Thai Environmental Engineering Journal

The Effect of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) on Quartz Rock and Groundwater: The case study of Thailand

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) represents a critical technology for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from emission sources and its permanent sequestration in deep geological formations. This investigation examines the geochemical interactions between CO₂-saturated groundwater and quartz formations in the context of CCS implementation in Thailand's Korat basin. Quartz rock specimens were collected from the Korat basin and exposed to synthetic groundwater formulated to match the chemical composition of local groundwater samples. The synthetic solution was saturated with CO₂ to achieve acidic conditions (pH ~5), simulating the environment created during CO₂ injection. Rock-water interactions were monitored over 28 days under atmospheric conditions to assess both aqueous and solid phase transformations. Results revealed substantial geochemical evolution in both phases throughout the experimental period. Aqueous phase analysis indicated progressive increases in pH, total dissolved solids, and conductivity, consistent with dissolution and mineral trapping mechanisms. Moreover, the increasing of alkalinity, water hardness, and heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, As) demonstrated active mineral dissolution and metal mobilization from the quartz matrix. Solid phase characterization confirmed mineral precipitation processes, evidenced by a 0.18% increase in rock mass, development of calcite crystal formations, and enhanced suspended solid content. While conducted over a limited timeframe, this research underscores the complex geochemical processes associated with CCS operations and emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive impact assessment and monitoring protocols in carbon storage project development.

Knowledge, Behavior, and Household Hazardous Waste Composition: Implications for Environmental Health in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Improper management of household hazardous waste (HHW) poses serious risks to environmental and public health, particularly in low-resource communities. This study examined the relationship between residents’ knowledge and behavior regarding HHW management and assessed the composition of HHW generated at the household level in a community in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 41 households using structured interviews and a seven-day HHW collection protocol. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and physical waste composition assessment were applied. Findings revealed that 87.8% of respondents demonstrated high levels of knowledge, and 68.3% reported good HHW management practices. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between knowledge and behavior (r = 0.382, p = 0.014), indicating that increased awareness modestly influenced safer practices. The HHW stream was primarily composed of pesticide containers (31.5%) and fluorescent bulbs (26.02%), reflecting potential environmental hazards in domestic waste streams. These results underscore the need for community-based interventions that combine public education with improved waste segregation systems. Targeted efforts to enhance awareness, infrastructure, and policy enforcement are essential to minimizing the environmental impact of HHW and protecting community health.

The Variability in Soil Community and Its Enzymatic Function to Plant Promotion after Biochar Addition

Mujalin Pholchan, Jearanai Thassana, Khajitmanee Muangprom — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The widespread use of chemical inputs in contemporary agriculture has raised concerns regarding long-term soil health and sustainability. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich byproduct of biomass pyrolysis, presents a viable alternative, offering improvements in soil structure, nutrient retention, and microbial activity. This study investigates the effects of modified biochar on soil microbial diversity and associated metabolic pathways that contribute to soil fertility and plant productivity. Five soil samples (D1 control without BC, D2 paddy field 1, D3 paddy field 2, D4 eggplant field, and D5 long yard bean field) were collected from agricultural sites for microbial community profiling. Metagenomic DNA was extracted and analyzed using QIIME2. A total of 371 microbial species were identified across samples. D1 exhibited dominance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Halobacterota. In contrast, D2–D5 showed increased abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota, with the emergence of phyla such as WPS-2 and the enrichment of functional genera including the ammonia-oxidizing bacterium MND1. Bacilli were detected in all samples, with the highest relative abundance observed in D5 (8.34%). Notably, Bacillus sp.—a component of the applied BC—was more abundant in D4 (0.12%) and D5 (0.58%) than in D1 (0.02%), indicating BC’s potential to retain and promote beneficial microbial taxa. Microbial richness was highest in D2 (4887 OTUs), exceeding that of the control (D1, 4517 OTUs), confirming the diversity-enhancing effect of BC. D4 exhibited the most distinct microbial community (3403 OTUs). Functional annotation revealed increased abundance of proteins such as COG1595 and key enzymes including EC:2.7.7.7 and EC:1.6.5.3, which are associated with nucleotide synthesis and redox metabolism. The metabolic pathway PWY-3781 was most prominent post-BC application, with pathways PWY-7111, PWY-6277, and PWY-6122 also enriched in D3 compared to D1.These findings demonstrate that biochar promotes microbial diversity, enhances beneficial microbial populations, and activates key metabolic pathways, thereby contributing to improved soil quality and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Mass Flow Analysis of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Potential in Thailand

Danupon Srinongsaeng, Napat Jakrawatana, Wanawan Pragot — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study analyzes the carbon dioxide flow in Thailand to assess the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. It utilizes data from academic literature and reports to conduct a qualitative analysis of CO₂flow within Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) processes. The mass flow analysis was performed using the e!Sankey Diagram software to simulate three scenarios: Scenario 1 involves utilizing captured CO₂ from industrial plants to produce various products such as beer, soft drinks, soda, urea fertilizer, and cement pellets. Scenario 2 focuses on storing all captured CO₂ from industrial plants in depleted natural gas or oil reservoirs within Thailand. Scenario 3 combines both CCU and CCS approaches to evaluate the overall CO₂flow within the country’s system. The main industries analyzed include power generation, cement production, and iron and steel manufacturing, which accounted for 107,498.98 ktCO₂equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. Post-combustion CO₂capture using amine-based absorbents was identified as the most suitable method for these industries. The analysis highlighted the potential for CO₂ capture and utilization across various industrial sectors, as well as the feasibility of underground CO₂storage in Thailand. The study found that CO₂utilization and storage could reduce emissions by 25.07% under favorable conditions. In summary, CCUS technology can effectively reduce CO₂emissions from power plants, cement, and steel industries while promoting a circular economy through the beneficial reuse of captured CO₂.

Carbon Footprint Assessment and GHG Mitigation Potential of Canned Tuna Spread Products in Thailand

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study evaluated the carbon footprint (CFP) of tuna spread product produced by canned tuna factory in Thailand according to ISO 14067:2018 standards and Product Category Rules (PCRs) for processed and ready-to-eat food products. The assessment scope is cradle to gate, excluding secondary packaging of raw materials and products. The functional unit (FU) is defined as one can (net weight 85 grams) of tuna spread product. The carbon footprint of the tuna spread product is 408.08 gCO₂eq per FU. The proportion of greenhouse gas emissions comes from non-tuna ingredient, steam and hot water, tuna meat, and primary packaging, with values of 65.12, 11.40, 9.02, and 7.00 % respectively. GHGs reduction potentials are installing solar panels with power storage, increasing renewable energy consumption, changing to electric-powered ships and trucks, changing packaging to retort cup, implementing zero waste to landfill, and switching boiler fuel to biomass. Implementing all measures can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30.09% of the CFP of the classic style canned tuna spread product.

A Study of Characteristics, Origins, and Fates of Ultrafine Particles Over Taichung City, Taiwan

Kijpat Thavorn, Win Trivitayanurak, Ta-Chih Hsiao — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Ultrafine particles (UFPs, <0.1 μm) pose serious health risks and remain challenging to accurately monitor and model due to complex atmospheric processes. This study investigates UFP dynamics over Taichung City, Taiwan, utilizing April 2021 observational data from a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) and simulations from the GEOS-Chem-TOMAS model. Observations included particle number size distributions (analyzed from 11.8 to 593.5 nm), sulfuric acid concentrations, and meteorological variables. The model employed 15 size bins and evaluated five nucleation schemes (Basecase, Binary, Binary ion, Ternary, Ternary ion) to assess new particle formation (NPF) sensitivity. Results indicate that Basecase, Ternary, and Ternary ion schemes simulated sporadic nucleation bursts; Binary schemes showed minimal activity. Despite visual coincidence with sulfuric acid peaks, simulated nucleation rates exhibited a weak linear correlation (Pearson R ≈ −0.04), underscoring that NPF is a complex, non-linear process influenced by multiple atmospheric parameters beyond sulfuric acid, including ammonia, amines, and organic vapors, The model consistently and substantially underestimated observed particle number concentrations across all modes (NMBs ranging from -8.5% to -90.9%; correlation coefficients (absolute values) from 0.06 to 0.21) except for accumulation mode that the model display relatively good agreement of magnitude. The current model struggled to capture the overall magnitude and variability of particle number size distribution, underscoring the need for improving our understanding of the emission inventory as well as the boundary layer meteorology. With regard to new particle formation, crucially no clear classical "banana-shaped" NPF events were observed Importantly, no clear classical "banana-shaped" NPF events were observed in either the observational data or the model simulations throughout the study period. These findings underscore the critical need for improved nucleation and growth parameterizations, higher-resolution meteorological data, and refined local emission inventories to enhance the accuracy of urban aerosol modeling in subtropical environments.

Treatment of Fishery Wastewater Using a Floating Treatment Wetland Planted with Umbrella Sedge

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study evaluates the effectiveness of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) using umbrella sedge (Cyperus spp.) for removing organic and nitrogen from fishery wastewater in Thailand. Aquaculture in Thailand produces significant wastewater with high organic matter and nitrogen, necessitating effective treatment solutions. FTWs are designed to float in fishponds, providing a flexible and space-saving method for wastewater treatment compared to traditional wetlands. The study used four laboratory-scale FTW reactors with varying hydraulic loading rates (5, 10, 15, and 20 cm/d) to assess their impact on pollutant removal. The FTW with the lowest hydraulic loading rate, 5 cm/d (HRT 20 days) achieved the highest removal efficiencies of 45% 63% and 61% for COD TKN and NH₃-N, respectively, demonstrating the system's effectiveness. Umbrella sedge grew best in the 5 cm/d reactors, where improved aerobic conditions boosted biodegradation, nitrification, and pollutant decomposition. The study concludes that FTWs are a sustainable and efficient solution for treating aquaculture wastewater, particularly at lower hydraulic loading rates, thus supporting better aquaculture practices.

Long-Term Analysis of PM2.5 Concentrations and Seasonal Variation in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand: Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdowns and Fire Control Measures

Vineeth Vijayan, Supandee Maneelok, Nantaporn Noosai — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

An analysis of ten years of daily 24-h PM₂.₅ data (2015–2024) from Thailand’s Pollution Control Department at Bangkok (59T) and Chiang Mai (36T) reveals strong but distinct seasonality: Bangkok peaks in December–February with secondary formation and urban sources, whereas Chiang Mai exhibits pronounced February–April haze consistent with biomass burning. Two policy “experiments” were evaluated. During Bangkok’s COVID-19 Wave-1 (22 Mar–31 May 2020), the window mean declined from a 2017–2019 baseline of 20.00 to 17.01 µg m⁻³ (Δ = −2.99 µg m⁻³; −14.9%), a statistically significant reduction of small-to-moderate magnitude (permutation p = 0.0036; Cohen’s d = −0.39); two-way ANOVA showed a significant group effect, and daily exceedances of the 24-h standard (37.5 µg m⁻³) fell from 3.3% to 0%. In Chiang Mai, January–April 2022 (first year of burning control) decreased from 54.2 to 29.5 µg m⁻³ versus 2019 (Δ = −24.7 µg m⁻³; −45.5%), a large, statistically significant reduction (permutation p = 0.0001; Cohen’s d = −0.89), with significant group, month, and interaction terms; exceedances ≥37.5 µg m⁻³ dropped from 63.3% to 31.7%. NASA FIRMS hotspots concurrently decreased sharply in February–April 2022, corroborating reduced fire activity. Annual means show a steady decline in Bangkok (≈16.4 µg m⁻³ in 2024) and policy-sensitive variability in Chiang Mai; under the current Thai annual standard (15 µg m⁻³), neither city achieves compliance. The combined ground-satellite evidence indicates that sustained, region-specific measures—traffic/precursor controls in Bangkok and consistent burning management in the North—are required to meet tightened standards.