Design of 0,5 m3 Constructed Wetland for Domestic Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in an Arid Island - Pulai Ai, Indonesia.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are affordable and reliable green technologies for the treatment of various types of wastewater that are increasingly receiving worldwide attention for wastewater treatment and reclamation. Compared to conventional treatment systems, CWs offer an environmentally friendly approach, are low cost, have fewer operational and maintenance requirements thus they have a strong potential and can be essential for application in a small and arid community like Pulai Ai, a small isolated island in further east part of Indonesia that has available land but technology and budget constraints. Water is a serious concern in this area due to the topography of the island that is coral so there is no source of freshwater be it the in the nor on surface making the rainwater is the only source the locals depend on but due to climate change, now the region has longer dry season adding to the problem of water scarcity. Ironically, Pulau Ai is the main contributor for crop production in the region. This study introduces a CW system to Pulau Ai for greywater treatment system and to make the effluent water suitable for irrigation. By studying the existing wastewater quality, local climate, site condition, water policies and future demands, this study presents a model of 0,5 m3 constructed wetland for Pulau Ai and evaluates the practicality of this model in wastewater treatment and reuse. The study results show the mini constructed designed with second-hand materials provides at least 77% removal of pollutants in the wastewater treatment process and that the effluent water qualifies for both agriculture and landscape irrigation. Future considerations in choosing constructed wetlands as a wastewater treatment system in other communities with needs similar to those of Pulai Ai are highlighted in the study.