Assessing surface water salinity intrusion in the Mekong River Delta: a case study in Rach Gia, Vietnam

Salinity intrusion is a pressing issue in coastal areas worldwide, affecting natural environments and causing significant economic losses by impacting agricultural productivity and food safety. This research aims to address the salinity intrusion in Rach Gia city, Kien Giang Province, in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, an area severely affected by this problem. The study's main goal is to evaluate and map the salinity intrusion using an integrated approach that combines the analytical hierarchy process and geographical information system. By synthesizing variables such as slope, land use, soil, drainage, network density, and salinity levels, and performing statistical analysis of data from local hydrology stations along with land use and terrain information, the study identifies the key factors influencing surface water salinity. The main scientific contributions of this work include providing a comprehensive assessment of salinity intrusion, identifying the most influential factors, and offering crucial insights for decision-makers to effectively manage water resources, mitigate economic losses, and guide sustainable land use planning to protect vital resources for local communities.