KARAKTERISTIK FISIK DAN KUALITAS AIR DI GUA SULAIMAN, DESA SAMANGKI, KABUPATEN MAROS

Abstract

Cave is a natural phenomenon in the underground which is happened in many karst areas. Sulaiman Cave is one of the caves located in the Maros karst area and used as a source of water for society. This shows the important role of the cave on human life. This aims of study to determine the physical characteristics of the cave, water quality and usefulness of the cave. This research was conducted in the form of an expedition called the “Ekspedisi Speleothem” with 3 stages: preparation, data collection (interviews and direct measurements) and data analysis. The results showed the length of Sulaiman's cave was approximately 320,25 meters dominated by stalagtite and stalagmite ornaments and there were 2 types of aisles, namely the fossil and vadose corridors. The quality of water outside the cave is quite good in terms of Levels of DO (Dissolved Oxygen Meter), Salinity (salt content), Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia to water inside the cave is quite good with high content of lime and salinity, so it is not recommended for consumption. The results of interviews with 25 respondents showed that 85% used the cave as well as preserving the cave. Keywords : Gua Sulaiman, quality of water, cave ornament, Mapping