Water Quality Assessment of the Inanam River in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Authors

  • Fera Cleophas Enviro-LL, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
  • Nur Zaida Zahari Rural Water Supply Living Lab, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
  • Farrah Anis Fazliatul Adnan Small Island Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
  • Kamsia Budin Enviro-LL, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
  • Hardianshah Saleh Rural Water Supply Living Lab, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
  • Baba Musta Rural Water Supply Living Lab, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54987/jemat.v13i1.1108

Keywords:

Urban river, Water Quality Index, National Water Quality Standard, Physicochemical parameters, Biological indicators

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the water quality of the Inanam River, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, across four sampling stations from upstream to downstream. Both in-situ and ex-situ analyses were performed to evaluate physicochemical and biological parameters, including BOD, COD, ammoniacal nitrogen (AN), TSS, DO, pH, temperature, TDS, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), fecal coliform, and total coliform. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was determined following Malaysia’s National Water Quality Standards (NWQS). Findings reveal that the Inanam River falls into Class II and Class III categories, with DO, COD, and AN levels in several locations meeting or exceeding Class III thresholds, particularly in downstream segments. Urban stretches exhibited the most significant water quality deterioration, highlighting the urgent need for targeted pollution control and management interventions.

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Published

31.07.2025

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Water Quality Assessment of the Inanam River in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. (2025). Journal of Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology, 13(1), 28-32. https://doi.org/10.54987/jemat.v13i1.1108