Evaluation and selection of modern methods for removing persistent environmental pollutants in water resources using the analytic hierarchy process

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Water and Wastewater Company of Markazi Province, Arak, Iran

Abstract
Objective: The emergence of persistent environmental pollutants in water resources poses a serious environmental challenge, threatening human health and ecosystems. This study aims to evaluate, analyze, and select the most efficient modern water treatment methods for the removal of these pollutants using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).
Methods: This applied, descriptive-analytical study was conducted through a review of various scientific sources and data collection from 19 experts in the fields of environmental science and water engineering. The hierarchical structure included four main criteria (pollutant removal efficiency, economic cost, environmental compatibility, and feasibility) and four alternatives for pollutant removal (advanced oxidation processes, membrane technologies, adsorption with nanomaterials, and biological methods). Data analysis was performed using Expert Choice software version 11.
Results: Based on the data analysis, the criterion "pollutant removal efficiency" with a relative weight of 0.42 was identified as the most important factor. Among the alternatives evaluated, advanced oxidation processes were identified as the best method for pollutant removal from water resources based on the research criteria. Sensitivity analysis revealed that changes in the weights of the criteria had no significant impact on the ranking results, and the findings aligned with independent expert opinions.
Conclusions: Advanced oxidation processes were identified as one of the best options for removing persistent environmental pollutants. The findings of this study can serve as a solid foundation for policymaking and water resource management aimed at reducing persistent environmental pollutants and improving water quality.

Keywords


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