Effects of Dam Construction on Salinity and Water Resources in Lower Bang Pakong Basin

Abstract

Climate change is main factor of water level increment in the sea that affects all over the world and the gulf of Thailand to confront with problem of salinity intrusion in estuaries. Much damage from this problem, such as, management for industrials, agricultural and domestic water had been increased continuously. The purpose of this research aims to investigate hydraulic behaviors and assessment effect of salinity intrusion during dry season in Bang Pakong basin by using MIKE11 model. It was found that roughness coefficient n = 0.025 - 0.030, R2= 0.80-0.99, IA = 0.54-0.98, RMSE = 0.16-0.31 for Hydrodynamic (HD) module. Advection Dispersion (AD) modules, dispersion coefficients Df = 100-2000 m2/sec., R2,= 0.80-0.99 IA = 0.54-0.98 , RMSE = 0.16-0.31. By applied to study the effects of dam construction and water diversion to the Eastern Economic Corridor under the climate change situation, it was found that salinity will encroach to the river estuary longer distant than in the present, and will be impact on agricultural productivity and biodiversity in the future. Results from this study can use to estimate risk area from salinity, guidelines and adaptation plan for management of water resources and agriculture in Lower Bang Pakong basin.