A robust optimization model for designing a wastewater treatment network under uncertainty: Multi-objective approach

Abstract

This study proposes a robust optimization model to configure a wastewater treatment network requiring for the shale gas production. In Alberta (a province of Canada), the government of Alberta supervises this operation based on regulatory framework and environmental standards. On this matter, there are a variety of uncertain parameters (i.e., fixed and variable costs of wastewater treatment, required amount of water, and capacities of facilities) in this facility location problem. An integrated robust flexible stochastic model is developed to consider multiple sources of uncertainty. Simulation is conducted to analyze the robustness of the proposed model. To eliminate carbon emissions as a result of the operation and transportation, the mathematical model is extended to a multi-objective model. Non-dominated solutions of the multi-objective model are obtained by a new iterative approach. A network in Alberta, Canada is examined to illustrate the economic and environmental impacts of the proposed model.