14.5.1 Minimizing alteration of aquatic ecosystems (plan)

Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) has a plan to minimise physical, chemical and biological alterations of related aquatic ecosystems associated with its campuses. The plan is set out in the "SWU Zero Carbon and SWU Zero Waste" policy and the campus water management programme, and is supported by research on freshwater ecosystems near the University's educational sites. The evidence is publicly available on the SWU Green Campus and SWU Rankings websites.

Campus Water Management Plan

Under the plan, the University reduces tap water use by 5% each year, replaces ageing pipelines to reduce leakage, installs water-saving fixtures, treats wastewater on site and reuses treated water for landscape irrigation, expands green areas, maintains campus ponds and lakes as functional ecosystems, and reduces general waste by 10% each year to limit litter entering drains and waterways. These measures limit physical, chemical and biological alterations of the ponds, lakes and canals connected to the campuses. The image below shows the SWU Green Campus water management page, which describes water conservation, wastewater treatment and reuse.

Source: https://green.swu.ac.th/water

Source: https://rankings.swu.ac.th/Portals/96/Document/QS-Sustain/SWU-Carbon.pdf

Research-Based Environmental Monitoring and Freshwater Ecosystem Conservation near Bodhivijjalaya College, Mae Sot

Through its academic and research activities, SWU contributes to the protection and sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, where its Bodhivijjalaya College operates an educational site.

On 4–6 May 2025, researchers from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, disseminated and continued their research on "Effects of biochar on cadmium uptake by Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata L.) grown in contaminated saline soil" at the Royal Initiative Project for Learning Promotion on Environmental Conservation and Restoration in Mae Sot District, Tak Province. The study tests a low-cost, nature-based way to limit the transfer of cadmium from contaminated soil into plants and the wider environment. During the same trip, the team carried out field investigations and collected sediment, soil and vegetation samples to support assessments of environmental contamination and ecosystem conditions.

Complementary research on the phytoremediation potential of Colocasia esculenta provides scientific evidence on the accumulation and translocation of heavy metals, including cadmium, zinc and lead, under drought conditions.

These research activities provide a scientific basis for management measures aimed at minimising physical, chemical and biological alterations of freshwater ecosystems. Potential applications include monitoring contamination, assessing environmental risks, protecting riparian habitats and evaluating nature-based remediation approaches. The photographs below show the fieldwork in Mae Sot District on 4–6 May 2025, including the collection of sediment, soil and vegetation samples.

Source: https://science.swu.ac.th/sdgs/minimising-alteration/