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.

Bangpakong River is one of river basins that faced the pollution problem in Thailand. This river is located in the downstream of central pain of Thailand and flows into the sea at the gulf of Thailand. Water quality problems in the last decade of this river basin are appeared from the low water quality index with evidences such as dead of fish, black color of water, low Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations, high organics and nutrients concentrations, high contaminated of coliform bacteria. All wastewater is controlled by the environmental law. Only wastewater from agriculture part is not yet properly managed. The objective of this study was to quantify the mass and material flows in agricultural farms such as pig, fish and prawn farms. Circular economy concept as reuse of wastewater in agricultural farms was approached in scenario. Surveys, questionnaires and water samplings were taken for farms. Information and mass flows within the farms were analyzed. This study found that the main source of pollution from these farms mostly resulted from the effluent of wastewater in term of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Nitrogen (TN) loads, were discharged into the environment. The hot spot areas were canals which flow to the river. Mass flows in pig farm revealed that BOD and TN loads to the environment were 90, and 120 tons/year. In which, calculated thresholds were 30 and 60 tons/year for BOD and TN. Similar results also found from aquaculture farms which contributes BOD and TN loads of 187 and 77 tons/year for fish farms and 156 and 84 tons for prawn farms. In this study, calculated reuse as circular economy approach about 50% of farm wastewater to agricultural field could provide the key role of BOD and TN reduction to the environment, and meeting the threshold level.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of wastewater management practices in Myanmar’s major cities, Yangon and Mandalay, with a focus on drawing valuable lessons from Yangon’s experiences and proposing recommendations for the improvement of Mandalay’s domestic wastewater management, drawing insights from a SWOT analysis. Both cities are facing challenges due to rapid urbanization, leading to untreated discharge into the environment. The study identifies common challenges in both Yangon and Mandalay, such as limited treatment capacity, environmental concerns, and funding gaps. The decentralized-centralized strategy is a successful approach for Yangon even though the capacity is not high. Results showed that 17.5% of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) users were highly satisfied and 45% were somewhat satisfied. Yangon’s experience with centralized systems showed that it took several years to cover the entire city for treatment, resulting in issues to cover revenue expenditures. If Mandalay adopts a similar, it will likely encounter the same issues. A recommended approach would be to implement an integrated system with DEWATS, which offers a better solution. The recommendations for sustainable wastewater management in Mandalay include active stakeholders’ involvement in decision-making, promoting community participation, and providing training. Transparency and shared responsibility are crucial for success. Addressing membrane fouling, sludge disposal, and implementing monthly fees are essential for sustainable implementation. An integrated approach along with environmental and social impact assessments are necessary to develop a cost-effective and efficient wastewater treatment system while safeguarding public health and the environment. These insights offer broader implications, guiding developing countries towards more effective and environmentally responsible wastewater management practices.