JOURNAL ARTICLE

Sand mining threatens Asia's largest lake: Cambodia's Tonlé Sap supports important fisheries and wildlife.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Normile, Dennis 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the environmental impact of sand mining on Cambodia's Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. A recent study indicates that sand extraction from the Mekong River is altering its flow, which threatens the lake's vital fisheries and wildlife habitats that support millions of people. The research highlights a significant decline in the lake's flood pulse, which is crucial for its ecological health, predicting a 69% reduction in flood volume and a 40% decrease in the lake's size by 2038 if current mining practices continue. The authors emphasize that halting sand mining is essential to mitigate these threats, as the environmental costs of sand extraction far outweigh its benefits. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/11, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:189255061
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