Nearshore and offshore comparison of marine water quality variables measured during SESMA

• Main Authors: Bong, Chui Wei, Lee, Choon Weng
• Format: Article
• Published: Faculty of Science, University of Malaya 2008
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QH Natural history
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/25637/; https://mjs.um.edu.my/article/view/7706
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO) and dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations [ammonium (NH4), nitrite (NO2), nitrate (NO3), phosphorus (PO4) and silicate (SiO 4)] were measured in offshore sites covered by the first Scientific Expedition to the Straits of Malacca or SESMA1 cruise. Both TSS and DO showed striking differences between nearshore and offshore sites. TSS was elevated nearshore (> 250 mg 1-1) but was < 100 mg I-1 offshore. DO was at healthy levels (> 300 μM or 9.6 mg I-1) offshore but were low and sometimes exhibited hypoxia (< 125 μM or 4 mg I-1) nearshore. Dissolved inorganic nutrients were generally higher nearshore and this reflected eutrophication. High TSS, low DO and eutrophication showed that anthropogenic activities are affecting the marine water quality in Malaysia.