Surface water quality in canals in An Giang province, Viet Nam, from 2009 to 2016

Abstract

The present study evaluates the surface water quality in the canals of An Giang province in the period from 2009 to 2016. The results showed that surface water of the canals was contaminated by organic matter and microorganisms which makes it not suitable for water supply and conservation of aquatic life. The water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), orthophosphate (P-PO₄³ˉ) and coliforms levels in the wet season were found to be higher than those in the dry season. The problem of organic and microorganic pollution over a long period of time without solutions leads to declines in water quality and then quantity as well. Agriculture is the main activity contributing to pollution of surface water in interior canals along with the activities of daily life, industry and services. This causes pollution of the surface water on Hau River due to its exchange of water with the connected canals. Good agricultural practices should be implemented to limit the pollution of surface water resources of the Mekong Delta.