RESUMO
The variety of available technologies and the low investment power in sanitation services, especially in regions with low and emerging economies, makes the selection of an optimal wastewater treatment system design an even more complex task for decision-makers. Thus, this study aimed to develop a multi-criteria analysis-based tool to support decision-making on the optimal wastewater treatment technology for the needs and priorities of each region, the Most Appropriate Treatment Technology Index (MATTI). The methodology to apply the MATTI comprises five steps: select suitable technologies; determine the effluent quality parameters; define the most relevant variables for design; normalize and define the weighting criteria; and calculate the level of compliance (0-1, on an increasing scale of suitability). To validate the tool, two different scenarios and seven variables for the Brazilian context were simulated. Different sets of technologies scored above 0.75, and were classified as highly recommended, according to the weight criteria attributed to each scenario. MATTI not only contributed to improving the decision-making process, but also with a more global vision of the parameters to be considered in the selection of technologies to meet the needs and priorities.
Assuntos
Tecnologia , Purificação da Água , Saneamento , Brasil , Técnicas de Apoio para a DecisãoRESUMO
RESUMO: O presente trabalho se desenvolveu a partir da participação no Programa de Visitação Holandês (em inglês, Dutch Visitors Programme - DVP), que permitiu o conhecimento da estrutura da prestação dos serviços de saneamento ambiental da Holanda e, posteriormente, possibilitou a realização de uma análise comparativa simplificada desses serviços prestados no Brasil. Dentro desse contexto, foi verificada uma grande disparidade em relação à gestão como um todo dos serviços de saneamento entre os dois países, como já era esperado. Apesar de ambos apresentarem pequenas diferenças nos padrões de potabilidade de água e diretrizes de lançamento de efluentes, notam-se grandes diferenças não somente em relação às características geográficas e ambientais, como extensão territorial e disponibilidade de recursos, mas, principalmente, em relação à gestão e ao envolvimento das partes, i.e., governo, prestadora de serviços e população atendida. Enquanto o Brasil foca em elevar os seus índices de atendimento sem se preocupar com a qualidade e com o impacto no ambiente, a Holanda, com elevados índices de qualidade e atendimento (quase totalidade), preocupa-se em buscar parcerias, novas tecnologias mais sustentáveis e um envolvimento mais efetivo da sociedade nas questões relacionadas ao saneamento ambiental.
ABSTRACT: This paper was written based on the participation of the Dutch Visitors Program promoted by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, which enabled the knowledge related to the environmental sanitation services structure in the Netherlands and, later, made possible the development of a limited comparative analysis of these services provided in Brazil. In this context, a great disparity was noticed in relation to the whole sanitation services management between the two countries, as expected. Although both present slight differences in drinkability water patterns and effluent discharge guidelines, big differences were noticed not only in relation to geographical and environmental features such as territorial extension and availability of resources, but also, mainly, in relation to the management and engagement of the parties, i.e., government, service providers and population served. While Brazil focuses on raising its service levels without worrying about the quality and the impact on the environment, the Netherlands, with high levels of quality and service (almost 100%), is concerned with seeking partnerships, new and more sustainable technologies, and more effective participation of the society on issues related to environmental sanitation.