Assessment of water quality in Hau river flowing through Vinh Long province using principal component analysis

Water is one of the most important and precious resources for the human life and species, a particularly important factor to ensure the successful implementation of strategies and plans for economic and social development, and to ensure national security. However, water quality is significantly degraded by global climate change and increasing over-exploitation activities. The study assessed the water quality on the Hau River, the part running through Vinh Long province, as an information sourse for the water resources management and protection in this river. Water quality data used in the study provided by the Department of Natural Resources of Vinh Long province at 7 sites on the Hau river. The results show that at most of the monitoring locations, temperature and pH were consistent with the lifespan of aquatic organisms. TSS parameters, and the content of nutrients and organic matter exceeded national water surface standards. Applying principal component analysis (PCA), we investigated the relationship between water quality parameters. The results of PCA analysis showed that COD, BOD5, pH, Coliform, P-PO43-, N-NO3-, TSS, and EC have the key factor on the quality in Hau river flowing through Vinh Long province mainly originating from areas of aquaculture, agricultural and industrial activities. Therefore, it is necessary to include these 8 criteria as the key criteria in the surface water quality monitoring and surveying program of the Hau river flowing through Vinh Long province.