By: Mohammad Haroon Hairan, Nor Rohaizah Jamil and Moriken Camara

Article Prepared By: Farah Izana Abdullah

The main objective of this study is to assess the environmental flow of the Selangor River based on fundamental environmental flow assessment approaches and the hydrological rating method by using GEFC and IHA software. Tropical rivers are recognized as one of the most important and abundant ecosystems due to their ecological and social benefits. However, many of them have been turned into biological hotspots due to rapid land-use changes resulting from deforestation and urbanization. Malaysia, as one of the fastest-growing economies, is heading towards deforestation and urbanization that threatens the aquatic ecosystems of local rivers.

Selangor River, which provides drinking water for more than eight million people, should be given particular attention. The river has been altered, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Despite heavy rainfall, the river experiences frequent droughts. This study assessed the environmental flow status of the Selangor River using GEFC and IHA software by analyzing the precipitation and flow regime of the river. The general precipitation trend line shows an increase in the amount of precipitation but, when further analyzed, this increase is seen in June and October. Over the remaining ten months of the year, only December has a steady rainfall where neither a decrease nor an increase is noted in its trend line slope, while the remaining nine months of the year have a vigorously decreasing trend line. However, further holistic studies are recommended for a detailed analysis of the effects of the dams on the aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Selangor River Basin.

Web: https://doi.org/10.3390/w13182477

Date of Input: 23/12/2022 | Updated: 23/12/2022 | m_fakhrulddin