Carriage, Handling and Storage of Dangerous Goods along

130 RECOMMENDATIONS
There is no single analytical method to characterise oil pollution due to its complex nature, or
alterations in the environment. Fluorescence spectroscopy is an appropriate analytical technique
for determining organic micropollutants having aromatic rings (s) in their molecules. Therefore,
fluorescence properties of petroleum hydrocarbons can be used in oil pollution monitoring and
research. Fluorescence fingerprints have been successfully used for characterising petroleum-related
contamination in the Danube River 3 . Further investigation is required to determine an effective water
quality monitoring in the Mekong River Basin.
6.3.2 Pollution Hotspots
RECOMMENDATION
Member Countries establish short-term water-quality programmes downstream from navigation
activities and pollution hotspots.
CHALLENGE
To determine the impacts on increased water quality, further monitoring and analysis is required
in pollution hotspots and areas with navigation activities and transport and storage of dangerous
goods. The MRC WQM recommends that benchmark stations should be located at the six following
sites:
1. Lao/China border (LS3) on the Mekong River;
2. Vientiane (LS5) on the Mekong River;
3. Prek Kdam (CP17) on the Tonle Sap;
4. Neak Luong (CS19) on the Mekong River;
5. Tan Chau (VP2) on the Mekong River; and
6. Chau Doc (VS21) on the Bassac River.
If short-term monitoring is undertaken to determine the impacts of navigation, the Member Countries
requested that an additional seven stations should be included for pollution hotspot monitoring.
These are Luang Prabang, the Lao/Cambodian border, Kratie, Tonle Sap (Tonle Sap Lake), Can Tho
(Bassac), My Tho (Mekong) and Dong Thap (Mekong)
The Risk Analysis and national consultation meetings determined that further monitoring should
also be undertaken on the Mekong and Bassac Rivers in Viet Nam to determine potential sources of
threats to water quality in the Mekong Delta where IWT and the transport and storage of dangerous
goods is most extensive.
6.3.3 Pollution Modelling
RECOMMENDATION
Future pollution modelling should determine the extent and possible trans-boundary impacts of
water quality pollution including oil spills.
CHALLENGE
The potential for major oil spills is highest in Cambodia and Viet Nam due to the size of the
petroleum terminals and tankers operating. Further analysis and hydrodynamic modelling is required
to determine the possible trans-boundary impacts. The location of ports and terminals in relation to
important wetlands, vulnerable areas, water intake (drinking) and public infrastructure also needs