| The principles of industrial ecology have been applied to analyze the material and energy flows in industrial parks in order to explore the optimal patterns. Tools for designing modifications to these material and energy flows are also beginning to emerge. However, a review of industrial ecology literature indicates a lack of quantitative study regarding the environmental and financial benefits of establishing these material and energy linkages. By combining with tools from other disciplines, such as system analysis, industrial ecology could provide a useful conceptual framework for promoting effective and efficient resource planning and management through a systems approach. This is especially important for water management in areas of water shortage, such as the area of China that is the focus for this study.; This study is one step in this process. It presents a framework for effective and efficient management of water resources within an industrial park by taking a systems approach to conventional water management practices, designed to minimize industrial water use and maximize wastewater reuse among different tenants of an industrial park. The framework is composed of four elements, namely a management information system, policies & regulations, economic instruments and capacity building. Among them, the most important is that its management information system contains a quantitative model, assisting to identify cost-optimizing reuse scenarios. This model shows the feasible water reuse opportunities based on water quality and quantity, treatment cost, transportation cost and other related costs.; The feasibility and applicability of this framework was tested through a case study, namely industries in Tianjin Economic Development Area (TEDA) in China. The test results show that both freshwater use and wastewater discharge can be saved with minimal system cost. A water cost sensitivity analysis was carried out for testing how economic instruments, like pricing strategy, can influence water reuse. The results show us that right user fee systems can further help save freshwater use and reduce wastewater discharge. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
