<![CDATA[The rapid expansion of Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) aquaculture has led to increased effluent discharge containing substantial loads of organic matter and nutrients, which may adversely affect the quality of receiving waters when inadequately managed. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of shrimp pond effluent and to assess the water quality status of the Selindung River under the influence of such activities using the STORET index approach. The research was conducted from November to December 2023 across three sampling stations, namely the pond outlet (Station 1), the river segment directly receiving effluent discharge (Station 2), and the upstream reference site (Station 3). A suite of physicochemical and biological parameters, including temperature, total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate, phosphate, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and total coliform, was analyzed. The findings revealed that effluent from the shrimp pond exhibited markedly elevated concentrations of BOD (51.6–61.3 mg/L) and phosphate (2.98–3.10 mg/L), indicating a substantial organic and nutrient load. In contrast, most water quality parameters at Stations 2 and 3 remained within the permissible limits of Class II water quality standards, although BOD concentrations slightly exceeded the threshold. Based on STORET index calculations, both stations were classified as lightly polluted, with a score of -8, primarily driven by elevated BOD levels. In conclusion, shrimp pond effluent contributes significantly to the organic loading of the Selindung River, despite the river’s inherent capacity for self-purification, thereby underscoring the necessity for improved effluent management strategies to ensure sustainable water quality.]]>
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