ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTION CARRYING CAPACITY IN THE LOWER PART OF MAE KLONG RIVER, THAILAND

Abstract

Assessment of aquatic environmental impacts, nutrient transfer and the clarification of contaminated sites were conducted based on water quality analysis of the Mae Klong River. Twelve sampling stations were surveyed between April 2015 and April 2016 covering Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram Provinces. Results showed that aquatic environmental factors varied seasonally. A mathematical model developed using the box modeling method showed that middle (Ratchaburi Province) and lower (Samut Songkhram Province) riverine zones were point source areas. Highest DIN and PO43--P loads were found in Samut Songkhram Province. Results implied that PO43--P levels were higher than the standard criterion for aquaculture (< 1.45 µmol L-1). Levels of PO43--P continued to increase, downriver, particularly in the estuary. Recent PO43--P levels suggest that the number of agroindustry plants discharging waste effluent into the river should be reduced. Monitoring to assess the aquatic status of the Mae Klong River and estuary using the PO43-P database is urgently required to control water quality and reduce contamination levels