Climate Impact Assessment and Adaptation Strategies for Wastewater Infrastructures

Objective

Climate change-induced extreme weather events threaten wastewater infrastructure serving billion people globally, causing system failures that endanger public health and environmental sustainability. Current assessment methods inadequately represent complex climate-infrastructure interactions, limiting effective adaptation planning. This project aims to (1) establish a systematic quantitative framework for climate-to-sewer impact assessment, (2) develop climate-responsive wastewater influent forecasting with uncertainty quantification, and (3) quantify climate resilience and optimize adaptation strategies for wastewater treatment plants. The research employs an innovative multi-model integration approach that combines climate projections, hydrological modeling, and hydraulic simulations to comprehensively assess climate-to-sewer impacts. Advanced machine learning algorithms will enable climate-responsive wastewater influent forecasting with uncertainty quantification. Adaptation strategies will be systematically evaluated based on wastewater treatment simulation models coupled with multi-objective optimization algorithms using integrated Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis criteria. The project will deliver a novel standardized framework linking climate projections to wastewater system performance, validated open-source modeling tools, and evidence-based adaptation recommendations. Results will be disseminated through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and stakeholder engagement activities. This interdisciplinary research will advance climate adaptation science, develop innovative methodologies, and provide practical solutions for sustainable infrastructure management. The framework will support European climate resilience goals and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 6 achievement through enhanced wastewater infrastructure planning capabilities.