NEW PROJECT AT CARE: OCCURRENCE OF EMERGING CONTAMINANTS (CECS) AND DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS (DBPS) IN THE DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND PROPOSAL OF MITIGATION SOLUTIONS FOR HO CHI MINH CITY

We are excited to announce a new research initiative focused on safeguarding Ho Chi Minh City's drinking water quality.

This project investigates the presence, behavior, and potential risks of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), including PFASs, tire additives, flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides. These pollutants are not yet fully regulated but may pose risks to human health and the environment.

The project also examines the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are formed during chlorination and may present potential health risks.

Comprehensive water sampling is conducted across the entire drinking water supply chain, from raw water sources at intake points, through two major treatment plants, to the distribution network delivering drinking water to households. Sampling covers both dry and wet seasons to capture seasonal variability. Hundreds of samples are analyzed for emerging contaminants, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and disinfection by-products (DBPs).

The study aims to:

• Evaluate the removal efficiency of CECs by existing treatment processes
• Assess DBP formation potential and associated health risks
• Develop technical and management solutions to minimize CECs and DBPs
• Support a safe and sustainable drinking water supply for Ho Chi Minh City

This project is led by Prof. Nguyen Phuoc Dan (HCMUT - CARE), in collaboration with Prof. Huynh Ky Phuong Ha (HCMUT) and Dr. Christine Baduel (Institut de recherche pour le développement - IRD, CARE).

The project is implemented by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUT - VNU-HCM) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City (DOST HCMC) and SAWACO - Saigon Water Corporation.