Dynamic Modeling to Assess Natural Wetlands Treatment of Wastewater in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Towards an Eco-City Planning Tool
Chansopheaktra Sovann, Kim N. Irvine, Sthiannopkao Suthipong, Sothea Kok, Eliyan Chea
International Journal of Environment and Climate Change · pp. 104–115 · Published 5 Jun 2015
10.9734/BJECC/2015/12101Abstract
Aims: A personal computer version of the Stormwater Management Model (PCSWMM) was applied to seamlessly link urban runoff, sanitary flow, pump station operations, and a natural wastewater treatment wetland in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as a step towards developing a planning tool that could be used to explore urban development or climate change scenarios. Study Design: PCSWMM was calibrated with measured flow and water quality data and used to estimate total phosphorus, total nitrogen, detergents, and E. coli levels at the outlet of the wastewater treatment wetland for the period May 15 to July 1, 2011. Place and Duration of Study: Phnom Penh, Cambodia; January, 2011 to March, 2012. Methodology: In support of model development, a limited water quality sampling program and bathymetric survey were conducted for the sewer and wetland system in both the dry and rainy seasons, 2011. Samples were analyzed for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, detergents, and E. coli. Sewer flow was measured continuously at 5 minute intervals to determine sanitary flow characteristics as input to the model and pump operation rules were determined through interviews with the pump operators and analysis of their data log books. Results: Consistent with past studies, the sampling showed that the wetland was effective in treating municipal waste, particularly with respect to E. coli (99% reduction from sewage inputs) and detergents (86% reduction from sewage inputs). A lower treatment efficiency was observed for total phosphorus, at around 31%, while the treatment efficiency for total nitrogen was around 71%. The wetland was divided into four zones and PCSWMM was run in continuous mode for the period May 2-July 1, 2011. The mean levels of E. coli, detergents, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen estimated by the model for that time period compared favorably with sample results from the field campaign in August, 2011. Conclusion: The naturally-occurring wetland treatment system in Phnom Penh is effective and fits well with the concepts of green infrastructure and eco-cities. PCSWMM is a useful decision-support and planning tool to explore various development and climate change scenarios in Phnom Penh.
References (19)
- 1 The eco-city: ten key transport and planning dimensions for sustainable city development [DOI]
- 2 Dimensions of the eco-city [DOI]
- 3 The impacts of climate change and urbanisation on drainage in Helsingborg, Sweden: Combined sewer system [DOI]
- 4 The potential of green roofs to manage Urban Stormwater [DOI]
- 5 Planning for sustainable urbanisation in fast growing cities: Mitigation and adaptation issues addressed in Dhaka, Bangladesh [DOI]
- 6 Eco-cities: a global survey 2009 [DOI]
- 7 Adaptation of a Storm Drainage System to Accommodate Increased Rainfall Resulting from Climate Change [DOI]
- 8 Impacts of climate change on urban drainage systems – a case study in Fredrikstad, Norway [DOI]
- 9 Hydraulic Impacts on Urban Drainage Systems due to Changes in Rainfall Caused by Climatic Change [DOI]
- 10 Faecal and protozoan parasite contamination of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) cultivated in urban wastewater in Phnom Penh, Cambodia [DOI]
- 11 Research agenda for an integrated approach to infrastructure planning, design and management [DOI]
- 12 Illicit discharge detection and elimination: Low cost options for source identification and trackdown in stormwater systems [DOI]
- 13 The Four National Taps of Singapore: A Holistic Approach to Water Resources Management from Drainage to Drinking Water [DOI]
- 14 Low Impact Development Modeling to Assess Localized Flood Reduction in Thailand [DOI]
- 15 Efficiency of Phnom Penh's Natural Wetlands in Treating Wastewater Discharges [DOI]
- 16 Sampling and Modeling Approaches to Assess Water Quality Impacts of Combined Sewer Overflows—The Importance of a Watershed Perspective [DOI]
- 17 Climate Change and Urban Hydrology: Research Needs in the Developed and Developing Worlds [DOI]
- 18 Low Impact Development for Stormwater Quantity and Quality [DOI]
- 19 Hydrological Connections between Low-Impact Development, Watershed Best Management Practices, and Sustainable Development [DOI]
Cited by 26
K. N. Irvine, N. Mische, J. Bowles, T. Koottatep, P. Pichadul · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2016
Sophat Seak, T. Sok, Vin Spoann · Insight: Cambodia Journal of Basic and Applied Research · 2025
Dolorès Bertrais, L. Beckwith · Environment and Urbanization Asia · 2024
Thandi Mmachaka, Marelé A. Nel, B. Snow · Marine Pollution Bulletin · 2023
Furqan Asif, L. Beckwith, C. Ngin · Frontiers in Sustainable Cities · 2023
Anuva Bhowmick, K. Irvine, R. Jindal · 2017
Lim Sereyrath, K. Irvine, T. Murphy · 2016
K. Irvine, C. Sovann, Sthiannopkao Suthipong · 2015
Nara Im, K. Kawamura, Endan Suwandana · 2015
Showing 15 of 26 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.
Related research
- Molecular Detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Resistance in Escherichia coli from Poultry Droppings in Keffi, Nigeria — shares topic coverage
- Detection of TEM and SHV Genes in Clinical Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains ESBL Isolated in Neonatology and Pediatric Units — shares topic coverage
- Characterization of the Genetic Supports for Betalactam Resistance in Escherichia coli Strains of Porcine Origin Producing Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) — shares topic coverage
- Frequency and Molecular Characterization of β-lactamases Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from North of Palestine — shares topic coverage
- In vitro Antibacterial Activity of Ocimum suave Essential Oils against Uropathogens Isolated from Patients in Selected Hospitals in Bushenyi District, Uganda — shares topic coverage
Article metrics
Real usage data collected on this platform.
76
Page views
0
PDF downloads
39
Outbound clicks
26
Citations
Views over time
Views by country
Approximate, from request IP at view time — not citizenship or institution. Countries with fewer than 5 views are grouped as "Other".
Traffic sources
Referring site, by host.
Views and downloads exclude known bots/crawlers. Citations combines this platform's own DOI-resolved index with each external source's own reported total — see Cited by above for individually listed citing works. Last refreshed 0 seconds ago.