Nitrate and phosphate pollution in surface and ground water in Western Malaysia

Concentration levels of nitrate and phosphate in river and ground water samples from 9 different states of western Malaysia were determined. It was found that most of the rivers are slightly polluted with nitrate and phosphate. The highest concentration of nitrate (26.0 mg/ L) was found in Melaka state in the river of Batang, while the lowest concentration of nitrate (2.61 mg/ L) was found in the Terengganu state in the river of Besut The highest concentration of phosphate (0.66 mg/ L) was found in Penang state in the river of Kulim. The minimum concentration of phosphate (0.02 mg/ L) was found in different states. The most important sources that contribute to the pollution were raw crops, irrigated agriculture and over-application of animal wastes.