Stream Temperature Analysis in Nam Ngum River Basin, Mekong

Abstract

Water temperature affects nearly every physical property of concern in water quality management and, unfortunately, the change of water temperature is often associated with undesirable. Control of water temperature therefore becomes a prerequisite for maximum utilization of water resources. Reservoirs often provide a means for exercising such controls. In this study, to evaluate artificial effect to the downstream environment, changes in river water temperature by dam construction were estimated. Then mitigation effect by the adoption of surface intake on the dam site was examined.