Authors : Yongyod Rapeepan and Charerntanyarak Lertchai
Abstract: The purpose of this survey research was to study wastewater management from toilets on air-conditioned buses traveling from Khon Kaen province to Bangkok. Data was collected using purposive sampling from the three most popular companies which make many trips daily. Statistical data from the Department of Land Transport showed that the average number of passengers traveling by air-conditioned buses were 27,910 per day. Samples in this study consisted of 70 drivers and bus boys and 252 passengers from three major Thai bus companies; the survey was conducted using questionnaires and observation. The results showed that >90% of buses drained wastewater on the side of the road or released it into drainage pipes or waterways before reaching the bus terminal. Wastewater from toilets on air-conditioned buses contained urine and stools that were untreated with disinfectants. When this wastewater is released into the environment, it can cause the spread of contagious diseases. It is essential that wastewater must be treated and transferred to a treatment plant in order to protect the natural environment and the health of the population. Wastewater from toilets on air-conditioned buses should be discharged at a proper wastewater plant where it will go through the appropriate treatment process before being released into the environment.
Yongyod Rapeepan and Charerntanyarak Lertchai, 2012. Wastewater Management from Toilets on Air-Conditioned Buses in Thailand. Environmental Research Journal, 6: 329-332.