Evolution of water quality around the Island of Borneo during the last 8-years

Abstract

Water quality around the Island of Borneo is important for the coral reefs in Borneo's proximity. Sediment input into freshwater and marine ecosystems is a result of natural processes. However, mining, deforestation, poor agricultural practices can greatly increase sediment input into aquatic systems. According to time series analysis of the coastal waters around Borneo, water quality has worsened in the last 8 years. This short study analyzes and illustrates the particular year-to-year changes in the relevant waters using MERIS data from 2003-2010, as well as for the entire 8-year period. Changes in the statistical characteristics of the water surface variables, yellow substance (colored dissolved organic matter) and total suspended matter, in Borneo's coastal waters can be seen. The intra-annual variables derived include minimum, maximum, standard deviation and average. The interesting inter-annual variables investigated are slopes of the mentioned water quality characteristics over a period of 8 years around Borneo, which changed since 2003 and decreases for most of the Island of Bro. According to this study, further land development on the island of Borneo will further decrease water quality around Borneo and worsen conditions for coral reefs and other coastal ecosystems. This study also illustrates the utility and prowess of the open source programs BEAM, GRASS and R.