Identification of Water Pollution Sources for Better Langat River Basin Management in Malaysia

The shutdown of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) at the Langat River Basin, Malaysia, which provides to almost one-third population in basin, is very frequent, especially due chemical pollution river. This study explored sources based on eight specific intake points respective DWTPs suggest an integrated river basin management (IRBM). Analysis Al (250.26 ± 189.24 µg/L), As (1.65 0.93 Cd (1.22 0.88 Cr (0.47 0.27 and Pb (9.99 5.38 µg/L) by ICP-MS following Chelex® 100 column resin ion exchange method found that mean concentrations except were within quality standard Ministry Health (MOH) as well Dept. Environment (DOE) Malaysia. However, determined index physicochemical parameters (2005–2015) midstream was Class III, needs substantial before drinking. linear regression model Al, As, Cd, suggests are significantly influencing increase or decrease these metal concentrations. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) hierarchical cluster (HCA) also support models both natural man-made activities, can be clustered into two categories, i.e., upstream (category 1) mid downstream 2) River. degraded compared up mainly human activities apart from weathering minerals. Therefore, implementation policies should effective local level for management, via proactive leadership roles government this transboundary benefit IRBM.