Investigation of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System in Urban Wastewater Management: Case Study in Yangon, Myanmar

Kaung Htet Swan, Nawatch Surinkul () and Chettiyappan Visvanathan
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Kaung Htet Swan: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
Nawatch Surinkul: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
Chettiyappan Visvanathan: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 24, 1-17

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.

Keywords: decentralized wastewater treatment systems; sustainability assessment; urban wastewater management; weighed sum method; willingness to pay; Yangon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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