Transforming Water, Protecting Paradise

เปลี่ยนน้ำ ปกป้องสวรรค์

Pioneering natural water treatment in Koh Phangan, Thailand through innovative Multi-Stage Recirculating Constructed Wetland technology

AquaSai Overview

AquaSai is a pioneering water treatment initiative in Koh Phangan, Thailand, utilizing Multi-Stage Recirculating Constructed Wetland (MSR) technology to transform polluted water into clean, reusable resources. Our innovative approach combines ancient wisdom with cutting-edge engineering to address the island's water quality challenges while promoting environmental sustainability.

AquaSai Multi-Stage Recirculating Constructed Wetland (MSR) treatment process showing sectional cutaway view with natural filtration layers and aquatic plants

Our mission is to protect Koh Phangan's pristine beaches and marine ecosystems by intercepting and treating wastewater before it reaches the ocean. Through our Thai-owned and operated facilities, we're creating a sustainable solution that honors the island's natural heritage while supporting its future as a protected ecological treasure.

Koh Phangan village wastewater outfall retrofit site plan showing AquaSai wetland system integration to protect coastal waters
90%+
Pollutant Removal
100%
Natural Process
4
Treatment Stages
24/7
Operation

Koh Phangan's Natural Heritage

Koh Phangan is not merely a tourist destination but a living ecological museum with a rich natural heritage dating back thousands of years. The island's unique biodiversity, pristine watersheds, and ancient forest systems represent an irreplaceable natural treasure that deserves protection and reverence equivalent to a designated natural park.

Clear shallow polishing pond with diverse aquatic plants and thriving ecosystem demonstrating natural water purification in Koh Phangan

AquaSai's water treatment systems are designed to harmonize with and enhance this natural heritage. By mimicking the island's natural filtration processes, our constructed wetlands not only clean water but also create new habitats for native species, extending the island's ecological networks and strengthening its resilience against climate change and human impact.

Ecological and Cultural Timeline

3000 BCE

First human settlements on Koh Phangan, with indigenous communities developing sustainable fishing and farming practices that worked in harmony with natural cycles.

500 CE

Ancient water management systems appear on the island, including primitive canals and rainwater harvesting structures that demonstrate early ecological engineering.

1239 CE

First documented reference to Koh Phangan in Siamese records, noting its abundant freshwater springs and diverse forest ecosystems.

1700s

Development of traditional Thai agricultural practices on the island, including "Rishi Krishi" methods that emphasized biodiversity and water conservation.

1950s

Scientific surveys document over 250 endemic plant species and 180 bird species on Koh Phangan, highlighting its ecological significance.

1980s

Tourism begins to impact the island's natural systems, with increasing pressure on water resources and waste management infrastructure.

2010

Conservation efforts intensify with local initiatives to protect coral reefs, mangroves, and watershed areas from development pressure.

2023

AquaSai launches its first MSR wetland system, reviving traditional water purification knowledge while integrating modern ecological science.

2025

Vision for Koh Phangan to be recognized as Thailand's first "Living Natural Park" where human activities enhance rather than degrade ecological systems.

MSR Treatment Process

Our Multi-Stage Recirculating Constructed Wetland (MSR) system transforms polluted water through a four-stage natural treatment process, drawing inspiration from ancient Thai water purification techniques while incorporating modern ecological engineering principles.

Complete 4-stage MSR treatment process diagram showing water flow through filtration, constructed wetland, recirculation, and polishing stages
1

Primary Filtration

Removes solids and large particles through sedimentation chambers, mechanical screening, and organic filter media composed of locally-sourced coconut coir and rice husks. This stage removes 60-70% of suspended solids.

2

Constructed Wetland

Plants and beneficial microbes work together in specialized beds to break down organic pollutants, absorb nutrients, and remove pathogens through natural biological processes creating thriving ecosystems.

3

Recirculation

Water is circulated multiple times through the wetland system to maximize treatment efficiency, increase oxygen levels, and ensure complete breakdown of complex contaminants through repeated biological contact.

4

Final Polishing

The final stage uses advanced aquatic plants in polishing ponds to remove remaining nutrients and improve water clarity, producing crystal-clear water safe for reuse or environmental discharge.

Plan view layout of AquaSai wetland system showing integration with river edge and complete water flow pathway

Treatment Plants & Flora

Vetiver grass with extensive root system providing sediment filtration and erosion control

Vetiver Grass

Sediment Filtration & Erosion Control

Deep root systems (up to 3m) stabilize soil and filter heavy metals while creating dense barriers against erosion. Highly tolerant to extreme conditions.

Canna lily plants with vibrant flowers providing nutrient removal and aesthetic beauty

Canna Lily

Nutrient Removal & Aesthetics

Efficiently absorbs nitrogen and phosphorus while producing beautiful flowers. Rapid growth rate makes it excellent for nutrient-rich wastewater treatment.

Water iris plants providing both water filtration and aesthetic enhancement to wetland system

Water Iris

Pathogen Reduction & Oxygenation

Root systems host beneficial bacteria that break down pathogens. Transports oxygen to root zones, creating aerobic conditions essential for water purification.

Diverse aquatic plants in clear shallow pond creating natural polishing ecosystem

Aquatic Plant Polyculture

Comprehensive Water Polishing

Diverse mix of floating and submerged plants work synergistically to provide final water polishing, habitat creation, and biodiversity enhancement.

Detailed rhizosphere microbiology diagram showing oxygen gradients and microbial interactions in wetland plant root zones

Advanced Technical Features

Rhizosphere Optimization

  • Oxygen gradients support diverse microbial communities
  • Aerobic and anaerobic zones for complete treatment
  • Root exudates feed beneficial bacteria
  • Enhanced nutrient cycling efficiency

Phytoremediation Mechanisms

  • Heavy metal sequestration in plant tissues
  • Organic compound breakdown through enzymes
  • Nitrogen transformation via denitrification
  • Phosphorus immobilization in root zones

Monitoring & Data

  • Real-time water quality sensors
  • Flow rate and hydraulic monitoring
  • Biodiversity assessment protocols
  • Performance optimization algorithms
Hands-on training workshop at AquaSai wetland facility teaching local community members about natural water treatment systems

Environmental & Social Impact

AquaSai's natural water treatment systems deliver measurable environmental benefits while creating positive social impact through community engagement, education, and sustainable livelihoods.

Community co-benefit hub showing education programs and biodiversity enhancement activities at AquaSai facility

Measured Environmental Benefits

  • 90%+ reduction in biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD)
  • 95%+ removal of total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity
  • 85%+ reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus compounds
  • 99%+ removal of harmful pathogens and fecal coliforms
  • Zero chemical inputs - completely natural biological treatment
  • Carbon negative operation - plants sequester more CO₂ than system emits
  • Habitat creation for 50+ bird species, amphibians, and beneficial insects
Before and after comparison showing water quality improvement from polluted to crystal clear after AquaSai treatment

Community Benefits & Co-benefits

Education & Training

  • Local community training programs
  • School educational visits
  • Technical skills development
  • Environmental awareness campaigns

Economic Opportunities

  • Local employment creation
  • Biomass harvesting for biogas
  • Eco-tourism potential
  • Technology transfer opportunities

Health & Wellbeing

  • Reduced waterborne diseases
  • Improved coastal water quality
  • Enhanced marine ecosystem health
  • Aesthetic green space creation
Community biogas use cases showing sustainable energy generation from wetland biomass harvest

Financial Sustainability

AquaSai's natural water treatment systems offer superior cost-effectiveness compared to conventional treatment facilities, with lower capital costs, minimal operating expenses, and attractive return on investment through co-benefit generation.

Icon-based flow diagram showing wetland biomass harvest cycle and value generation pathways

Cost Analysis

50%
Lower Capital Cost vs. Conventional
70%
Lower Operating Cost
20+
Years System Lifespan
3-5
Years to ROI

Revenue Streams & Co-benefits

  • Biomass Harvesting: Regular plant harvesting generates biomass for biogas production, compost, or animal feed, creating circular economy opportunities
  • Water Reuse: Treated water suitable for irrigation, landscaping, or industrial processes reduces freshwater demand
  • Carbon Credits: Potential eligibility for carbon offset programs due to carbon sequestration and reduced emissions
  • Eco-tourism: Educational tours and community engagement programs generate supplementary revenue
  • Technology Licensing: Proven system design can be replicated and licensed to other communities
Biomass to biogas flow sequence showing harvest, processing, and energy generation cycle

Grant & Funding Opportunities

AquaSai systems are eligible for various environmental and development grants, including climate adaptation funding, water security programs, biodiversity conservation initiatives, and sustainable development goals (SDG) aligned financing. Our proven track record and measurable impact make us an attractive investment for organizations seeking high-impact environmental solutions.

Stakeholder Engagement

AquaSai's success depends on collaborative partnerships with local communities, government agencies, environmental organizations, and the private sector. We believe in transparent communication and shared decision-making to ensure our systems serve all stakeholders' needs.

Diverse stakeholder group engaged in collaborative planning and education at AquaSai co-benefit hub facility

Key Stakeholder Groups

Local Communities

  • Village leaders and residents
  • Traditional knowledge holders
  • Local business operators
  • Tourism sector representatives

Government Partners

  • Provincial Environment Office
  • Department of Water Resources
  • Marine & Coastal Resources
  • Local Administrative Organizations

Research & NGOs

  • Thai universities and research institutes
  • Environmental conservation NGOs
  • International development partners
  • Ecological engineering experts

Private Sector

  • Hotels and resorts
  • Diving and tourism operators
  • Agricultural businesses
  • Sustainable development investors
Community and governance training workshop empowering local stakeholders with water treatment management skills

Engagement Activities

  • Community Workshops: Regular hands-on training sessions teaching wetland operation, maintenance, and monitoring
  • School Programs: Educational curriculum development and field trips for students at all levels
  • Technical Exchange: Knowledge sharing with government agencies and academic institutions
  • Demonstration Sites: Open facilities showcasing natural treatment technology for visitors and potential adopters
  • Participatory Monitoring: Community members trained to collect water quality data and track biodiversity

Get in Touch

Interested in learning more about AquaSai's natural water treatment solutions? Whether you're a community leader, government official, researcher, or potential partner, we'd love to hear from you.

Email: info@aquasai.uxrzone.com

Location: Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, Thailand

Website: https://aquasai.uxrzone.com