A Framework for Sustainable Planning and Decision-Making on Resource Recovery from Wastewater: Showcase for São Paulo Megacity

Mariana C Chrispim,Miklas Scholz,Fernanda De M De Souza,Marcelo A Nolasco

doi:10.3390/w12123466

Abstract

Currently, it is important to develop strategic frameworks to support the selection of sustainable resource recovery solutions. This study applies a new framework for planning, implementation, and assessment of resource recovery strategies for a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in São Paulo megacity. The framework comprises several steps based on case study-specific data and information from current literature. Data were collected from various sources: a survey with a wastewater treatment utility, national and regional databases, and review of local regulations and international literature. Treatment configuration, wastewater and by-products composition, potential demand (for water, energy, and phosphorus), stakeholder identification, and local legislation were thoroughly discussed regarding decision-making on resource recovery. Scenario analysis was used to explore suitable nutrient and energy recovery measures based on indicators. Biogas recovery and sewage sludge composting showed more favorable conditions due to similar experiences in the area and robust legislation. The proposed framework is a simplified tool, and its application can support managers to get information on resource recovery and how to plan such initiatives in easier ways to facilitate wiser decision-making, and better operation and management. The results on framework use and refinement can guide potential applications in other contexts and stimulate public policy formulation and further research.

Highlights

The scarcity of natural resources is a driver for initiatives of resource recovery and reuse, by producing biogas, fertilizer, and water that can be returned to the market
It is important to take it into account when planning resource recovery strategies since the increase of the plant’s capacity will imply increase of generated by-products and will have effects on characterization
Some measures to address this barrier are visits to universities for demonstration of technologies/studies related to resource recovery, pilot-scale projects in WTTP to increase the collaboration with research universities, benchmarking of successful operational practices in other contexts, and the regular stakeholders’ meetings

Summary

Introduction

The scarcity of natural resources is a driver for initiatives of resource recovery and reuse, by producing biogas, fertilizer, and water that can be returned to the market. Recovering valuable compounds of municipal wastewater includes several important aspects for the planning process, decision-making, and implementation. Due to the increase of global urbanization, cities are special places for recovery of resources, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are sites where such processes can take place. Water 2020, 12, 3466 treatment facilities are part of the cities’ metabolism and the local region; resource recovery processes should be planned in an integrated way. How the treatment plant could contribute with potential resources to the local industries clusters or agriculture. WWTP should be integrated within the local community and economic activities [1]. Cities have great potential to support the progress towards regional sustainable development [2]

Methods

Results

Conclusion