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Implementation of a Decision Support System for Sewage Sludge Management

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  • David Palma-Heredia

    (Consorci Besòs Tordera, St Julia, 241, 08403 Granollers, Spain
    LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, Universitat de Girona, Mª Aurèlia Capmany, 69, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Manel Poch

    (LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, Universitat de Girona, Mª Aurèlia Capmany, 69, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Miquel À. Cugueró-Escofet

    (Consorci Besòs Tordera, St Julia, 241, 08403 Granollers, Spain
    Advanced Control Systems Research Group, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC-BarcelonaTech), Terrassa Campus, Gaia Research Bldg, Rambla Sant Nebridi, 22, 08222 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • David Palma-Heredia & Manel Poch & Miquel À. Cugueró-Escofet, 2020. "Implementation of a Decision Support System for Sewage Sludge Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:9089-:d:438408
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rosa M. Llácer-Iglesias & P. Amparo López-Jiménez & Modesto Pérez-Sánchez, 2021. "Energy Self-Sufficiency Aiming for Sustainable Wastewater Systems: Are All Options Being Explored?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-20, May.
    2. Dinko Đurđević & Saša Žiković & Tomislav Čop, 2022. "Socio-Economic, Technical and Environmental Indicators for Sustainable Sewage Sludge Management and LEAP Analysis of Emissions Reduction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-15, August.
    3. Camilo Venegas & Andrea C. Sánchez-Alfonso & Fidson-Juarismy Vesga & Alison Martín & Crispín Celis-Zambrano & Mauricio González Mendez, 2022. "Identification and Evaluation of Determining Factors and Actors in the Management and Use of Biosolids through Prospective Analysis (MicMac and Mactor) and Social Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-24, June.

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