A New Scenario-Based Approach for Water Quality and Environmental Impact Assessment Due to Mining Activities

Abstract

Water quality assessment and its monitoring are necessary for areas of mining activities. In Malaysia, the mining industry is the backbone of the manufacturing and construction sectors. This study used spatio-temporal water quality modeling along a reach with mining activities during high and low discharges at Sungai (river) Lebir and Sungai Aring, situated in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. The objective was to assess the spatio-temporal environmental impact of mining activities during the wet and dry seasons. Data were collected at different locations along the reach. Point and non-point sources were near the mining site. Overland flow calculation at the mining site was found with the widely used SCS (Soil Conservation Service) curve number method. Several scenarios were analyzed, such as baseline, worst-case, and with-mitigation. The study revealed that baseline values of all parameters were either in a natural condition or slightly polluted, except for aluminum. All parameters were estimated at a high concentration from the mining site to downstream during the worst case of the wet season. Whereas, during the worst case of the dry season, no significant differences were observed compared to baseline values. In the with-mitigation scenario, parameter concentrations were improved and similar to baseline values. Overall, the scenario selection was helpful in the environmental impact assessment. Furthermore, this study will be significant in pre- and post-mining assessment and environmental clearance.