What is this tool intended for?

TechSelect  is intended to support decision-making in the selection of wastewater treatment technologies, particularly in developing countries where sustainability considerations are often overlooked. The tool provides a rational framework for evaluating different treatment options, considering various priorities such as regulatory compliance, land availability, cost-effectiveness, water recycling, and environmental impact.

How does this tool work?

TechSelect  employs a scenario-based multiple attribute decision-making approach. Users input alternative wastewater treatment technologies along with relevant criteria and indicators into the tool’s Excel-based interface. The tool processes the data using a structured decision matrix, applies scenario-specific weights, and ranks the technologies based on their similarity to an ideal solution. The ranking algorithm follows the TOPSIS method, which normalizes data, calculates ideal and non-ideal solutions, determines distances from the best and worst options, and assigns a final ranking score to each alternative. The tool includes predefined scenarios reflecting different priorities such as minimizing costs, maximizing effluent quality, or optimizing land use, and allows users to modify criteria to suit specific project requirements.

Who might use this tool and with which types of stakeholders?

The primary users of TechSelect  are urban local bodies (ULBs), municipal planning authorities, and policy-makers responsible for wastewater management. It is also relevant for project developers, technology providers, and researchers in the field of environmental engineering and sanitation planning. Community stakeholders involved in wastewater treatment projects may also benefit from the tool, especially when engaging in participatory decision-making processes.

What stages of a process can this tool support?

TechSelect  supports various stages of decision-making, from early-stage technology selection to infrastructure planning and policy formulation. It is particularly useful for evaluating different treatment alternatives before making investment decisions, ensuring that selected technologies align with sustainability goals. The tool can also assist in regulatory planning by providing evidence-based assessments of wastewater treatment options.

What skills, capabilities, and resources are required to use this tool?

Using TechSelect  requires a basic understanding of wastewater treatment technologies and sustainability assessment principles. Users should be familiar with Microsoft Excel and its VBA functionalities, as the tool operates within this platform. No specialized software is needed, making it accessible to municipal officials and planning professionals. However, to ensure robust decision-making, users should engage with relevant stakeholders to define appropriate scenarios and gather accurate data on available treatment technologies.

Where can this tool be used?

TechSelect  can be applied in various settings, including urban and suburban wastewater treatment planning, rural sanitation projects, and infrastructure development for municipal wastewater management. It has been primarily used in India but has potential applicability in other regions with similar wastewater management challenges. The tool is particularly relevant for projects focused on sustainable water reuse, lake rejuvenation, and decentralized sanitation solutions.

Case examples of where this tool has been used

TechSelect  has been applied in real-world case studies to support wastewater treatment decision-making. In Mumbai, India, the tool was used to select a treatment technology for a residential township where water recycling was a priority but land availability was constrained. The ranking process identified Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) and Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) as the most suitable technologies due to their high effluent quality and compact design. In another case study in Thane, India, the tool was used for a lake rejuvenation project, where treated water was intended to replenish the lake. The analysis ranked Constructed Wetlands (CWs) as the most appropriate solution due to its low cost, low energy consumption, and strong nutrient removal capabilities.