Affiliations: New Industrial R&D Center, Osaka Sangyo University
3-1-1 Nakagaito, Daito-shi, 574-8530 Osaka, Japan | Department of Civil Engineering, Osaka Sangyo
University, Osaka, Japan | JICA Training Center for Sewage Works, Public Works
Department Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Abstract: Concerns have been raised on sustainability of conventional linear
domestic wastewater treatment system in developing countries where Bangkok is
not an exception. This paper aimed to unveil basic facts on characteristics and
organic degradation potential of domestic wastewater in Bangkok with simple
laboratory experiments and wastewater quality survey of two typical treatment
plants considering existing local traditions. The results showed greywater-like
qualities of domestic wastewater in Bangkok as a result of continued use of
septic tanks and tradition of using water in defecation instead of toilet
paper, and high organic degradation potential in tropical condition. The
domestic wastewater characteristics, climatic conditions and existing local
traditions in Bangkok can be better utilized by introducing low-cost,
closed-loop natural treatment system with source separation instead of
continuing the conventional linear system for sustainability.
