Micropollutants in the Sediment of the SaiGon–DongNai River: Situation and Ecological Risks

Abstract

This study is dedicated to the monitoring of environmental pollution in the SaiGon–DongNai (SGDN) river basin using ecotoxicological tests recently developed by the Institute for Environment and Resources (IER-CEFINEA). This paper presents the results of the analysis of micropollutants (pesticides and heavy metals); it also considers the effects of such pollutants on ecosystems. Results show that SGDN river sediments are contaminated by industrial and agricultural effluents. Although the pollution level does not exceed the probable effect level (PEL) value, SGDN sediments appear to have reached a toxicity level that should be monitored.