A multiobjective optimization model for processing and distributing biosolids to reuse fields

Abstract

Advanced wastewater treatment plants remove deleterious nutrients, chemicals, and microorganisms from wastewater and produce biosolids products to be reused at farms and other sites. These biosolids are carefully regulated by environmental restrictions but still may be malodorous to the local populations. In this paper, we develop a multiobjective optimization model to simultaneously minimize the biosolids odours as well as processing and distribution costs. The model employs a linear odour function and bilinear costs; the latter being approximated via Schur's decomposition and special ordered set (SOS) type 2 variables resulting in a mixed integer linear multiobjective optimization problem. Such a model can be used proactively by these plants to produce the least malodorous product at minimal costs. We demonstrate use of the model with a case study for the Blue Plains advanced wastewater treatment plant run by the DC Water and Sewer Authority in Washington, DC.

Keywords:

• multi-objective optimization
• environmental studies
• integer programming
• cost benefit

Acknowledgements

We thank the following people for their assistance: Al Razik of MES and Dorian Tolbert formerly of DCWASA.