Evaluation of water pollution and its mitigation by natural wastewater treatment linked to agriculture/aquaculture and conservation of biodiversity in the That Luang Marshland (Laos) | |
| Author | Vanhsamay Thongkhammeng |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-07-53 |
| Subject(s) | Water--Pollution--Laos--That Luang Marshland Biodiversity--Laos--That Luang Marshland |
| 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 |
| Abstract | Wetlands play vital role in sustainable livelihood of Laotian people in many ways. The wetlands pay an important role as the source of food and water but also as a natural water treatment system. The rapid development has created a big problem with wastewater, especially in urban area. Poor management and regulations has left a negative impact on urban environment which in turn has affected adversely on the wetland to a great extent and the people depending on it for their livelihood. This study focused on the evaluation of water pollution and its mitigation by natural wastewater treatment for the protection of local agriculture, aquaculture and conservation of biodiversity in the That Luang Marshland at Vientiane, Laos. The study showed current situation of wastewater management in Vientiane, water quality, potential of three different wetlands in terms of wastewater treatment, wetland products value and rough estimated the value of absorbed nutrient waste used by farmers. The research was conducted with field survey, water quality analysis and interview with villagers around the selected wetlands, respondents, and head of villages, officers and organizations. The result gave an overview of the wastewater management issue and threat of the wetland areas especially is the That Luang Marshland. The results of water analysis proved degradation of water quality i.e. high nutrient contained with wastewater from Hong Xieng and Hong Ke. However, water quality analysis of the study areas were also included the That, Luang Marshland, Nong Chanh Wetland and Donnokoom rice field to investigated potential of pollutants removal percentage of each wetland respectively T-N was (20-78-58), T-P was (15-70-69), TOC was (3.6-41-38) and COD was (10-61-47) %. And amount of removall by area of T-N was (0.26-2.42-0.26), T-P was (0.002-0.07-0.017), TOC was (0.023-1.080.138) and COD was (0.204-5.6-0.68) kg.d-1.ha-1. The wetland area served many values for the local people as nutrient for rice cultivation, indigenous fishes, aquatic animals and aquatic vegetations. Therefore, the value of waste nutrient absorbed in these area can rough estimated instead of fertilizer price was 13,336 $US per year for the That Luang Marshland and 1,292 $US per year for Donnokoom rice fold. In addition to their -high biodiversity and cultural significance, wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that provided important benefits for human societies, many of these benefits are not only essential to local communities but also to industrial and agricultural processes, it is imperative that wetlands are used wisely to main these benefits |
| Year | 2007 |
| 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) | Berg, Carl Erilk H;Preeda Parkpian;Sajor, Edsel |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | SWEDEN (Sida) |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2007 |