Evaluation of climatic variation impacts on a water treatment plant | |
| Author | Wipatsaya Srimanoi |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-20-16 |
| Subject(s) | Water treatment plants--Environmental aspects--Thailand Water-supply--Climatic factors Climatic changes--Thailand |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | In this study, the current status of climate resilience was evaluated for water quality at the Bangkhen Water Treatment Plant (BKWTP) based on its performance in the worst case scenario. The resilience levels of the BKWTP for algae and turbidity was 98.66% and 98.86% respectively. However, salinity could not be treated as conventional treatment has been adopted at the plant. Since BKWTP is responsible for 67% of the total water production from the Metropolitan Water Authority (MWA), it has overcome the raw water shortage problem during saltwater intrusion by diverting Mae Klong River as an alternative source of water to meet with water demand. Despite high removal efficiency of algae, the health of consumers is at risk due to (1) disinfection byproduct caused by high chemical consumption and (2) incomplete algae removal. Digitalize circular economy (CE) at BKWTP is an opportunity to climate-proof BKWTP and adapt to Industry 4.0 with the main objective of increasing water efficiency, minimizing raw water extraction at lower energy and chemical consumption, and enhancing the relationship among stakeholders, hence promoting sustainability. It was observed that the CE has the potential of a 2.25% reduction in raw water intake through recirculating discarded water at low risk of protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Cryptosporidium is resistant to chlorine, and therefore it could not be disinfected but it was effectively removed during the filtration process. However, the major risk of the operation was algae which have increased rapidly since 2010 with an increase in water temperature, relative humidity, and salinity. The proposed adaptation measures is an integration of prevention, adaptation by the circular economy, and risk mitigation using both technical and non-technical approaches. It addressed the risk caused by microbial and climate variability and maximized water recovery by recirculating the discharged water to minimize water loss and energy consumed. Technically, it included the installation of ultrasonic algae control and an RO system, construction of a coastal reservoir, and the selection of chemicals for an immediate algae threat. On the other hand, non-technical approaches involved partnership, law, and regulation to prevent and address issues caused by both direct and indirect impacts of climate variability. |
| Year | 2020 |
| 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) | Visvanathan, Chettiyappan |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shanmugam, Mohana Sundaram;Ekbordin Winijkul |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Loom Nam Khong Pijai (Greater Mekong Subregion) Scholarships |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2020 |