentation, encroachment of nutrients (COD, Nitrogen and Phosphor compounds) as well as pesticides and micro-biological contamination due the use of chicken manure (E.Coli).

• Urban area; uncontrolled and hardly or untreated treated sewage poured in the river causing; nutrient encroachment COD, Nitrogen and Phosphor compounds) and biological contamination (E.Coli and other pathogens).

Overall organic pollution (mainly domestic sewage) is the biggest pollutant in the Upper-Bertam catchment. It originates from sewage and fertilizers (animal fertilizers as chicken manure), through point sources (hardly or non treated domestic sewage) and non-point sources as agricultural runoff. This organic pollution also causes very severe micro-biological contamination with bacteria and viruses, which can cause diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and virus infections. 7.2.2 Pesticides Banned pesticides of the persistent Organochlorine group (i.e. POP’s: DDT, Heptachlor, Aldrin and Dieldrin) are still used in the Cameron Highlands. On 10th April 2005 the presence of DDT was found (by COSMO! Newspaper & R.E.A.C.H.) before the Sungai Burong drinking water intake (a tributary of the Upper-Bertam) and was detected in a concentration of 1920 µg/l (t-DDT)!!! (almost 20.000 times higher than allowed according to INWQS class II). In this research residue levels of Alfa-Endosulfan, Endosulfan-sulfate and of Alfa-HCH (Lindane) are found in the Sg. Bertam. The presence of measurable pesticide-levels in the rivers is highly undesirable, but the presence of banned pesticides in the rivers is absolutely unacceptable. 7.2.3 (Heavy) metals (Heavy) metals are found in fertilizers, waste dumping and sewage. None of the found concentrations of (heavy) metals were unacceptably high, but attention should be given from their origin as anthropogenic disturbance; and this should be regarded as significant.



7.2.4 Nutrients Very severe nutrient encroachment occurs due; (hardly or untreated) sewage and agricultural runoff (fertilizers). According to “Recommended Raw Water quality Criteria of the WHO” Nitrogen concentrations are exceeded at almost all sampling points in ranges of 2 to 17 times during both AWF and HWF; although during AWF much lower concentrations were found. The present phosphor concentrations and COD at most sampling points are so high that it causes severe Eutrophication. COD is exceeded (“Recommended Raw Water quality Criteria of the WHO”) at almost all sampling points in ranges of 2 to 50 times during both AWF and HWF. However sewage is by far the biggest pollutant and pollution with sewage is very evident in the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment; causing massive algae growth, sewage fungi, a strong smell of the water and causing health risks regarding micro-biological contamination with E.Coli. Due a huge lack of appropriate sewage treatment systems almost all the sewage is discharged “raw”. The concentration of nutrients that are found are unacceptably high and do not support aquatic live of any quality, is highly un-aesthetic (algae bloom i.e.) and causes health risks by (blue) algae bloom and supporting a good environment for pathogenic organisms to sustain and multiply. 7.2.5 Micro-biological contamination In the Upper-Bertam the bacterial contamination (E.Coli.) is mainly caused due uncontrolled pouring in of insufficient or non-treated sewage (domestic waste water) and the extensive use of chicken manure as fertilizers in agriculture as well as dumping of organic waste (meat) in or near the river. High levels of E.Coli (and other pathogens) are found in the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment. E.Coli was present in all samples and in levels that often were too high to count (>200 CFU). These high levels are unacceptably and do not meet the clean water standards of the World Health Organization (<10 Coliforms and no faecal Coliform for 100 ml of untreated water). Regarding this fact the rivers should be characterized as severely contaminated (= thus a biohazard) and requires extensive treatment for drinking water. 7.2.6 Suspended solids Siltation is the most significant source of water quality deterioration. Most important source is agriculture on steep slopes, but also land clearing and construction are important sources. Of the total of 71.218 ha of the Cameron Highlands only 3.292 ha is suitable for agriculture, because of slope gradient; less then 25° and soil type. The use as agricultural land however exceeds 5.890 ha, which implicates that 2.598.3 ha is indiscriminately used for agricultural purposes (almost 45%). The sedimentation in the TNB Ringlet Reservoir (Upper-Bertam is the most important river flowing into the reservoir) has increased 9 times in a period of 25 years. High concentrations of Suspended Solids in the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment cause massive siltation and sedimentation of the TNB Ringlet Reservoir and destroys any present aquatic ecology of some quality. Concentrations of Suspended Solids found were in the ranges of 1800-4100 mg/l (!) during HWF. The Sg. Bertam can be classified as of Class III (according to classification system of Department of Environment & INWQS) at AWF and Class V during HWF. Meaning that the water quality AWF is very low going to HWF extremely low. Some of the tributaries have ‘’reasonable water quality’’ with classes IIA/B and III). The potential for clean water in the polluted rivers is very high, since the original mountain streams in the catchment have shown to hold water of perfect quality. It is sole due pollution caused by anthropogenic influence that the water quality deteriorates from that.



7.3 Ecological appraisal The typical mountainous ecosystem of the Upper-Bertam catchment with fast flowing, cool and very low-nutrient forest streams, forms the biotope of a vast diversity of rare aquatic macro invertebrates. The upper-reaches of the tributaries and of the Bertam river itself are of the original undisturbed ecological quality, without anthropogenic influence (only tapping). These streams house the typical indicators of fast flowing, oxygen rich, nutrient-poor aquatic habitats on rocky-bottom that is typical for this mountainous part of the catchment. The aquatic macro invertebrate community in these parts was complied of mainly Stonefly-larvae, Caddisfly-larvae and Mayfly-larvae (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) of many different individual species. Together with these families many other were found including Freshwater Crabs (Decapoda) and Dragonfly-larvae (Odonata). The water quality of these waters is outstanding and perfect. Every other part of the river system, ranges from ecological very poor to ecologically almost dead. The aquatic macro-invertebrate community there was mainly compiled of Leeches, Snails and Red Mosquito-larvae (Hirundinae, Gastropoda and Chironomidae). The water quality ranged from very heavy polluted to extremely polluted. The addition of the sewage of the town of Brinchang and later the sewage of the town of Tanah Rata is very evident. The invasive fish species Guppy (Gambusia affinis) was extremely abundant. 7.4 Legislation & policies Agenda 21's Chapter 13 "Managing fragile ecosystems: sustainable mountain development", placed mountains on an equal footing with climate change, tropical deforestation and desertification as a key issue in the global debate on environment and development. As a signatory of this conference and of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Malaysia has an international obligation to conserve natural biodiversity within its borders The Environmental Quality (Sewage and Industrial Effluents) Regulations 1979 and Sewerage services Act & Regulations 2002 prescribe regulations for the treatment of waste water and effluent in rivers. In this research it was concluded that the sewage treatment plant at Tanah Rata is not in active operation and produces ‘raw’ effluent. The Pesticides Act 1974 gives the allowable pesticides for usage in agriculture. Regarding the wide spread use of pesticides banned on this list (and their proven existence in river water) it seems that enforcement of this law is a problem. The Environmental Quality Act 1974 requires all prescribed premises to be licensed and states requirements to operation. There are also restrictions on pollution of rivers which prohibits any discharge of any waste unless licensed into any river, drains or lakes. The Department of Environment (DOE) should control and enforce this package of laws; but they do not seem the give any priority to this. Many of the farms are illegally operated and no legal action whatsoever is taken. So again a (huge) lack of proper governmental control of illegal activities seems to be a problem.



The Department of Irrigation and Drainage recommends a protection zone of 46 m width alongside riverbanks. In the Cameron Highlands and especially the Upper-Bertam catchment agricultural land is up to the river bank with absolutely no riparian zones in between. This is causing significant siltation and the flow of pesticides and nutrients to the rivers. Water catchment areas upstream of drinking water intakes should officially be gazetted under section 10(e) of the National Forestry Act 1984. This did not took place and a as result of that the rivers of the Upper-Bertam catchment face severe pollution problems because water polluting activates take place on a large scale within the headwaters of the Upper-Bertam.



8. Recommendations 8.1. The final objectives on the long term for the Upper-Bertam catchment in which this research projects would like to contribute positively is realizing the potentials of the Upper-Bertam catchment as:

• A river system with outstanding river water quality of high ecological, environmental and aesthetic value that is safe for recreation;

• Conserving the rare and important ecosystem with river water of good quality; • Ensuring sufficient water resources of good quality for the use as drinking water and

irrigation as well as for nature. 8.1.2 In practise: points of immediate action: Governmental action:

8. Action plans should be made on the short term by the Land Office to cope with necessary environmental protection. ( to handle and realize the recommendations made in this report)

9. Riparian buffer zones of at least 50 (according to guidelines DID) meters to the river

course should be gazetted and enforced by the Land Office. (reduction TDS, (in) organic pollution and pesticides in rivers)

10. The usage and trade of banned pesticides should be strictly controlled by the Police.

(reduction pesticides in rivers)

11. The further expansion of agriculture should be controlled strictly to minimize loss of biodiversity and pollution. Existing (illegal) agricultural land should be moved to designated agricultural development areas. (reduction TDS, (in) organic pollution and pesticides in rivers)

12. The responsible governmental agencies (DOE, DOA, DID, Land Office, Police) should

control and take legal action against illegal tapping and discharging of waste water. (reduction organic pollution and micro biological contamination rivers)

13. An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be submitted together with all intended

earthworks and the Land Office should strictly control this. (reduction TSS in rivers) Point of practical technological action:

14. Governmental sewage treatment facilities should be built and operated for the whole townships of Brinchang and Tanah Rata in which over 90% of the producers of domestic waste water are connected (reduction organic pollution and micro biological contamination rivers)

Point of communicative action: The Adopt-a-river-programme; a programme in which water quality of rivers is tested interactively with the public and volunteers should be set-up as one of the follow-up projects of this research project. The NGO’s W.W.F. and R.E.A.C.H. will set-up this project. They need support however from the Land Office. A website can be hosted by the website of DOE; supplying direct awareness and informing on water quality.



The full recommendations of this research project are: Time scale: Immediate action: within 1 year Intermediate time scale: within 10 years Long term time scale: within 20 years 8.2 Area appraisal Recommendation 8.2.1: sustainable management Water resources of the Upper-Bertam catchment should be managed in a sustainable manner emphasizing water demand management and water catchment protection. The Upper-Bertam catchment supplies not only water for the Cameron Highlands, but also forms the source for water intakes in the lowlands (i.e. Sungai Pahang). This puts tremendous pressure on the responsibility of water usage and dealing with water pollution. Therefore it is of vital importance to protect and manage the Upper-Bertam catchment in a sustainable way focusing also on the long term. This water supply management should aim on managing and reducing demand, increasing water utilization efficiency, reducing water wastage, reduce water pollution of sewage by water treatment and minimizing agricultural runoff. Responsible agency or body: Land Office Time scale: long term time scale

Recommendation 8.2.2 agricultural development areas Some valleys in the Upper-Bertam catchment now in other use should be gazetted and used as agricultural development areas. This can even be rain forested areas if that will prevent further wide spread expansion of agriculture. Valleys should be chosen based on slope gradient and soil type as well as function with in the water catchment. In this way agriculture is more concentrated and measures as (centralised) silt raps, water supply i.e. can be realised more effectively and is more efficiently. An EIA should be carried out before permitting a valley to be developed. Responsible agency or body: Land Office; townships of Tanah Rata and Brinchang Time scale: long term time scale Recommendation 8.2.3: natural watercourses The Land Office should protect natural watercourses and structures, and rehabilitate the water courses with civil-technical structures (channelling). Responsible agency or body: Land Office Time scale: intermediate time scale Recommendation 8.2.4: buffer areas The Land office should construct ponds and wetlands in agricultural areas to catch nutrients and sediment and serve as habitat for wildlife. Responsible agency or body: Land Office Time scale: intermediate time scale Recommendation 8.2.5: riparian buffer zones Riparian buffer zones of at least 50 meters to the river course should be gazetted and enforced by the Land Office. These riparian buffer zones act as a filter to intercept and absorb excess nutrients, sediment and pesticides from agricultural runoff. Vegetation in these areas provide a



multitude of barriers that slow and intercept runoff and pollutants. This slowdown enables a number of pollution-attenuating functions to occur. Responsible agency or body: Land office & Police (enforcement) Time scale: immediate action 8.3 Chemical appraisal Recommendation 8.3.1: rain shelters Responsible governmental agencies should promote the use of rain shelters, in this way a reduction in fertilizer inputs can be achieved as well as adoption of integrated pest management practices resulting in a reduced pesticide input. Responsible agency or body: Police (enforcement) and DOA Time scale: short term time scale Recommendation 8.3.2: illegal pesticides The usage, sale and trade of illegal pesticides should be strictly enforced. A close look on the present pesticides usage is recommended, in which lists of used pesticides are compiled and in which the usage of certain types is reviewed. Responsible agency or body: Police (enforcement) and DOA Time scale: immediate action Recommendation 8.3.3: sewage treatment Domestic waste water (sewage) treatment should be better organized. The use of certain waste water treatment facilities with the right specifications should be implemented in law and the output water quality must be much better than present. Ideally centralised governmental sewage treatment facilities should be built and operated for the whole townships of Brinchang and Tanah Rata in which over 90% of the producers of domestic waste water are connected. This not only puts the responsibility of water quality entirely with the government, but also ensures a stable and reliable tenure of operation and output water quality. The operation of these facilities is much more cost-effective and produces output water of extremely good quality (over 99% of nutrients is removed). They can be relatively small using the active sludge technique, but have a huge capacity. Responsible agency or body: Land Office and DID Time scale: intermediate time scale 8.4 Ecological appraisal Recommendation 8.4.1: water quality assessments DOE should assess on a regular basis both chemical and biological river water quality of the Upper-Bertam and the most important tributaries. This routinely monitoring data should best be placed on a website with general information about the environment and actors in water pollution. Such an interactive website were people can look for ‘’their’’ water quality of their own neighbourhood can be combined with awareness raising (by supplying information about what is ‘’good’’ and what is ‘’wrong’’ and what there is to do yourself). Data and data-credibility should be assessed by the Parliamentary Administration. Responsible agency or body: DOE Time scale: immediate action



Recommendation 8.4.2: grass-root initiatives The quality of the ecosystem of the Upper-Bertam catchment is important for the local inhabitants. They depend on the good quality drinking water, the health of the rivers, aesthetic view and many other values of this water catchment. It is therefore important that local citizens of the Upper-Bertam catchment (residents of Brinchang Tanah Rata and Habu) should be given the opportunity to be involved in the management and improvement of their surrounding environment. Grass-root community projects that involve pro-active local community participation should have the overall aim of garnering participation and a creating a lasting sense of responsibility or ownership for the environment. One of the ways in achieving this is by the Adopt-a-river project also set-up within this research project with R.E.A.C.H. In this R.E.A.C.H. would play the management role setting-up and leading the project. The government or institutions can play an important role by assisting R.E.A.C.H. financially or with goods (for instance chemical analysis) to support the project; creating goodwill by integral NGO-Governmental collaboration. The activities of R.E.A.C.H. are perfect examples of grass-root initiatives in the area. Internationally good examples of such a project would be the Adopt-a-river projects that carried-out by the ‘Green World Foundation’ in Thailand. Responsible agency or body: Land Office, DOE, DID and Health Department Time scale: intermediate time scale 8.5 Legislation & policies Recommendation 8.5.1: Integrated River Basin Management The local government should set-up an Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) programme in which the several participants and governmental departments are united. River management in Malaysia is fragmented and placed under different government departments, each responsible for a distinct component with little or no interaction or coordination amongst them. Such sectorial division of responsibilities and tasks leads to fragmentation of the management and mismanagement, ‘’scoping’’ with responsibilities from one department to the other and a lack of appropriate enforcement by this. It is therefore important that the forest catchment areas and the rivers are viewed as an integrated living system. The usage and management of adjacent land and water in the catchment will of course affect the river water quality and quantity. It is important that ecological principles and conservation are incorporated into the management of the Upper Bertam river catchment. If not, the river will be even more abused and irreversibly damaged. Integrated River Basin Management is based on a key objective of Agenda 21, Chapter 13 - Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development. This is done by promoting integrated water catchment management by using a framework for managing and protecting the Upper-Bertam catchment, doing this also with participation of the inhabitants. Responsible agency or body: Land Office, DID, DOE and DOA Time scale: Long term time scale



Recommendation 8.5.2: legal enforcement In this research it was found that all legislation, guidelines and laws are all present to be applied. Most of these already exist for years (for instance the guideline on “Riparian buffer zones” is of 1961). Even though very little action is undertaken. It is strongly recommended to undertake action, to enforce and to carry out environmental protection; before irreversible damage occurs. Responsible agency or body: Land Office, Police and DID, DOE, DOA Time scale: immediate action Recommendation 8.5.3: environmental protection It is recommended that action plans are made by the responsible governmental agencies to coop with the proposed environmental protection activities & pollution minimization and rehabilitation. Further research will be necessary, not only towards pollution sources but also intrinsic to biodiversity i.e. macro invertebrates. Responsible agency or body: Land Office Time scale: immediate action

Recommendation 8.5.4: best agricultural practises Best agricultural practices (meaning ‘durable’ use of pesticides and fertilizers) should be promoted and facilitated in the Upper-Bertam catchment area; this is a responsibility of the government. This can not only be realised by promotion and facilitating, but by strict requirements and demands in the operation licence and enforcement based on this licence. Responsible agency or body: DOA Time scale: intermediate time scale Recommendation 8.5.5: communicating existing laws for agriculture Farmers should be given better security of tenure on their farm land to encourage long term investment and adoption of good agricultural practices. Laws, regulations and guidelines for agriculture should be stated crystal clear by responsible governmental agencies and enforced strongly. An idea is to publish leaflets in which a brief overview of laws & regulations in understandable language is given. Responsible agency or body: DOA Time scale: intermediate time scale Recommendation 8.5.6: stop expansion of agriculture The further expansion of agriculture should be controlled strictly to minimize loss of biodiversity and pollution. A maximum of 6000 hectares agricultural land is set in the Structure Plan Cameron Highlands 1998-2015. This maximum is almost reached (already 5800 hectares exists). Of the total of 5.890 ha already 2.598.3 ha is indiscriminately used for agricultural purposes (regarding slope gradient >25º and soil type) which is almost 45%. The most effective way to ensure a sustainable development and reduce pollution is by enforcement and very strict control of any further agricultural expansion. It is the task of the (local) government to undertake action on all illegal operated farms. Which means that the already existing farms (on too steep slopes or within riparian buffer zones) should be moved to agricultural development areas. Only within these specially designated areas mitigation/compensation of existing agriculture can have place. Responsible agency or body: Land Office Time scale: immediate action



Recommendation 8.5.7: protect water catchment areas Water catchment areas upstream of drinking water intakes must be gazetted as protected forest. The whole catchment area of the Upper-Bertam should be gazetted as catchment forests under section 10(e) of the National Forestry Act 1984. Which means that (water) polluting activities or activities with a risk for causing water pollution is not allowed (such as housing and agriculture). This should be enforced strictly and existing illegal situations must come to an end by governmental action. Responsible agency or body: Land Office Time scale: immediate action Recommendation 8.5.8: Erosion and Sediment Control Plan An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be submitted together with all intended earthworks and the responsible governmental agencies should strictly enforce this. Responsible agency or body: Land Office Time scale: immediate action Recommendation 8.5.9: legal action The responsible governmental agencies (DOE, DOA, DID, Land Office, Police) should enforce and take legal actions against illegal tapping (Water Act) and discharging of waste water (Environmental Quality Act). Responsible agency or body: Land Office DOE, DOA, DID and Police Time scale: immediate action Recommendation 8.5.10: undertake action on recommendations When reading to recommendations above it is appalling that most of them are not new. Most of the recommendations made in this report & research project are made before. Especially the reports: “Study for the Sustainable Development of the Highlands of Peninsular Malaysia” and ‘’Study on the Development of Hill stations” of WWF Malaysia made numerous recommendations: both general and very detailed. Many of the recommendations in this report were made by them before. Still a few years after the publication of those reports, no action is undertaken. In this research we repeat their recommendations, together with new ones in the hope and expectation that action is undertaken. Responsible agency or body: Land Office DOE, DOA, DID and Police Time scale: immediate action



Glossary Benthic - pertaining to the bottom (bed) of a water body. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) - the amount of oxygen consumed by Micro-organisms as they decompose organic materials in water. Community - the whole of the plant and animal population inhabiting a given area. Dissolved oxygen (DO) - oxygen dissolved in water and available for living organisms to use for respiration. Eutrophication - the natural and artificial addition of nutrients to a water body, which may lead to depleted oxygen concentrations. Eutrophication is a natural process that is frequently accelerated and intensified by human activities. Land uses - activities that take place on the land, such as construction, farming, or tree clearing. Macro invertebrate - organisms that lack a backbone and can be seen with the naked eye. Riffle - shallow area in a stream where water flows swiftly over gravel and rock. Riparian - of or pertaining to the banks of a body of water. Riparian zone - the vegetative area on each bank of a body of water. Substrate - refers to a surface. This includes the material comprising the stream bed or the surfaces to which plants or animals may attach or live upon. Taxon (plural taxa) - a level of classification within a scientific system that categorizes living organisms based on their physical characteristics. Taxonomic key - a quick reference guide used to identify organisms. They are available in varying degrees of complexity and detail. Tolerance - the ability to withstand a particular condition, e.g., pollution-tolerant indicates the ability to live in polluted waters. Tributaries - a body of water that drains into another, typically larger, body of water. Turbidity - murkiness or cloudiness of water, indicating the presence of some suspended sediments, dissolved solids, natural or manmade chemicals, algae, etc. Water quality standards - written goals for water quality Water catchment - The definition of what comprises a water catchment or river basin varies according to the context. Water catchment refers to the land area in the upper reaches of the river system (in the highlands and mainly forested) which feeds into a stream/river.



Consulted sources Literature & Reports:

1. A study on pollution prevention and water quality improvement program of rivers in Cameron Highlands, National Seminar, March 2005, HANDOUTS, Government of Malaysia, Adroit Consulting Engineers

2. A study on pollution prevention and water quality improvement program of rivers in Cameron Highlands, National Seminar, March 2005, HANDOUT Biodiversity and Natural resource management of Cameron Highlands, Government of Malaysia, Adroit Consulting Engineers

3. A study on pollution prevention and water quality improvement program of rivers in Cameron Highlands, National Seminar, March 2005, HANDOUT Baseline Environment; Land use in Cameron Highlands District, Government of Malaysia, Adroit Consulting Engineers

4. Abdullah, Shahrizaila, 2003, Country Dialogue on Water, Food and Environment, concept and Process – A Malaysian Experience

5. Cameron Highlands Structure Plan 1998-2010, Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands

6. Dr. Nik & Associates, Government of Pahang, Jabatan Pengairan Dan Saliran Pahang, 2004, Drainage master plan study and flood mitigation project for Cameron Highlands

7. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, 1997, Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual, EPA

8. Genet, J, Chirhart, J, 2004, Development of a Macro invertebrate Index of Biological Integrity (MIBI) for Rivers and Streams of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Biological Monitoring Program

9. Hashim, A. Ir, National Seminar, March 2005, HANDOUT Formulation of integrated sediment and erosion controls measures for pollution prevention and water quality improvement of rivers in Cameron Highland, Government of Malaysia, Adroit Consulting Engineers

10. Hashim, A. Ir, National Seminar, March 2005, HANDOUT Integrated catchment management strategic plan for pollution prevention and water quality improvement of rivers in Cameron Highland, Government of Malaysia, Adroit Consulting Engineers

11. Hashim, Alias, Ir, 2005, Soil erosion and sedimentation issues and possible control measures in Cameron Highlands, Adroit Consulting Engineers

12. Hashim, G.M, Rahaman, A.H. 2005, Soil erosion and water pollution in Cameron Highlands: conservation strategies, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI)

13. Hashim, G.M., Wan Yusoff, W.A., 2003, Environmental Issues In Highlands Agriculture, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI)

14. Ibrahim I, Ir, National Seminar, March 2005, HANDOUT Water quality modelling, Government of Malaysia, Adroit Consulting Engineers

15. Kanjanavanit, Oy, Moonchinda, Niromon , 2002, Handbook for Stream detectives The Green World Foundation



16. Kumaran, S, Ainuddin, A. N., 2004, Forests, Water and Climate of Cameron Highlands, Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

17. Kumaran, S, The Highland ecosystems: The urgency for conservation and protection, WWF Malaysia

18. Mohd. Idris, S.M. a.o.1997, State of The Environment In Malaysia, Consumers Association of Penang and Sahabat Alam Malaysia

19. Mohd. Long, S, Abang, F, Rahim, K.A, 2002, The macro invertebrate community of the fast flowing rivers in the Crocker Range National Park Sabah, Malaysia, ASEAN Review of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (ARBEC)

20. Salam, M, N, A, Tang, J, Aquatic biota studies in the Selangor river basin, WWF Malaysia

21. Samad, F, A, Ir, Dr, 2003, Dialogue on Water, Food and Environment: sectorial level

22. Tenaga Nasional Berhad Research, 2003, Appendices, DEIA for The Proposed Rehabilitation of Ringlet Reservoir, Cameron Highlands, TNB

23. Tenaga Nasional Berhad Research, 2003, Comments of REACH, DOE and WWF on Supplementary Report, DEIA for The Proposed Rehabilitation of Ringlet Reservoir, Cameron Highlands, TNB

24. Tenaga Nasional Berhad Research, 2003, DEIA for The Proposed Rehabilitation of Ringlet Reservoir, Cameron Highlands, TNB

25. Tenaga Nasional Berhad Research, 2004, Additional Information, DEIA for The Proposed Rehabilitation of Ringlet Reservoir, Cameron Highlands, TNB

26. Tenaga Nasional Berhad Research, 2004, Supplementary Report, DEIA for The Proposed Rehabilitation of Ringlet Reservoir, Cameron Highlands, TNB

27. Whitmore, T.C. 1984, Tropical Rain Forests of the Far East, London: Oxford University Press.

28. WWF Malaysia, 2001, Study for the Sustainable Development of the Highlands of Peninsular Malaysia, Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department

29. WWF Malaysia, 2001, Study on the Development of Hill stations”, Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department

30. WWF Malaysia, 2003, Water for Life presentation 31. Wyatt-Smith, J. 1963, Manual of Malayan Silviculture for Inland Forests



Internet sources:

A. www.lenntech.com Lentech 14/04/05 http://www.lenntech.com/drinking-water-standards.htm

B. www.who.int.en 20/04/05

http://www.wpro.who.int/health_topics/water_sanitation_and_hygiene/

C. www.reach.org.my 10/05/05 http://www.reach.org.my/index.php?option=content&task=category&sectionid=17&id=31&Itemid=55

D. www.greenworld.org.th 21/03/05

http://www.greenworld.or.th/2_gwf.htm

E. www.environmentagency.gov.uk 18/03/5 http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/yourenv/eff/wildlife/inverts/fresh_inverts/545851/545897/?lang=_e&theme=&region=&subject=&searchfor=water+quality+invertebrate&any_all=&choose_order=&exactphrase=&withoutwords=

Interviews & oral comment:

I. Mr. Ramakrishnan Ramasamy A.M.N, president REACH II. Dr. T.L. Liau, Vice President REACH III. Mr. Amran Nazar Khan, committee Member REACH IV. Mr. Sanath Kuruman, WWF senior scientific officer V. Mrs. Joanna Tang, WWF senior scientific officer

VI. Mr. Kaliyannan Karipurah, local ecological specialist VII. Presentation Adroit Consultancy 9th March 2005, Merlinn Hotel Brinchang



Appendix 1: Problem Tree

Overall Problem: deterioration of water quality of the Sungai Bertam catchment, Cameron Highlands

Problem: continuing and increasing water pollution

Bad agricultural practice Urban and agricultural development & expansion

Poor integrated basin management

Loss of natural resources and biodiversity

Public risks Economic withdrawals

Water shortage Negative effects on down-stream users

Soil less fertile Increased surface run-off

Polluted run-off

Risk of flooding Siltation of rivers Water pollution

Landslides Loss of forest cover

Excessive use of fertiliser Use of illegal pesticides Illegal development of agricultural land (Illegal) forest logging

Absence of integrated management plan Lack of coordination between

governmental agencies and departments

Lack of integrated and sustainable spatial planning attributes Lack of enforcement

Lack of expertise

Lack of empowerment and capacity of community & (local) government in enforcement of environmental degrading activities

Negative impacts on socio-economy and quality of environment of Cameron Highlands

Flora, fauna and biodiversity under pressure and threatened Aesthetic/landscape/tourism appeal of Cameron Highlands

damaged



Appendix 2: satellite map of Upper-Bertam catchment From NASA World-wind programme



Appendix 3: Map sampling locations Chemical & Ecological Appraisal

Study on river water quality of the Upper Bertam catchment – part 2 – system analysis

Saxion University Deventer Institute of Spatial Planning and Environmental Science

141

Detailed sampling locations



142

Appendix 4: Result chemical analysis

Principle sampling points fact sheet AWF Sampling stations unit SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4

pH points 6.32 7.08 6.93 7.04 EC µS/cm 9 66 63 47

TDS mg/l 6.4 13 11 130 totN mg/l < 0.5 1.8 2.0 0.8 totP mg/l < 0.05 0.27 0.23 0.28 COD mg/l 11 10 12 14

E.Coli CFU - > 200 > 200 86 Arsenic µg/l < 2 - < 2 3

Cadmium µg/l < 0.05 - < 0.05 0.05 Chrome µg/l < 2 - < 2 3 Copper µg/l < 1 - 2 5

Lead µg/l < 1 - 1 5 Nickel µg/l < 2 - < 2 < 2 Zink µg/l < 9 - < 9 18

Mercury µg/l - - < 0.03 <0.03 Alfa-HCH µg/l - - - < 0.002

Sum a-endosulfan- and Sulphate

µg/l - - - 0.23

Macro-invertebrate BMWP points 61 22 14 9 ASPT points 5.5 3.6 2.8 2.3 Lincoln index points 6.5 3 2 1

Additional sampling points fact sheet AWF Sampling stations unit SP A SP B SP C SP D SP E

pH points 7.1 6.48 6.69 7.07 7.3 EC µS/cm 48 16 111 53 52

TDS mg/l 13 <2 12 4.8 18 totN mg/l 0.8 0.9 4.6 0.6 < 0.5 totP mg/l 0.11 0.07 0.54 0.16 0.11 COD mg/l 11 11 33 < 10 < 10

E. Coli CFU 65 52 > 200 14 59 Macro-

invertebrate

BMWP points 32 46 2 21 14 ASPT points 4.6 4.6 2 3 2.8

Lincoln index points 4 4.5 1 4.2 2



143

Principle sampling points fact sheet HWF Sampling stations unit SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4

pH points 7.41 7.12 7.17 EC µS/cm 65 62 48

TDS mg/l 67 4100 1800 930 totN mg/l 0.6 17 5.7 2.2 totP mg/l 0.07 14 2.6 1.3 COD mg/l 39 505 191 53

Arsenic µg/l < 2 - 13 8.0 Cadmium µg/l < 0.05 - 0.2 0.1 Chrome µg/l < 2 - 23 17 Copper µg/l < 1 - 15 12

Lead µg/l 1 - 60 23 Nickel µg/l < 2 - 7 5 Zink µg/l < 9 - 140 60

Mercury µg/l - - 0.2 0.05 Alfa-HCH µg/l - - - 0.0060

Sum a-endosulfan- and Sulphate

µg/l - - - 0.36

Additional sampling points fact sheet HWF Sampling stations unit SP A SP B SP C SP D SP E

pH points 7.17 6.83 6.93 7.32 7.37 EC µS/cm 65 19 53 53 54

TDS mg/l 3900 51 870 150 67 totN mg/l 9.7 1.6 2.7 1.5 0.6 totP mg/l 8.7 0.32 1.0 0.55 0.13 COD mg/l 570 17 96 34 < 10



144

Additional notations fact sheet Rating in values from 0 to 10 with 1 absent and 10 being extremely abundant.

Average Water Flow (AWF)

topic SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4 SP A SP B SP C SP D SP E

Water colour

0 5 7 10 2 2 6 4 4

Foam presence

0 2 2 2 0 0 4 2 2

Water turbidity

0 1 2 8 1 1 3 1 1

Oil presence

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Sewage

0 8 9 7 1 0 10 1 1

Solid waste

1 5 8 3 3 3 5 5 4

Fungi

0 6 4 1 0 0 10 0 0

Algae

1 9 9 9 4 3 9 8 8

High Water Flow (HWF)

topic SP 1 SP 2 SP 3 SP 4 SP A SP B SP C SP D SP E Water colour

2 5 7 10 2 2 6 4 4

Foam presence

0 2 2 2 0 0 2 2

Water turbidity

2 10 10 10 4 2 7 7 7

Oil presence

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sewage

0 4 5 3 0 0 7 0 0

Solid waste

1 6 7 2 2 2 4 4 5

Fungi

0 6 4 1 0 0 10 0 0

Algae

1 9 9 9 4 3 9 8 8



145

Explanation topics:

• Water colour - colourless, transparent or has it a colour (maybe yellow or brown)

• Foam on the surface - might be natural or due to pollution, generally detergents or nutrients

• Water turbidity - cloudy brown due to suspended silt or organic material • Water colour dark brown - might indicate that acids are being released into

the stream due to decaying plants • Oily sheen on the water surface – multi-coloured reflection might indicate oil

floating in the stream, although some sheens are natural • Water odour can be a physical indicator of water pollution; no smell or a

natural odour or strong smell of some kind • Visible sewage - might indicate the release of human waste material • Litter or garbage in the stream-solid waste form urban use may also in clued

(partly) empty pesticide bottles • Fungi on the stream bottom- grey or whitish underwater growing fungi

indicate extremely polluted water, full with sewage. • Algae on rocks and gravel-indicating nutrient enrichment of the water, green

algae are better then the slimy brown ones (indicating severe nutrient



146

• Classification of waters according to DOE Malaysia

Classes Parameter unit I IIA IIB III IV V

pH pH 6.5-8.5

6-9 6-9 5-9 5-9 -

EC µS/cm 1000 1000 - - 6000 - TDS mg/l 500 1000 - - 4000 - COD mg/l 10 25 25 50 100 >100 BOD mg/l 1 3 3 6 12 >12 Faecal Coliforms CVU/100ml 10 100 400 2000 20.000 -

CLASS I : Conservation of natural environment water supply I practically no treatment necessary- Fishery I- very sensitive aquatic species CLASS IIA : Water supply II-conventional treatment required Fisheries II-sensitive aquatic species CLASS IIB : Recreational use with body contact CLASS III : Water supply III extensive treatment required Fisheries III - common, of economic value, and tolerant species livestock drinking CLASS IV : Irrigation CLASS V : none of the above



147

Appendix 5: Field records of chemical and Ecological sampling



148

Appendix 6: Occurring amphibians in the Cameron Highlands

Latin name English name Bufo Asper River Toad Bufo melanotictus Common Toad Ichthyophus glutinosus - Megophrys longipes - Metaphrynella pollicaris - Microhyla annectens - Amolops larutensis Larut Cascade Frog Taylorana hascheana Forest Hill Frog Limnonectes nitidus - Limnonectes paramacrodon Masked Swamp Frog Limnonectes malesianus Malayan Giant Frog Limnonectes laticeps - Limnonectes kuhlii Kuhl’s Stream Frog Limnonectes blythii Blyth’s Giant Frog Rana nigrovittata Darked-sided Frog Rana luctuosa - Rana hosii Hose’s Rock Frog Rana chalconata White-lipped Frog Philautus petersi Brown Tree Frog Polypedates leucomystax Common Tree Frog Rhacophorus promianus Malayan Tree Frog Rhacophorus bipunctatus Twin Spotted Tree Frog Amphibian species occurring in the Cameron Highlands2



149

Appendix 7: fact sheet BMWP of the sampling stations water

quality Good to excellent Average Poor to very polluted

scoring BMWP

10 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

tolerance classes

I II III

animal group

Ephe

mer

opte

ra

Plec

opte

ra

Hete

ropt

era

Trich

opter

a (c

ased

)

Odon

ata

Trich

opter

a (ca

sed)

De

capo

da*

Coleo

ptera

(Elm

idae)

*

Ephe

mer

opte

ra

Plec

opte

ra

Trich

opter

a

Gastr

opod

a Co

leopt

era

Pelec

ypod

a Am

phipo

da

Hem

ipter

a Co

leopt

era

Trich

opter

a (u

ncas

ed)

Dipt

era

Ephe

mer

opte

ra

Meg

alopt

era

Hiru

dinea

Gastr

opod

a Pe

lecyp

oda

Hiru

dinea

Iso

poda

Pl

anar

ia*

Dipt

era

(Chir

onim

idae)

(Olig

ocha

eta)

SP 1 1 11 0 0 8 0 25 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 SP 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 28 0 9 0 0 211 18 SP 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 91 0 36 0 0 188 16 SP 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 48 0 21 0 0 27 10 SP A 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 14 0 9 0 0 11 10 SP B 0 0 0 0 20 56 0 0 0 0 0 10 4 0 0 0 81 93 0 0 0 0 52 0 6 0 4 11 0 SP C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 314 0 SP D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 18 0 48 441 28 SP E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 1 0 6 0 0 4 2 RF 3 14 0 0 20 10 0 3 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 30 4

* Not in BMWP system



150

Appendix 8: BMWP Scoring Index System (after Armitage et tal, 1983)

Order Family Score Ephemeroptera Ephemerellidae, Ephemeridae, Heptageniidae,

Leptophlebiidae, Potamanthidae, Siphlonuridae, 10 Plecoptera Capniidae, Chloroperlidae, Leuctridae, Perlidae,

Perlodidae, Taeniopterygidae Heteroptera Aphelocheiridae Trichoptera (cased)

Phryganeidae, Molannidae, Beraeidae, Odontoceridae, Leptoceridae, Goeridae, Lepidostomatidae, Brachycentridae, Sericostomatidae

Odonata Damselflies: Lestidae, Agriidae (i.e. Calopterygidae) 8

Dragonflies: Gomphidae, Cordulegastridae, Aeshnidae (darters)

Trichoptera (cased) Psychomyiidae, Philopotamidae Ephemeroptera Caenidae 7 Plecoptera Nemouridae Trichoptera Uncased: Rhyacophilidae, Polycentropodidae Cased: Limnephilidae Gastropoda Neritidae, Vulperidae , Abcylidae 6 Coleoptera Hydrophilidae (water scavenger beetles) Pelecypoda Unionidae Amphipoda Corophiidae, Gammaridae Platynemididae, Coenagridae Hemiptera Mesoveliidae, Hydrometridae, Gerridae, Nepidae,

Kjuceridae , Notonectidae, Pleidae, Corixidae, 5 Coleoptera Halplidae (crawling water beetles), Hygrobidae,

Dytiscidae (predaceous diving beetle), Gyrinidae (whirligig beetles), Hydrophilidae (water scavenger beetles),

Clambidae , Helodidae (Scirtidae or marsh beetles), Dryopidae (long-toed water beetles), Elmenthidae , Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles), Curculionidae (weevils)

Trichoptera (uncased) Hydropsychidae Diptera Tipulidae, Simulidae (blackfly larvae) Planariidae, Dendrocoelidae Ephemeroptera Baetidae 4 Megaloptera Sialidae Hirudinea Pisticolidae (leeches)

Gastropoda Valvalidae, Hydrobiidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Planorbidae 3

Pelecypoda Sphaeriidae Hirudinea Glossiphoniidae, Elmodidae , Erebdellidae Isopoda Ascellidae Diptera Chironomidae 2 Oligochaeta (whole class) 1



151

Appendix 9: Water quality classification with biological indices

Water quality classification based on BMWP index and ASPT index

Biotic Index Range of Scores Water Quality BMWP (Armitage et. al., 1983, but adopted for the situation of the Cameron Highlands i.e. altitudinal zonation of species occurrence))

> 66 49 - 65 33 – 49 17 – 33 0 - 16

Very good Good Moderately good Bad Very bad

ASPT (Average Score Per Taxon; original scoring)

0 – 2.9 – 4.9 5.0 – 5.9 6.0 – 7.9 8.0 – 10.0

Very polluted Polluted Moderately polluted Moderately clean Clean Very clean

Water quality rating for Lincoln Quality Index (after Extence et. al, 1987)

Overall Quality Rating Index Water quality 6+ A++ Very good 5.5 A+ Very good 5 A Very good 4.5 B Good 4 C Good 3.5 D Moderately polluted 3 E Moderately polluted 2.5 F Polluted 2 G Polluted 1.5 H Very polluted 1 I Very polluted Rating Standards for Lincoln index (adapted to BMWP scoring of this research project)

BMWP Score X Rating 60 + 7 50 – 59 6 40 – 49 5 30 – 39 4 20 – 29 3 10 – 19 2 0 – 9 1 ASPT Y Rating 6.0 + 7 5.5 – 5.9 6 5.1 – 5.4 5 4.6 – 5.0 4 3.6 – 4.5 3 2.6 – 3.5 2 0 – 2.5 1



152

Appendix 10: Vegetation zones on the Mountain Range of Malaysia27

Upper montane

Lower montane

Lowland

Forest Formation Floristic zones

Montane ericaceous

Oak-laurel

Upper Dipterocarp

Hill Dipterocarp

Lowland Dipterocarp

Important groups Coniferae Ericaceae Myrtaceae Fagaceae Lauraceae Shorea platyclados, S. ciliata, S. ovata, Dipterocarpus retusus As below + Shorea curtisii Numerous dipterocarps espcially Dipterocarpus spp. Shorea spp. and Dryobalanops aromatica

Elev

atio

n (m

)

1500

750



153

Appendix 11: Facts: DDT in sg. Burong 09/04/05

Summarizing:

• Total DDT concentration in sg. Burong (include metabolites: DDD and DDE) = 1.92 mg/l (!!!) = 1920 µg/l

• DDT (Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane) is a POP

(Persistent Organochlorine Pesticide)

• DDT is associated with causing (chronic intake, so in low concentrations): decreased fertility, still births, damage to liver, nervous system, immune system and kidneys

• Half Time (the time after which the concentration is reduced

with 50%) of DDT in nature = 2 to 15 years

• LC50 fish = 10µg/l, (Lethal Concentration 50% mortality; the deadly concentration within 96 hours), so concentration in sg. Burong is high enough to kill all the fish in the stream by 200 X

• Other water animals (aquatic macro-invertebrates) are more sensitive with over 400 X exceeding the deadly concentration

• Class II Interim National Water Quality Standards for

Malaysia t-DDT = maximum 0.1 µg/l • (Class II waters are rivers used for water supply with

conventional (very limited) treatment) • Concentration DDT (total) is exceeded with 19.200 X (!!!)

• According to the National Drinking Water Standards

(NDWS) t-DDT = maximum 1 µg/l • This water ends up in the JBA sg. Burong water in take,

when the concentration is after treatment still the same (very likely), the concentration exceeds the (NDWS) 1920 X

Concentration t-DDT = 1.92 mg/l 200 times deadly for fish 400 times for other water animals Exceeds water quality standards with nearly 20.000 times If in drinking water, exceeds quality standards nearly 2000 times



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Appendix 12: Facts: Rehabilitation project Ringlet Reservoir: facts26

TNB spends 150 million RM on a 2,5 year desiltation-project

Removing 2,2 million m3 polluted sediment

to a pristine Rainforest area

The yearly inflow of silt at this moment is 550.000 m3/year, (which is flowing in at the

same time of the project)

So 1,5 year after finishing the project, it has to start all over again to remove again those

2,2 million m3 of sediment

Agriculture in the Upper-Bertam valley (most important influx of silt in the Ringlet

Reservoir) is likely to double (at the least) in the next 10 years

water quality cameron highlands

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