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Multi-objective optimization for a wastewater treatment plant and sludge-to-energy network

Water pollution and the lack of supply of clean water are both addressed by building wastewater treatment facilities around cities. Sludge, a by-product of treating wastewater, undergoes different treatments before it is disposed of. Sludge can be processed in sludge-to-energy facilities that utiliz...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of cleaner production 2022-09, Vol.368, p.133047, Article 133047
Main Authors: Caligan, Carlo James A., Garcia, Maria Mikayla S., Mitra, Jericho L., San Juan, Jayne Lois G.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Water pollution and the lack of supply of clean water are both addressed by building wastewater treatment facilities around cities. Sludge, a by-product of treating wastewater, undergoes different treatments before it is disposed of. Sludge can be processed in sludge-to-energy facilities that utilizes its organic compounds as renewable energy. This study addresses the lack of integrating research between a wastewater treatment facility and sludge-to-energy plant from a systems perspective to see how the wastewater demand will be handled best while considering the possible generation of bioproducts from sludge. A multi-objective optimization model that is designed to simultaneously minimize both cost and environmental emissions is formulated. The capabilities of proposed model are demonstrated through illustrative case example. Scenario analyses were supplemented to see how the model would react with changes in its parameters, namely (1) fluctuations in bioenergy prices, (2) changes in the quality of the incoming wastewater, and (3) variations in output disposal requirements. Results highlight the importance of improving the market for bioproducts and managing wastewater quality as they are generated. •An optimization model for wastewater facility integrated with sludge-to-energy plant.•Simultaneous minimization of cost and emissions using a goal programming approach.•Considers the impact of quality on disposal alternatives and bioproducts generation.•Anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis are preferred treatment and conversion processes.•Sludge treatment options are chosen based on treatment effectiveness and biogas yield.
ISSN:0959-6526
1879-1786
DOI:10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133047