A framework for sustainable planning and decision-making on resource recovery from wastewater : showcase for São Paulo megacity

Chrispim, MC; de Souza, F de M; Scholz, M; Nolasco, MA

Abstract

Currently, it is important to develop strategic frameworks to support the selection of sustainable resource recovery solutions. This study applies a new framework for planning, implementation, and assessment of resource recovery strategies for a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in São Paulo megacity. The framework comprises several steps based on case study-specific data and information from current literature. Data were collected from various sources: a survey with a wastewater treatment utility, national and regional databases, and review of local regulations and international literature. Treatment configuration, wastewater and by-products composition, potential demand (for water, energy, and phosphorus), stakeholder identification, and local legislation were thoroughly discussed regarding decision-making on resource recovery. Scenario analysis was used to explore suitable nutrient and energy recovery measures based on indicators. Biogas recovery and sewage sludge composting showed more favorable conditions due to similar experiences in the area and robust legislation. The proposed framework is a simplified tool, and its application can support managers to get information on resource recovery and how to plan such initiatives in easier ways to facilitate wiser decision-making, and better operation and management. The results on framework use and refinement can guide potential applications in other contexts and stimulate public policy formulation and further research.

Citation

Chrispim, M., de Souza, F. D. M., Scholz, M., & Nolasco, M. (2020). A framework for sustainable planning and decision-making on resource recovery from wastewater : showcase for São Paulo megacity. Water, 12(12), e3466. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12123466

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 2, 2020
• Publication Date: Dec 9, 2020
• Deposit Date: Dec 11, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 11, 2020
• Journal: Water
• Publisher: MDPI
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 12
• Pages: e3466
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w12123466
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/w12123466
• Related Public URLs: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/water
• Additional Information: Additional Information : ** From MDPI via Jisc Publications Router ** Licence for this article: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ **Journal IDs: eissn 2073-4441 **History: published 09-12-2020; accepted 02-12-2020; Funders : Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education), Brazil (CAPES)