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Title: A prototype knowledge-based decision support system for industrial waste management. Part 1: The decision support system

Journal Article · · Waste Management
 [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Auckland (New Zealand)
  2. McMaster Univ., Hamilton, Ontario (Canada)

Although there are a number of expert systems available which are designed to assist in resolving environmental problems, there is still a need for a system which would assist managers in determining waste management options for all types of wastes from one or more industrial plants, giving priority to sustainable use of resources, reuse and recycling. A prototype model was developed to determine the potentials for reuse and recycling of waste materials, to select the treatments needed to recycle waste materials or for treatment before disposal, and to determine potentials for co-treatment of wastes. A knowledge-based decision support system was then designed using this model. This paper describes the prototype model, the developed knowledge-based decision support system, the input and storage of data within the system and the inference engine developed for the system to determine the treatment options for the wastes. Options for sorting and selecting treatment trains are described, along with a discussion of the limitations of the approach and future developments needed for the system.

OSTI ID:
323556
Journal Information:
Waste Management, Vol. 18, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English