Investigation of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System in Urban Wastewater Management: Case Study in Yangon, Myanmar
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Issued Date
2023-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20711050
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85196052454
Journal Title
Sustainability (Switzerland)
Volume
15
Issue
24
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Sustainability (Switzerland) Vol.15 No.24 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Swan K.H., Surinkul N., Visvanathan C. Investigation of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System in Urban Wastewater Management: Case Study in Yangon, Myanmar. Sustainability (Switzerland) Vol.15 No.24 (2023). doi:10.3390/su152416756 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/99147
Title
Investigation of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System in Urban Wastewater Management: Case Study in Yangon, Myanmar
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Author's Affiliation
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Abstract
Urban wastewater management in rapidly growing cities presents a significant challenge. Traditional centralized systems are unable to keep pace with increasing urbanization and wastewater generation. This manuscript presents a case study conducted in Yangon, aimed at investigating the feasibility and potential benefits of approaching the decentralized wastewater treatment system (DEWATS) as an alternative solution. DEWATS and centralized wastewater treatment system (CWTS) cases were observed for performance, operational efficiency, and environmental benefits. Field studies, interviews with municipal personnel, and discussions with residents were also conducted. Residents using DEWATS in Yangon value its environmental advantages and are willing to invest in sustainability. Those who use centralized systems are concerned about high costs and unreliability. Results from sustainability assessments showed that DEWATS obtained higher total scores than CWTS. Based on Weighted Sum Methods in three sustainability scenarios, DEWATS ranked first and has been shown to be a sustainable solution for Yangon across environmental, social, economic, and technical aspects. This study provides an alternative strategy for urban planners and decision-makers to use DEWATS as an option for urban wastewater management. The evidence could support accelerating provision of wastewater treatment plants and encourage willingness to pay.