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Indicator based multi-criteria decision support systems for wastewater treatment plants
D Renfrew1, V Vasilaki1, E Katsou2
1Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus, Middlesex, UB8 3PH Uxbridge, UK.
Wastewater treatment decision support systems (DSS) must improve sustainability and economic performance. A review found technology selection DSS lack clear indicators, hindering effective decision-making for environmental goals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Resource Management
- Sustainable Technology
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) face increasing regulatory pressure for human health, environmental preservation, and emission reduction.
- Achieving sustainability and circularity in WWTPs while maintaining economic viability presents complex multi-objective challenges.
- Decision support systems (DSS) are crucial for navigating these challenges in the water sector, aligning with European Commission sustainability ambitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze existing decision support systems (DSS) for wastewater treatment plants.
- To identify the primary functions and limitations of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDD) tools in technology selection and process operation.
- To provide recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and usability of DSS in the water sector.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 57 decision support systems for wastewater treatment plants.
- Analysis of the stated aims, functions, and indicators used in identified DSS.
- Comparative assessment of process optimization tools versus technology selection tools.
Main Results:
- The primary functions of reviewed DSS are technology selection and process operation optimization.
- A significant disparity exists between process optimization DSS (clear goals/indicators) and technology selection DSS (vague language).
- Vague language in technology selection DSS hinders decision-makers' ability to link indicators to outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Improvement of DSS is needed, particularly in technology selection, to better support WWTP decision-makers.
- Recommendations include rigorous indicator selection protocols, participatory approaches, expanded indicator sets, and structured analysis of results (e.g., sensitivity analysis).
- Enhanced DSS can better facilitate the achievement of sustainability, circularity, and protection goals in wastewater treatment.
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