LAND USE CHANGES AND WATER QUALITY IN BERNAM RIVER BASIN 2008-2018Hashim, M., Toriman, M.E. and Setyowati, D.L.Abstract Human exploration activities around river basin areas for development purposes have affected the river basin ecosystem, and especially the quality of river water. This study aims to assess the land use changes and Water Quality Index (WQI) in the Bernam River Basin. The secondary data sources used were land use maps of the Bernam River Basin in 2008, 2015 and 2018 as well as water quality data from 2008 to 2018. This study involved a mapping analysis and measurement of water quality based on the WQI set by the Department of Environment. The results of the study showed that there were relatively significant changes in land use, where forest and water body types of land use had decreased, while built-up and agricultural types of land use had increased. The findings also showed that the quality of water resources in the upstream area of the Bernam River Basin was still in Class II, which is a clean status. The implications of this study can help those responsible for planning the development around the Bernam River Basin to maintain the sustainability of the river basin so that the local people can still benefit from it in the future. |