Cost-effectiveness analysis for sustainable wastewater engineering and water resources management : a case study at Minho–Lima river basins (Portugal)

• Main Author: Costa, Sérgio
• Publication Date: 2009
• Other Authors: Coutinho, L., Brito, A. G., Nogueira, R., Machado, A. Patrícia, Salas, J. J., Póvoa, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/1822/10308
• topic: Cost-effectiveness analysis; Sustainable wastewater treatment; Water economics; Water Framework Directive (WFD); Science & Technology

A cost-effectiveness integrated methodology applied in a water resources management and sanitation project in Minho and Lima’s region (Portugal) is presented. First, environmental objectives and programmes of measures (PM) are established and priorities are identified using a cause–effect assessment matrix and a global effectiveness index. Aiming to achieve more demanding goals, some complementary actions are considered, including “decentralized low-energy wastewater treatment plants construction”. A geographic information system was used to select potential implementation sites, and suitable treatment processes for each location are identified. The centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment plants combination is promising, achieving a cost-effectiveness attendance of €1510/equivalent-inhabitant in Minho–Lima river basins.