An optimization-based vulnerability and risk analysis approach for supporting air and waste management under multiple umcertainties

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Air and waste management systems are complicated with many uncertain parameters and their interrelations that present in terms of multiple uncertainties, while the related decision problems are of interactive, dynamic and multiobjective features. These lead to difficulties in clarifying the related vulnerabilities, impacts, risks and liabilities under a variety of system conditions and policy scenarios. Consequently, the objectives of this proposed research is to develop an optimization-based vulnerability and risk analysis approach for air and waste management under multiple uncertainties; this entails (a) analysis of complexities in air and waste management systems, (b) development of inexact optimization techniques under multiple uncertainties, (c) advancement of optimization-based vulnerability and risk analysis approaches, and (d) incorporation of the developed inexact optimization techniques and vulnerability/risk analysis approaches within a general decision-support framework. Advanced inexact optimization methodologies will be developed for addressing various forms of complexities that exist in air and waste management systems. Based on the optimization analysis, a set of vulnerability/risk assessment methods will be further developed for analyzing the comprehensive effects of human interventions on the vulnerability of receptor systems as well as the compound risks caused by multiple environmental concerns. The developed technologies will then be applied to air and waste management within a western Canada context. The proposed study will provide technical and methodological supports for tackling challenges of vulnerability/risk analysis in relation to air and waste management. It will facilitate comprehensive consideration of factors that are related to the decisions of environmental management and risk analysis. Applications of the proposed techniques to Canadian cases will help industries and governments to improve their effectiveness in managing environmental problems. Besides, a number of graduate and undergraduate students will be trained through participation in the proposed research. The trained students will fill a pressing need for environmental management professionals in various sectors.