Evaluation of sustainable acid rain control options utilizing a fuzzy TOPSIS multi-criteria decision analysis model frame work

Abstract

Acid-rain has evolved into a robust, diverse and dynamic spectra of studies in contemporary times. The significant role of rain water harvesting as a major source of water supply, especially in high harvesting potential regions like the Niger delta of Nigeria, the core area of oil exploratory activities and where gas flaring a major cause of acid rain is rife, prompts serious concerns. Unlike previous studies, this is a pioneer effort applicable in generalization, as it goes beyond considering other complimentary acid rain control options like nitrogen oxides (NOx), to capturing both social and institutional factors with crucial sustainability criteria solicited from expert interview into its modelling. It applies the unique and exemplary features of fuzzy TOPSIS to aid the selection of sustainable acid rain control options intrinsic to society, under economic, environmental, social, technical, and institutional factors. Linguistic scales were employs to solicit expert opinions, understanding acid rain dialogues as public policy issues saddled with numerous vagueness and complexity especially in achieving sustainability. Results from data aggregation, normalization and performance ratings, coupled with the weighted distance from the positive and negative ideal solutions indicated that solar as an alternative energy source ranked topmost while hydro and use of NOX burners ranked second and third respectively. The revelations are satisfactory logically and especially consistent with use of NOX burners ranking third, that Nigerian crude is sweet. Hence beyond the general clamor for total elimination of gas flaring, enforcing the use of pollution control devices like NOX burners and a shift to promoting investment in solar plants/energy is considered viable.