Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) has revealed the latest sediment quality monitoring results from the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Mekong rivers, showing that all four monitoring sites along the Mekong River contained arsenic levels exceeding the severe hazard threshold.
The highest concentration was recorded at Ban Sop Kok in Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province, at 111 mg/kg, more than 11 times higher than the safe level for aquatic organisms living on riverbeds.
Elevated levels of arsenic and chromium were also detected in parts of the Ruak and Kok rivers, raising concerns about potential impacts on benthic organisms and the broader aquatic ecosystem. The PCD noted that the rainy season may contribute to the transport and accumulation of contaminated sediments in these waterways.
The agency emphasized that these findings relate to river sediments, not drinking water quality. However, the continued presence of heavy metal contamination highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and environmental surveillance to prevent long-term ecological impacts.
Cr. The Echo