Abstract
In this work, a decision support system (DSS) coupled with wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) simulator tool that uses a hierarchical set of key performance indicators (KPIs) to provide an assessment of the performance of WWTP systems is presented. An assessment of different Scenarios in a real WWTP case study, each consisting of a different set of sludge line technologies and derived combinations, was successfully conducted with the developed DSS–WWTP simulator, based on Scenario simulation and hierarchical KPI analysis. The test carried out on the selected WWTP showed that although thermal valorisation and thermal hydrolysis showed similar (the best) economic viability, the latter showed additional benefits, including synergies related to improving the thermal balance of the overall WWTP even when considering other technologies. On the other hand, biogas-upgrading technologies allowed reduction of emissions, but with higher costs and thermal demands. The usage of this tool may allow the development of proposals for technological priorities as a pathway to the transition to circular economy based on the management criteria of the correspondent sanitation system.
Highlights
The paradigm shift from a linear to a circular economy represents an opportunity to address different emerging challenges of the 21st century regarding various aspects derived from population growth and resource scarcity in terms of water, energy or even food, as well as the need to transition to a low-carbon economy [1].Since wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a nexus for water-waste energy and a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, they play a key role in the implementation of a circular economy
The area served by these WWTPs features a contrast between high-anthropic-pressure areas and other rural areas
The WWTPs managed by Consorci Besòs Tordera (CBT) have a treatment capacity ranging from 1000 to 30,000 m3/d, and they are located in the northern region of Barcelona, in the upper parts of the Besòs River basin and the Tordera River basin
Summary
The paradigm shift from a linear to a circular economy represents an opportunity to address different emerging challenges of the 21st century regarding various aspects derived from population growth and resource scarcity in terms of water, energy or even food, as well as the need to transition to a low-carbon economy [1]. Since wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a nexus for water-waste energy and a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, they play a key role in the implementation of a circular economy. A paradigm shift is taking place from the concept of ‘wastewater treatment plants’ to that of ‘water resource recovery facilities’ (WRRFs), and increasing interest in next-generation modelling for circular-economy-related processes has been observed [2,3,4]. New methods of assessing decision-making processes are required to meet current challenges, such as the rapidly changing environment [7]
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