The Heavy Metal Pollution Index in Seawater of the Coastal Aquaculture Zone in Quang Ninh, Vietnam

Authors

  • Le Xuan Sinh

     Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
  • Le Van Nam

    Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
  • Nguyen Van Bach

     Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
  • Nguyen Thi Mai Luu

     Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
  • Do Manh Hao

    Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
  • Nguyen Thi Thu Ha

     Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i2.9806
Received: 30 April 2025 | Revised: 6 May 2025 | Accepted: 19 May 2025 | Published Online: 13 June 2025

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution in coastal waters is on the rise, presenting serious threats to both ecosystems and human health. Coastal aquaculture zones, such as those in Quang Ninh province, are especially vulnerable due to the accumulation of heavy metals from multiple sources, including industrial wastewater, land runoff, and maritime activities. This study applies the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) to assess pollution levels based on the concentrations of nine heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb) found in seawater samples collected from coastal aquaculture areas in Quang Ninh. According to the HPI method, values exceeding 100 indicate polluted water, serving as a benchmark for evaluating heavy metal contamination in the region. A total of 25 seawater samples were collected and analyzed; of these, 18 samples (72%) had HPI values above 100, signaling a concerning level of heavy metal pollution, while only 7 samples (28%) fell below the threshold, suggesting no significant contamination. These results underscore the urgent need for enhanced monitoring of water quality and stricter regulation of pollution sources to protect both environmental and public health.

Keywords:

Heavy Metal Pollution; Seawater Quality; Aquaculture Zones; Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI); Quang Ninh Province

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How to Cite

Le Xuan Sinh, Le Van Nam, Nguyen Van Bach, Nguyen Thi Mai Luu, Do Manh Hao, & Nguyen Thi Thu Ha. (2025). The Heavy Metal Pollution Index in Seawater of the Coastal Aquaculture Zone in Quang Ninh, Vietnam. Research in Ecology, 7(2), 224–238. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i2.9806

Issue

Vol. 7, Iss. 2 (June 2025) (in progress)

Article Type

Articles

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Copyright © 2025 Le Xuan Sinh, Le Van Nam, Nguyen Van Bach, Nguyen Thi Mai Luu, Do Manh Hao, Nguyen Thi Thu Ha

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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