Coastal Seawater Quality from Data at South Vietnam Monitoring Stations during 2013 - 2017

Abstract

The network of marine environmental monitoring stations in South of Vietnam was established in 1996 and has been operating continuously. Of which, three stations (Nha Trang, Vung Tau and Rach Gia) were stations, which are monitored with the frequency of two times a year. The environmental monitoring parameters in coastal seawater include: Basic parameters (pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Turbidity, Total Suspended Solids), nutrients (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate), heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, As, Cd, Hg), Oils and Grease. These monitoring parameters from 2013 to 2017 have been collected, analyzed and assessed. Results in three coastal monitoring stations indicated that southern coastal seawater is still clean, although concentration of the measured parameters vary to seasonal, tide and from site to site. Nevertheless, several parameters such as turbidity, TSS, nutrients in Vung Tau and Rach Gia exceed the standard values of Vietnam National Technical Regulation (QCVN 10-MT:2015/BTNMT), Australia and ASEAN Marine Water Quality Criteria for aquaculture purposes and Aquatic Life Protection.

Data analysis in the last five years also showed that increasing trend over time of turbidity, TSS and oils and grease in Vung Tau and Rach Gia. These results reflect environmental characteristics of each monitoring area, as well as the impact of socio-economic activities on coastal seawater quality in South of Vietnam.

Keywords: Coastal seawater quality, environmental monitoring, environmental parameter, South of Vietnam.