Experimental study on decentralized wastewater treatment options in Vientiane capital, Lao PDR

Abstract

The capital city of Vientiane, Lao PDR has a rapid urbanization, and the increasing demand for water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment. Currently, Vientiane does not have a centralized wastewater treatment system. Over 90% of domestic wastewater is treated by traditional septic tanks, while the remaining is treated by improved septic tanks and other decentralized, on-site treatment means. This study has conducted evaluation and verification of treatment efficiency of existing and selected new on-site, decentralized wastewater treatment technologies, to serve the basis for proposal of appropriate wastewater management with low-cost and reliable performance for low-density low-income residential areas. By this way, the sanitation service coverage in Vientiane could increase in a fast and feasible ways.

Keywords: Decentralized wastewater treatment, Vientiane capital, Laos, BASTAF, Johkasou, septic tank.