Ecological engineering approach as a sustainable solution for wastewater and surface water issues in rural areas of Bario, Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

This study is initiated with the aim of providing solutions for an effective wastewater management in Bario, a remote area situated in the middle of thick forest, close to Sarawak-Kalimantan border, with the only access is either by 55-minutes flying with 16-seat twin otter plane or 14-hour drive on 4WD vehicles using logging trail. Wastewater samples were collected at eight sites all over Bario and analyzed for pH, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, Ammonia NH3-N and E.Coli. The results have highlighted a crucial issue, that is, open ditch and rivers posed high COD and highly contaminated with NH3-N and E.Coli. The primary source of NH3-N and E.Coli were believed to be originating from human excretion due to the leaking septic tank. Therefore, we proposed solutions that will be targeting all three stages of wastewater management system of Bario. Firstly, the 200 L makeshift drum barrel that were being used as septic tank need to be replaced with a proper septic tank. Secondly, in order to make the open ditch becoming self-treating, it needs to be sparsely planted with vegetation (i.e. water lilies) that can absorb the nutrient from the wastewater as well as increasing the aesthetic of the ditch. Thirdly, we proposed a constructed wetland as a treatment system for the wastewater before being released into the river. Conclusively, as the sewage is treated in septic tanks, and the greywater is treated using wetland, Bario has huge potential to facilitate more sustainable, economical and effective decentralized wastewater management system.