Determining water quality affecting factors in Bung Binh Thien, An Giang Province

Abstract

Bung Binh Thien Wetland Reserve, a natural freshwater ecosystem located in An Phu district, is one of the largest lakes in An Giang province. It plays a vital role in providing water for local livelihoods, agricultural activities, and tourism. However, the water quality of the lake is being adversely affected by various factors associated with activities in its vicinity. These factors include decreasing lake levels during the dry season, flooding combined with rainfall during the wet season, direct boating activities on the lake, sewage from the residential area of Cua Ong Cai, water hyacinth covering the lake's surface, waste from Binh Di River flowing into the lake, and the discharge of floodwater combined with wastewater from the Sa To sewer and small Bung ditch. Based on the investigation and survey conducted from 2018 to 2022, the water quality of Bung Binh Thien Lake is deteriorating. Parameters such as total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 ), and total coliforms have reached the B1 column in comparison to the standards specified in QCVN 08:2015/BTNMT (the national technical regulation on surface water quality). This regulation defines the water quality required for irrigated agriculture or other purposes that necessitate similar water quality.