(Bangkok, 7th) Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) announced that arsenic and lead levels at three monitoring points within the canal network of Saraburi Province exceeded surface water quality standards. Authorities are currently investigating the source of pollution that has recently caused parts of the canal water to turn black.
The PCD stated that the results were based on water samples collected on May 27 at Klong Nong Nam Khiao, Klong Ket canal, and Huai Takhe stream.
However, the testing showed that the raw water quality still meets the Class 3 surface water standard, and the treated tap water meets drinking water safety standards.
In the upstream section of Klong Nong Nam Khiao, arsenic concentration was detected at 0.013 milligrams per liter, and lead concentration at 0.072 milligrams per liter, both exceeding the standard limits of 0.010 milligrams per liter and 0.050 milligrams per liter respectively.
Additionally, in a downstream area near an industrial estate, a higher arsenic concentration was detected, reaching 0.019 milligrams per liter.
At Kut Nok Phlao dam, arsenic and lead concentrations were 0.020 milligrams per liter and 0.076 milligrams per liter respectively, also exceeding surface water standards.
The PCD indicated that from the area near Suankularb Witthayalai School along Huai Takhe stream to the downstream end at Klong Phriao canal, no excessive heavy metal pollution was found, although small amounts of metals were still detected at certain monitoring points.
The department stated they are currently analyzing whether there is a link between heavy metal contamination and potential pollution sources, based on the results of joint investigations with the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) on May 28 and this Thursday.
Additionally, authorities will conduct further tests on sediment samples to confirm whether they contain heavy metal pollutants.
However, the testing showed that the raw water quality still meets the Class 3 surface water standard, and the treated tap water meets drinking water safety standards.
In the upstream section of Klong Nong Nam Khiao, arsenic concentration was detected at 0.013 milligrams per liter, and lead concentration at 0.072 milligrams per liter, both exceeding the standard limits of 0.010 milligrams per liter and 0.050 milligrams per liter respectively.
Additionally, in a downstream area near an industrial estate, a higher arsenic concentration was detected, reaching 0.019 milligrams per liter.
At Kut Nok Phlao dam, arsenic and lead concentrations were 0.020 milligrams per liter and 0.076 milligrams per liter respectively, also exceeding surface water standards.
The PCD indicated that from the area near Suankularb Witthayalai School along Huai Takhe stream to the downstream end at Klong Phriao canal, no excessive heavy metal pollution was found, although small amounts of metals were still detected at certain monitoring points.
The department stated they are currently analyzing whether there is a link between heavy metal contamination and potential pollution sources, based on the results of joint investigations with the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) on May 28 and this Thursday.
Additionally, authorities will conduct further tests on sediment samples to confirm whether they contain heavy metal pollutants.