Sustainable Lake Management :
The Malaysian Scenario
UNMC Environmental Seminar Series
The UNMC School of Geography is pleased to host a series of lectures on topical environmental issues through which we hope to raise public awareness and interest. The programme is aimed at the general public and assumes no expert or prior knowledge. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.
RSVP to Carol.DCruz@nottingham.edu.my and/or Lawal.Billa@nottingham.edu.my
Tuesday 15 April 2014 ; Time : 11:00 am
Venue: UNMC Semenyih Room:
Abstract
Lakes, reservoir, ponds are standing waters which is an expression of the ecological, and anthropogenic state of water with human and nature interaction. It is a complex ecosystem with a lot of species of flora and fauna interacting with each other and the environment. Lake waters have multitude uses which include water supply, industrial, power generation, navigation, irrigation and for waste disposal. In addition, the enchanting scenery of the lakes is an ideal destination for nature lovers, tourist and holiday makers. Variations of water quality in a water body may have four dimensions: longitudinal, transverse, vertical and time. While the water quality of most water bodies may vary significantly longitudinally, transversely and temporally, deep lakes are more likely to exhibit significant variation in water quality with depth. Certain physico-chemical properties may also be influenced by the day and night cycle as affected by UV radiation/sunlight and temperature. The accurate and useful interpretation of data gathered from a monitoring survey of lake water quality requires a relatively complete understanding of basic limnology. There are many examples of the assessment of the water quality and ecology of lakes in the published literature. However, most of such studies of lake ecosystems have been conducted in the temperate zone. A study on lake eutrophication was conducted in 2005 for 90 major lakes and reservoirs in Malaysia. The finding shows that 62 per cent of the lakes are eutrophic and 38 per cent are considered mesotrophic. Eutrophication is a process whereby water bodies, such as lakes receive excess nutrients that stimulate excessive plant growth (algae and nuisance plants weeds). This enhanced plant growth, often called an algae bloom. It reduces dissolved oxygen in the water when dead plant material decomposes and can cause other organisms to die. Water with a low concentration of dissolved oxygen is called hypoxic. Hence if the condition in the lake is not closely monitored, including that of changes in the diurnal and depth profiles of key parameters, then sudden problems may emerge. It is therefore essential that early signs of potential problems are identified. It is hoped that the on-going efforts will contribute to the body of knowledge of tropical lake ecosystems..
About Dr. Pauziah
Dr Pauziah Hanum Abdul Ghani holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). 28 years with the Department of Environment (DOE) majoring in EIA, Water Quality, Marine Pollution, Toxic Waste Management, and lake water quality restoration. Dr Pauziah is currently the project Director for the Putrajaya Lake Management Program.
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