Evidence of Water Quality Degradation in Lower Mekong Basin Revealed by Self-Organizing Map.

ABSTRACT: To reach a better understanding of the spatial variability of water quality in the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB), the Self-Organizing Map (SOM) was used to classify 117 monitoring sites and hotspots of pollution within the basin identified according to water quality indicators and US-EPA guidelines. Four different clusters were identified based on their similar physicochemical characteristics. The majority of sites in upper (Laos and Thailand) and middle part (Cambodia) of the basin were grouped in two clusters, considered as good quality water with high DO and low nutrient levels. The other two clusters were mostly composed of sites in Mekong delta (Vietnam) and few sites in upstream tributaries (i.e., northwestern Thailand, Tonle Sap Lake, and swamps close to Vientiane), known for moderate to

SUBMITTER: Chea R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4701190 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature