From the 18th to 30th of January 2026, Linbo Yu visited Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, to conduct a sampling campaign on emerging contaminants in the Red River Basin. A total of nine sets of surface water samples were collected with the assistance from Prof. Tu Binh Minh’s team at Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
The sampling sites covered both the mainstream and major tributaries of the Red River, including cities such as Hanoi, Hung Yen, and Hai Duong, as well as Ba Lat Estuary and Hai Phong Port, where the mainstream and tributaries discharge to the Beibu Gulf, respectively. An additional set of samples from Ha Long Bay were also collected. This campaign serves as a valuable supplement to the recent winter scientific expedition to the Beibu Gulf carried out by Yuxin and Hangyi, which aims to gain insights into the contamination status of this region.
Apart from the field work, Linbo also received warm hospitality from Prof. Minh’s team: Dr. Nguyen Xuyen and Mr. Dao Duy Anh helped extensively in Linbo’s settlement and sampling work, took him on a cultural tour to Hanoi’s iconic historic sites and explored local cuisine.
Working with the team from VNU Hanoi at the Hung Yen sampling site.
Working aboard a local boat at the Ba Lat Estuary.
On-site record at Ba Lat Estuary, where mainstream of the Red River discharges to the Beibu Gulf.
First day touch-base with Prof. Tu Binh Minh, Dr. Hoang Quoc Anh, and Dr. Nguyen Xuyen.
Discission on sampling plans with Prof. Minh and Prof. Tham in Dr. Quoc Anh’s lab/office, Department of Analytical Chemistry, VNU Hanoi.
Dinner and coffee with Dr. Hoang Quoc Anh and his undergraduate students.
Trip to Ha Long Bay with Prof. Minh and his team.
With Prof. Minh and Prof. Tri at Hoan Kiem Lake (还剑湖), Hanoi
With Xuyen and Ahn at Van Mieu (文庙) of Hanoi, an iconic historic site of cultural significance.
(Written by Linbo)