Pollution Load Capacity Assessment by Utilizing QUAL2E Modelling: A Case Study of Rambut River, Indonesia

Water quality modelling can be a way to determine the potential pollutant load capacity in the river water. As the number of population and intensity of activities around the river increased, it is possible that the water quality in the river will be negatively impacted. The Rambut river, which located in Pemalang and Tegal, Indonesia, has an important role as a water source in both areas. However, this demand is not accompanied by the availability of river capacity information yet. Five points from different segments along the upstream and downstream of Rambut River were assessed with the QUAL2E model. There were four different parameters in the research, e.g., BOD, fecal coliform, nitrite, and nitrate. The results showed that some segments did not comply with the minimum requirements by the local government. Additionally, the BOD and fecal coliform value were predicted to be increased in 2023 due to higher population number living near the river. The values for all parameters fluctuated between the different segments.