Abstract
METland is a new variety of Constructed Wetland (CW) for treating wastewater where gravel is replaced by a biocompatible electroconductive material to stimulate the metabolism of electroactive bacteria. The system requires a remarkably low land footprint (0.4 m2/pe) compared to conventional CW, due to the high pollutant removal rate exhibited by such microorganisms. In order to predict the optimal locations for METland, a methodology based on Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) techniques applied to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has been proposed. Seven criteria were evaluated and weighted in the context of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Finally, a Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) was performed using the Sobol method for resource optimization. The model was tested in two locations, oceanic and Mediterranean, to prove its feasibility in different geographical, demographic and climate conditions. The GSA revealed as conclusion the most influential factors in the model: (i) land use, (ii) distance to population centers, and (iii) distance to river beds. Interestingly, the model could predict best suitable locations by reducing the number of analyzed factors to just such three key factors (responsible for 78% of the output variance). The proposed methodology will help decision-making stakeholders in implementing nature-based solutions, including constructed wetlands, for treating wastewater in rural areas.
Highlights
The importance of water resources has promoted the development of innovative technologies to reduce water consumption
In order to predict the optimal locations for METland, a methodology based on Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) techniques applied to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has been proposed
The combination of GIS and MCE methods is a powerful tool for solving planning problems in the field of wastewater treatment, providing enlightening information for decision-making in terms of resources or location of facilities
Summary
The importance of water resources has promoted the development of innovative technologies to reduce water consumption. Different strategies were implemented for sustainable water resources management and integral treatment, in order to improve the quality and availability conditions [1]. The governments have implemented policy measures for enhancing water availability with reduced pressure on existing freshwater resources. One of the main lines of action is to optimize wastewater treatments (WWTs), applying new technologies based on economic and environmental sustainability principles. Standard WWTs are not viable in small settlements, isolated dwellings and work centers, due to their decentralized location, the limitation of economic resources and the lack of availability of specialized personnel in many cases. It is essential to promote a low-cost system to treat the wastewater (WW) of decentralized population centers, where conventional WWTs are unbearable financially. Most of the current WWT systems were developed and divided into two treatment groups: energy-based solutions
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