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Along the Bertam Catchment, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, a study was conducted based on water sampling from different points. The study was done to investigate the spatial variability of the physico-chemical parameters with reference to varying anthropogenic activities. A total of sixteen water quality parameters were analyzed. Analytical results showed that electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids exhibited similar spatial variations and were higher in Lower Bertam than Upper. Total suspended solids concentrations ranged widely and were much higher than standards, due to higher soil erosion and sedimentation. Nutrient variables showed significance spatial variations influenced by anthropogenic activities. Among the tributaries, Sungai Jasar showed higher variations in almost all parameters than others. This study demonstrates that the water quality at stations around urban and agricultural areas is becoming deteriorated. Improvement of domestic waste treatment methods, agricultural practices and unplanned land clearing is pre-requisite to preserve the water quality from further deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatio-temporal variability of water quality associated with anthropogenic activities was studied for the Bertam River and its main tributaries within the Bertam Catchment, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. A number of physico-chemical parameters of collected samples were analyzed to evaluate their spatio-temporal variability. Nonparametric statistical analysis showed significant temporal and spatial differences (p < 0.05) in most of the parameters across the catchment. Parameters except dissolved oxygen and chemical oxygen demand displayed higher values in rainy season. The higher concentration of total suspended solids was caused by massive soil erosion and sedimentation. Seasonal variations in contaminant concentrations are largely affected by precipitation and anthropogenic influences. Untreated domestic wastewater discharge as well as agricultural runoff significantly influenced the water quality. Poor agricultural practices and development activities at slope areas also affected the water quality within the catchment. The analytical results provided a basis for protection of river environments and ecological restoration in mountainous Bertam Catchment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]