To Lich River : A research studies

Abstract

River pollution is one of the three most problematic environmental issues in Hanoi in Vietnam. The most polluted river is called To Lich River. The pollution level of this river is so high it has been called a “dead” river. The purpose of this Bachelor’s thesis was to compile information about the river, the pollution level and the current solutions being applied by the authorities. The thesis first provides general information about To Lich River (location, characteristics), the current status of the river and what has been done or will be done to solve or prevent the problems from getting worse. Then the causes of pollution and some mentionable events that have happened regarding the river are discussed including a description of the current situation of wastewater treatment facilities in Hanoi. The thesis also discusses pollution on a general level compiling the results of some tests conducted to check the quality of the rivers. These results were then compared to the Vietnamese regulations. Since To Lich river has been heavily mixed with wastewater, it is the main component of the river. The waste water consists of domestic wastewater, industrial wastewater, hospital wastewater and solid waste. Each of these component was discussed in terms of treatment plans, methods and regulations. Finally, river embankment, Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant, renovating To Lich river project and other improvement methods were dealt with. The effects of river embankment were discussed. It is a solution that has been applied by the authorities. Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant and the renovation project are upcoming plans to solve the problem. The information regarding these projects was compiled and the solution currently being applied was discussed at the end of the thesis.