Application of the AHP-QFD methodology in the sustainability analysis of a trifunctional adsorbent for inorganic micropollutants from contaminated water

Abstract

An alternative approach to addressing water pollution is through the development of adsorbent materials. Na-jarosite is a promising material capable of removing simultaneously multiple ions from contaminated water. Employing four Quality Functional Deployment (QFD) matrices alongside the hierarchical analysis process (AHP) methodology, this study aimed to select materials, preparation methods, equipment, and processing conditions of Na-jarosite to remove As(V), Pb(II) and F (-) from contaminated water. The analysis of QFD matrices 1 and 2 identified electrical heating as the optimal method for synthesizing Na-jarosite, exhibiting removal capacities of removal capacity of 65.56 mg g−1 for As(V), 94 mg g−1 for Pb(II) and 2.45 mg g−1 for F(-). Rotating disc granulation was chosen for adsorbent formation, demonstrating environmental viability based on E Factor (0.6 kg of waste) and Eco scale (89) indicators. Further analysis of the QFD 3 matrix allowed the selection of essential equipment, including an electrical heating oven, a rotating disc granulator, and an extended tray for synthesis, granulation, and drying processes, respectively. Additionally, the QFD 4 matrix analysis identified drying the adsorbent at temperatures below 100 °C as a critical parameter for effective adsorbent formation. QFD and AHP analyses findings highlight the potential of Na-jarosite as a trifunctional adsorbent material for addressing water pollution challenges.