A SEDIMENT CONTRIBUTION FROM DIVERSITY OF LAND USE TO THE SEMBRONG CATCHMENT AREA, KLUANG, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Soil erosion and sedimentation are significant environmental concerns affecting freshwater reservoirs. This study investigates the sources of sediment contributing to the Sembrong catchment in Kluang, Johor, Malaysia, by analysing sediment samples from various land uses during both dry and wet seasons. The study area includes the Sembrong Reservoir (7.76 km², 24.84 million m³ capacity) and a catchment of approximately 130 km². The Compound-Specific Stable Isotope (CSSI) technique, using δ¹³C as non-radioactive tracer was applied to identify sediment sources. Results indicate that banana plantations are the dominant sediment contributors, accounting for 41% of the total sediment load, compared to 11% from recreational areas, with no significant seasonal variation. These findings highlight the effectiveness of CSSI in tracing sediment sources and emphasize the need for targeted erosion control in agricultural landscapes.