Economic feasibility for selecting wastewater treatment systems

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Resource Management
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Wastewater treatment system (WTS) selection is complex due to diverse technologies and city-specific needs.
• Economic feasibility is crucial, particularly for developing nations, influencing WTS implementation.
• Existing studies often lack a comprehensive economic framework for ideal WTS configuration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the economic feasibility of selecting ideal wastewater treatment systems (WTS).
• To provide a framework for evaluating cost-related indicators for WTS in diverse urban settings.
• To aid decision-making in developing countries by highlighting cost-effective WTS solutions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review identifying 37 main WTS and two economic indicators (Net Present Value, Annualized Net Present Value).
• Multi-criteria analysis using the ELECTRE TRI method to group WTS based on efficiency criteria.
• Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) applied to WTS classes to generate economic viability frameworks.

Main Results:

• Wastewater treatment systems were categorized into classes based on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Economic viability was assessed for different WTS classes using simulation methods.
• Identification of both low-cost and high-cost WTS options suitable for varying development levels.

Conclusions:

• This research provides a framework for selecting ideal wastewater treatment systems (WTS) with a focus on economic viability.
• The study highlights the importance of considering city-specific features and development levels in WTS selection.
• Economic analysis using multi-criteria decision-making and simulation enhances WTS study horizons.