Developing WQI Method to Assess Surface Water Quality in Ben Tre Province, Vietnam

In this study, the assessment of surface water quality in Ben Tre was conducted based on the province's monitoring data in 2022 and 2023, and the research team conducted additional monitoring in 2024 in 2 seasons (rainy and dry) with 18 parameters: pH, temperature, DO, Turbidity, COD, BOD, TSS, Ammonium, Nitrate, Nitrite, Phosphate, Nickel, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Coliform, E. coli, and total grease. The study typically focused on 5 areas: (1) main river and canal areas; (2) areas flowing through cities and towns; (3) river areas supplying water to water supply plants; (4) surface water in intra-field canals; (5) surface water in lakes. The average WQI calculation results for 6 periods at 53 locations in 2022 were 82-91. In 2023, at 60 locations, the average WQI reached 85-93; in 2024, it was 71-94; all met the purpose of providing domestic water and also needed appropriate treatment measures. From this result, the interpolation map of surface water quality in Ben Tre was established, contributing additional data sources for surface water resource management in the province.