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2. PHD Thesis / Tesis PHD
3. Institute for Environment and Development / Institut Alam Sekitar dan Pembangunan (LESTARI)

Title:	Developing integrated rating criteria for the sustainable use of Malaysia's coastal recreational waters
Authors:	Sumitra Sithamparam (P29449)
Supervisor:	Mazlin Mokhtar, Prof. Dr.
Keywords:	Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia-Dissertations Dissertations Academic-Malaysia Environmental health Water-Recreational use-Health aspects-Malaysia Coastal zone management Water quality management-Malaysia Recreation areas-Health aspects-Malaysia
Issue Date:	8-Aug-2012
Description:	This study assessed the physical aspects of a coastal recreational beach and it documented the characteristics that make this environment useful and significant to visitors as well as the local community. Port Dickson (PD) was chosen for the study because it is the closest popular resort on the west coast to Kuala Lumpur. The first part of the study quantitatively analysed the quality of two selected beach locations, at the 5th and 8th miles, through a sanitary and litter survey, study of pests and seawater testing. The second part quantitatively assessed the effects on health of recreational users through a questionnaire survey on two groups, a test/exposed group to seawater and a control/unexposed group. The study population was a homogenous group of physically active young adults with known health status; army recruits participated in this experimental study design after seeking ethical clearance. 180 participants were randomly divided into the two groups; they underwent visual inspections; their consent was sought; and pre-test and post-test questionnaires were administered with a follow-up of up to 15 days. The results of the one-off seawater samples taken at the 5th mile beach on 16 September 2006 showed Escherichia coli counts of 1300 cfu/100ml and coliform counts of 2700 cfu/100ml (the Malaysian interim standard indicate 100 MPN/100ml for Escherichia coli while ASEAN and EU standards indicate 100 fc/100ml for coliforms); 25-30% of recreational users demonstrated transient respiratory (p-value <0.0001) and somatic (p-value 0.002) effects when they swam in the contaminated sea the same day as the sample collection. From this study, values for the two beaches were discussed, in essentially five aspects, such as, the ecological state, economic inclusion, recreational attributes, community health and individual well-being. Evidence-based criteria for safe and healthy use of beaches were proposed, which included ten categories of rating for potential risks, such as, beach quality, sea water quality, accessibility, management and safety, facilities and utilities, aesthetics and attractiveness, information and education, potential impact and rehabilitation, site specific activity assessment and local community participation. The aim was to harmonise the tasks of various stakeholders through an integrated approach to ensure that benefits are felt by the public and private sectors as well as the local community,Certification of Master's/Doctoral Thesis" is not available
Pages:	258
Call Number:	RA606.S839 2012 tesis
Publisher:	UKM, Bangi
Appears in Collections:	Institute for Environment and Development / Institut Alam Sekitar dan Pembangunan (LESTARI)

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