Mekong delta salinity risk assessment using spatial analysis and the Iyengar-Sudarshan method

Abstract

Saltwater intrusion has become a significant problem in coastal regions across the globe, including Vietnam,
impacting resident livelihoods, economies, and societies. Particularly, the Mekong Delta region plays a pivotal role in Vietnam’s economy and agriculture, serving as a crucial source for Vietnam’s socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. Salinity risk assessment maps can provide information on risk levels based on salinity intrusion hazard, exposure, and vulnerability, facilitating the evaluation of saltwater intrusion impacts on specific areas. To respond to this gap, this study applied the Iyengar-Sudarshan method and spatial analysis techniques to assess the risk of salinity intrusion at the district scale for some provinces in the Mekong Delta, utilizing the holistic risk assessment framework outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The results indicate that the regions with the highest salinity risk are Ba Tri, Binh Dai and Thanh Phu districts of Ben Tre province, and Tan Phu Dong district of Tien Giang province. Vinh Long Hau Giang, and a section of Tien Giang province adjacent to Dong Thap province exhibit the lowest salinity risk Vinh Long and Hau Giang provinces are identified as areas without salinity risk. The results obtained from this study may aid in formulating strategies to adapt to saltwater intrusion and improving sustainable measures to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity intrusion.