Evaluation of Operational Safety Risk in Wastewater Treatment Plants Based on WSR and Matter–Element Extension Theory

• Published in: Water (Basel) 2024-10, Vol.16 (20), p.2925
• Main Authors: Liu, Xin, Wang, Zicheng, Pan, Dianqi, Zhang, Yichen, Zhang, Jiquan, Chen, Yanan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Entropy; Evaluation; Game theory; Human error; Identification and classification; Methods; Objectivity; Questionnaires; Risk assessment; Safety and security measures; Sedimentation & deposition; Sewage disposal plants; Sewage treatment plants; Water quality; Water shortages; Water treatment
• ISSN: 2073-4441; 2073-4441
• DOI: 10.3390/w16202925

Wastewater treatment plants are of significant importance in facilitating China’s urbanization process. The fundamental purpose of wastewater treatment plants is to control water pollution and protect the environment. It is therefore essential that they are operated in a safe manner in order to achieve this goal. In order to guarantee a systematic and objective assessment of the operational safety risks inherent to wastewater treatment plants, the Wuli–Shili–Renli (WSR) theory has been introduced. Accordingly, a three-dimensional evaluation index system was developed for the assessment of these risks. A combination of subjective and objective methods utilizing game theory was employed to determine comprehensive risk factor weights. Subsequently, the material–element extension theory model was implemented in a wastewater treatment plant situated in the northern region of the Changchun Development Zone. The assessment classified the plant as Level 1 (safe), although it was determined that improvements in accident prevention are necessary. This study presents a robust framework for operational safety assessment that contributes to enhanced risk management and the long-term reliability of wastewater treatment operations. The results of the sensitivity analyses provide substantial evidence of the reliability and validity of the model.