engleski

Multicriteria Analysis In Valuing Small And Decentralized Wastewater Systems

This paper describes the importance of implementing multicriteria optimization in evaluation of small decentralized wastewater systems. In the majority of developing countries, the present practice which largely justifies the acceptance of conventional wastewater collection and treatment systems with emphasized centralization may be evaluated as unfounded and unacceptable, because it does not result from the analysis of relevant economic, technical, technological, social and ecological factors. The new worldwide trend, following the example of highly developed countries describes system decentralization with previous proving of its justification and finding of optimum technological solution. In relation to the availability of numerous technologies, the choice of the optimum alternative which will meet all relevant factors is an exceptionally demanding and complex process. Therefore, the need for a new approach is emphasized, which will include summarizing of a large number of relevant criteria and evaluation of their quantitative and qualitative characteristics within the unique problem matrix – multicriteria analysis (multicriteria optimization). The suggested criteria structure encompasses four major groups of criteria (economic, technical-technological, social, and sustainability criteria). As in almost all cases the greatest importance is assigned to the economic criterion, it is suggested to amend the economic analyses by a detailed form of financial planning and distribution of money over time for each of the discussed alternatives. The paper proposes application of two methods of multicriteria analysis – AHP and PROMETHEE methods. The possibility and justification of application of AHP method have been additionally tested on an actual case of selection of the optimum wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system for three minor settlements in the flatland part of Eastern Croatia, near the large urban centre Osijek.

multicriteria analysis; wastewater; collection; treatment; rural areas

nije evidentirano