Thi Thanh Thao Nguyen

Thao is a joint PhD between AMGC and Vietman Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources

EDUCATION:

Master, 2010-2012, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, Vietnam

Bachelor, 2004-2009, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, Vietnam

PROJECT TITLE:

Investigate the role of Vetiver grass in mitigating and preventing the spread of heavy metals and dioxins in the soil at Bien Hoa Airbase, Dong Nai province, Vietnam.

 RESEARCH SUMMARY:

In Vietnam, the source of polluted dioxins is in the War with the high accumulation of dioxins in the Environment. During the Vietnam War, which lasted from 1961 to 1971, the US military used the herbicide as part of their herbicidal warfare campaign, Operation Ranch Hand. The herbicide was Agent Orange, Agent White (2,4-D; picloram), Agent Blue (cacodylic acid), Agent Purple (2,4-D; 2,4,5-T), Agent Green (2,4,5-T), and Agent Pink (2,4,5-T) were among the herbicides used in Vietnam. Agent Orange is a mixture of equal parts of two 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D. In addition, dioxins (mainly TCDD, the most toxic of its type) found in the mixture have caused major health problems for many exposed individuals. The War's herbicides could lead to heavy metal accumulation in the soil. Therefore, the research aims to assess the soil's accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and dioxins. Also, assessing the capacity of Vetiver grass to prevent the spread of heavy metals and dioxins in the soil. 

Field site:

Bien Hoa Airbase, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam

Keywords:

Heavy metals, dioxins, phytoremediation, Vetiver grass

SUPERVISORS:

Prof. Yue Gao, Prof. Martine Leermakers