The assessment of water quality by STORET method in the northern waters of Banda Aceh

The STORET method is one of the methods commonly used to determine water quality. This water quality status can indicate the waters are in a polluted condition or in good condition referring to the predetermined water quality standard. This study aims to obtain an overview of the status of water quality in the northern waters of Banda Aceh. Activities in the area such as the transportation route of ships, port activities, tourism, aquaculture and disposal of household waste are source of pollutan in the waters. Water sampling was carried out at 10 points (stations) around the waters of Ulee Lheu, Krueng Aceh and Alue Naga. The parameters used are: ammonia content, sulfide, cyanide, phenol, surfactant, and fatty oil. The results showed that the water quality in Ulee Lheu classify into Class C (score –16), which was medium polluted, with ammonia and phenol content 1.1 mg/L and 0.014 mg/L, respectively. Meanwhile, the estuary of Krueng Aceh and the waters around of Alue Naga are categorized in Class A (score 0), that means both are still in accordance with water quality standards.