Evaluation of performance efficiency and technological advancements in the drinking water sector: A comparative study of South Korea, Thailand and Lao PDR | |
| Author | Park, Dong Hak |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.EV-16-03 |
| Subject(s) | Drinking water Water-supply Water quality management. Energy conservation |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. EV-16-03 |
| Abstract | The major objective of this study is to explore the treatment technology trajectory, energy efficiency, and green supply chain management (GSCM) in the drinking water sector. This study selected three Asian countries with three di fferent economic conditions, South Korea, Thailand, and Lao PDR. Primary data were collected by conducting field surveys, questionnaire surveys, and face - to - face interviews with key persons, and secondary data were obtained from waterworks statistics, case study reports, annual reports, and research documents. Among the three countries, there have been significant differences in water treatment technology over the past 30 years, resulting from factors such as national regulations, economic conditions, and water policies. These act either as drivers or as barriers for water service development in the three countries. South Korea has introduced various new treatment technologies since the 1990s for meeting stringent regulations and for improving tap water qua lity and safety. Thailand and Lao PDR have maintained similar treatment methods without great changes, because they focused more on quantity expansion for meeting water demand than on quality improvement. In addition, lax regulations and financial constrai nts have acted as barriers to the development of water treatment technology in the two countries. Thailand is now trying to apply new treatment technologies, such as online monitoring, mechanical sludge collectors, and dual - media filters, as water quality has grown in importance, and Lao PDR has developed new water supply systems for increasing water supply coverage. Energy is critical for facility operation and major expenses, accounting for between 20 to 40 percent of total operating costs in the water su pply system. Pumping accounts for 90 percent of total energy use; thus, the greatest opportunities for energy savings lie with pumps. The replacement of the existing pump system with a more efficient system can reduce energy consumption and save significan t energy costs. Pressure management in the supply network is probably the most effective method to reduce leakage. The best practices learned from the study can contribute to improving treatment technologies and energy efficiency within Asian countries... |
| Year | 2016 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. EV-16-03 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering and Management (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Visvanathan, Chettiyappan |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shipin, Oleg V. ;Vilas Nitivattananon |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Korea Water Resources Corporation (K - water) , Republic of Korea |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2016 |