Investigation and modelling of coastal water quality of Arugam Bay Beach.

Abstract

Arugam Bay Beach, situated on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, plays a pivotal role in supporting marine ecosystems and serves as a prominent destination for tourists. However, the water quality in this area faces significant challenges due to the high volume of daily visitors, including tourists. Consequently, this study was undertaken to assess the water quality of Arugam Bay Beach, employing Virtual Beach software as a primary investigative tool. A predictive model was developed, incorporating a range of environmental factors and meteorological conditions, including temperature, salinity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of various pollutants. This model assessed the evaluation of current water quality conditions and provided forecasts under diverse scenarios, considering the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities. The results highlight key factors affecting water quality, including land-based pollution and natural influences. Notably, in July and September 2022, actual sample test results showed coliform levels of 555 CFU/100 ml and 305 CFU/100 ml, respectively, higher than the predicted levels of 409 CFU/100 ml and 222 CFU/100 ml. These findings underscore the importance of accurate monitoring and the need for improved predictive models to manage water quality effectively during peak tourist seasons. Moreover, among the ten sampling locations, significant variations in coliform levels and turbidity were observed at locations 7 and 8 (L7 and L8). Therefore, this research makes a significant contribution to understanding coastal water quality parameters, thereby informing and advancing protection initiatives for Arugam Bay Beach. Furthermore, the insights derived from this study provide a valuable framework for conducting similar investigations globally.