Contamination status of surface water from urban rivers and lakes in Hanoi, Vietnam: Pollution parameters and concentrations of selected elements
Authors:   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, Hoang Anh Quoc , Tran Giang Hoang ,   National Institute for Food Control (NIFC), 65 Pham Than Duat, Hanoi, Vietnam, Dinh Chien Viet ,   National Institute for Food Control (NIFC), 65 Pham Than Duat, Hanoi, Vietnam, Trinh Minh Hai ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, Kieu Huyen Thi ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, Nguyen Hieu The ,   Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Nguyen Thao Xuan ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, Nguyen Duyen Thi ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, To Anh Hong ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, Nguyen Duong Huy ,   Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Nguyen Hieu Duc ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, Nguyen Hien Le Thuy ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, Luu Anh Mai ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, Dinh Anh Hoang ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam, Nguyen Huong Thi Anh ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Surface water contamination is a concern in urban areas of emerging and developing countries. However, comprehensive and updated studies on the pollution status of urban rivers and lakes in Vietnam are still relatively scarce. Methods: In this study, surface water samples were collected from 5 rivers and 5 lakes in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, to determine some basic pollution parameters (i.e., pH, electrical conductivity–EC, total dissolved solids–TDS, and total suspended solids–TSS) and concentrations of 15 elements. Concentrations of elements were measured by using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Statistical analysis was performed to elucidate potential relationships between pollutants and samples. Results: The pH values in lake water were higher than in river water. The differences in EC, TDS, TSS, and total element concentrations between the lake and river samples were not statistically significant. Concentrations of many elements like Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Sb were lower than threshold values specified by the National Technical Regulation on Surface Water Quality. However, concentrations of As and Hg can approach or even exceed the acceptable limits in some locations. Significant correlations were found between some elements and basic parameters. Conclusions: The surface water of rivers and lakes in Hanoi urban areas has been contaminated at low to moderate levels in terms of pH, TSS, and some toxic elements. Further comprehensive monitoring studies should be conducted to characterize the pollution status