Assessment of wastewater management in Mekong river delta region

Abstract

Mekong River Delta is an important delta of Vietnam, which is located at the downstream of Mekong River. With the high urbanization and industrialization, this region has been facing more intense environmental threats. This study was conducted to assess the current wastewater management in the region. Initial survey results revealed that there was only 8 wastewater treatment plants, meeting requirement of 6.9% of treatment demand, and the sewer coverage was 69%. The low environmental protection fees can not help cover the operation cost of sewerage system and wastewater treatment plants. Sludge treatment has been neglected. Therefore, more proactive in improving the wastewater sector and protecting their environment should be implemented from local authorities for the sustainable development in the future in the region.

Keywords: wastewater management; Mekong river delta; environmental protection.