Assessment of Water Quality in Selangor, Malaysia during the Pandemic Movement Control Order

Abstract

The COVID-19 lockdown reduced the amount of human activity in Selangor, resulting in improved water quality, less water pollution, and a restored ecosystem. The purpose of this research was to investigate water quality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as changes in water pollution. After acquiring all of the data from third-party sources, this study analyzed the data using a methodical and statistical approach to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Selangor. The purpose of the data analysis was to determine whether the parameters in the water samples met the Malaysian water quality standard. To summarise, there were positive impacts on DO, TSS, ammoniacal nitrogen, and turbidity during the pandemic lockdown period, but negative impacts on BOD, COD, and pH levels. The National Water Quality Standards (NWQS) (2022) also indicated that typical water resources remained polluted and that moderation activities for pH, ammoniacal nitrogen, and turbidity parameter were required to assure improved water resources in 2023. This observation was further demonstrated and agreed upon as the impact of the blockade became evident and the anthropogenic impact on water quality became apparent. Based on observations and analysis, it is possible to highlight the positive and negative aspects of the pandemic lockdown period in terms of water quality and wastewater in Selangor.