A decision modelling approach for selection of biological nutrient removal systems for wastewater

Carla Mae Pausta,Arnel Beltran,Michael Angelo Promentilla,Aileen Huelgas-Orbecido,Ramon Christian Eusebio,A.C Kumoro,M.A Hussain,X Rong,Hadiyanto Hadiyanto,M.T Phong,P.T.S Nam,A.W Lothongkum,W.R.W Daud,L Yung,S.A Roces

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201815603013

Abstract

This paper proposes a decision model built on a hierarchical network for optimal selection of biological nutrient removal systems (BNR) in wastewater treatment plants. BNR is an important component of a sustainable wastewater management wherein resource recovery from wastewater becomes an integral part of the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WTP). However, selection of the most appropriate technology or systems requires a multiple criteria analysis. This study focuses on the following criteria namely 1) Economic aspect; 2) Technical aspect; 3) Environmental Aspect; and 4) Space Requirement. The following alternatives were then evaluated: 1) 3 Stage Pho-redox (A2O); 2) 5 Stage Bardenpho (5BP); 3) University of Cape Town (UCT); 4) Virginia Initiative Plant; 5) Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR); 6) Membrane Bioreactor (MBR). A fuzzy ANP approach with Monte Carlo simulation was used to derive the overall priorities of these alternatives. This decision modelling approach addresses the uncertainty and complexity involved in the selection of appropriate BNR in Metro Manila’s WTP.

Highlights

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the major nutrients needed in order to sustain and improve growth of plants both in land and in water
This study evaluates the best biological nutrient removal (BNR) system to be installed in existing wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) located in the urban areas based on the following criteria: (1) economic aspect (EC); (2) technical aspect (TL); (3) environmental aspect (EN); and (4) space requirements (SR)
The study presents the complex decision making problem of selecting the best biological nutrient removal technology for wastewater treatment plants located in urban areas in a network structure

Summary

Introduction

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the major nutrients needed in order to sustain and improve growth of plants both in land and in water. While nutrients in the form of fertilizers create beneficial effects to agricultural land, excessive nutrient concentration in the water bodies causes adverse effects to the aquatic biodiversity. This leads to eutrophication which is the accelerated growth rate of aquatic plants and algae due to increased availability of nutrients. Industries with WTPs are faced with a complex decision making problem to evaluate the best BNR alternative considering multiple criteria. Common MCDA methods used in different environmental decision making problems are Multiattribute Utility Theory (MAUT), Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) and Analytical Network Process (ANP). Monte Carlo simulations are done to model the variabilities caused by subjective judgements and coarse quantitative data [12]

Methodology

Case Study

Conclusion