Assessment of Water Pollution Levels in Lake Batur, Indonesia and their Effect on Water Weed Presence

Authors

Syarif Prasetyo, Research Center for Limnology and Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, IndonesiaFollow
Tri Retnaningsih Soeprobowati, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
Tirtaduna Tirtaduna, Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, IndonesiaFollow
Agus Purnomo, Research Center for Society and Culture, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, IndonesiaFollow
Sri Hartati, Research Center for Conservation of Marine and Inland Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, IndonesiaFollow
Umi Chodrijah, Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, IndonesiaFollow
Prihatiningsih Prihatiningsih, Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, IndonesiaFollow
Ari Wahyono, Research Center for Society and Culture, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, IndonesiaFollow
Jumari Jumari, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
Rossi Prabowo, Agribusiness Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Wahid Hasyim, IndonesiaFollow

Publication Date

3-1-2025

Abstract

Lake Batur in Bangli Regency, Bali Province is a priority area for ecological quality restoration in Indonesia due to its vulnerability to environmental changes caused by diverse and intensive utilization. Agricultural activities, fisheries, and tourism affect the lake’s water quality, leading to the uncontrolled growth of water weeds such as water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). To determine the relationship between water quality, community activities, and water weed presence, water samples were collected from 9 locations consisting of residential, tourist, aquaculture, and agricultural areas. In situ analysis was then conducted to measure turbidity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), total nitrogen, total phosphate, and ammonia levels. Results showed that pH, temperature, DO, total nitrogen, and ammonia levels remain within Indonesia’s Grade I water quality standards, which means that water from the lake is still suitable for drinking and domestic use. However, TDS levels ranged from 712 to 1,950 mg/L in the first sampling and 1,340 to 1,950 mg/L in the second sampling. Additionally, total phosphate levels reached 0.37 mg/L, exceeding Grade IV water quality standards, indicating that the water is only suitable for crop irrigation and similar uses. Although Lake Batur’s water quality index was recorded at 63.64 (moderate quality), it remains highly polluted by household waste, pesticides, chemical fertilizers from conventional agriculture, and waste products from fisheries and livestock farming. Since high phosphate levels trigger the growth and spread of water weeds such as water hyacinth, it is crucial to implement measures and policies to reduce pollution in the areas surrounding Lake Batur, which will help prevent disruptions to the lake’s aquatic ecosystem.

Recommended Citation

Prasetyo, Syarif; Soeprobowati, Tri Retnaningsih; Tirtaduna, Tirtaduna; Purnomo, Agus; Hartati, Sri; Chodrijah, Umi; Prihatiningsih, Prihatiningsih; Wahyono, Ari; Jumari, Jumari; and Prabowo, Rossi (2025) "Assessment of Water Pollution Levels in Lake Batur, Indonesia and their Effect on Water Weed Presence," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss1/6