Unraveling the Water Quality Secrets of Balikpapan's Protected Forest
In the heart of East Kalimantan, a silent guardian watches over the ecological balance of Balikpapan—the Sungai Wain Protected Forest.
This lush tropical rainforest is not just home to diverse flora and fauna; it cradles within its embrace the vital river basins of Bugis and Wain, which serve as critical water sources for the surrounding regions.
As Balikpapan experiences rapid urbanization and population growth, the tension between development and conservation intensifies, making the study of these aquatic ecosystems more crucial than ever.
A watershed represents more than just a geographical area—it's a complex natural system where all precipitation collects and drains into a common outlet.
Protected forests like Sungai Wain serve as natural water filtration plants. The dense vegetation slows down rainfall runoff, allowing sediments to settle and nutrients to be absorbed.
Scientists assess water health through physical, chemical, and biological parameters including temperature, pH, BOD, COD, and bacterial presence.
The research team employed a systematic sampling approach, collecting water samples from multiple points along both river systems to capture spatial variations in water quality 1 .
The collection times were strategically planned to account for seasonal variations, with samples taken during both wet and dry periods throughout 2018-2019 1 .
The analysis was conducted at the Water Quality Laboratory of the Department of Aquatic Resources at Mulawarman University, following standardized protocols for water quality assessment 1 .
The East Kalimantan water quality standards establish four classes of water quality 1 :
Several parameters in both watersheds excelled by meeting the stringent Class I water quality standards 1 :
Temperature Color TSS TDS BOD₅ SO₄ NO₃
These positive results demonstrate the remarkable natural filtration capacity of the protected forest ecosystem.
| Parameter | Bugis River | Wain River | Sengkuang River | Standard Class I |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Within limits | Within limits | Within limits | Meets |
| TSS | Within limits | Within limits | Within limits | Meets |
| BOD₅ | Within limits | Within limits | Within limits | Meets |
| pH | Class IV | Class I-II | Class I-II | Does not meet |
| NH₃ | Class II | Class II | Class II | Does not meet |
| Coliform | 920 MPN/100ml | 350 MPN/100ml | 350 MPN/100ml | Exceeds limits |
Water discharge measurements show Wain River has the highest potential for water supply, while Sengkuang River has limited potential 2 .
| Class | Designated Use | Parameters met in Study |
|---|---|---|
| I | Drinking water | Temperature, color, TSS, TDS, BOD₅, SO₄, NO₃ |
| II | Water recreation, fish farming, irrigation | DO, NH₃ (in some areas) |
| III | Fish farming, animal husbandry, irrigation | - |
| IV | Plant irrigation only | pH (in Bugis River) |
Prevention of cross-contamination during sample collection
Detection of trace metals in water samples
Measuring concentration of compounds like nitrate and sulfate
Determining acidity and dissolved oxygen concentrations
Growing microbial cultures for bacteria detection
Separating suspended solids for TSS measurement
The study identified two primary sources of pollutant loads entering the watersheds 1 :
These findings highlight the complex challenge of managing protected areas surrounded by human activities.
As city officials grapple with growing water demand, political voices have called for considering the Sungai Wain protected rivers as alternative water sources 3 .
"The problem is not only about licensing, but how to balance between the basic needs of residents and the preservation of natural habitats. This is a serious dilemma."
The research suggests several strategic approaches:
The scientific investigation into the water quality of Bugis and Wain watersheds reveals a story of natural resilience under pressure.
The detection of bacterial contamination, particularly E. coli, alongside elevated chemical oxygen demand and problematic pH levels, serves as an early warning sign that even protected areas are vulnerable to external pressures.
The challenge ahead requires a delicate balancing act—one that acknowledges both the basic human need for clean water and the ecological necessity of preserving protected forests.
The story of Bugis and Wain watersheds continues to unfold, with each water quality measurement adding another sentence to this ongoing narrative of coexistence between human needs and natural preservation.
References will be added here.