Journal of Ecology and Environment

The Ecological Society of Korea (한국생태학회)
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Ecological health assessment of Mae Kha Canal, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand in 2023

  • Onalenna Manene (Environmental Science, Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University) ;
  • Nick Deadman (Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester) ;
  • Chotiwut Techakijvej (Environmental Science Program, Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University) ;
  • Songyot Kullasoot (Environmental Science Program, Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University) ;
  • Pitak Sapewisut (Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University) ;
  • Nattawut Sareein (Environmental Science Program, Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University) ;
  • Chitchol Phalaraksh (Environmental Science Program, Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University)
  • Received : 2023.10.10
  • Accepted : 2024.01.08
  • Published : 2024.03.31
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Abstract

Background: The Mae Kha Canal is one of Chiang Mai's most important waterways. It supports local agriculture, irrigation, and transportation as well as provides stormwater drainage to prevent floods. Due to the unregulated rapid urbanization of the city and lack of efficient waste and wastewater management systems over the past few decades, the canal has become heavily polluted. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of Mae Kha canal through assessment of the physico-chemical water quality and coliform bacteria. Moreover, benthic macroinvertebrates were samples and assessed using the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWPThai) and Average Score Per Taxon (ASPTThai) as biological indices. Results: The physico-chemical showed low dissolved oxygen levels, high levels of ammonia and phosphates, and elevated levels of biochemical oxygen demand, indicating that the water quality had significantly deteriorated. The canal was found to be heavily polluted, with most sites falling into the polluted to very heavily polluted. Coliform bacteria analysis revealed alarmingly high levels of total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform bacteria in the canal. The BMWPThai and ASPTThai scores indicated poor to very poor water quality. Conclusions: The physico-chemical and coliform bacteria indicated that the water quality of the Mae Kha canal had significantly deteriorated. The biological indices also indicated the poor to very poor water quality. This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive remediation efforts, emphasizing strategic planning, investment, and community engagement to revive the canal's ecological health and water quality.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Special thanks go to the staff of the Environmental Science Research Center (ESRC) and Freshwater Biomonitor Research Laboratory (FBRL) for their kind support in the field and laboratory. Special thanks also to Korea University, Asian Society for Hydrobiology (ASH) and EAFES 2023 for invitation and warm hospitality in the EAFES 2023 Congress in Jeju, Korea.

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