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An interval-parameter waste-load-allocation model for river water quality management under uncertainty.
Xiaosheng Qin1, Guohe Huang, Bing Chen
1Sino-Canada Center of Energy and Environmental Research, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China. xiaoshengqin@tom.com
Environmental Management
|February 25, 2009
Summary
This study introduces an Interval Quadratic Waste Load Allocation (IQWLA) model to manage river water quality amidst uncertainties. The model provides a range of cost-effective wastewater treatment strategies for decision-makers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Resource Management
- Mathematical Modeling
Background:
- River water quality management faces challenges due to uncertainties in parameters, costs, and guidelines.
- Existing models often lack robust methods for incorporating interval-format uncertainties into optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a simulation-based Interval Quadratic Waste Load Allocation (IQWLA) model.
- To support river water quality management by incorporating interval uncertainties into the optimization process.
Main Methods:
- Developed a multi-segment simulation model to generate water-quality transformation matrices and vectors.
- Integrated interval-format uncertainties for water quality parameters, cost functions, and environmental guidelines.
- Formulated wastewater treatment costs using quadratic functions within an optimization framework.
Main Results:
- The IQWLA model effectively integrates interval uncertainties into the optimization process.
- Generated inexact solutions offering a spectrum of potential wastewater treatment options.
- Demonstrated applicability using a case study in the Changsha section of Xiangjiang River.
Conclusions:
- The IQWLA model provides valuable insights for generating cost-effective water quality management strategies.
- Decision alternatives can be explored by adjusting decision variables within their solution intervals.
- The approach enhances decision-making for local authorities in river basin management.
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