Physicochemical properties of river water and sediments for environmental assessment: A case study of Cikuda River and Cikembang River, Purwakarta) Dini Fitriani, Syafira Ayu Wienarti, Kartika Hajar Kirana, Eleonora Agustine
Department of Geophysics, FMIPA, Universitas Padjadjaran
Abstract
The entry of additional materials into rivers, such as heavy metals and magnetic minerals. could change river environmental conditions. The materials, known as anthropogenic materials, could be derived from human activities, including domestic and industrial activities. The presense of anthropogenic materials could affect physicochemical properties of river water and sediments. In this research, we have examined pH, Total Dissolve Solid (TDS) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) of water from Cikuda River and Cikembang River, Purwakarta, West Java, as well as magnetic susceptibility measurement of river sediments. The research was integrated with Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis of magnetic-extracted sediments samples. The results showed that the river water had EC values within the specified international criteria for water quality. However, river water at a number of sampling points were found to have pH and TDS higher than the standard criteria. Magnetic susceptibility of sediments (X??) was in the range of 512.9 - 2471.2 (x10-8 m3kg-1), inferring the domination of ferrimagnetic minerals in sediment. The calculated frequency dependent parameter or XFD (%) was below <4%, indicating anthropogenic-derived magnetic minerals. Electron microscopy images show the imperfect octahedral and spherules shapes of magnetic grains that supports magnetic susceptibility analysis about the anthropogenic source of magnetic minerals. Elemental composition from EDSS analysis showed Fe and O as main elements, including numerous minor elements such as Cd, Cu, Mg and Cr
Keywords: magnetic susceptibility, sediments, anthropogenic materials, Cikuda and Cikembang River
