Enhancing water security through mobile constructed wetlands: A decentralised approach for wastewater reclamation and reuse

The global challenge of water security is intensifying, driven by rapid population growth, industrialisation and climate change, making sustainable water reclamation and reuse an essential strategy for resilience. This study explores the potential of innovative Mobile Constructed Wetlands (MCW) as a decentralised, nature-based solution to enhance water security through the integration of water safety, accessibility and affordability assessments. The MCW system was designed, built and assessed through a 14-day performance monitoring of key water quality parameters, while public perception was measured via a structured survey of 383 respondents, and economic feasibility was evaluated through cost-benefit analysis. The water quality analysis demonstrates that the MCW system effectively treats wastewater, achieving 97.8 % removal of total suspended solids (TSS), 86.54 % for biochemical oxygen demand (BODs), 88.47 % for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 99.25 % for ammoniacal nitrogen (AN). These removal efficiencies confirm the system's compliance with regional water quality standards, affirming its suitability for non-potable applications, such as irrigation and industrial use. The public perception survey reveals moderate acceptance of reclaimed water, with higher approval among younger and environmentally conscious individuals. Cultural and religious concerns were not identified as significant barriers, suggesting potential for broader adoption through targeted education and engagement initiatives. The economic analysis further confirms the affordability of MCW, showing a 30 % reduction in wastewater treatment costs compared to conventional systems. The six-year cost-benefit projection demonstrates a transition from an initial negative net benefit value (NBV) to a positive MYR 12.23 million by Year 6, confirming long-term financial feasibility. This study underscores MCW as a practical and scalable approach to sustainable water management, effectively addressing water safety, accessibility and affordability. Future efforts should focus on policy integration, technological advancements and collaborative governance to expand adoption and enhance global water security.