Multi-criteria decision support analysis for sustainable water treatment techniques during tunnel construction
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Infrastructure and environmental engineering (MPIEE), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Cuellar Rodriguez, Daniel Andres
Kjällström, Filip
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Urbanization and construction projects, including tunneling activities, contribute
substantially to water quality degradation worldwide. Consequently, there is an increasing
need for new measures to address water quality concerns, particularly within the European
Union, where there is more acknowledgement about this need. In cities like Gothenburg,
escalating traffic volumes and limited road network space drive a surge in tunneling
projects, potentially threatening aquatic environments. The construction phase of tunnels
produces wastewater that contains pollutants coming from the construction site; this water
needs to be treated before it is released into water bodies or stormwater systems. However,
budgeting for water treatment proves challenging due to fluctuating costs and dynamic
construction site activities. This research explores alternative solutions for wastewater
treatment during tunnel construction, considering ecological, monetary, and site-specific
perspectives. The study comprehensively evaluates and compares treatment alternatives
using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach. By investigating existing
treatment facilities and innovative techniques in the Vasastan tunnel at Västlänken Station
Haga, Gothenburg, the research aims to identify the most sustainable and suitable solution
for treating polluted tunneling wastewater. After the project was conducted, it was found
that the tunneling wastewater in the case study had multiple pollutants and contaminants
that had to be removed. It was also found that there are multiple techniques to accomplish
the separation of pollutants from the tunneling wastewater; and there is not such a thing as
a “perfect” or ideal treatment for the case study. Combining different techniques and good
sedimentation are key to accomplishing a proper treatment of tunneling wastewater. The
findings contribute to the design and implementation of necessary improvements in
wastewater treatment systems, promoting environmentally friendly and cost-effective
practices. Through thorough examination and evaluation, the study underscores the
importance of addressing water treatment challenges to ensure sustainable development.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
water quality , tunnel construction , wastewater treatment , Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) , sustainable development