International Journal of Engineering & Technology IJET Vol: 9 No: 9 - 341 -

The Impacts Of Integrated Farming To Water Quality: Case Study

On Langgas River, Kunak, Sabah, Malaysia.

O. Oksel.1, N. Razali.2*, M.K. Yusoff.3, M.Z. Ismail.4, K.F Pa’ee.2, K.N Ibrahim.2
1
Chemsain Konsultan Sdn. Bhd., Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
2
Universiti Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology, Malaysia.
3
UPM Consultancy & Services Sdn. Bhd., Selangor, Malaysia.
4
Professional Environmental Services, Selangor, Malaysia.

* Corresponding author: nadiarazali@micet.unikl.edu.my

ABSTRACT
An integrated farming system is probably the most benign agricultural production
system from the environmental perspective, where crop and livestock production are
in balance with nature. However, over the years the increased applications of
fertilizers, pesticides and grazing intensities, have undoubtedly led to significant
potential of river pollution. This study was carried out to determine the impacts of
integrated farming towards Langgas River water quality. The frequency of sampling
was three times per day in three months continuously. The physical and chemical
water quality analyses were carried out according to the APHA procedures. The water
quality parameters studied were phosphate, ammonia-nitrogen, biological oxygen
demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, temperature, dissolved
oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity and total suspended solid (TSS). From the overall
finding, the study indicated that integrated farming effected Langgas River water
quality but in the value is still within the acceptable limit. From the mean
concentration results, Langgas River is free from organic contamination. Meanwhile,
from the statistical analysis, only five parameters showed significant differences
(p<0.05).

Keywords: integrated farming; pollution; river; water quality

1. INTRODUCTION
The high yield characteristic of modern, intensive farming system in temperate areas
often initiate man’s ability to modify the agro ecosystem in order to provide a more favorable
environment for crop growth. Certain modifications are needed including the new species,
the elimination of competing plants and other organisms by the use of pesticides and the
removal habitats which often needs a high level of fertilizer. With the upcoming growth in the
world of agriculture, scientist and technologies has come out with various methods in
upgrading the benefits margin. The only way for commercial farming to be viable and
produce maximum productivity at the lowest costs is integrated farming system; a method
where one combines two or more different types of agriculture in one area.
In Malaysia, integrated farming is an inspirational example of how sustainable agriculture
development can be achieved through globalization towards the empowerment of small
farmers. During 8th Malaysian Plan period, agriculture sector has done justice by showing a
tremendous growth. Revitalizing integrated farming system is inevitable in order for the
country to still produce food for the growing population while preserving the environment. It
is a means of achieving sustainable agriculture in a manner that balances food production,
profitability, safety, animal welfare, social responsibility and environmental care. However, in
parallel of economic expansion, agriculture activities have caused water pollution especially
to river water. This is because river has played a major role in producing water supply into
agriculture due to dynamic ecosystems, which change constantly from source in the
highland forests to the sink where they meet the sea. However, over the years the increased
applications of fertilizers, pesticides and grazing intensities have undoubtedly led to

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International Journal of Engineering & Technology IJET Vol: 9 No: 9 - 342 -

significant potential of river pollution. According to history, water pollution scenario in

Malaysia has started since the beginning of agriculture in Malaysia which started in the early
1970’s [1]. Markantonatos et al. [2] and Fytianos et al. [3] also prove this scenario in their
studies. These impacts influence not only to the water flow rate through the system but also
its routine and quality. Within the soil, the soil of downward percolation and lateral flow are
affected to a large degree by drainage and tillage practices, whilst the quality of water
percolating into the bedrock and escaping back to the surface is influenced by factors such
as fertilizer regimes, pesticides usage livestock management.
Malaysia Department of Environment (DOE) has stated that agriculture and livestock
plays a main role in contributing river water pollution among other polluter as stated in Figure
1. Livestock wastewater contains high concentration of organic and inorganic nitrogen
compound, pathogenic bacteria and high concentration of ammonia-nitrogen [4]. In addition,
animals waste have been well documented to cause severe environmental damage in rivers
which nutrient rich waste runoff will reach surface water, where it depletes oxygen and
increase the algae production. Beside serious environmental problem, animal waste also
may become a source of various diseases such as infectious worm larvae hatched from the
worm eggs passed out with the feces; contamination encrusted with organic matter is an
ideal breeding ground of harmful bacteria. Arthropods such as flies, lice, fleas that are
attracted by animal waste may trigger outbreak of infectious diseases, because they are the
vectors to transmit diseases such as viruses, protozoa and helminthes [5].

Pig Farming, 5%
Manufacturing
Industry, 45%

Sewage Treatment
Plant, 47%

Agro Based
Industry, 9%

Manufacturing Industry Agro Based Industry Sewage Treatment Plant Pig Farming

Figure 1: Composition of Water Pollution Sources by Sector In 2006

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study area was located the district of Kunak; situated at the south eastern coast of
the State of Sabah, Malaysia. It covers an area of approximately 438 square miles or 1134
square kilometers. It is bordered by the District of Tawau to the south, the District of
Semporna to the east and the District of Lahad Datu to the north. From economic point of
view, generally Kunak is a rich agricultural district. It is estimated that more than 80,000
hectares of its area are suitable for agricultural purposes. The major crops cultivated in the
area are oil palm and cocoa. Beside agriculture, Kunak is also well-known for its fishing
industry. It is estimated that the District of Kunak produces an average of approximately
25,000 metric tons of sea products annually. Logging activities which were significant in the
past has lost its importance nowadays.

In this study, an anonymous estate that implemented integrated farming activity has
been selected. The study area is about 0.61 square kilometers and surrounded by oil palm

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International Journal of Engineering & Technology IJET Vol: 9 No: 9 - 343 -

estate along with other agricultural activities including pig farming, cow farming and small
human settlement.

Figure 1: Sampling Location

Four different sampling points (Table 1) were chosen which consumed of upper part of
Langgas River; consisted of clear water flowing over series of shallow gravel riffles (Station
1), downstream of Langgas River which is border of the estate (Station 2), middle of
Langgas River (Station 3) and Madai Waterfall as the baseline point (Station 4).
Table 1: Sampling Point Locations
Sampling Point Latitude / Longitude
Station 1 04º39.819’ N , 118º13.006’ E
Station 2 04º39.993’ N, 118º13.380’ E
Station 3 04º39.824’ N, 118º13.408’ E
Station 4 04º43.742’ N, 118º10.006’ E

The frequency of sampling was three times per day in three months continuously. Water
samples were collected using acid wash polyethylene bottles. Samples were collected in pre
washed bottle in order to produce homogeneous medium. The samples then were stored in
an insulated icebox prior to laboratory analysis plus to preserve the samples from being
infected by the surrounding.
In laboratory analysis, the physical and chemical water quality analyses were carried out
according to the APHA procedures [6]. The water quality parameters studied were
phosphate, ammonia-nitrogen, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand
(COD), turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity and total suspended
solid (TSS). Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA), Correlation and Regression were conducted at
p<0.05 to determine the significant differences between sampling locations.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

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International Journal of Engineering & Technology IJET Vol: 9 No: 9 - 344 -

In most of the sampling locations, clear water flow over series of shallow gravel riffles
and shaded by oil palm trees. Table 2 showed In-situ measurement of the sampling points;
Table 2: Sampling Point Characteristic
Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4
Depth (m) 0.11 0.10 0.10 0.76
Width (m) 1.28 0.91 0.17 3.77
Flow Rate (m/s) 0.19 0.29 0.24 NA
Geological Stony and gravel Stony and gravel Small pebbles Surrounded by
Condition streambed streambed bullocks of
volcanic rocks
inter bedded with
small pebbles
Biological Indicator - A few insects Existence of Existences of
larvae aquatic living and
variations of
butterfly and
dragonfly

A total of ten water quality parameters were studied which consisted of phosphate,
ammonia-nitrogen, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD),
turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity and total suspended solid
(TSS). Four sampling points were selected within Langgas River which associated with
integrated farming activity which consist of upstream, downstream, middle and Madai
Waterfall (baseline station). Mean concentrations of water quality are summarized in Table
3;
Table 3: Mean Water Quality Concentrations
Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station
4
Parameters Min Max Mean Min Max Mean Min Max Mean Mean
Phosphate 0.36 0.67 0.55 0.45 0.88 0.67 0.34 0.81 0.64 0.85
(mg/L)
Ammonia- 0 0.02 0.01 0 0 0 0.05 0.06 0.05 0.06
nitrogen
(mg/L)
BOD 0.52 0.58 0.56 0.53 0.88 0.69 0.38 0.77 0.57 0.65
(mg/L)
COD 1.50 2.00 0.67 1.70 8.00 4.33 1.10 8.00 3.33 2.10
(mg/L)
Turbidity 1.95 3.83 2.82 1.42 1.56 1.50 19.0 23.3 20.8 20.3
(NTU)
Temperature 25.9 29.4 28.0 26.2 28.3 27.5 25.9 28.5 27.2 28.62
(ºC)
DO 5.75 6.16 6.02 5.31 6.33 5.86 4.00 4.23 4.11 7.05
(mg/L)
pH 8.09 8.10 8.10 8.39 8.47 8.44 7.67 7.74 7.71 8.21

Conductivity 0.56 0.59 0.58 0.53 0.55 0.54 0.60 0.60 0.63 0.31
(mS/cm)
TSS 3.5 4.9 4.3 3.2 4.2 3.57 16.3 19.9 17.8 17.4
(mg/L)

Phosphorous and ammonia-nitrogen showed a high value due to heavy usage of

fertilizer. In addition to high phosphorus value in the water body, pH values were most
alkaline in the sampling area because of the weathering of volcanic rocks that surrounded.

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International Journal of Engineering & Technology IJET Vol: 9 No: 9 - 345 -

Rain on the other hand; accelerate the pollution acting as a mobile tool that brings
chemical inputs to river and stream flowing through a region of relatively insoluble rocks can
be chemically similar to rain in its composition. Literally, al of the constituents of river water
originates from dissolution of the earth’s rocks. The dissolving of rocks is commonly the
major determinant of river water chemistry but varies with geology and with magnitude of
inputs via other pathways including rain water, volcanic activities and pollution.
With regards to Malaysian Interim Water Quality Standard (INWQS), the physical and
chemical water qualities classify Langgas between falls under Class II, which indicates that
Langgas River still has good water quality (Table 4 and Table 5).
Table 4: Malaysian Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS)
Class Uses
l Conservation of natural environment
Water supply l - practically no treatment necessary (except by disinfection of boiling only)
Fishery l - very sensitive aquatic species
ll A Water supply ll - conventional treatment required
Fishery ll - sensitive aquatic species
ll B Recreational use with body contact
lll Water supply lll - extensive treatment required
Fishery lll - common, of economic value and tolerant species
lV Irrigation
V None of the above

Table 5: Water Quality Index of Langgas River (DOE-WQI)

Station Water Quality Index Based On Parameters Overall
Class
DO BOD COD AN TSS pH
1 II I I I I I II
2 II I I I I I II
3 III I I I I I II
4 II I I I I I I

Meanwhile, from the statistical analysis, only five parameters showed significance
differences (p<0.05) which are dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, suspended solids,
turbidity and ammonia-nitrogen. Meanwhile, phosphate, BOD and COD showed no
significant differences. From the statistical analysis, turbidity and total suspended solids
have a high correlation between each other.

4. CONCLUSION
The increase of export volume and better prices for agricultural industrial commodities
result in tremendous growth towards Malaysia’s economy. With the latest technologies and
equipment available, more methods and techniques have been implemented to enhance the
development of the sector. The introduction of integrated farming aims to enhance
productivity and increase income. However, concern has been increasing in recent years on
the potential effects of this new agricultural approach. The activities involve have far-
reaching impacts upon the hydrological cycle due to high usage of pesticides and fertilizers.
Langgas River which is located within the integrated farming area showed an insignificant
value of water pollution. Langgas River is also identified to be free from organic
contamination. The mean concentration of the river is found to be lower then the numerical
threshold limit, which is 2mg/L. A weak management of integrated farming may cause
environmental as well as health implications. An implementation of ‘Good Agriculture
Practice’ can secure the water quality of nearby rivers subsequently prevent further
deterioration to the surrounding environment.

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[4] Jang, C.C., Hong, B.C., Sang, J.K. (2001). Heavy Contamination of Subsurface Aquifer and a Stream by
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