Proposed systematic approach for assessing different wastewater treatment plants alternatives: Case study of Aqaba city (South Jordan)

Assessing the performance of wastewater treatment plants is a challenging and complicated commission because it comprises engineering, environmental, and economic aspects. Mathematical models and simulations can be used to predict wastewater treatment plants’ performance to improve plants’ design. In this study, a systematic approach that includes the three main aspects has been proposed for assessing four different alternatives for upgrading Aqaba Plant. GPS-X(v.8) was used to verify the treatment alternatives design, anticipate their potential efficiency, and calculate the greenhouse gas emissions emitted to the atmosphere from plant units’ treatment, while CapdetWorks was used to estimate the energy requirement and costs. Based on the engineering design, the results revealed that the membrane bioreactor required the lowest volume (36,784 m 3 ) followed by the activated sludge without denitrification (67,610 m 3 ) and aerated lagoons required the highest (958,000 m 3 ). Regarding environmental impact, however, the membrane bioreactor was the superior alternative in terms of removal efficiency it recorded the highest global warming potential due to its higher gas emissions. Regarding economics, membrane bioreactors provided the maximum operational costs while activated sludge systems recorded the lowest. Simulation programs are useful tools to anticipate the appropriate alternative and the proposed approach may be applied to other case studies.