In order to support "Korea Institute of Science and Technology" (KIST) to implement the project “Development of small-scale desalination techniques in the Mekong Delta”, a working group of Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST), led by Asso.Pro.Dr. Truong Thi Ngoc Lien, in collaboration with the consultant team of Ho Chi Minh University of Science and Technology (HCM-HUST) conducted a survey in Ben Tre Province to determine installation sites for small-scale desalination system in Ben Tre Province on 24th September 2020.
VKIST Working Group met with consultant team of HCM University of Science and Technology on September 23rd 2020
Before the survey, VKIST working group discussed KIST’s requirements for the intended installation sites of the salination system and criteria for wastewater samples analysis with the consultant team. Both sides agreed to survey at least 3 locations in Thanh Hai Commune, Thanh Phu District, Ben Tre province. Wastewater samples collected at these locations will be sent for analysis at the Institute of Environment and Resources under National University of Ho Chi Minh City for comparison with limits of domestic wastewater quality criteria prescribed under domestic wastewater quality standards (QCVN 02: 2009/BYT). The analysis results together with analysis certificates will be available 2 weeks after collection date. At the same time, the consultant team of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Xuan Thanh would also conduct analysis of wastewater samples at the laboratory of HCM-HUST. Analysis results would be expected to be available after 1 week from collection date.
If the analysis results of wastewater samples from the two above mentioned units show a big difference, re-analysis from the third party will be required.
Wastewater sampling at Thanh Hai Commune Kindergarten
Survey sites included Thanh Hai Commune Kindergarten, Thanh Hai Commune Primary School, My An Commune Kindergarten, My An People’s Committee and My An Healthcare Center. In terms of area, 5 survey points meet requirement of installing desalination system (about 15m2/survey point) and solar panels. Regarding samples, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanh was not satisfied because these did not reflect the salinity that would appear in the dry season. Besides, most samples were collected from shallow layers and not qualified for drinking purpose.
Roof of Thanh Hai Commune Kindergarten, where solar panels are expected to be located
If the desalination systems are installed, the representatives of Thanh Hai Commune Kindergarten and My An Commune People's Committee pledge to pay for electricity cost in bad weather days (lack of sunlight), ensuring that the system is operated regularly and efficiently.
The VKIST working group and consultant team took souvenir photos with representatives of Ben Tre Department of Science and Technology, People's Committee of Thanh Hai Commune and Thanh Hai Commune Primary School
Based on the survey results, the consultant team of HCM University of Science and Technology proposed KIST through VKIST to consider and decide to install a small-scale desalination system using solar energy in survey points.
