A Distribution of pH and Temperatures in Palopo Coastal Water, South Sulawesi

Abstract

The construction work in coastal and marine zones has an impact of environmental quality degradation. It causes an environmental pollution which has brought changes in the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the water environment. Temperature and pH as physical parameters can directly affect marine ecosystem conditions. This research aims to study the pH and temperature conditions and to simulate distributions of these components in Palopo seawater. Direct pH and temperature measurements are provided in eleven stations and implemented on December, 2017. Also, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Surfer 13 software are applied to analyze all obtained data. The results of pH and surface temperature measurements in the Palopo's coastal waters, it showed that surface pH values range from 6 to 6.5. This value is below the quality standards for sea water pH to marine biota around at pH7-8,5, while the surface temperature value is at around 31,5 - 33,3oC. This value has passed the sea water quality standard for marine biota at 28-30oC. A simulation mapping result indicates that the distribution of pH and surface temperature is affected by increased community activity in coastal waters.