The Pakistan Navy constructed wetland for wastewater treatment : A Case Study in Sustainable Wastewater Treatment
Overview of constructed wetland case study
The Pakistan Navy Constructed Wetland, inaugurated in 2015 at the Karsaz Shooting Range, Karachi, is a pioneering example of constructed wetland wastewater treatment in Pakistan. Designed and engineered by Muhammad Ameen Keryo, a renowned wastewater expert
This subsurface flow Pakistan Navy constructed wetland treats 150,000 gallons of wastewater daily (206,870 cubic meters annually). The constructed wetland wastewater treatment system mimic natural wetlands—can address water quality improvements while promoting sustainability.
Spearheaded by Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini and brought to life through Keryo’s technical expertise, the system overcame financial, technical, and logistical hurdles to become a model for decentralized water management in a region grappling with water scarcity and coastal degradation.
Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini honored Muhammad Ameen Keryo with an award for pioneering the Pakistan Navy Constructed Wetland. This eco-friendly system treats 150,000 gallons of wastewater daily, conserving resources and protecting marine life. The award recognizes its role as a model for sustainable wastewater management in Pakistan.
By recycling treated water for landscaping and preventing untreated sewage from entering the Arabian Sea, Pakistan Navy constructed wetland addresses both environmental conservation and resource efficiency, setting a precedent for adopting nature-based solutions in Pakistan.
Constructed wetland design
Key Design Components
- Reed Beds:
- Vegetation: Hardy reeds (Phragmites australis), a staple of constructed wetlands, were selected for their ability to oxygenate water through root systems.
- Substrate: A layered bed of gravel and sand optimized for filtration and microbial activity, ensuring efficient wastewater treatment.
- Flow Mechanism:
- Wastewater flows horizontally beneath the surface, a design feature of subsurface constructed wetlands that minimizes odor and mosquito breeding.
- Pollutant Removal Process:
- The constructed wetland harnesses natural processes:
- Physical Filtration: Gravel traps suspended solids.
- Biological Degradation: Microbes on reed roots break down organic matter.
- Chemical Adsorption: Soil binds heavy metals and phosphates.
- The constructed wetland harnesses natural processes:
- Topographic Adaptation:
- Keryo redesigned the constructed wetland mid-project to navigate Karachi’s uneven terrain, incorporating excavation and soil stabilization.
Cost and Financial Challenges
The project underscores the financial realities of deploying constructed wetlands in developing regions, where initial costs often clash with long-term benefits.
- Initial Estimate: 4 million PKR (approx. $38,000 USD in 2014).
- Final Cost: 8 million PKR ($76,000 USD), doubled due to topographic challenges.
- Funding Sources:
- Institutional Support: Pakistan Navy contributed 1 million PKR.
- Personal Sacrifice: Muhammad Ameen Keryo sold his family’s 3-acre land to cover the 7 million PKR shortfall, reflecting his commitment to advancing constructed wetlands in Pakistan.
Long-Term ROI:
- Operational Savings: Near-zero energy costs, a key advantage of Pakistan Navy constructed wetlands over conventional treatment plants.
- Water Conservation: Saves 206,870 m³ of freshwater annually through reuse.
Benefits and Environmental Impact
1. Environmental Benefits
- Ocean Protection: Prevents 150,000 gallons/day of untreated wastewater from polluting the Arabian Sea.
- Carbon Sequestration: Reeds in the constructed wetland absorb CO₂.
- Biodiversity: Creates habitats for birds and insects, enhancing urban ecology.
2. Social and Institutional Benefits
- Water Security: Reused water maintains 30 acres of landscaped areas.
- Public Health: Reduces waterborne disease risks.
- Institutional Legacy: Positions the Pakistan Navy as a pioneer of constructed wetlands.
3. Economic Benefits
- Constructed Wetland Maintenance: Minimal upkeep required, a hallmark of constructed wetlands.
- Scalability: A replicable model for other regions.
Constructed Wetland Technology
This constructed wetland demonstrates the broad applicability of the technology:
- Municipal/Industrial Wastewater: Treats sewage from naval facilities and urban areas.
- Water Reuse: Irrigates green spaces, aligning with circular economy principles.
- Coastal Conservation: Protects marine ecosystems, supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Pros and Cons of Constructed Wetlands
Pros
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | Uses zero chemicals and minimal energy. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Lower operational costs than mechanical plants. |
| Ecosystem Services | Enhances biodiversity, sequesters carbon, prevents pollution. |
| Climate Resilience | Performs well in arid climates like Karachi’s. |
Cons
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| High Initial Costs | Site adaptations can inflate budgets. |
| Land Requirements | Space-intensive, challenging in dense cities. |
| Technical Expertise | Requires specialized design knowledge. |
Key Contributors
- Muhammad Ameen Keryo: Champion of Pakistan Navy constructed wetlands, whose technical vision and personal sacrifice drove success.
- Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini: Institutional leader who championed the project.
Inauguration
CM Sindh Qaim Ali Shah inaugurated the project, highlighting plants’ role in purifying water, filtering impurities, and stabilizing gravel, ensuring a cleaner environment and improved water quality for sustainable development.
Lessons and Future Potential
- Constructed Wetlands as Climate Solutions: Keryo’s work proves their viability in water-stressed regions.
- Policy Advocacy: Success stories can spur government support for constructed wetlands.
- Scalability: Replicate systems for industries, rural areas, and coastal cities globally.
Galley
Constructed Wetland Wastewater Treatment System
Plants naturally purify water by filtering impurities, stabilizing gravel, and absorbing toxins. They enhance water quality, remove pollutants, and support a healthier environment for both humans and ecosystems.
constructed wetlands for water quality improvement
Constructed Wetland Plants
Plants purify impurities, filter toxins, and stabilize gravel, enhancing soil health. They improve air quality, support ecosystems, and promote a cleaner, greener environment for sustainable living.
Pakistan Navy Constructed Wetland
Conclusion
The Pakistan Navy Constructed Wetland is a landmark achievement in sustainable infrastructure, embodying the potential of nature-based technologies. Designed by Muhammad Ameen Keryo, it highlights how constructed wetlands can transform wastewater management while conserving ecosystems and resources.
As climate change intensifies, projects like Pakistan Navy Constructed Wetland a solution as ancient as nature, yet perfectly suited to modern challenges.
Constructed wetlands are not just engineering marvels; they are testaments to humanity’s ability to innovate in harmony with nature. Muhammad Ameen Keryo’s work in Karachi is a beacon of hope for sustainable development worldwide.