Economies of density for on-site waste water treatment

Eggimann, Sven; Truffer, Bernhard; Maurer, Max

doi:10.1016/j.watres.2016.06.011

Cited by 43 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Previous research has focused on the optimal scale for just wastewater collection, which confirmed and quantified the expected result that the optimal scale of centralization decreases with topographic complexity and more disperse population distribution [15]. The same authors in a newer study reported that low population densities increase the costs of both decentralized and centralized systems, but they scale differently as they require different management approaches that should be modeled in detail for an accurate comparison [16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 62%

Spatial optimization for decentralized non-potable water reuse

Kavvada

Nelson

Horvath

2018

Environ. Res. Lett.

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Decentralization has the potential to reduce the scale of the piped distribution network needed to enable non-potable water reuse (NPR) in urban areas by producing recycled water closer to its point of use. However, tradeoffs exist between the economies of scale of treatment facilities and the size of the conveyance infrastructure, including energy for upgradient distribution of recycled water. To adequately capture the impacts from distribution pipes and pumping requirements, site-specific conditions must be accounted for. In this study, a generalized framework (a heuristic modeling approach using geospatial algorithms) is developed that estimates the financial cost, the energy use, and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with NPR (for toilet flushing) as a function of scale of treatment and conveyance networks with the goal of determining the optimal degree of decentralization. A decision-support platform is developed to assess and visualize NPR system designs considering topography, economies of scale, and building size. The platform can be used for scenario development to explore the optimal system size based on the layout of current or new buildings. The model also promotes technology innovation by facilitating the systems-level comparison of options to lower costs, improve energy efficiency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 62%

Spatial optimization for decentralized non-potable water reuse

Kavvada

Nelson

Horvath

2018

Environ. Res. Lett.

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“…Route analysis and road network modelling with hypothetical data of faecal sludge emptying, collection, and transport is possible in regions with well-established road networks; for example, in Switzerland [34]. However, this relies on basic assumptions, such as consistent speed limits, fuel consumption, truck volumes, containment volumes, and reduced idling with increased density.…”

Section: Optimisation Of Faecal Sludge Logisticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

GIS Analysis and Optimisation of Faecal Sludge Logistics at City-Wide Scale in Kampala, Uganda

et al. 2017

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Abstract:The majority of residents in low-and middle-income countries are served by onsite sanitation. Equitable access to sanitation, including emptying, collection, and transport services for the accumulation of faecal sludge remains a major challenge. Comprehensive information on service coverage by mechanical faecal sludge emptying service providers is lacking. The purpose of this study is to analyse the spatial distribution of service coverage and identify areas without faecal sludge emptying services in Kampala, Uganda. The study uses GIS (geographic information systems) as a tool to analyse real-time data of service providers based on GPS (global positioning system) units that were installed in a representative number of trucks. Of the total recorded 5653 emptying events, 27% were located outside Kampala city boundaries. Of those within Kampala city boundaries, 37% were classified as non-household customers. Areas without service provision accounted for 13% of the total area. Service provision normalised by population density revealed much greater service provision in medium-and high-income areas than low-and very low-income areas. The employed method provides a powerful tool to optimise faecal sludge management on a city-wide scale by increasing sustainability of the planning and decision-making process, increasing access to service provision and reducing faecal sludge transport times and costs.

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“…To determine the travel distance and time from an FS source to a treatment plant, heuristic algorithms are usually needed to first identify the route(s) from the FS source to the discharge point. The calculations of the time and the distance between the points of interest take into account factors such as the characteristics of the geometric space [21]. The study area has a relatively good road networking system because of its rapid urbanisation; this has made possible the operation of commercial online transportation platforms in the city.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It increases how sustainable the planning and decision-making processes are, the accessibility of services, and also reduces the cost and transportation times of FS [20]. In Switzerland, GIS tools were used to identify the suitability of siting decentralised and centralised systems in regions of different population density, among others [21]. As part of the EPA Research Program in Ireland, GIS analysis helped to reveal the gaps in infrastructural and FS transport and processing requirements for the whole country [22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

GIS-aided optimisation of faecal sludge management in developing countries: the case of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Sagoe¹,

Danquah²,

Amofa-Sarkodie³

et al. 2019

Heliyon

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This study employed GIS tools to help optimise faecal sludge (FS) management in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) and its environs in Ghana. First, the rates of excreta generation, FS generation and FS collection were quantified based on literature, census and FS discharge data obtained from treatment plants in the study area. Next, we mapped the FS collection to the administrative areas in GAMA based on discharge records obtained from Lavender Hill, the main faecal treatment (FTP) and estimated the travel distance and travel time from the various FS desludging neighbourhoods to the plant. The results of the study show that the excreta and FS generation rates in GAMA are 604 L/cap/yr and 4,137 L/cap/yr, respectively. About 1 million m3 of FS was collected and treated in the study area in 2018, with a collection rate of 244 L/cap/yr. The private sector dominates this collection, haulage and treatment of FS in GAMA. The GIS analysis has provided fundamental data that will be useful in rationalising the FS emptying and transport cost in the study area. Moreover, it revealed that about 20–40% of the localities were outside the 15–25 km sustainable maximum transport distance recommended by some scholars. Finally, the findings highlight the importance of looking beyond administrative boundaries when planning for FS management logistics and infrastructure and also show that the most impoverished communities in the Accra metropolis may not necessarily be the least served when it comes to FS collection and haulage.

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Economies of density for on-site waste water treatment

Cited by 43 publications

References 39 publications

Spatial optimization for decentralized non-potable water reuse

Spatial optimization for decentralized non-potable water reuse

GIS Analysis and Optimisation of Faecal Sludge Logistics at City-Wide Scale in Kampala, Uganda

GIS-aided optimisation of faecal sludge management in developing countries: the case of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana

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