The project is a comparative study in Southeast Asia (SEA) that aims to analyse urban water quality in SEA. The project used several analytical tools related to urban water quality and compared the water quality in selected sites in the SEA region. Five analytical tools have been applied and/or developed as a strategic plan for sustainable urban water quality management by participating scientists and policy makers. Conducted by Indonesia’s research team, SWOT was applied for analysing water quality management policies in Bandung (Indonesia), Bangkok (Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City (Viet Nam) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was applied to predict water quality in the Chao Phraya River, Thailand, by a participating USA member. Water Quality Index (WQI) and water sustainability index (WSI) were developed for monitoring urban water quality in Viet Nam and Thailand, respectively, by a team from Viet Nam and Thailand. Risk assessment of water quality change resulting from trace metals and pathogens was conducted by researchers from Korea and Taiwan. A database for water quality, and its related data for a WQI, was developed. In addition, eight persons participating in this research project have been offered an opportunity as an intern for their training on water sampling, analysis and management at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea, with full financial support. Five APN meetings were organised at different Southeast Asian cities to allow both local and APN members to share and exchange their working experience and knowledge on sound management of urban water quality.
Project • ARCP2009-13NMY, ARCP2010-01CMY