Bangkok's Water Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Water pollution is a critical issue in Bangkok, Thailand, with various sources causing the deterioration of surface water quality and posing significant health risks to millions of people. The discharge of effluents from the municipal sector, households, tourist attractions, industrial areas, and agricultural sectors are the main contributors to water pollution in Bangkok. The improper disposal of waste and chemicals by these entities has led to contaminated water, which can cause diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and dysentery. The main sources of pollution are domestic sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural waste, with organic wastes, bacteria, nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemical substances being the primary pollutants.

Industrial and agricultural waste

Agriculture is the primary source of water pollution in Thailand. In 2016, 39 million cubic meters of wastewater were dumped daily into various river basins, while industrial sectors contributed 17.8 million cubic meters per day. The discharge of effluents from the industrial and agricultural sectors is a significant contributor to water pollution in Thailand's surface and coastal waters.

Improper water drainage from agricultural areas, along with the improper disposal of waste and chemicals, has severely impacted the country's surface water quality. Organic wastes, bacteria, nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemical substances released by these sectors are the main pollutants causing water quality problems in Thailand's major rivers. These pollutants lead to dissolved oxygen depletion, fish kills, high ammonia nitrogen levels, high coliform bacteria counts, and eutrophication phenomena.

The impact of industrial and agricultural waste on water quality is evident in the deterioration of Thailand's rivers. The Lower Lam Takong River, Lower Chao Phraya River, Sakae Krang River, Lower Rayong River, and Kuang River are among the top water sources with the poorest water quality. Coastal water quality is also affected, with the Gulf of Thailand's waters remaining in poor condition.

The consequences of water pollution from industrial and agricultural waste are far-reaching. Approximately 43 million people in Thailand drink contaminated water, exposing them to health risks such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and dysentery. The constant smell of sewage in Bangkok is also a pressing issue, impacting the daily lives of residents and tourists alike.

To address these challenges, Thailand's government is implementing new laws, such as the Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers law. However, more long-term measures are needed to tackle the root causes of water pollution effectively and ensure access to clean and safe drinking water for all Thai citizens.

Sewage and drainage issues

Bangkok, in particular, faces challenges with sewage systems and waste management. The city's sewer pipes are often cleaned manually, leading to concerns about the health and safety of those involved in the cleaning process. There is also a reported lack of TV lorries to inspect the sewer pipes for damage or disintegration, which could be caused by sand from the pavement seeping into the pipes. This lack of maintenance and inspection leads to concerns about the integrity of the sewage system and its potential impact on water pollution.

Improper water drainage from households, tourist attractions, and agricultural areas is a significant issue in Bangkok and the surrounding region. Population growth, economic expansion, and agricultural and industrial development have intensified these drainage problems. The improper disposal of waste and chemicals by these entities has introduced various pollutants into the water, including organic wastes, bacteria, nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemical substances.

The Chao Phraya River, one of Bangkok's main water sources, is particularly affected by water pollution. The river receives a significant amount of mismanaged plastic waste and exposed mismanaged plastic waste (MPW) from the city and the surrounding catchment area. This waste is often generated in rural areas with lower collection rates and inadequate disposal facilities, ending up directly disposed of into the waterways. As a result, the Chao Phraya River has been identified as one of the water sources with the poorest water quality in Thailand.

To address these sewage and drainage issues, Bangkok and Thailand need to implement effective wastewater treatment systems and improve drainage management. This includes ensuring proper disposal of waste and chemicals, as well as investing in infrastructure maintenance and inspection to prevent pipe damage and sewage leaks. By addressing these issues, Bangkok can improve its water quality and reduce the health risks associated with contaminated water sources.

Plastic waste

Bangkok, being a highly populated city, generates a large amount of plastic waste. Despite a high formal collection and recycling rate in Thailand, there is still a significant amount of uncollected plastic waste due to lower collection rates in certain areas. This uncollected plastic waste is more prevalent in rural areas, which have lower collection rates and more disposal facilities.

The Chao Phraya catchment, a major waterway in Bangkok, receives a large amount of uncollected waste, which is directly disposed of into the river. This has led to the river becoming notoriously polluted, with plastic waste causing unsightly garbage floats and posing risks to aquatic life. The Bangkok Yai canal, on one side of the city, offers relatively clean water, while the Lat Phrao canal on the other side presents a stark contrast with its tar-like water and putrid odour from wastewater and junk.

The Thai government has recognised the severity of the plastic pollution issue and has taken steps to address it. In 2019, the Government of Thailand released the Roadmap for Plastic Waste Management 2018-2030 and is developing the National Action Plan on Marine Plastic Debris. Additionally, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources collaborated with The Ocean Cleanup to tackle riverine plastic pollution in the Chao Phraya River. This project involves deploying a vessel called the Interceptor to collect plastic debris and monitoring the flow of plastic waste through bottle tagging and bridge cameras.

While these efforts are crucial, preventing plastic from entering waterways is the best solution, as emphasised by experts. Improving waste collection, particularly in high-priority catchments like the Chao Phraya, is essential to reducing plastic waste generation. Trash racks installed in urban drainage systems and irrigation canals can help intercept plastic waste before it reaches rivers and the marine environment. Furthermore, initiatives to reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote recycling, such as those adopted by businesses and schools, are vital in combating plastic pollution.

Insufficient wastewater treatment

One of the primary causes of insufficient wastewater treatment in Bangkok is the lack of proper drainage systems and sewage treatment facilities. Improper drainage from households, tourist attractions, industrial areas, and agricultural lands leads to the contamination of surface water sources. This issue is exacerbated by the direct disposal of untreated sewage into waterways, as mentioned by a Bangkok resident. The absence of TV lorries to inspect sewer pipes and the use of people instead of vactors to clean them contribute to the ineffectiveness of the sewage system.

Furthermore, Bangkok's rapid urbanization and economic development have outpaced the city's ability to manage its wastewater effectively. The increasing population and economic activities, particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors, have resulted in a surge in wastewater generation. In 2016, it was reported that a total of 3.5 billion cubic meters of wastewater was released into Thailand's rivers, with agriculture being the main contributor, followed by industrial sectors and residential areas. The existing wastewater treatment plants are struggling to keep up with the volume of wastewater, and in 2016, 13 out of 101 plants were non-functional due to insufficient budget allocations.

The improper disposal of waste and chemicals further exacerbates the problem of insufficient wastewater treatment. Uncollected plastic waste and unsanitary disposal facilities result in a significant amount of mismanaged plastic waste that ends up in rivers and the marine environment. Bangkok, with its large volume of waste, contributes significantly to exposed mismanaged plastic waste, which directly affects water quality.

To address the issue of insufficient wastewater treatment in Bangkok, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, there is a need for increased investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure, including the construction and maintenance of sewage treatment plants. Secondly, stricter regulations and enforcement of proper waste disposal practices, particularly for industrial and agricultural sectors, are essential. Additionally, promoting public awareness and education about the importance of proper waste disposal and the impacts of water pollution can help foster a collective sense of responsibility. Finally, by adopting sustainable practices and technologies, such as rainwater storage and deep-water well drilling, Bangkok can move towards a more long-term and environmentally friendly solution to its wastewater treatment challenges.

Population growth and economic expansion

Bangkok's rapid urbanization and economic development have resulted in an increase in industrial and residential waste. In 2016, it was estimated that 39 million cubic meters of wastewater were dumped into river basins daily by the agricultural sector, with industrial sectors contributing 17.8 million cubic meters and residential areas 9.6 million cubic meters. This has resulted in the contamination of water sources, with high levels of ammonia nitrogen, coliform bacteria, and eutrophication phenomena.

Improper water drainage from households, tourist attractions, and agricultural areas has also played a significant role in water pollution in Bangkok. The discharge of effluents from these sectors has resulted in the pollution of surface and coastal waters. In addition, the disposal of plastic waste into waterways, particularly in the Chao Phraya catchment, has further contributed to water pollution in the city.

The impact of population growth and economic expansion on water pollution is evident in the health risks faced by Bangkok residents. Approximately 43 million people in Thailand drink contaminated water, which can lead to diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and dysentery. The situation is further exacerbated by the country's water scarcity issues, which are estimated to worsen by 2025. This has led to the need for short-term solutions, such as rainwater storage and deep-water wells, while also highlighting the urgency for long-term measures to address the root causes of water pollution.

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