Methods for Evaluation of WWTPs Environmental Impacts: A Review

Abstract

Wastewater treatment processes are designed to achieve improvements in the quality of wastewater, however, it also brings both positive and negative environmental impacts (on ecosystem quality, on human health and on resource use). This issue raises many questions. Is it possible to assess these impacts? Which method is the most suitable for assessing the impact on the environment? This paper reviews articles dealing with a methodology for accessing environmental impacts of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Analysis of the published papers has indicated that the most frequently used evaluation tools is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) or methods based on LCA, Cost-benefit Analysis (CBA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in combination with other methods. These methods were described with their characteristics and weaknesses in evaluating. Selecting the appropriate assessment tool is the first step in the decision-making process. It is also necessary to take into account some key aspects: focus point, data that is required, obtained result as well as regulation and direction aspects. Based on extensive research and comparison of assessment methods, especially CBA method in the ex-ante evaluation and DEA method as a suitable supplement in the ex-post evaluation have been recommended for WWTP project evaluation by the authors.