GROUNDWATER QUALITY DYNAMICS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN HAU GIANG

Abstract

This study focuses on assessing the groundwater quality dynamics in Hau Giang province (now integrated into Can Tho city) over a five-year period, from 2019 to 2023. Periodic monitoring data from major aquifers, including the lower Pleistocene (qp₁), middle-upper Pleistocene (qp_2-3), upper Pleistocene (qp₃) and Holocene (q_h), at representative locations across the province were collected, synthesized and analyzed. Key water quality parameters considered include pH, total hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), iron (Fe), chloride (Cl^-), ammonium (N-NH₄⁺​), nitrite (N-NO₂^-​), sulfate (SO₄^2-​), arsenic (As) and Permanganate index. The analysis reveals certain fluctuations in groundwater quality over the years and among different aquifers. Several parameters such as total hardness, chloride, ammonium and Permanganate index tend to exceed the permissible limits set by the National Technical Regulation on Groundwater Quality (QCVN 09-MT:2015/BTNMT and QCVN 09:2023/BTNMT) at specific locations and times, particularly in shallow aquifers. Natural factors like hydrogeological characteristics, climatic conditions, along with anthropogenic activities such as agricultural development, industrialization, and urbanization are identified as the primary factors impacting groundwater quality in the region. This research provides a significant scientific basis to support the management, protection and sustainable exploitation of groundwater resources in Hau Giang province (now Can Tho city) amidst socio-economic development and climate change.