The Mekong River basin represents one of Earth's most hydrologically complex and 
ecologically diverse systems. However, climate change, future dam construction, 
and sand mining threaten to negatively impact its sediment flux, crucial for the 
survival of its ecosystem. Up to 50% decline in suspended sediment flux has been 
predicted if all planned dams are built, potentially impacting local livelihoods 
and ecosystems (Bussi et al., 2020).
Sand mining operations exacerbate this impact and frequently create extraction 
pits 5-15m below the riverbed, significantly altering local hydraulic gradients 
and flow acceleration patterns. Consequently, channel incision has accelerated 
throughout the delta (Jordan et al. 2019).
This project employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using Openfoam® to 
analyse the complex relationships between sediment transport, alterations in 
river morphology, and sand mining practices. Three-dimensional high-resolution 
simulations will be conducted to generate a comprehensive understanding of the 
morphological evolution patterns. The outputs will enable quantification of 
sediment budgets and transport mechanisms throughout the river system.
By establishing quantitative relationships between anthropogenic activities, 
hydrodynamic conditions, and resultant morphological transformations, this 
research aims to identify mitigation and conservation strategies to protect this 
unique environment.

Project Highlights:
High-resolution 3D simulations of sediment transport
Quantification of sediment budgets and morphological evolution
Contribution to sustainable river basin management
Program Details:
Discipline: Environmental Engineering
School: STEM College
Supervisors: Dr. Gianmarco D'Alessandro, Prof. Alberto Bernabeo and Prof. 
Aonghus McNabola
Campus: Saigon South Campus, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
If you're interested in environmental sustainability, computational modeling, 
and river systems, we welcome your application or inquiry. 
Contact gianmarco.dalessandro@rmit.edu.vn, sending your CV, academic 
transcripts, and motivation letter.