In the heart of southern Vietnam, two rivers, the Saigon and Vam Co, weave through a landscape shaped by rapid urbanization and intensive agriculture. These waterways, crucial for both ecological balance and economic activity, are under threat from pollution, according to a recent study led by Thi-Minh-Tam Le from the Centre for Asian Research on WatEr (CARE) at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT). The research, published in Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, sheds light on the spatial trends and land use impacts on surface water quality, with implications for the energy sector and beyond.
The Saigon River, flowing through the densely populated Ho Chi Minh City, is a lifeline for millions. However, it is also a dumping ground for untreated domestic and industrial wastewater. Le’s study reveals that the river’s urban section exhibits localized pollution peaks, with concentrations of cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) exceeding both World Health Organization (WHO) and Vietnamese water quality standards. “The Saigon River is under significant stress,” Le states, “and the impacts are not just environmental but also economic, affecting industries that rely on clean water.”
The Vam Co River, on the other hand, tells a different story. Its contamination levels increase gradually downstream, driven by diffuse agricultural inputs and aquaculture discharges. Elevated levels of Zn, Cu, and Cd present significant ecological risks, with the study’s Risk Quotient (RQ) indicating potential threats to aquatic life.
The research employs a multi-index assessment approach, including the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), Water Pollution Index (WPI), and Risk Quotient (RQ). This comprehensive method allows for the identification of pollution hotspots, dominant contamination sources, and ecological threats. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further reveals that natural vegetation plays a crucial role in improving water quality by acting as a pollutant buffer, while agriculture and urbanization tend to increase contamination loads.
For the energy sector, these findings are particularly relevant. Industries such as hydropower, which relies on consistent water flow and quality, could face operational challenges due to pollution. Moreover, the study highlights the need for integrated management strategies, including improved wastewater treatment, sustainable agricultural practices, and forest conservation. These strategies are not just environmental imperatives but also economic necessities, ensuring the long-term viability of industries dependent on clean water.
The study also underscores the importance of seasonal variability in long-term water quality assessments. Future research, Le suggests, should incorporate these factors to develop adaptive mitigation strategies tailored to tropical regions. “Understanding the seasonal dynamics,” she explains, “will help us create more effective and sustainable solutions for water quality management.”
As southern Vietnam continues to develop, the findings from Le’s research serve as a clarion call for integrated, sustainable water management practices. The energy sector, along with other industries, must heed this call, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental degradation. The future of the Saigon and Vam Co Rivers, and the communities that depend on them, hangs in the balance.