Assessment of the trophic status and water quality in the Hinh river basin, central Vietnam

Abstract

   This study aims to evaluate the eutrophication status and ecological conditions of the Hinh River basin underhydrological conditions. The Hinh River Basin is essential for agriculture, hydroelectric power, and water supplies. Evaluating the trophic status and water quality is a supply-based science that is essential for environmental preservation and sustainable water resource usage. Surface water samples were collected from twenty-two sites in 2024-2025 during dry and rainy seasons. The result shows the parameters TSS, DO, COD, TN, and TP vary seasonally and are influenced by rainfall. The river is nitrogen-rich (TN exceeds standards by 2.7–3.8 times) and phosphorus-limited (N:P ratio > 20). The trophic index (TRIX) indicates the dominance of eutrophic conditions (TRIX > 6). Positive correlations between TRIX and TN, TP, and chlorophyll-a reveal nutrient enrichment mainly from agricultural, domestic, and industrial wastewater.