Mekong

The Mekong River: A Comprehensive Description

The Mekong River is one of the most important and iconic rivers in Southeast Asia. It plays a crucial role in the lives of millions of people and is of great ecological, economic, and cultural importance. In this description, we will discuss the length, source, destination, major cities along the river, habitat and biodiversity, tributaries, and water parameters of the Mekong River.

Length and Source

The Mekong River is approximately 4,350 kilometers long, making it the twelfth longest river in the world. The river originates on the Tibetan Plateau in the Qinghai Province of China, at an elevation of approximately 5,224 meters above sea level. From there, the river flows through six countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, before emptying into the South China Sea.

Destination

The Mekong River flows into the South China Sea near the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. The delta is one of the most fertile and densely populated areas in Vietnam and plays a crucial role in the country’s rice production.

Major Cities Along the River

Some of the major cities along the Mekong River include:
– Vientiane (Laos): The capital and largest city of Laos.
– Phnom Penh (Cambodia): The capital and largest city of Cambodia.
– Can Tho (Vietnam): A major city in the Mekong Delta, known for its floating markets and rice production.

Habitat and Biodiversity

The Mekong River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world. The Mekong River Basin is home to a huge variety of habitats, including mountain forests, wetlands, and mangroves. These habitats support a rich biodiversity, including:
– Fish species: Over 1,100 species of fish have been identified in the Mekong River, making it one of the most fish-rich rivers in the world.
– Mammals: The river is home to rare and endangered species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin and the Mekong giant catfish.
– Birds: The river basin is an important habitat for many bird species, including some rare and endangered species.

Tributaries

The Mekong River has several major tributaries that contribute to its water flow. Some of the major tributaries include:
– Mun (Thailand)
– Tonle Sap (Cambodia)
– Nam Ou (Laos)
– Nam Ngum (Laos)
– Se Kong (Laos and Cambodia)

Water Quality

The water quality of the Mekong River varies greatly depending on location and season. Some of the measured water parameters are:
– pH: The pH of the Mekong River usually ranges between 6.5 and 8.5, which falls within the neutral to slightly alkaline range.
– Oxygen: The dissolved oxygen content varies, but is usually between 5 and 8 mg/L, which is sufficient for most aquatic organisms.
– Turbidity: The turbidity of the water can vary greatly, especially during the rainy season when the river carries a lot of sediment.
– Nutrients: The concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can vary, but are generally higher in the lower reaches of the river, especially in agricultural areas.

Conclusion

The Mekong River is a vital lifeline for Southeast Asia, with enormous ecological, economic and cultural significance. The river supports a rich biodiversity and numerous communities along its course. Preserving the water quality and biodiversity of the Mekong is crucial to the future of the region.

The following are the fish species found in the Mekong and included in our database.

Copyright foto:

Basile Morin –  CC BY-SA 4.0