Feasibility analysis of decentralized wastewater treatment systems

Abstract

This paper aims to identify key factors that affect the performance and sustainability of decentralized wastewater treatment plants. In view of this, a feasibility analysis of three decentralized treatment plants of Ahmedabad, Gujarat based on various technologies is carried out. A list of quantitative and qualitative parameters such as efficiency of the technology, land use, ease of operation, requirement of technical expertise, effluent quality, capital investment, operation and management and user perspective are considered. The technologies assessed are fluidized aerobic bio-reactor (FAB), activated sludge process (ASP) and decentralized wastewater treatment system (DEWATS). The results show that there is no technology that can be used universally but to ensure long-term durability and sustainability of decentralized wastewater plants, proper maintenance after installation is just as important as technical analysis during design of the plant.