Rapid impact assessment matrix, sustainable analysis and environmental performance index-based approach for selection of wastewater treatment units

Abstract

In today's world, engineers and planner are working hard to find the appropriate wastewater treatment technology which is technically feasible, sustainable and along with economical in the long run from available various conventional and advanced treatment technologies. In this study, rapid impact assessment matrix, sustainability analyses and environmental performance index tools used for selection of appropriate the wastewater treatment technology from available activated sludge process, up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor and waste stabilisation pond in India. A questionnaire for the survey consists of physical/chemical, biological/ecological, social/cultural and economical/operational aspects. The survey responses are analysed by rapid impact assessment matrix methods to quantify in terms of an environmental score. Environmental performance index of the options, i.e., activated sludge process, up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor and waste stabilisation pond are 38.775, 94.267 and 27.15, respectively. The analysis results revealed that the up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor is an appropriate and feasible option.