Wastewater Treatment Optimization Model for Developing World. II: Model Testing

Abstract

This paper describes the testing of a wastewater treatment optimization model for the developing world (described by Ellis and Tang in 1991) in applications to four existing wastewater treatment units (in Puchong, Malaysia; Shatin, Hong Kong; Min Shen, Taiwan; and Pattaya, Thailand). In each case, a reciprocal matrix of a suitable number of wastewater‐treatment alternatives (decision variables) was developed for each of 20 technical and socio‐economic parameters. These 20 parameters are flow capacity, influent and effluent characteristics, size of treatment site, nature of site, land cost for site, local/foreign money for construction, local skill for construction, community support, power source, availability of local material, cost of operation and maintenance, professional/technical skill available for operation and maintenance, administration set up, training, professional ethics climate, waterborne diseases, and endemic vector‐borne diseases. The matrices were then integrated by a computer program to obtain a final ranking of the original alternatives using the analytical hierarchy process mathematical technique. The model was also tested for its sensitivity in predicting changes to an appropriate technology selected as socioeconomic parameters change with time.