Bringing urban sustainability to the wetlands of the AIT campus and its environs: water quality - plant biodiversity nexus | |
| Author | Zhang, Xuying |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-14-15 |
| Subject(s) | Water quality--Thailand--Bangkok Wetlands--Thailand--Bangkok Sustainable urban development--Thailand--Bangkok |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. EV-14-15 |
| Abstract | This study undertaken on AIT and TU campuses was based on field surveys, laboratory analysis and desktop review to identify eco-city approaches in wetlands with regard to health-biodiversity nexus. The study took place at 15 study sites (ponds and canals) in AIT campus and 8 study sites on TU campus, i.e. wetlands of various microphyte and macrophyte diversity and water pollution levels over the period of post-rainy season (November 2013) and dry season until June 2014. Experiences in other wetlands informed and guided introduction of new macrophyte diversity (Victoria amazonica and red water lilies) to the fountain pond system on AIT campus to improve water quality, community health and wellbeing (undertaken in April 2014). As a result of macrophyte inventory survey 7 floating and 17 emergent macrophyte were identified. Their potential for introduction to new campus wetlands was assessed. Overall 30 different genera of microphytes were identified. Persistent presence of cyanobacterium-cum-’blue-green alga’ Spirulina sp. in the fountain pond system from rainy season to dry season indicated that these ponds continuously receive sewage water. Particularly, its dominance (85%) along with Euglena sp. (10%) i.e. low microphyte diversity, demonstrates that there exists a low ecological balance in these water bodies. Only two wetlands (‘Vietnamese restaurant’ lotus pond and W dorm canal) received considerable “leaked domestic wastewater” indicated by presence of E.coli, while other ponds had only presumably “seeped wastewater”. Results suggest correlation of lower water turbidity with lower E.coli concentration. In certain studied wetlands where a comparison was possible, lower water turbidity and lower E.coli concentration also correlate with higher macrophyte diversity. Turbidity and abundance of microphytes were found to positively correlate. Interrelationship between turbidity and microalgal abundance in the fountain pond system indicated that algal biomass may play a role in reducing turbidity and may be important in E.coli reduction through sedimentation of suspended solids. |
| Year | 2014 |
| Type | Thesis |
| 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) | Shipin, Oleg V. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Annachhatre, Ajit P.;Thammarat Koottatep |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | China Scholarship Council |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2014 |