GIS-based Point and Non-point Sources of Pollution Identification in Cameron Highlands

Almost 90% of the water supply for Peninsular Malaysia is derived from the highlands. An
estimated 5.8 million liters a day is extracted for drinking water supply at several intake
points along rivers originating from the mountainous forests of Cameron Highlands.
However, in the last decade the rivers in Cameron Highlands have become polluted resulting
in widespread environmental problems in the area. In this study, point sources (PSs) and
non-point sources (NPSs) pollution in Cameron Highlands were identified and compiled
using a Geographical Information System (GIS), a powerful modeling tool. This would be
useful in providing the necessary knowledge in making management decisions. Land use
classifications, pollutant concentrations and rainfall database were generated for the region
to determine the major PSs and NPSs. The results from the study indicated that agricultural
activities contributed to most of the eroded soils in Cameron Highlands followed by
urbanization and infrastructures activities. Sewage from commercial activities was found to
be the greatest PS pollution in the study area. In addition, it was found that some of the PSs
and NPSs in Cameron Highlands have very high BOD and exceeding any effluent discharge
standards of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA 1974).