N, P, Si budgets for the Red River Delta (northern Vietnam): how the delta affects river nutrient delivery to the sea

• DOI: 10.1007/s10533-010-9549-8
• Publication Date: 2010-11-29T05:05:52Z
• Authors: Thi Nguyet Minh Luu; Josette Garnier; Gilles Billen; Thi Phuong Quynh Le; Julien Nemery; Didier Orange; Lan Anh Le
• Keywords: River delta

The Red River Delta (RRD) (Vietnam), a region experiencing rapid population growth, industrialization, and economic development, concentrates 54% of the whole watershed in less than 10% basin area. Our study aimed at understanding quantifying processes by which delta affects nutrient fluxes coming from upstream before they reach sea. A comprehensive budget nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), silica (Si) associated with natural anthropogenic terrestrial hydrological system was established for five sub-basins period 2000–2006, based on official statistical data, available measurements, our own sampling campaigns enquiries. results show that inputs N P brought into area are higher amounts delivered river watershed. However, these two elements ultimately to coastal zone lower carried river, showing extremely efficient retention both soils delta's drainage network. For Si (taking account dissolved amorphous solid forms), is much lower. High low have up now protected severe eutrophication problems.