- English
The Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) is undergoing increasing disruption to its sediment–water continuum due to
upstream hydropower development, regional land use change, and climate variability. Suspended sediment concentration
(SSC) and streamflow are key indicators of the delta’s ecological stability and agricultural productivity, yet their recent
short-term variability remains empirically under-examined. This study analyzes interannual and seasonal trends in SSC
and discharge at four monitoring stations, Tan Chau, Chau Doc, My Thuan, and Can Tho, along both the Tien and Hau
rivers from 2000 to 2023. Applying non-parametric statistical tests (Mann–Kendall, Pettitt’s test), Sen’s slope estimation,
kernel density estimation, and flow duration curve analysis, the study aims to: (i) identify spatial and temporal patterns in
SSC and discharge, (ii) detect significant trends and regime shifts, and (iii) assess their implications for delta resilience
and sediment-sensitive planning. We found statistically significant declines in SSC of up to − 7.0% per year (Jun-Dec),
particularly during the late wet and early dry seasons at upstream sites, and dry-season discharge reductions exceeding
30% at downstream stations post-2014. Kernel density analysis shows narrowing SSC distributions and increased skewness,
indicating reduced sediment variability and transport capacity. These findings support the need for integrating sediment
thresholds into flow regulation protocols, implementing real-time sediment monitoring, and enhancing coordination
across transboundary water governance mechanisms.
- English
