PRACHIN BURI, Thailand – The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has launched an investigation into possible water pollution in the Phet Oem Canal in Prachin Buri province after residents reported that the water had turned unusually dark and developed a foul odor. Officials are conducting water quality assessments and collecting samples to determine the cause of the discoloration, identify possible contaminants, and evaluate potential environmental and public health risks.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered the department to expedite the investigation and coordinate with relevant agencies. Preliminary inspections found no clear differences between water quality measurements in the canal and those in the Prachin Buri River. However, officials recorded a volatile organic compound (VOC) reading of 0.8 parts per million at one of five monitoring points near a water control gate.
Officials submitted water samples collected from five locations, including areas upstream of the water control gate and waterways feeding into the canal, for laboratory analysis. The department has not yet identified the cause of the discoloration and odor or determined whether the recorded VOC level poses a health or environmental risk.
The PCD will continue monitoring water quality and working with relevant authorities to determine appropriate measures once laboratory results are available. Residents are encouraged to report unusual changes in local waterways and follow official updates as the investigation continues. (NNT)
