Document Detail


The use of qualitative system dynamics to identify sustainability characteristics of decentralized wastewater management alternatives.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20351443     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
In order to pursue more sustainable alternatives in wastewater management, it is vital that we understand how a given infrastructure alternative will impact the various aspects of sustainability. A set of qualitative tools (force field diagrams and causal loop diagrams (CLDs)) for the assessment of wastewater management alternatives is proposed and demonstrated in the context of a decentralized wastewater infrastructure upgrade. The objective for the application of these tools is to improve decision makers' understanding of how a given alternative will impact the economic, environmental/ecological, social, and functional aspects of sustainability. In the proposed method, each aspect of sustainability is treated as a stock, and its movement (up or down) can be inferred using both qualitative and quantitative data. By incorporating these tools into a participatory planning process, project-specific CLDs can be developed and loops of interest can be identified to help elucidate stakeholder values. The ultimate goal of this methodology is to facilitate the pursuit of sustainability in wastewater management by allowing decision makers to address specific sustainability challenges without creating new ones.
Authors:
J S Guest; S J Skerlos; G T Daigger; J R E Corbett; N G Love
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research     Volume:  61     ISSN:  0273-1223     ISO Abbreviation:  Water Sci. Technol.     Publication Date:  2010  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-03-30     Completed Date:  2010-05-18     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9879497     Medline TA:  Water Sci Technol     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1637-44     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. jsguest@umich.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Conservation of Natural Resources / methods*
Consumer Participation
Decision Making
Drainage, Sanitary
Environmental Monitoring
Models, Theoretical*
Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*

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