ID :
298603
Tue, 09/10/2013 - 13:56
Auther :

Quality of seawater in oil spill-affected zones returning to normal

BANGKOK, September 10 (TNA) - Thailand's Pollution Control Department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, says tests have found that the quality of seawater around Samet Island in the eastern Rayong province, especially in the Prao bay, has been improving and should return to normal by the end of this month, after it was affected by an oil spill in late July. The department's director-general, Wichien Jungrungrueng, acknowledged on Tuesday that the tests on samples of seawater collected off 12 beaches of the Samet Island found the levels of pH, dissolved oxygen and heavy metals, including arsenic, chromium and mercury were safe. Besides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are now within safe levels and do not affect aquatic animals. Wichien told reporters that tests on samples of water collected off 11 beaches of the island also found total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) measuring 0.05-0.29 micrograms per liter, which are normal levels. However, the senior official noted, the TPH of seawater at the Prao bay measured 3.30 micrograms per liter, which remained unsafe and international tourists are still advised not to swim at the bay at the moment. The senior official insisted that levels of hazardous substances at the Prao bay and other beaches of the Samet Island have been improving and they should return to normal by the end of this month. If so, the senior official revealed, his department will then ask his ministry's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to reopen the Prao bay, which was earlier announced to be closed until next month. (TNA)

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