Anthropogenic Impacts on Biochemical Processes in a Tropical Estuarine Lagoon

Abstract

Estuaries play an invaluable role in the transformation and cycling of materials as they move between land and sea; including anthropogenic materials. Increasingly, human land use is delivering material loads that risk overwhelming the normal functions that these ecosystems provide. In this context, the objective of this study is to assess key biogeochemical processes to understand the connections of anthropogenic activities on ecosystem performance in a tropical estuarine lagoon system. This research focuses on a case study area, Dong Ho lagoon in Vietnam, which exemplifies the anthropogenic impacts and management issues facing most of the Mekong coastline and other similar areas in Vietnam. Located at the south-western edge of the Mekong delta, the Dong Ho estuary is subject to material inputs from both local and more remote sources; making it vulnerable to degradation and functional loss. This paper summarises the key findings from an assessment of the Dong Ho estuarine functions and highlights potential risks it is currently facing.