MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF FORESTRY

STUDENT THESIS
Title
ASSESSING IMPACTS OF IRON ORE EXPLOITATION ON THE
ENVIRONMENT IN SON THUY COMMUNE, VAN BAN
DISTRICT, LAO CAI PROVINCE

Major: Natural Resources Management
Faculty: Forest Resources and Environmental Management

Student: Dang Chieu Xuan

Student ID:145 309 2249

Class: K59A Natural Resources Management

Course: 2014 - 2019

Advanced Education Program
Developed in collaboration with Colorado State University, USA
Supervisor: Msc. Nguyen Thi Bich Hao

Ha Noi, September 2018


ACKNOWLEDGE
Successful completion of any types of project requires helps from a number of people.
I have also taken helps from different people for the preparation of this report. Now, there is
a little effort to show my deep gratitude to those helpful people.

I convey my sincere gratitude to my Academic Supervisor Msc. Nguyen Thi Bich
Hao, a lecturer of the department of Environmental Engineering, Vietnam National
University of Forestry. Without her kind direction and proper guidance this study would have
been a little success. In every phase of the project, her supervision and guidance shaped this
report to be completed perfectly.
Finally, I want to express my deep gratefulness to residents and the local authorities
of Son Thuy commune. With their enthusiasm help during dust sampling, noise measurement
and interviews processes, I had the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and experience
about the impacts of Iron ore exploitation on the environment in Son Thuy commune. From
that, all of these data and information help me to complete report.

Hanoi, September 28th, 2018
Student

Dang Chieu Xuan


ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the situation of the environment that is impacted by Iron ore
exploited activities in Son Thuy Commune, Van Ban District, Lao Cai Province. The paper
document studied all steps of Iron ore exploited process, from that considering some steps
which generated directly dust, wastewater and noise into the environment causing serious
impacts. To assess the impacts of exploited activities on the air environment, the author
applied taking dust sampling (qualitative method) to identify the indicator in wastewater such
as Ph, TSS, Fe, Mn and Cd, the author took the wastewater samples in Son Thuy commune
and analyzed them. In addition, the impacts of Iron ore exploitation also on social aspects
were assessed by noise level measurement and other interview with local residents and
authorities. Once the pollutants have been identified, appropriate and effective
recommendations should be made to improve the current social and environmental situation.



CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGE
ABSTRACT
CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1
2. GOALS AND SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES ............................................................................... 5
2.1. Goals ................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Specific objectives .............................................................................................................. 5
3. STUDY METHODS .............................................................................................................. 6
3.1. Study area ........................................................................................................................... .6
3.2. Interview method ................................................................................................................ .7
3.3. Research methods in the field ............................................................................................. .9
3.4. Analyzing method in laboratory ....................................................................................... .14
4. RESULTS ............................................................................................................................. 19
4.1. Current state of Iron ore exploitation in Son Thuy commune, Van Ban district, Lao Cai
province ................................................................................................................................... 19
4.2. The impacts of Iron ore exploitation of the Quy Sa mine on the environmental and social
aspects of Son Thuy commune ................................................................................................ 22
4.3. Proposing solutions to enhance the efficiency at environmental management for mining
Iron ore activities in Son Thuy commune................................................................................ 36
5. DICUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................ 38
5.1 Discussions and conclusions.............................................................................................. 38
5.2. Limitations and recommendations.................................................................................... 39

REFERENCES



LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1. The World reserves of Iron ore in 2017, by country ................................................ 1
Table 1.2. The production of some metallic minerals in the world between 2012 and 2016….2
Table 1.3. The reduction and destruction of forest due to mining in 2006 ................................ 4
Table 3.1. Sampling locations ................................................................................................. 11
Table 4.1. The output of Iron ore mining and quarrying products according to the design ... 19
Table 4.2. Mining output of Quy Sa iron mine in recent years ................................................. 20
Table 4.3 . Properties of wastewater generated from exploiting Iron ore at Quy Sa mine ...... 23
Table 4.4. The amount of dust emitted from Iron ore exploitation at Quy Sa mine ................ 28
Table 4.5. The results of six dust samples ............................................................................... 29
Table 4.6. The noise level is caused owing to the engine of the Iron ore trucks (dBA) .......... 34
Table 4.7. Harms of noise having high frequency for human health....................................... 35


LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1. The map of Van Ban district ................................................................................... 6
Figure 3.2. The map of Son Thuy commune ............................................................................. 6
Figure 3.3. The map of Quy Sa Iron ore mine ...............................................................................7
Figure 3.4. The samples distributed in Lech village, Son Thuy commune.............................. 13
Figure 3.5. Main types of wastewater based on their sources ................................................. 14
Figure 3.6. pH meter ................................................................................................................ 15
Figure 4.1. Diagram of production process at Quy Sa mine...................................................... 21
Figure 4.2. Temperature value of wastewater discharged from Iron ore exploitation .............23
Figure 4.3. pH value of wastewater discharged from Iron ore exploitation ........................... 24
Figure 4.4. TSS value of wastewater discharged from Iron ore exploitation .......................... 24
Figure 4.5. Mn value of wastewater discharge from Iron ore exploitation.............................. 25
Figure 4.6. Fe value of wastewater discharge from Iron ore exploitation ............................... 25

Figure 4.7. Cd value of wastewater discharge from Iron ore exploitation............................... 26
Figure 4.8. Percentage of interviewees supposed that transpoting Iron ore activities causing
lanscape destruction ................................................................................................................. 27
Figure 4.9. Sample 1… ............................................................................................................ 30
Figure 4.10. Sample 2… .......................................................................................................... 30
Figure 4.11. Sample 3 .............................................................................................................. 30
Figure 4.12. Sample 4. ............................................................................................................. 30
Figure 4.13. Sample 5 .............................................................................................................. 30
Figure 4.14. Sample 6… .......................................................................................................... 30
Figure 4.15.Percentage of interviewees suffering from disease relating to dust generation
from Iron ore transportation ..................................................................................................... 32
Figure 4.16.. The assessment of interviees about the impacts of Iron ore transportation on
traffic activities ........................................................................................................................ 33
Figure 4.17. Percentage of interviewees choosing the number of average trucks passing by per
day through 279 National Highway ......................................................................................... 33


LIST OF ACRONYMS
BTNMT

Ministry of natural resources and Environment of the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam

Cd

cadmium

EPA

United States Environmental Protection Agency


Fe

Iron

IEC

Electroacoustics - Sound level meters

MCL

Maximum Contaminant Level

Mn

Manganese

ORP

Oxidation Reduction Potential

QCVN

The basic regulation of Vietnam Government

TCVN

The standards of Vietnam Government

TSS


Total Suspended Solids

VINACOMIN

Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corp. Ltd.

VND

Vietnam Dong


1. INTRODUCTION
The state of mineral deposit
A mineral deposit (or an ore deposit) is defined as a rock body that includes one or
more elements (or minerals) that are enough average crustal abundance to have potential
economic value such as metallic mineral deposits (e.g., deposits of Copper, Lead, Zinc, Iron,
Gold, etc.) (Kula C. Misra, 2000) [18]
In terms of metallic mineral deposits, Iron ore is one of the representatives for this
category. Australia and Brazil are among the world’s largest Iron ore producers and possess a
huge proportion of the world’s Iron ore deposits. While Australia accounts for fifty percent of
the world’s Iron ore exports, Brazil exported around twenty three percent of the world's total
Iron exports.
Table 1.1. The World reserves of Iron ore in 2017, by country [21]
Unit: Million metric tons
No

Country

Crude ore


Iron content

1

Australia

50 000

24 000

2

Russia

25 000

14 000

3

Brazil

23 000

12 000

4

China


21 000

7 200

5

India

8 100

5 200

6

Canada

6 000

2 300

Vietnam is a country located adjacent to the Mediterranean and the Pacific leading to
diverse and abundant mineral resources. The results of mineral investigation, assessment and
exploration indicated that the country has rich and diverse mineral resources with over 5000
mines and 40 different mineral types [1] .
In terms of metallic mineral group, Vietnam has a variety of metallic minerals such as
Iron, Manganese, Chromium, Titanium, Copper, Lead, and etc. Among the metallic minerals
As mentioned above, Iron ore is the mineral with enormous reserves in Vietnam. The Iron
ore in Vietnam is distributed in three main areas, the first one is the Northwest in which mines
are exploited along the Red River and its reserve is over 200 million tons .The second area is

the Northeast with mines in Thai Nguyen and its total deposit is about 50 million tons. The
last area concentrated a large amount of Iron ore in Vietnam is Ha Tinh province where Thach
Khe mine located. This mine’s reserves is about 554 million tons, high content of iron (6065%) [3].

1


The state of mineral exploitation
Currently, the basis for industrial development includes a number of major metals
such as Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Lead, Zinc, etc. In many industrialized nations, the demand
for these metals accounts for 80% - 90% of the total metal used in the world. The table 1.2 are
some of the .major metal minerals exploited in the world.
In terms of metallic minerals, according to the data published by world mining where
annually production of 63 mineral commodities from 168 countries are presented on the
production of Bauxite, Copper, Iron and Nickel in five years is shown on table 1.2
Table 1.2. The production of some metallic minerals in the world between 2012 and 2016 [20]
Unit: metric tons
No Commodity

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

1


Bauxite

258939615

300583212

260844562

29673536

284933806

2

Copper

16764481

18271968

18644945

19403679

2017159

3

Iron


136140491

1474380927

155344491

1548956399

1575123716

4

Nickel

2356041

2604841

2175030

2115971

1953503

According to United states geographical survey [14], Vietnam produced about 1.9%
and 1.4% of the world’s Tin and Cement. Other commodities produced in the country
includes Bauxite, Chromium ore, Coal, Lead, Manganese, Nickel,etc,.. As for major
processed minerals, Vietnam produced refined Copper, Rolled steel, Refined tin, and Zinc.
In terms of metallic minerals, in 2013, Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries

Holding Corp. Ltd. (VINACOMIN) announced the operation of the Tan Rai Alumina factory
located in the Bao Lam District in Lam Dong Province. In April 2014, VINACOMIN
expected the Tan Rai plant reached a designed capacity of 650,000 tons annually (tons / year)
of Alumina by 2015. In 2014, the factory is estimated production from 85% to 90% of
capacity. According to VINACOMIN, Nhan Co that is another mine of VINACOMIN would
include Bauxite and Alumina. The mine was expected to have a Bauxite capacity of 1 million
metric tons per year (Mt/year) and the plant would have the capacity to produce 650,000
tons/year of Alumina [14].

2


Benefits and impacts of mineral exploitation on Vietnam’s economy and environment
Benefits from mineral exploitation on Vietnam’s economy
Annually, Vietnam’s mining industry provides about 90 million tons of limestone, 70
million m3 of common building materials, nearly 100 million m3 of construction sand, over 45
million tons of Coal, etc. helping Vietnam derive certain economic benefits from these
activities.
- The primary benefit from mineral exploitation is a huge contribution to Vietnam’s
gross domestic product. According to the Vietnam General Department of Geology and
Minerals, mining output (excluding oil and gas) accounts for 4-5% of total annual GDP,
contributed directly to the budget from the granting of mineral mining rights, environmental
protection fees from 2014 to 2017 with an average of 16-20,000 billion VND. It can be said
that mineral resources really become the mainstay for socio-economic development of the
country in each period [1].
- Another significant contribution of mineral exploitation is creating job for a huge
number of Vietnamese citizens. According to draft resolution of the People's Council of Nghe
An Province on planning for exploration, exploitation and use of mineral [4], The meeting
heard and commented on the draft plan for job creation for employees in 2015 until 2020. In
the 2011 – 2014 period, the employments were created for 141,800 laborers. It is forecasted

that from now to 2020, the labor demands are about 223,350 people, with an average of
37,000 workers per year.
Impacts of mineral exploitation on the environment
In additon to the benefits achieved from mineral exploitation to Vienam’s economy.
However, impacts of this action on the environment are becoming obvious and more serious.
The impacts of mining depend on many factors, including the type of mining and the size of
operation. It means that land is disturbed, the topography is transformed and the hydro
geological conditions are affected adversely.
- The mining process requires the mine opening, seam extracting, and mine closure. All
these steps require the mechanical equipment or manual works on the underground to exploit
the minerals. Moreover, present mining of Vietnam uses a backward technology, especially
the metal mining places in the mountain regions and midlands led to enormous impacts on the
landscape, forest and wildlife. The mineral mining has decreased the area of agricultural land
and forest as well. Table 1.3 shows the loss of forest area by mining in some provinces of
Vietnam .

3


Table 1.3. The reduction and destruction of forest due to mining in 2006
No

Area

Mine, region (mineral)

(ha)

Destruction of land


1

Mau Due mine, Ha Giang (antimony)

25

Uncultivated land

2

Chiem Hoa mine, Tuyen Quang (antimony)

>720

Decreased natural forest

4

Bac Lung mine, Thai Nguyen (Tin)

≈ 218

Uncultivated land

5

Ao Sen, Thuong Am (Barite)

≈ 150


Uncultivated land
(Source: Lac,Phan Thi 2009 [2])

- The air in mining region consisting of both surface and underground mining, and the
surrounding mining areas, is polluted by dust agents, and toxic and explosive gases. To be more
precise, the Cam Pha, Uong Bi Coal mine and Ha Long city had shown a high level of dust
pollution. The largest sources of dust releasing are the process of sorting coal and its transport.
In general, the dust concentration in coal mining areas exceeds the permitted standard (or
acceptable standards) from 1.2 to 5.2 times (average of 24 hour) (Thuy, Nguyen Thi Thu, 2009).[11].
- Based on information and data obtained from the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment, the total number of wastewater discharged from Coal mines is estimated to
38,914,075 m3 in 2009. Low pH values and high total suspended solid (TSS) are two main
parameters used to assess water quality. According to data collected, because of wastewater,
pH of water within and around exploitation area ranged from 3.1 to 6.5. Additionally,
concentration of TSS exceeded the permitted standards from 1.7 to 2.4 times, sometimes its
exceeded the standard 8.09 times. The wastewater from mineral mining impacts negatively on
the rivers, streams, lakes and coastal areas by changing water quantities, declining water
quality and loss of aquatic resources (Thuy, Nguyen Thi Thu, 2009) [11].
The state of Iron ore deposit and exploitation in Son Thuy commune, Van Ban district,
Lao Cai province
Son Thuy is a mountainous commune in Van Ban district, Lao Cai province which has
rich and abundant mineral resources. As a result, the activities such as rock, lime and ore
mining occur strongly and bring both positive and negative impacts to the environment,
economy and society in this commune. Particularly, Iron ore mining activities at Quy Sa mine
(the second largest Iron ore mine in Vietnam) are taking place intensively and this is one of
the most extremely hot and irritating issues for local people but there have been not many
researches conducted in this Iron mine area (the only study related to the impacts of mining
activities on the environment at Quy Sa Iron mine in Son Thuy is the master thesis of Nguyen
Huy Viet). Therefore, the author decided to conduct a research at Quy Sa mine to find out the
problems that are occurring and try to find the right solutions to minimize and mitigate these

negative effects.
4


2. GOALS AND SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
2.1. Goals
The research results contribute to enhance the effectiveness of environmental
management and the quality of local citizens’ life in Son Thuy commune, Van Ban district,
Lao Cai province.
2.2. Specific objectives
To achieve the previous goals, the thesis concentrates on the following objectives:
(1) Analyzing current state of Iron ore exploitation in Son Thuy commune, Van Ban
district, Lao Cai province.
(2) Assessing impacts of Iron ore exploitation on soil, water and air environment in the
study area.
-

Impacts of ore exploitation on surface water quality

-

Impacts of ore exploitation on soil and air quality

-

Impacts of ore exploitation on social aspects

(3) Proposing solutions to enhance the efficiency at environmental management under
ore exploitation in study site.


5


3. STUDY METHODS
3.1. Study area
a. General information
Van Ban district is located between two enormous mountain ranges, Hoang Lien Son
mountains in the Northwest and Con Voi mountains in the Southeast. In addition, this district
is bounded by Bao Yen district in the East, Lai Chau province in the west, Yen Bai province
in the south and southeast. It is estimated that there are 87,330 people live in Van Ban district,
including 6,286 live in urban areas and 81,044 people live in rural areas. The population
consists of 11 ethnic groups, encompassing 16,043% are Kinh. The road system consists of
Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway with 14 km long, 279 National Highway with a length of 70
km [12].

Figure 3.1. The map of Van Ban district, [28]
Son Thuy is a commune that has an area of 5,875 thousand hectares and population of
3,018 thousand people[7]. According to information collected from Van Ban wed portal in
2017, this commune has a road system including 279 National highway that is seemed as
economic strength exchanges with other localities in and outside the province and 151 roads.

Figure 3.2. The map of Son Thuy commune, [28]
6


The Quy Sa Iron ore mine is known as the second largest deposit in Vietnam located
in Son Thuy commune, Van Ban district. Based on information obtained from Vietnam
National Institute of Mining- Metallurgy Science and Technology, it indicated that
characteristics of the Quy Sa mine are a large limonite deposit, concentrated ore body, thin
soil layer, easy to exploit, total reserves and resources of the mine are more than 110 million

tons, Deluvi ore mixed with weathered clay, original ore is mainly goethite, some hematite
and psilomelan, primary ore fraction is 2.32 tons / m3, average humidity with 17.37 ÷ 33.49%
and hardness of the ore is f = 2 ÷ 3 [8].

Figure 3.3. The map of Quy Sa Iron ore mine , [28]
b. The purposes of applying this method to achieve the objectives
(1) Studying current state of Iron ore exploitation in Son Thuy commune, Van Ban
district, Lao Cai province. The Iron ore mine was chosen to be case study because of the
following reasons. Firstly, Van Ban district (as well as this mine) belongs Lao Cai where is
the second largest province in terms of revenue from mineral resources, after Quang Ninh
province. Secondly, those areas are known as the main reason leading to soil, water, and air
pollution as well as other social-economic issues in some recent years.
3.2. Interview method
3.2.1 Questionnaire
a. Questionnaire design:
Questionnaire was used to collect data from a fraction of the population under
investigation and the responses were used to provide a quantitative description of the effects
of Iron ore exploitation on the community.
The questionnaire was constructed into four broad sections about the current (2018)
state including background information, knowledge on of Iron ore exploited processes and
implications, environmental issues, awareness of soil, air and water quality and the health
condition. It was based on the perception levels of the residents living in the study area.
7


b. Questionnaire testing:
The test of the questionnaire was conducted randomly with 65 households living
around Quy Sa Iron ore mine. This test was carried out to ensure that all kinds of errors
associated with survey research would be reduced as well as improve the quality of data
significantly.

c. The purposes of applying this method to achieve the objectives
(1) Studying current state of Iron ore exploitation in Son Thuy commune, Van Ban
district, Lao Cai province. The questions in the household survey questionnaire related to Iron
ore exploitation stages.
(2) Assessing the impacts of Iron ore exploitation on the environment and social
aspects in the study area. Whereas part A in the household survey questionnaire required the
interviewees answered about landslides and erosion, part B required the interviewees
answered about water quality issues. In terms of part C of this questionnaire requires the
interviewees answered about issues relating to air (the main cause for releasing dust, the
impacts of air pollution,...). In terms of assessing social impacts of Iron ore exploitation in the
study area. The author asked some questions involved in local residents’ heath condition.
(3) Proposing solutions to enhance the efficiency at environmental management for
mining Iron ore activities in study area. Base on all information related to the soil, water, and
air issues obtained from interviewing, the author found out solutions for technology and
management.
3.2.2. Semi- structured interview
a. Key Informant Interviews
This kind of interview is used to collect data that are qualitative in-depth interviews
with people who know what is going on in the community. The purpose of key informant
interviews is to collect information from a wide range of people including community leaders,
professionals, or residents who have firsthand knowledge about the community. These
community experts, with their particular knowledge and understanding, can provide insight on
the nature of problems and give recommendations for solutions.
All opened questions were constructed into four broad sections about the current
(2018) state including background information, understanding of Iron ore exploited processes
and implications, environmental issues, and the recommendation dealing with these problems.
The test was conducted with the chairman of Son Thuy people’s committee. This test
was carried out to ensure that all kinds of errors associated with survey research would be
reduced. It also helped to improve the quality of data significantly.
8



b. Household interviews
There are five opened questions to collect more detailed information about the
environmental contamination and other social problems causing serious impacts on the
community.The test was conducted with 30 households living around the Quy Sa Iron ore
mine. This test was carried out to ensure that all kinds of errors associated with survey
research would be reduced and it also helped to improve the quality of data significantly.
c. The purposes of applying this method to achieve the objectives:
(1) Studying current state of Iron ore exploitation and management in Son Thuy
commune, Van Ban district, Lao Cai province. Interview questions concerned with recent Iron
ore exploitation activities causing environmental problems and responds of local authorities.
(2)

Assessing the impacts of Iron ore exploitation on the environment and social

aspects in the study area. Son Thuy chairman of people’s committee answered the question
involving in the state of environmental pollution. Assessing social impacts of Iron ore
exploitation in the study area. The interviewees were given the questions about the impacts of
exploitation and transportation stages on social aspects.
(3) Proposing solutions to enhance the efficiency at environmental management for
mining Iron ore activities in study area. The chairman of people’s committee provided
information about interim measures to prevent the impacts from Iron ore exploitation as well
as proposed some educational, technical and managed solutions to cope with these problems.
3.3. Research methods in the field
3.3.1. Investigating the study area
a. General information
The thesis conducted investigation and survey at the Quy Sa Iron ore mine at Son
Thuy commune, Van Ban district, Lao Cai province to:
- Directly surveying the research area, finger out mining Iron ore process, and

particularly focusing on some stages which are responsible for air, water and soil pollution.
- Investigating the steps of releasing dust, discharging wastewater into the
environment and the ones of causing soil erosion and landslide.
- Finding out materials and chemicals which are used for each stage of mining Iron
ore.
b. The purposes of applying this method to achieve the objectives
(1) Studying current state of Iron ore exploitation and management in Son Thuy
commune, Van Ban district, Lao Cai province. The author will observe the Iron ore

9


processing stages in the Quy Sa Iron ore mine (or Vietnam- China Mineral and Metallurgical
Company) by taking photos or using camera.
(2) Assessing the impacts of Iron ore exploitation on the environment and social
aspects in the study area. The author will go to mining areas and residential areas to observe
the impacts of transporting and digging on soil surface and structure as well as the processing
stages discharges waste into water source. At the same time the water in downstream, farming
area around this mine and also the source of water that local residents use will be investigated.
In addition, the author also observed the Iron ore processing stages that release a huge amount
of dust into the air. In terms of assessing social impacts of Iron ore exploitation in the study
area. Residential areas and the Vietnam- China Mineral and Metallurgical Company will be
investigated carefully in order to collect more useful information for household survey
questionnaire and semi-structure interview.
3.3.2. Water sampling method
To achieve the best result, it is necessary to carefully prepare required equipment and tools.
a. Sample containers
The containers which were used to contain selected water/wastewater samples are pure water
bottles with 500 ml.
b. Manual sampling equipment

The simple equipment which is used to collect wastewater samples are buckets and
large bottle which are tied to a long stick. Volume of the bottle should not be less than 100 ml.
The manual sampling equipment must be made of inert material and does not affect to the
later analysis.
Before taking the samples, the devices must be cleaned with detergent and water, or
follow the manufacture’s instruction, and finally rinse with clean water. When sampling
processes were complete, the author conducted rapidly temperature and pH measurement then
close the bottle cap tightly and preserve by styro-foam cooler with ice.
c. Sampling locations
The author collected four samples from upstream, within mining area, downstream,
the water source located far away from downstream from 500m to 1km (agricultural area).
The number of total samples is four and those are listed on table 3.1

10


Table 3.1. Sampling locations
No.

Symbol of
sample

1

S1

Sample coordinates
N 22o07.521
o


E 104 16.200
2

S2

C1: Water source located before the
Quy Sa Iron ore mine

’

N 22o07.370’

C2: Water in/around mining Iron ore
area

E 104o17.185’
3

4

S3

S4

Notes

N 22o07.630’
o

E 104 16.590


C3: Water in downstream (after
discharging wastewater area)

’

N 22o07.305’

C4: Far away C3 from 500 m to 1km
(agricultural area)

E 104o16.354’

d. Sampling process
The wastewater samples were taken following the single sampling method/plan based
on the standard TCVN 5996-1995 of Vietnam - Quality of water samples- sampling
instruction- guidance on sampling in rivers and streams.
- Necessary tools for sampling and water samples preservation are four water bottle
with 500 ml, long stick ( the length is from four to five meter), hemp string (the length is
about two or three meter), adhesive tape, styrofoam cooler (ice box), ice, correction pen,
notebook, GPS device, camera,…
- When taking the samples, the author needs to ensure certain requirements:
 The sample containers need to be cleaned. It should not be coated by water/wastewater
which will be taking, it might be afftect the future results of the analysis.
 Do not disturbed the water surface.
 The samples were taken should be highly representative ability.
- To carry out sampling, firstly, the neck of sampling bottle and the long stick together
were grabbed together and then the author used adhestive tape to fix them together for more
steady. After that, sampling bottle was dropped down to the sampling location (the samples
should be taken at a depth from 20 cm to 30 cm comparing to the surface of water and far

from the shore about 1.5m to 2m) until water was full the bottle, then pulled it up, cleaned the
outside and closed the bottle cap. Correction pen was used to sign the number of order, date
and time of taking the samples. Then the author wrote down necessary information that need
to be analyzed into the notebook. Finally, the author analyzed at the scene parameters that can
be measured quickly (temperature, pH).

11


- In terms of preservation and transportation of samples, the author put all water
samples into styro-foam cooler with ice and bring it carefully to Hanoi Institute of Science
and Environment to analyze.
e. Storage and transportation
Because of the fact that the selected parameters cannot be measured directly at the
field, the most common way to preserve water samples during is cooled to a temperature from
0o C to 4oC.
The water samples ware kept in styro-foam with ice and carried carefully to the
laboratory of Hanoi Institute of Science and Environment.
f. The purposes of applying this method to achieve the objectives
(2). Assessing the impacts of Iron ore exploitation on the environment and social
aspects in the study area. The water sampling helps the author investigate which water
parameters exceed the National water quality standards.
3.3.3. Dust sampling method
a. Sampling tools
In order to take samples and maintain deposited dust, the study used sampling tools
such as dust containers, sticky material, and cling wrap. The containers which were used to
contain deposited dust are porcelain dishes and cling wrap cover.
In terms of preparing sampling containers, Vaseline with no more than 1cm thickness
was hold in a container and the samples were numbered. The area used to take dust samples
were the one of the tray covered with evenly treated Vaseline.

b. Sampling locations
The study focused researching and sampling at the Quy Sa Iron ore mine (or the
Vietnam-China Mineral and Metallurgical Company) and Lech village - the residential area
near this company. The samples will be distributed following the plot described on figure 3.4

12


`Figure 3.4. The samples distributed in Lech village, Son Thuy commune
The sampling tools were placed at a clear area and not cover by any buildings or trees. Six
samples will be set up in the residential area where nearby the Vietnam- china Mineral and
Metallurgical Company as well as along two sides of 279 National highway and 151 Road .
c. Sampling process
Necessary tools for sampling and samples preservation were measurement dishes, cling
wrap, measuring tape, correction pen, pen/pencil, notebook, GPS device, camera, etc...
When taking the sampling, the author needed to ensure certain requirements:
- Do not disturb the surface.
- Samples were taken should have highly representative ability.
In terms of conducting sampling, the author put 6 plates of porcelain that were covered
with evenly treated Vaseline into a residential area near the Iron ore mining area and along
two sides of two main roads in this area where the vehicles are active strongly. The distance
from the source to each sample is 1 m
d. The purposes of applying this method to achieve the objectives
Assessing the impacts of Iron ore exploitation on the air environment in the study area.
From this method, the author can observe the concentration of dust in different locations by
normal eyes. Therefore, the author could assess which activities releases more dust into the air.
3.3.4. Noise measurement
a. Measurement tools
Measurement system include a microphone, a shield, a wire, and a recorder which
comply with the requirement for class 1 equipment as specified in IEC 61672-1: 2002.

b. Measurement locations
The study focused researching and sampling at Lech village- the residential area, the
author carried out measuring Leq for road traffic.
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c. Sampling process
Necessary tools for sampling were a measurement system consisting of a microphone, a
windshield, a wire and a recorder, correction pen, pen/pencil, notebook, GPS device, camera,..
When taking the sampling, the author needs to ensure certain requirements:
- Before and after each measurement series, the class 1 sound calibrator compliant with
IEC 60942: 2003 must be applied a microphone to test the calibration of the whole measuring
system at one or more frequencies.
- Measurement equipment must be checked regularly both acoustically and electrically.
- Samples were taken should have highly representative ability.
In terms of Conducting sampling, the noise was measured in front of a grocery and a random
household located along 279 National highway at Lech village by a sound level meter.
d. The purposes of applying this method to achieve the objectives
(3) Assessing social impacts of Iron ore exploitation in the study area. The noise data
was checked and then compared with National technical regulation on noise QCVN 26:2010
about maximum allowable noise limits in normal areas.
3.4. Analyzing method in laboratory
Water samplings
3.4.1. Sample treatment
According to the Decree QCVN 24:2009/BTNMT of Vietnam Environment Administration,
sewage water/wastewater is water which was discharged after having used or created in a
technological process. They have no direct value to the previous process. They also were changed
their original properties. Generally, wastewater is classified according to their origin.

wastewater


Domestic wastewater
Industrial wastewater
(production wastewater)
Infiltration (waste) water
Natural wastewater
Urban wastewater
Figure 3.5. Main types of wastewater based on their sources
(QCVN 24:2009/BTNMT)

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According to the classification of wastewater types, wastewater at the Quy Sa mine is
considered as the industrial wastewater or production wastewater. To assess water quality and
wastewater pollution levels, it relies on some basic norms and limits of each indicator that
comply with the Law on Environmental Protection of Vietnam or International Standards for
each type of wastewater from different purposes. In this research, the author choose some key
indicators as follow: Temperature, pH, TSS, Fe, Mg, and Cd.
a. Temperature
Temperature is an essential factor that is taken into account when assessing water
quality. Moreover, temperature is able to impact on several parameters and change both
physical and chemical water properties. Water temperature should be considered when
identifying such as metabolic rates and photosynthesis production, compound toxicity,
dissolved oxygen and other dissolved gas concentrations, conductivity and salinity, oxidation
reduction potential (ORP), pH, water density [18]
- How to measure temperature?
Water/wastewater temperature is often measured with a thermometer. Currently, there
are two main kinds of thermometer, analogue and digital ones. In this project, the author use
digital thermometer to measure temperature of wastewater samples.

Firstly, wastewater samples were collected, then carefully put the ending of the thermometer
into wastewater samples and waited at least two minutes until the number on the screen of the
digital thermometer was stable. Finally, the author wrote down the results on a notebook

Figure 3.6. pH meter
b. pH
pH illustrates the acidity of water but actually measure the potential activity of
hydrogen ions (H+) in water. pH measurements run on a scale from 0 to 14, encompassing 7.0
considered neutral., with a pH below 7.0 is considered as acids, with a pH from 7.0 to 14.0

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are considered bases. All organisms are effected by the amount of acidity of stream water and
can be active best within a given range [25]
- How to measure pH?
The author did the same way with temperature measurement.
c. TSS (Total Suspended solid)
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) can consist of quantities of materials, such as silt,
decaying plant and animal matter, industrial wastes, and sewage. A variety of stream health
and marine life problems can be caused by high concentrations of suspended solids. High TSS
can prevent light from reaching submerged vegetation. As a consequence, the quantity of light
passing through water is declined, photosynthesis slows down. Therefore, less dissolved
oxygen can be released into the water by plants. Beside, Low dissolved oxygen is responsible
for fish death. High TSS can also cause an increase in surface water temperature, because the
suspended particles absorb heat from sunlight [16].
- How to measure TSS?
The wastewater samples of TSS were measured by TCVN 6625:2000 (Determination
suspended solids (TSS) by filtration through glass-fibre filters) [10]. The suspened solids
content ρ, in milligrams per liter, is calculated by the equation:

In which:
b. is the mass of the filter after filtration, in milligrams;
a. is the mass of the filter before filtration, in milligrams;
V. is the sample volume, in milliliters. If the sample is weighed, 1 g is considered
equivalent to 1 ml. The detail of TSS proceedings is included in the appendix 04 of the report.
d. Iron (Fe)
Iron in water may be existed in different quantities depending on both the geological
characteristics and other chemical components of the waterway. Two types of ions concerned
in marine environment are Ferrous Fe++ and ferric Fe+++. The ferrous form Fe++ can persist
in water void of dissolved oxygen and frequently discharged from underground or mines. Iron
in domestic water supply systems stains laundry and porcelain. It is more annoying than a risk
for health. The taste level of the iron in water is 0.1 mg/l for ferrous iron and 0.2 mg/l ferric
while the figure for industrial processes occasionally includes less than 0.2 mg / l of iron. The
current aquatic life standard is 1.0 mg / l based on the toxic effects [24]
- How to measure Fe?
The wastewater samples of Fe were measured by TCVN 6177: 1996 (Determination of
iron- Spectrometric method using 1.10- phenantrolin) [9]. The amount of Fe in wastewater
samples was calculated as following:
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A1 F (A1- A0)
In which:
F is the slope of the corresponding standard curve
A1 is the absorbance of the test solution
A0 is the absorbance of the white test solution
The detail of Fe proceedings is included in the appendix 05 of the report
e. Manganese (Mn)
Manganese is a mineral that forms naturally in rocks and soil and may be created due to
underground pollution sources. Manganese is hardly found alone in a water supply. It is usually

found in iron-bearing waters however it is more rare than iron. Basically, it can be seen as a
close relative of iron because it forms much the same as iron. When manganese is existed in
water, it will be as annoying as iron. In low concentrations, it produces extremely nasty stains
on everything that is contacted. Pipelines, and tap water may encompass black sediment and
turbidity because of accumulative manganese. (Lawence K. Wang et al.,2009) [15]
- How to measure Mn?
The wastewater samples of Mn were measured by TCVN 6002:1995 (Determination
of manganese - Formaldoxime spectrometric method) [8]. The concentration of manganese,
CMn calculated in mg / l, is calculated by the formula:
CMn = f(A1 – A0)g
In which:
f is the normalization coefficient corresponding to the selected standard and is
calculated as
as specified in 6.4.4, mg / l;
A1 is the absorbance of the sample solution to be analyzed;
A0 is the extrapolation absorption of the "no" component;
g is a coefficient calculated according to the formula:
g

V1
V2

V1 is the volume of the test portion, ml (here is 50 ml);
V2 is the volume of sample taken, then diluted to 50 ml if present
The detail of Mn proceedings is included in the appendix 06 of the report.
f. Cadmium (Cd)
Cadmium is a metal found in natural reserve. The fundamental applications of
cadmium are for metal plating and coating operations, consisting of transportation equipment,
machinery and baking enamels, photography, television phosphors. It is also applied in
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nickel-cadmium and solar batteries and in pigments. According to EPA, the impacts of
cadmium in short term are potentially lead to the health problems when people are exposed to
this substance at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time such as nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, salivation, sensory disturbances, liver injury, convulsions,
shock and renal failure. In terms of long-term effects, cadmium offer a contribution to the
potential diseases such as kidney, liver, bone and blood damage (Lawence K. Wang et
al.,2009) [19]
- How to measure Cd?
The wastewater samples of Cd were measured by EPA METHOD 200.8
(Determination of Trace Elements in Waters and Wastes by Inductively Coupled Plasma –
Mass Spectrometry) [22]. The concentration of Cadmium is calculated by the formula:
CxV

dry-weight basis =

W

(mg/kg)

Where:
C=

Concentration in the extract (mg/L)

V=

Volume of extract (L, 100 mL = 0.1L)


W=

Weight of sample aliquot extracted (g x 0.001 = kg)

The detail of Cd proceedings is included in the appendix 07 of the report
3.4.2. The purposes of applying this method to achieve the objectives:
(2) Assessing the impacts of Iron ore exploitation on the environment and social
aspects in the study area. Analysis results will illustrate which water parameters exceed the
Decree QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT of Vietnam Environment Administration, sewage
water/wastewater
(3) Proposing solutions to enhance the efficiency at environmental management for
mining Iron ore activities in study area. When finding out the water parameters exceed the
standard, some technical and managed solutions will be proposed to solve this problem.

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