Analysis of water quality around mining is very important to do regularly. Mining activities have the potential to cause negative impacts on the environment, including water pollution. Therefore, it is important for water quality analysis to ensure that the water around the mining area remains safe and healthy.

What is the Purpose of Water Quality Analysis?

The purpose of water quality analysis in mining is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the water quality conditions around the mining site. Some of the specific objectives to be achieved through the analysis include:

1. Pollution Identification: Water quality analysis aims to identify the presence of contaminants or hazardous chemicals contained in the water around mining. By knowing the types and levels of contaminants present, it can be determined whether the water is polluted and the extent of its impact on the environment.
2. Change Monitoring: Periodic analysis of water quality helps in monitoring the changes that have occurred over a period of time. This allows early detection of changes that may occur as a result of mining activities. For example, increased levels of heavy metals or certain chemicals can indicate an environmental problem.
3. Compliance Evaluation: Water quality analysis also aims to evaluate compliance with applicable environmental rules and regulations. By comparing the analysis results with predetermined standard limits, it can be determined to what extent a mining company complies with the requirements set by regulatory agencies.
4. Protection of Human Health: One of the main objectives of water quality analysis in mining is to protect human health. By knowing the contaminants contained in water, the necessary protective steps can be taken to prevent humans from being exposed to hazardous substances and ensure that the water used by the surrounding community is safe for consumption.
5. Environmental Planning and Management: Water quality analysis helps in planning and managing the environment around mining. The results of the analysis can be used to identify areas that need to be protected, determine effective pollution control methods, and develop environmental recovery strategies after mining activities are completed.

What is Analyzed in Monitoring Water Quality?

1. pH: pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of water. A significant increase or decrease in pH may indicate contamination or mining impacts.
2. Turbidity: Turbidity measures the level of dissolved solid particles in the air. High concentrations of solid particles can compromise air clarity and indicate contamination.
3. Heavy Metal Content: This analysis involves measuring the concentration of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, etc. Heavy metals can come from mining activities and can be toxic to living things.
4. Dissolved Organic Matter (BOT): BOT measures the content of dissolved organic matter in the air, such as humus and organic waste. A high BOT level can indicate the presence of organic contamination.
5. Dissolved Oxygen: Dissolved Oxygen measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in the air. Low dissolved oxygen levels can indicate environmental degradation due to mining activities.
6. Toxic Chemicals: This analysis involves the involvement and quantification of toxic chemicals such as pesticides, chemical additives or explosive residues that may be present in the air around the mine.
7. Nutrition: Nutritional analysis involves measuring the concentrations of phosphates, nitrates, and nitrites. High concentrations of nutrients can cause eutrophication and disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
8. Microbiology: Microbiological analysis involves touching bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in water. The presence of pathogenic microorganisms can cause health risks to humans and animals.
9. Radioactivity: In some cases, air quality analysis in mines also involves measuring radioactivity levels to monitor the potential for radiation exposure associated with mining uranium or other radioactive minerals.

Conclusion

Monitoring water quality around mining has an important role in maintaining environmental sustainability and human health. Through the use of monitoring devices such as pH meters, turbidimeters, and chemical analysis instruments, critical parameters such as pH, turbidity, and heavy metal concentrations can be measured accurately. The benefits of this monitoring include early detection of pollution, evaluation of the effectiveness of management measures, and assessment of environmental feasibility. Thus, regular and comprehensive monitoring of water quality is an important step in maintaining the sustainability of the mining industry by minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Also read the Indonesian version of the article:

Pengukuran Kualitas Air di Sekitar Lokasi Pertambangan: Analisis Parameter pH, Kekeruhan, dan Konsentrasi Logam Berat