Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, Volume 62, December 2016, pp. 65 – 72

Threats faced by groundwater: A preliminary study in Kuala Selangor

Umi Amira Jamaluddin¹, Jasni Yaakub², Saim Suratman³ & Joy Jacqueline Pereira¹*

1Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI),
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor
*Corresponding author: joy@ukm.my
2Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor
3National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor

Abstract: Coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate change as the rise in sea level will lead to damage of infrastructure, degradations of agricultural areas, contamination of surface and groundwater and loss of biodiversity; which covers a wide range of negative impacts to various socio-economic sectors. Preliminary findings indicate that Kuala Selangor, which hosts several groundwater aquifers and serves as a significant “rice bowl” for the nation is susceptible to groundwater salinization and other impacts of sea level rise. A comprehensive assessment is required to evaluate the potential impacts of sea level rise in the area so that appropriate adaptation measures can be identified and implemented to ensure sustainable socio-economic development.

Keywords: groundwater, climate change, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, Kuala Selangor

https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm62201609